I’m going to be honest, tonight’s post was really hard to write.
Not because this is a controversial topic, that…as you may know, I can never shy away from.
Not because my life was just so hectic, crazy busy that I couldn’t squeeze in the time to write a blog post.
But because, frankly…today for the first time in a long time…I felt like I just had nothing left to give.
My soul felt kind of spent. Emotionally exhausted.
Nothing to “read in-between the lines” here — things with my special gentleman are better than ever. In fact, I was at a birthday party over the weekend with a bunch of friends I haven’t seen in ages, and when asked how I was doing, I found myself beaming, doing a big ear-to-ear grin, proclaiming that I was happier than I have ever been! Which is 100% true!
But there are some – unrelated – things weighing on my heart that made writing a post today feel — inauthentic.
Sure, I could sit here and churn out some sort of “fluff” piece about “Three Things I Think About in the Morning for a Great Day!” But frankly, that just felt so phony and just icky.
So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to just come on here and say, it’s okay to feel a little drained sometimes.
I know I’m not the only one. There are things in this world that are out of our control, that have a huge impact on us. I mean, go to the grocery store for milk and eggs, and get ready to take out a second mortgage. A tank of gas? You’d better be prepared to sell a kidney on the black market. I mean, inflation is simply out of control. And that is weighing heavily on everyone. And the fact that there’s no light at the end of the tunnel for that, and that it’s actually going to get worse before it gets better — causes massive distress.
The looming war and the potential devastating consequences that may bring is another thing. You can’t turn on the news without seeing terrifying footage of bombings and air strikes. It’s equally horrifying and heartbreaking.
Seeing the absolute free fall of any semblance of morality left in our cultural, and the embrace and indoctrination of radical agendas — is deeply unsettling. And immensely disturbing, thinking about the future.
On a personal note, I’m more homesick than ever – missing my family. And every FaceTime call – watching my nieces and nephews grow up and start talking and getting bigger and I’m not there, it really wells up a lot of heartache for me, knowing that time is the one resource we can never get back, and no matter how much money in the world you have, you can’t buy more of.
And gosh – as I’m writing this now, I have tears streaming down my face, so apparently I hit a nerve.
Those, along with a couple other personal things — I just am a little flat today.
Sometimes even Scripture can feel hollow, going in one ear and out the other. But it’s days like today when I try to remind myself that Jesus has already gone through anything I may be going through. And that not only did He come out victorious, but He is carrying me through it too.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”— Deuteronomy 31:8
I don’t have any solutions for these walls that seem to be squeezing in closer every day, but I do know that we are not alone.
I do know that we all have immense blessings around us, if we only take the time to recognize them.
And I do know that the best way to get out of a “funk” is to do something kind for someone else, which is exactly what I’m going to do right now.
Peace, friends. Sending massive love to each and every one of you.
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81 responses to “Flat Times”
A beautiful post thank you so much
Thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
I hope you feel better very soon, Caralyn, Perhaps it’s time to leave NYC for Ohio? I’ll spare you my thoughts on why the prices are heading up so fast. Be well! ❤️
Thanks John 🙂 I’d love to hear your thoughts on the prices! And I’m going home to visit soon, which I an very excited for!! Thanks For being a great friend! Hugs and love xox
Safe travels, my friend! 🙏🏻
It is a global situation. Yes, perhaps being with family may be better. But we can’t run from what’s coming. The US, or the world, is going to be ploughed under.
Not just the States, the entire world is slowly going under, so sad.
We must bear in mind there’s a new earth, new heavens being prepared, where there will be no crime, no cancer, no war and especially no taxes. The Bible is very true.
That’s right! God is so awesome! 🙏🏻❤️
I am not worried, but concerned. Since around 1985, when I gave my heart to Jesus as a young adult, perhaps well over a thousand “prophetic dreams” that I had, had come true, with uncanny detail. Mostly acutely practical.
In two of these, I saw America a) split into two by violent seismic activity and b) the entire nation ploughed under, with a very tiny remnant surviving. I then saw the remnant taken to where it was somewhat safer, in Southern Africa, which is where I live. Over those years, the Lord often spoke to me about that through Isaiah 18. I will one day blog about that on my mindful musings blog.
Thanks Caralyn I had just walked through the door feeling like you described. Much appreciated. Sending love right back to you.
Hey Caralyn,
I here you. This current administration seems to be running this country in the ground!!! But at least they don’t have any mean tweets. God is going to help us! Stay strong.
Hosea 8v4 says it so nicely
“23. “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: 24. The Lord bless you, and keep you; 25. The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; 26. The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’ 27. “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”” (Num 6:23-27, NASB)
Shared using Bible Study App, by And Bible Open Source Project. (https://andbible.github.io)
Sending you hugs, Caralyn! Psalms 62:5-8 has been an encouragement to me lately. I pray it will be to you, too! Love and prayers, sister! xoxo
Thank you Amanda for your kindness and support. i will check out that psalm! thank you! Hugs and love xox
Joshua 1:9
I’m on my way to look it up! thank you friend! Hugs and love xox
They are saying that the world leaders aren’t even picking up the phone when Biden calls them. That’s a first.
Ricardo, you’re welcome to believe whatever you want to believe. However, your comment sounds a lot like a Fox News talking point than a piece of factual information. Do you really believe that other world leaders will not take Biden’s call? They’re hanging up on the President of the United States? Really? Despite what you think of Biden, despite what I may think of him, he’s the president. It’s the same for Putin or Emmanuel Marcon or any other world leader. Boris Johnson may think Putin is an idiot, but he’s taking his call, there’s too much $$$ and lives at stake.
I responded to you! Look in the thread.
interesting. I haven’t heard that, but if true, it wouldn’t surprise me!
All of us go through these emotions. However, there are blessings during these times. don’t miss them.
Thank you Merlin for your support. very true! Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn. Papa says it better. 🙂
“When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 20:1
“A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.” Isaiah 42:3
Jesus is there even when we have nothing.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2
“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
My personal favorite. 🙂
Whatever the things are that are bothering you, keep taking them to Him. Perhaps He’s checking how serious you are. And be sure to give yourself quiet time to listen to what He says. He already has the answers just waiting for you. Praying for you! 🤗🙏
I understand why you may be feeling flat. Yes, there are some depressing headlines out there, but there’s also so some positive ones too. I’m convinced it’s all where I look. For every sad story about Russia bombing Ukraine, there’s a story about organizations coming to aide and help the Ukrainian people. My local media ran a story today on a family that has a two decades long history of helping foster children and orphans in the community. Finally, I went to pick up a few things for dinner tonight and I happened to see a teenager helping an elderly woman with her groceries. Finally, God has better things planned for us. Peace be with you.
Thank you Brian for your kindness. Oh wow – you’re right, gotta look for the positive because it really is out there! amen! Hugs and love xox
Oh man the prices are crazy. I’m having to dig into my stimulus money I saved just to pay for food/gas. I keep hoping I’ll get some overtime to cover it but otherwise I’m just paying more than I’m earning. Not only that I’m having to get a new SIM card because Sprint is merging with I believe T Mobile. Just my luck.. guess I can’t complain, Boost Mobile is cheap, $35 month. Hopefully I get that sorted out.
Anyway sometimes you gotta find something spontaneous to do but only within your limits. Maybe its discovering new music or getting into a new hobby. Unfortunately our political system is falling apart and we’re getting closer to either war or a system collapse. I hope not but praying about it, God will give us directions on it!
Gosh, yeah it really is a terrible, terrible thing. Praying for you! and you’re right – God is in control. Hugs and love xox
Hope and pray your okay, take it easy and well done for sharing such a real and raw post ❤️
Thank you Ginny for your prayers and kindness. it means the world. Hugs and love xox
This is when you lean on our Lord and Savior and find comfort in His words of “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” He is in control and, as a believer, you belong to Him. Trust in His promises.
Thank you Rollie – you’re right about that – Leaning on Him! so comforting. Hugs and love xox
[…] Flat Times […]
and thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
I had this going on yesterday and today also. God is still on the throne, just hard to be here still sometimes, especially when here is getting uglier. God has this. We have Him. We must rest crying in His arms. He gets it and comforts. Love you as always, my beautiful friend. Big hugs! XO😃❤
Hi Tonya, thank you for sharing your heart. Amen to that – He is still on the throne!! Praying for you friend. hang in there! Love you!! hugs xox
Thank you. God reminded me through loving friends my blessings. Counting them would take a long time. Focuaing on Him in thankfulness should take a lifetime. Praise God! Yhank you for the prayers and encouragement. Big hugs! XO😃❤
amen to that. Friends are such a blessing. SUCH a blessing. Absolutely!! xoxoxo
I sometimes didn’t feel the need to write when I was in love. Why write for strangers when you can cuddle or chat with your beloved? 💖
haha, that is definitely true! 🙂 🙂 🙂 heheh
I’m sure you’re articulating the concerns of many and thank you for doing that.
Thank you so much Sheree, I really appreciate your support and kindness. means a lot. Hugs and love xox
You’re very welcome
Hi Carolyn, I think there are many people who feel like that too at and your post will resonate. If you get a chance please have a read of my post “Adjust the Overflow” which was a picture the Lord gave me recently of a virtually empty water tank. Even if there’s just a trickle in the tank you still have something to share to bless someone else. Your post tonight demonstrates just that. Bless you.
Hi friend, thank you so much for sharing your heart and for your support. I will definitely check it out. thanks for passing that along 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Love to you too. I think the whole world is feeling the same way. Covid separated us. We can’t seem to get back our Mojo.
Plus of course the prospect of WW3.
I discovered a lovely story today. Ukranian’s have set up a helpline to help Russians locate any missing Russian soldiers. That cheered me up.
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/07/europe/ukraine-hotline-russian-soldiers-intl-cmd/index.html
Ukraine helpline to find Russian soldiers,
thank you for this resource! Hugs and love xox
Thank you friend. Yeah, you’re right about that. there has been a deep separation that occurred these past two years. so true. oh wow – sounds powerful! Hugs and love xox
Flat times to relax in make the ups & downs of the average run-of-the-mill roller-coaster days all the more exciting. 🙂
THank you friend. that is a really great point! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for this.
Today I just say and tried to feel Jesus around. Even prayer is just a muttering of words.
I like your new profile!
God bless.
thank you so much Kenny. Sometimes just sitting and listening is a powerful prayer! Hugs and love xox
Great words: “but I do know that we are not alone.” Thanks for the massive love you send out! Hang in there, knowing “Who is in charge!”
Thank you Marland. I appreciate that! He is! Hugs and love xox
Hoe well you express your pain, but this sense of exhaustion is indicative of the state of humanity. The rhetoric is “we stand with the people” on all points but the reality is governments and authorities are reluctant to be accountable for the impact of their decisions on individual live.
Here in the UK we have lived with high ‘gas’ (fuel) prices for more than 20 years compared to the rest of Europe and the world.
We have been told that NATO, the UN and EU offer economic and military protection but the reality is the Governments fail to meet the needs of people.
We have been physically, emotionally, spiritually battered over the last three years. The impact of the words of our saviour come to mind from Matthew 24: 4 In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you,5 for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.6 You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet.
We’ll see and hear about war, pestilence, famine, violence and the natural environment will be affected. The impact is the love will grow cold. We can become desensitized to the suffering of others.
Jesus made a strong point for us when we reach this situation note verse 13 of Matthew 24 But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.
How can we endure Jesus shows us the way – Matthew 11: 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves.30 For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”
Remain steadfast, search for God because he is not far from each of us and never stop doing good to others no matter how damaged, spent exhausted we feel. Because salvation is at hand, Jesus words in Luke 21: 28 are great to focus on “But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”
Thank you so much for this powerful response, my friend. amen – search for God! Hugs and love xox
The opportunity to share both pain and joy makes Humans special. We can breach all barriers because lovel for God is greater than anything.
Thank you for your expressions and messages from the heart
MP
amen to that! xoxox
Psalm 34: 18Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit. or in contemporary English Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
🙂
Thank you for your honesty; your admission of your humanity. It is bold. It is hard. But we journey this life together for a reason. And our encounters are no accident. Praying for your peace.
Thank you Ivan for your prayers! Amen tot that – no accidents! Hugs and love xox
With all that is going on in NYC and the world, feeling flat is understandable. You have been through a lot. Please give yourself grace. God does.
Maybe after you and you boyfriend get married, you can move back home 🙂
thank you friend. hahah who knows!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I’ll share this with you in case you find it helpful. If it’s not helpful for you, that’s okay and feel free to ignore. You won’t hurt my feelings! 🙂
When I’m overwhelmed / stressed / drained, I recenter myself and re-orient myself around God. It feels like I’m physically turning my heart, head, and entire body and orienting myself upward, if that makes sense. My mantras are:
“Blessed be God forever.”
The song “I’ll Give Thanks” by Housefires and Kirby Kaple on repeat
And more recently – “It is right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give You thanks.”
It doesn’t make all the negative things go away, but in recentering myself, it feels like everything is put in its proper place and I am able to give everything the appropriate amount of attention it deserves, without allowing anything to take up more mental space than its entitled to, if that makes sense.
<3
this is so beautiful, Athena. Thank you my friend. you’re right! i was definitely helpful! Hugs and love xox
Flat. That’s a good word for it. I’ve felt flat for years…
I’m sorry this hits so close to home, Greg. praying for you my friend! Hugs and love xox
I know how you feel Caroly. we used to sing a song in our Brazilian church that had a line that roughly translated, “Those times God seems silent are because He is busy working.” He just may be working something new that is just ahead. Be blessed my sister as you wait.
oh wow – i absolutely love that saying. it gave me so much comfort. thank you Pete. Hugs and love xox
Brian you are welcome also to believe what you want also. But you are listening to the main stream media. Yes i believe they are not picking up the phone on this President. If you don’t trust someone will do something or they have a track record of leaving Americans in place i.e. Afghanistan why would you get into a dialogue with them?
Hi, Caralyn.
See https://capost2k.wordpress.com/2022/03/05/now-is-the-day/ for one of my ‘flat’ days. As you say, so much going on, all I wanted to do was connect back to the basics: my faith in Jesus to get us through all that is going on.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
thank you CA, I look forward to reading it. thank you for your friendship and support. Jesus will get us through! Hugs and love xox
Praying for your weary Spirit, Caralyn. May you allow yourself the time to rest in the Lord and allow Him to minister to you until you are uplifted once again! Special hugs are being sent your way….💕
Thank you for your prayers, Dawn. I really appreciate that. Amen to that – He is our uplifter! And thankfully I am feeling much better today!! 🙂 So your prayers were heard! Hugs and love xox
It’s okay to feel bad. Hang in there.
thank you Derek, I really appreciate that! Hugs and love xox
Sometimes I get tired too. I cry out to Jesus, too.
yes – He hears us in our sadness. Hugs and love xox