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Charlie Lehardy's avatar

This encouraged me, Katie. Lately in my times in my own secret place I've been unable to express what I want to say to the Lord, which makes it difficult, naturally, to find words to move my thoughts onto the printed page. But Romans 8:26 reminds us that the Spirit knows how to interpret our wordless groans into prayers. When there are too many interruptions or too much heaviness to write, the Holy Spirit hears what we're trying to say, what we want to say. The vital thing is to keep seeking out time with God in those secret moments and to keep listening for his voice.

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Katie Donohue Tona's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and being here Charlie. And yes amen🙌

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Grant Herbel's avatar

"The Monday through Friday life as a Christian begs us to trust the Lord over and over again." Beautiful. Really appreciate your heart in your writing.

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Katie Donohue Tona's avatar

Thank you Grant

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Debi Hassler-Never Forsaken's avatar

Honest and encouraging. I loved it.

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Katie Donohue Tona's avatar

Thank you so much Debi!

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Cindy's avatar

I appreciate your heart-honesty, Katie! As a Mom of 8, and now with the added frustration of digital distractions, I am very acquainted with that longing for the secret place. And how I do love it!! But to my shame, too often I allow distractions to keep me from getting there.. it's a fight, just like you said! Keep pressing on! And so will I! God bless you!

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Katie Donohue Tona's avatar

Thank you Cindy😊 and wow 8 kids. I can’t even imagine! If you master it, please tell the rest of us how you do it😂

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Jonathan Matei's avatar

This was so beautiful and real—I could truly feel the peace you described. Do you think the more time we spend in God’s presence, the easier it gets to quiet our frustrations, or is it always a process?

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Katie Donohue Tona's avatar

I think it depends on the person and circumstances. When I listen to sermons from people like Dan Mohler, I think that guy must be a master at it lol, but then I read books written by pastors or talk to people who have been Christians for decades in my personal life, and it seems like it’s still a process for them. Like I read a book by a pastor whose child died in the womb at the very end of his wife’s pregnancy and He wrestled for years, or a man I know whose wife was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, and he wrestled until his wife was cancer free, or even myself after I had a miscarriage, I was the same. I also have noticed that we all have different pressure points. Certain circumstances cut deeper for some people than others. Which can make our walk with Lord look different than others who might have experienced that same thing.

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