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Vickie Kay's avatar

Happy New Year. I’m still praying for your hubs. 🙂

It’s interesting that you can’t find your journal. The thought came to me that perhaps God wants you to be forward-focused instead of looking back.

Either way, despite not having your journal, you still have Jesus. Thankfully, He will never leave us! ❤️ 🙏

Sarah Steele's avatar

I love reading your words, Sheila. You bring such authenticity and vulnerability and yet not one that is needy or insecure. I learn from your words every time I read them (which is why I save your emails until I can!); your heart posture blesses me. A life has both sorrow and blessing, and you have recounted yours well. I’m glad to know you.

Sheila Dougal's avatar

Oh friend, thank you. You are such an encouragement to me! So thankful for you!

Courtenay Budd's avatar

Sheila, reading this affirmed the impression I had meeting you at HopeWords: Here is a woman held very tightly by the Lord as she is pelted by storms from all directions. I'm lifting up those you love so well, and your new church commitment, and your book (which I mentioned this week to my hair stylist). I lost two precious items years ago: a sketchbook I'd used for years in childhood that included entries, in addition to my drawings from age 7-17, from all four of my siblings, and the Bible my father gave me, with his inscription, at age 14. I trust one day we might be able to retrieve these items.

Sheila Dougal's avatar

Courenay, your words are such encouragement. Thank you! So heartbreaking loosing those treasured possessions. I hope both of us find those items one day! Thank you for praying for me. That means everything 💛 Are you going to HopeWords again this year?

Courtenay Budd's avatar

I really want to be there. Mockingbird Conference is the same weekend, and NYC is MUCH easier to get to. So I'm praying for the right decision. It's a hard one!

Ishah Naomi's avatar

What a year 2025 was for you! So many hard things to wrestle with and work through.

I can relate to 'speaking up even if misunderstood'.

May you recover that journal this year, and see the fruit of your faithfulness.

Praying for you now 🙏

Sheila Dougal's avatar

Thank you, friend! 💛

Verna Smith's avatar

Sheila I am sorry you can not find your journal.That was a lot of memories put to paper from your heart. Hopefully it will show up . My prayers are with you and your family. I love each of you so very much.I am looking forward to reading your book. God has gifted you in so many ways. Writing is just one of those gifts.You are a precious momma and wife. You are a wonderful and loving daughter. Thank you. I love you. Momma