Iron Rod Press Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 6

Behind the Rocks

August 5, 2025 - Before I dive into this week's newsletter, I have a favor to ask. I'm working on building up my subscriber list and can use your help. If you have found inspiration in these weekly emails, would you be willing to invite two or three friends to join us by sharing the link below?

Now, let's get back to the trail.

Along the way, I learned that one way to discover a location of a cave is airflow coming from cracks in the rock. The cave itself may not be discernible but the movement of air is indicative of a cavern.

Do you ever feel like you are hiding behind the rocks, where no one can find you? Then keep breathing, as hard as that may be at times. Life is challenging and on occasion, we may wonder if anyone is aware of our struggles. If that feels familiar, here are some ways to keep that airflow going. (*See note below.)

1. Take time to take literal breaths. Slowly breathing in and out can calm our nerves, slow the chaotic thoughts, and ease tension.
2. Exercise! Movement may seem that last thing on your mind, but putting our body in gear allows us to focus our energy away from internal turmoil. You don't have to do a hike to a mountain cave - just a walk around the block will do the trick.
3. Eat nutritious food more often than not. Just like we would never put diesel gas in our regular fuel tank (though I did that once - a story for another day!), we need to fuel our bodies with the nutrients it needs.
4. Make sleep a priority. Benjamin Franklin is credited with teaching us the benefits of "Early to bed, early to rise." Understand your own rhythms and what this means for you.
5. Take intentional time away from screens. While necessary and useful, screens can also suck away our attention and creativity. Let your brain rest.

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I am no doctor or clinician, but these ideas just make good sense. Find what works for you, even if you have to retreat into your own cave from time to time.

So until next time, always keep your eye on the One that loves you most. Ciao!

Janine

*Note: These suggestions may not be helpful if your despair is leading toward self-harm. Please seek immediate help if that is the case. And please stay - you are of value and have gifts to share with others.

Click on the button below to a receive a free sample of my first book, "He Marked the Path: Following the Savior on the Pathway to Peace,"

Ready to order either this book or my second book, "Stones to Shine in Darkness: Seeking the Light of Christ in Our Lives"? Click on the Amazon link below.

So, until next time, always keep your eye on the One that loves you most. Ciao!

Janine

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