Monday, April 13, 2009

A New Day

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm not even sure how to begin this... how to begin this posting, begin this blog, begin this next chapter in my life... it just all seems very surreal. Since my Dad passed away almost one month ago, I have been feeling nudged by the Holy Spirit to continue the community we started throughout my father's battle with cancer. I had no idea how He wanted me to do this, and until just recently it seemed like it was too much to think about. I am wounded, I am grieving, I miss my father every minute of every day. And up until about a week or so ago I felt as if I had nothing more to offer, as if I had given everything I had to recording the legacy of my father, and I was empty.

But I have missed you. I have missed being able to talk with you about my thoughts, my fears, about the things God has been revealing to me, and hearing back from you endless words of wisdom, and encouragement, and support. You have instructed me endlessly about faith in the face of adversity, about diligence and trust in prayer, and about how to be an extension of Christ to those who need it most. You have taught me lessons I will carry with me throughout this lifetime, and I am sensing the Lord telling me that these times of teaching do not need to end.

I have had a few people approach me since my Dad's death and ask me if I have ever considered writing a book. And while I found this extremely flattering, my first and my most lasting thought was that I just don't have a story to tell. I may have a few anecdotes, maybe a couple of interesting tales, possibly some humorous accounts of times past, but nothing that would fill up more than a couple chapters, and definitely not some sort of epic saga that could hold a reader's interest for a few hundred pages. And so I very easily discarded and dismissed the idea of any sort of writing in any form. But God has not given me peace with this decision. Over the past couple of weeks I have been hearing His voice telling me that even though I may not have my own story to share, it doesn't mean that I do not have any story to share. Namely, His story, and how it can play out in the life of an average, regular person like me who still has so much to learn about Him.

And this is where He has led me today. I do not know what His plans are for this site. At this point I don't know what (or even if) He's going to have me write tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that. I just know that I need to be open to His leading. I will just plan on doing what I have been doing since the beginning, which is being honest with you about my struggles, my victories, and my love for the Lord. My hope is that you will come alongside of me, search for Him with me, continue to let me know your own thoughts, insights, prayer requests, and struggles, and maybe we can learn from each other how to better serve this mighty and powerful God who longs to have community with us as well.

Dear Lord in heaven,

I pray this day over this website. Right now I have no idea what Your plans are for me, or for anyone who chooses to join me on this journey, but I know we will be blessed if we commit ourselves to seeking Your face. You are a God of great things, and we choose to follow You once again into the unknown, armed with the assurance that You desire to draw us close to You, to teach us about You, and to give us many more reasons and opportunities to love You.

Please guide me as I take on this endeavor, as I feel very much in the dark at this moment. But Your light shines brightly, Lord, and I long more than anything in this world to bask in it's glory.

Thank you for Your body of believers, for those who desire and are dedicated to searching You and knowing You too. Honor and bless our faith, Lord, for it is You who we are trying to meet.

In Your Son's Most Holy and Precious Name,

Amen

12 comments:

  1. Once again, amazing! You are gifted and a blessing! Keep it up, I cherish your insight and cannot wait to read where the Lord leads you with this next chapter.
    Still paying for you and yours,
    Wendie

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have impacted so many! I am so glad you felt the "nudge" to start up this blog! :)

    Sara (Spyk)

    ReplyDelete
  3. i saw the easter video... a great tribute! thinking of you.
    betsy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Susan,

    I was so sorry to hear about your dad. I worked with him at Calvary. He was a wonderful person. He was full of joy and I always felt blessed after having a conversation with him. He had a genuine interest in the lives of everyone he spoke to and was able to give you his full attention - like nothing else mattered at that moment. He will be greatly missed.

    Your blog about him was very inspiring - I'm glad you decided to create this one. You are impacting many lives. What a wonderful testimony. You do have a story. Keep telling it.

    Praying for you and your family.
    carrie (rietsma) vdk

    ReplyDelete
  5. Susan, I'm sure your dad would be pleased that you are going to be obedient to God and continue this blog. So many of us have been blessed by your writing. I will look forward to being part of whatever it is God wants to do here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh girl,
    I'm so excited for you and for us to where God is leading you in this new endeavor. I look so forward to your new postings. I know your Father would be so proud and I know your heavenly Father will use you to be a blessing to others. My prayers are with you. Love ya, Betty

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Holy Spirit speaks through your writing and it has been a blessing to each of us. I will be praying that God continues to guide you in this next venture. Trusting in Him! Pam

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Susan,
    You have been blessed by God with the ability to write - he will be much pleased that you are going to be using it for HIM AND FOR HIS GLORY!!!

    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  9. Susan,
    I am looking forward to your next post...you are truly a gifted writer!
    The video you & Cyndy created was amazing...I'm sure your dad is so proud...
    I will follow you on this journey!!!
    Love,
    Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  10. Follow God's leading and you will be a blessing to many. Without Him we are weak but with Him all things are possible. Jeremiah 29: 11 "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

    Chuck and Carol

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Susan, I look forward to reading more from you! You have a great gift and a wonderful way of relating to people! I would happily buy any book you write :-)
    Keely

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dear Susan, How interesting to see God directing you to continue sharing thoughts about your walk with God. I too, was very blessed each time I read one of your entries on your father's blog. I respected your father very much. He had to have been a "man after God's own heart."

    I personally would benefit by walking along side of others in their daily walk with God.
    I have had tremendous difficulties in my life the past several years, and have had a hard time in my daily walk with my God. God has answered prayer. I need to be able to move on. So, yes I am interested in seeing where this takes you.
    Gail

    ReplyDelete