Why I’ve Been On Hiatus For 6 Months?

My last post was published over 6 months ago on July 14, 2014. It was not an easy decision to put away my computer and take a blogging hiatus, but a necessary one for a few important reasons.

I needed to put non-writing priorities first. 

We have been shaken to the core as a family. When one of us is hurting, we hurt as a unit. I’m a fixer-upper by nature and work really hard to keep the messiness of life from damaging the interior foundation of our family. As a wife and mom and homemaker, I want to inspire my crew for service, encourage ownership of decisions, sharing motherly expertise, and remodeling for adventure. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to stop the storms from coming and colliding with our lives.

My dad had septuplet (7) heart bypass surgery in late July in Atlanta, GA. I will never forget the morning of his surgery, trusting God would rescue him, but fearing I might have to say goodbye to my daddy of 47 years. It broke my heart getting up in his tiny pre-surgery bed and laying my head on his chest listening to the constant beating of his heart. He was my constant. I couldn’t imagine life without him. I couldn’t.

The surgery was miraculously successful, and we are incredibly grateful to God and the amazing team of doctors who saved my dad’s life, but the recovery has been very challenging and difficult and scary. He has really good days, and really bad days. It hurts seeing my dad so weak and fragile. It’s been a roller-coaster for my parents… celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in rehab, trips back and forth for my siblings and our families caring for him in Colorado. I have watched my entire family love extravagantly and serve unswervingly the past 6 months. There is nothing stronger during a storm than having family surround you unconditionally. Togetherness.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”—Helen Keller

In a perfect world, we want to keep the messiness from spilling over and spoiling our perfectly planned plans. I’m learning that everyday is a gift and everyday is an adventure and everyday is another opportunity to draw closer to God. There is no playbook… every story is different. How we chose to live and love and serve in all kinds of seasons, is a beautiful example of how God holds us tightly and promises that He will never let us go and He will take us to the other side. Our pain will subside, trials will end, and wounds will heal.

My dad has taught me and so many others through the years that serving God and others and loving God and others is the only way to live life to the fullest. My dad never EVER gives up. He’s my hero. He continues to write his latest book (even in and out of hospitals) and encourages everyone around him to hide God’s word deep in their hearts, quick to forgive, and laugh at the craziness life throws at you.

“Live humbly. Live simply. Live generously. Live to serve. Live to love. Love these things and you will be fully alive.” #SoleHope

Please continue to pray for my dad’s healing and our family during this difficult time. And I pray that whatever you are facing you face with courage and forgiveness and strength and humbleness and faith that God will take you to the other side… believe it with all your heart.

So, happy happy new year and I can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring! Thank you for keeping up with me on Facebook and your constant support and prayers and community of bloggers!