Looking Back
I’m going to deviate from the normal quarterly report and look back at the entire year. I’m already late to this week’s blog writing, thus, I’m sabotaging the normal.
What A Year
I believe we all walked into 2021 with great hope of a reg’ler 365 day turn around the sun – yet it’s been anything but.
We all have a story to tell and 2021 has been no exception.
Personally, we have suffered loss. Lowell lost his precious mom, Margaret, on December 1. After a year long battle with cancer and treatment – it was a mishap and a broken femur that put her in a position of losing the fight. Margaret was 96 years old and a go-getter. She will be greatly missed by all of us who knew her.
2021 also brought wedding bells for three women I know – all of them I met through writing. Patti, Holly, and Leslie – 50 and 60 something women who found their new soulmates and tied the knot. I couldn’t be happier for them and pray they all have many joyful years ahead.
In Our Family
Hannah changed careers and is now a second-grade teacher. She is working toward her Florida teacher certification. I believe our girl has found her niche.
Simon graduated high school and is working as a “do everything” person in a law firm. Being unsure of what he wants to do with the rest of his life this job is perfect for him.
My one and only sibling, Peggy, celebrated her 75th in October as we gathered her big family in Charlotte, NC, and partied all day long. It was glorious.
Our adult children are fine and each doing their thing. We did get to spend Thanksgiving with “all” of them, including my wasband, and the day was another big day of food, fun, and fellowship.
There Were Hard Things
Losing Lowell’s mom has been very sad. Such a strong woman who became tired of fighting the good fight. I have moments of disbelief she is gone.
We have friends who have lost loved ones and comrades who have lost personal battles with sickness. We grieve with them and hold on to our hope with a new fierceness.
Getting my diagnosis in August was a shock YET it explained so many issues I had been having for quite a while. I do own the diagnosis but I’m also believing for a healing outcome – I know The One who made my heart and knit me together so many years ago – there is nothing too hard for Him.
My rock, my husband, Lowell is good. He has taken such good care of us this past year. Giving me lots of grace through the summer and through my crisis. I’m not sure what I would have done without him at my side.
Steadfast in Hope
That has been the theme of my life in 2021. Steadfast, the word given me at the beginning of the year has proven to be quite prophetic.
Steadfast and immovable always abounding in the Lord’s work. 1 Corinthians 15.58
This scripture has carried me – working, playing, hurting, healing and now into the new chapter of my life, retirement.
To Sum It All Up
I made a commitment on January 1, 2021 to end every blog post with a number of abortions counter and I have stayed true to it. So many precious lives lost by purposeful choice. We must stop the slaughter.
My goal to be the bearer of Truth never waivers. Truth in Love is easy when one is confident in God’s Word and His unfailing love. Ears will never get tickled here in the margins of Hope Heart Home. My retirement from a long work career is in real time now – my work email has been taken down and my work phone is going in the mail!
None of us know what lies ahead but because of Christ’s atonement on Calvary and placing our lives and hearts in His worthy hands we can be confident He’s got this. He already knows about all of it. We can live without fear regardless of anything going on around us or in us.
Thank you for traveling the year of 2021 with me. The journey is always richer with all of you.
Steadfast in Hope,
Sus’
P.S. If you ever need or want to ask me a question about anything don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected]
Oh, my dear Susan! I’m one of those who “lost” someone dear to me – my husband of nearly 52 years (lacked 3 days). As you probably know, he was in a nursing home hundreds of miles away because nursing homes weren’t accepting transfer patients, so I couldn’t move him up here with me. Through all of that ordeal, though, God has been faithful! He’s shown me why things happened as they did and that He was right there in the middle of all of it, just orchestrating every event and bringing them all to His conclusion. I’ve felt a greater peace than I ever thought possible, and I know that’s because the Prince of peace is in control of each event in my life. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, and I wish you the best in your retirement! You’ve worked long and hard, and you deserve to have a good time with the time you have left (and only God knows how much any of us have). Enjoy, and keep us posted as your new life moves along. Love you!!
Dearest Glenda – you have suffered great loss and yet you are always shining the Light of Christ. To some, joy and sadness cannot go hand in hand but you are a living example that with the Lord it is possible. Thank you for being a Titus 2 example. xoxo
And to this I say Amen.
Amen.
Somehow I missed the news about Hannah and Simon and couldn’t be more pleased!
So sorry about your m-i-l. Very sad.
Thankful for YOU and Instagram mishaps.
Beware of the early morning phone ring!!!
Susan,
What a year through which you have persevered — holding onto that righteous right hand! I am so sorry for the losses in your life and I celebrate with your joys. I do pray you are continuing to heal from your bout with the plague of our time. You HAVE remained steadfast in doing the Lord’s work, despite your physical health! I appreciate that you don’t strive to tickle our ears, but to tell the truth. I’m not sure what this next year holds, but I know there will be new and different trials. Joining with you in clinging to the Rock and to the hope we have in knowing how this story ends!
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
YES! We win in the end!!! xo
I am so grateful for our consistent, steady, loving, powerful God Who is always with us no matter what each day or year brings. I lift you and your family in my prayers.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda, thank you for praying. And, I hope for a blessed 2022 for you and yours.
Susan, thank you for sharing your year with us, the ups and down bring strength to all by your strong testimony. God indeed is faithful and that’s why we can look forward knowing we are held by His sovereign hands. So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother-in-law. It is never easy to say good bye (for now) to those we love!
Always nice to see you here, Donna. Blessings in the New Year.
Somehow (how?) I missed the news of Margaret’s passing. Very belated condolences to Mr. L and to you and the rest of her family.
Your diagnosis and the following treatment ………how I PRAISE GOD, Susan! You know I do! When I saw you in late summer my heart was very troubled. Prayers continued. God answered, didn’t He? AMEN and AMEN! We are going to get to enjoy you for YEARS to come. YAY and Hallelujah!
Glad your family is all doing well. What a blessing.
Love you to the moon and back as they say nowadays and we are hoping you will get to visit us here on the farm this year.
Kathy
Perhaps when the weather warms up!!!! We have become sun-seekers!
What a mixture of joys and sorrows. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. It’s never easy, no matter how long we had them with us. I’m sorry for your diagnosis as well and pray for your continued healing.
Barb, really appreciate this. God Bless you and yours.