October Is My Jam
Yes, it’s my birthday month. Yes, it’s the bestest weather of the entire year. Yes, I love to make soup!!! But, it’s also a hard month – ten years ago on the 27th, on a perfect October morning my mom entered her eternal rest within the gates of heaven. It is the sweet mingled with the bitter – but isn’t that life?
This morning on my way to the chiro I listened to one of my favorite podcasts, Living a Legacy Life with Sue Donaldson the hospitality guru! She was interviewing Anjuli Paschall and the subject of story came up. That’s when Holy Spirit poked me and said, “Share your story.” To which I said, “Lord, I have many, many times.” He said, “Good, share it again!”
Yes, Lord
I have learned over the years there is absolutely no sense in arguing with God – He wins every.single.time! My story isn’t all that interesting but it is all mine.
I was raised in a Christian home – my mom and paternal grandparents were faithful Jesus followers and their faith became my own at the young age of eight. My teen years were rebellious and I married an unbeliever at the tender age of 17. That marriage blessed me with my three (now) adult children.
My husband’s eyes strayed and our marriage ended in divorce after 11 years.
My “Tour” Years
I went through a season of crazy living – I was a bad girl with three kids under the age of ten. I dare not get into the gory details. Suffice it to say that God’s life-rope was just so long and one day He began the tug. “No more, Susan, choose your path – Me or the wild road you are on.”
I chose Him.
Through the Years
I have seen and experienced enough HARD to enable me to say to a lot of people, “I understand. I’ve been there. I know how you feel.” And, only the one who has gone through stuff has the right to say those words. Our family has experienced murder, addiction, unfaithfulness, illness, and a myriad of other calamities. And, through them all, God was right there – to comfort, to provide, to empathize, to heal. He has been a faithful Father and Friend.
The Truth
I want everyone to know my very best Friend, Jesus Christ. He is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother or a sister – He is non-judgmental and never condemns. He had the audacity to say, “I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life and no one can go to Father God unless they go through Him.” I take Him at His word.
I just celebrated my 72nd birthday and out of those many years I will say 20 of them I tried life on my own – those were years of sideroads and what I thought were shortcuts. But God…He had other plans. Higher and better plans for me and I have set my sights on what He wants and not what I want.
He has never disappointed nor disappeared – He has filled my life with joy and hope. He can fill yours as well.
To Wrap It Up
Maybe I’m feeling melancholy because it’s my birthday season but I just wanted you to know…
this is my story and I’m sticking to it.
Grace and Hope,
Sus’ xo
We all have a story and thank you for sharing yours. Even though I have heard it, I still like to hear what God can do over and over. I’m praying who ever reads this and Jesus has not stepped in your story you will open your heart and let him in. He will never leave or forsake you. Giving God Glory for your story. Amen
I never tire of hearing life-changing story!!! ♥
Happy to read your story! Reminds me to lean into God even more.
He’ll never disappoint or disappear. ♥
Happy Birthday, Susan! And I am so glad to hear your story. May you tell it again and again! We all need to hear these stories to encourage us and remind us of the faithfulness of our God. He is with us even when we wander, gently pulling us back to Himself! xo
I am so grateful He never gave up on me!
I love your story
I’m grateful for it and YOU!
Happy birthday! I know what you mean about sweet mingled with bitter. My mom, dad, and grandmother all passed away in December (though in different years). While we grieve their loss, we thank God for the Christ Child born that we may be forgiven and see each other in heaven some day.
I’ve heard parts of your story before, but enjoyed reading it all together. Praise God for His grace to us.
Thanks, Barb. The older we get the sweeter heaven becomes!
What a blessing to read your story this morning! God’s story of compassion, patience and rich mercy!! Thank you for sharing. What a gift when we are given “one more chance” to tell our story! Happiest (belated) birthday wishes!! Here’s to another year full of opportunities to tell the story!
YES, LORD!!!
Amen! It’s a beautiful redemption story–We all have a need for Jesus and we never know when our story (be it dramatic or mundane) will touch another life.
2 Corinthians 1.3-4 AMEN!
Your story is a lot like mine……..Isn’t HE amazing?
Much love to you.
SO amazing!
Happy birthday, Susan!
Last night, God spoke the words, “I am restoring the years the locusts have eaten” to my heart. I love that He is a God who redeems our stories. Thank you for sharing yours!
Blessings,
Tammy
O! What a Redeemer!