Sunday, December 27, 2009

A New Normal

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

"Lean not on your own understanding"--- I have put everything into God's hands this past week. I don't understand, but I trust Him and know that He has a perfect plan. His kingdom calendar--as Beth Moore says--makes no sense to humans, but He understands it because it is from Him. Our birth date is listed as is our day that we return to Heaven to be with Him.

Last Saturday began as a typical day. We had church basketball, then lunch peppered with phone calls--including one from my parents. They call and "visit" each Sunday afternoon. Saturdays are generally not a day that we chat unless Carolina has a football game, and Daddy and I call at halftime and at the end of the game. But, last Saturday, he called. We talked for a while--I caught him up on the last Christmas presents that had arrived via UPS, and we went over the Christmas menu again. Normal--things I understand. The afternoon progressed. I had running clothes on and was driving Child #2 to a birthday party when I got a call from Hubby to come back home. It's the call that sends those nerves into tingling mode--the not knowing.

We threw clothes in suitcases and began the 2 hour drive to my parents' home. I knew that I could pray..and pray I did. I sent out texts for friends to pray as well. They did. All I knew was that Daddy had gone to the church to turn on the heat for last Sunday's service. When he got back home, he told mama that he didn't feel good. He sat down in his chair, and she went to get him Sprite and a tylenol. Then, God took my precious Daddy home. After serving God for 86 years, it was time for his reward in Heaven. And what a celebration it must have been! I have visions of what it looked like! Amazing!

Still in the car, I talked to Mama. She told me that EMS had taken Daddy to the hosptial. But deep down, she said," I think your Daddy is gone." Those, sweet friends, are hard words to hear. After I hung up, I gave my Daddy to God--He loves Him more than we do. As soon as I did, that peace which surpasses all understanding flooded my heart and soul. I knew that he was not here any longer. But, the peace that God gave me was amazing. Truly wonderful.

In the past week, I have seen friends and family that I hadn't seen in years. I have received cards from all over--and am so appreciative of them :). I have helped to pick out a casket. I have eaten a thousand bites of desserts! I have loved on my mama and sister. I have seen the pain and joy of loved ones. I have been comforted by scripture. I have celebrated my Daddy's life. I have celebrated the birth of my Savior. I have seen God's handprints in this entire week. I want to continue to see this as I seek Him and praise Him for my blessings.

I want to thank Elaine for posting last week about Daddy. She is a darling, and I treasure our friendship. Your comments and cards are so thoughtful and appreciated. I pray that your Christmas was wonderful. We had a great one under the circumstances. God is good. And now we begin our new normal. Love to you all.

Sweet Blessings,

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Susan, I am so very sorry to hear that you will no longer see your daddy this side of heaven. I know you will miss him deeply. I can tell from what you've written that you have a good and loving relationship with him, and what a blessing that is.

I know we don't really know each other well, but please know that your loss breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes. Also know that I am praying for you and your family as you adjust to your daddy's absence. I am sure there was a mighty celebration in heaven at your daddy's homecoming, but I am also sure there will be days of sadness ahead for those he left behind.

I hurt for you, my friend, and covenant to pray for you.

Much love,
Kay

Andrea said...

Susan,
I am continuing to pray for you as you continue this journey. It is tough, sometimes! I long to see my sister who died 20 years ago and know one day I will see her in heaven. I pray GOD continues to pour out HIS peace, love, and comfort to you and through you.
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea

Danielle said...

I got so excited that you updated and then I began to read, wondering what great happenings you've had. My heart breaks for your loss, sister, yet it rejoices in the fact that you daddy is now and forever more with Our Daddy! Praise the Lord for that.

I will be praying that God continues to give you all the peace that only HE can give.

We love you, and have missed you!

Sharon Sloan said...

Oh, Susan....I am sorry for your loss and for your mama and family. My prayers are with you.

I pray the hope and comfort knowing your Daddy is in the arms of our Heavenly Father brings you great peace.

Isn't it wonderful that you had that special phone call to chat with him. God is good.

Love, hugs and prayers,
Sharon

Debbie Petras said...

Susan, I included you in a post I wrote last night on Heart Choices. I heard about your dad through Elaine's blog. I was so sorry to hear this news and for the timing during Christmas time. But so glad that your dad was a man of God. I loved how Elaine wrote about him being welcomed into his heavenly home. May you be comforted by friends and family and blogging sisters in Christ too.

Love,
Debbie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

My heart's been with you all week, Susan. Your faith is strong and your heart tender to the world around you. I pray them both, your faith and your heart, to continually know the comfort of God's Peace in these mellow days of mourning.

Where would we be without the comfort of Christ in our lives?

peace~elaine

Vickie said...

Susan I am very sorry to hear that you lost your dad. I am rejoicing however that he's not lost but truly found in the arms of Jesus and I know that thought brings you much comfort. However as you grieve for him here on this earth I pray for the strength and the peace of God for you and the rest of your family.

Blessings,
Vickie

TRUTH SHARER said...

Susan:

Yesterday [the 26th] I was driving to my middle daughter's home for OUR family Christmas day together. As I drove the 30 minutes to get there - about halfway through in pouring down flooding rain - I came to a traffic light and was greeted by flashing lights as a policeman stepped out of his car and STOPPED TRAFFIC on everyside. Why? To allow about 40 [funeral] cars to proceed on their way to the cemetary. Immediately I thought of you! I prayed again for your peace in this.

As I sat there going through more than 4 light changes before the last car passed, I couldn't help but speak out loud in prayer, "Even the day after Christmas does not stop life or death - it happens every day - and without reguard for holidays. Did he/she know Jesus, Lord? Does the family know You? May the light of your TRUTH be known this day! Amen."

I am so glad that your precious Daddy knew Him well! Now He really knows Him! For Jesus has welcomed Him into His Presence forever - and there is no greater gift than that!

Blessings to your Mama and all of your family! Treasure the thoughts of your Daddy! And... oh what a way to go out! No pain - only heaven to gain!

Choosing JOY, Stephanie

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Susan,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. It's always so tough at this time of year, especially when you're not prepared for it.

But what a joy to know that he is with the Lord. Only He can provide that peace that passes understanding, and I'm grateful that you have experienced that.

My family is far from God, and so my prayer is that they would know Him, especially with my dad's recent health issues. But it is His timing, not mine, and so I must be patient

May God bless you and your family with His presence and His perfect peace.
With love,
Susan

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

Oh, Susan,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I wish I had known, earlier, I would have been praying like crazy. However, I will pray for you now, sweet friend. May God continue to bless you as you lean on Him for comfort and peace. How wonderful and comforting that your Dad is dancing on the streets of gold as he praises the Lord.
Praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

((((Hugs))) Oh sweet friend,your words are so true. He does love deeper than we can ever know. I pray that the Lord continues to hold you and your Momma close at during these next few months. I know sweet friend the hurt that goes along with having to let go and let God...take care and know that I will be lifting you and your family up. Susie~

Edie said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dad Susan. I saw this on Debbie's blog Heart Choices. I pray God's comfort over you and your family.

Much love to you!

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl said...

Susan,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Father. I pray that you will feel the comfort of God's arms around you.

Joyful said...

Elaine called me the day she heard and you have been in my thoughts and prayers.

This post is such a treasure. How precious that your Daddy called you on Saturday. What a precious gift from God.

Praying that His continued peace will surround you and your family and you will know His presence in a very real way.

Hugs,
Joy

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Susan, I'm so glad that you are being comforted through this by our Lord! Over two years ago at the bedside of my 96 year old Daddy I,too, felt that peace of God when he was gone and I knew he was safely in the presence of God. Sad for me but glorious for him!

Love you and your testimony!

Marilyn...in Mississippi

Yolanda said...

Susan,

I continue to pray for you and that God would swarm you mind and heart with precious memories.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

On Purpose said...

You my friend are shining a whole lotta Jesus...and to stop and visit and know in this moment, He is all over you...brings such joy to my heart. You are beautiful Susan! I love you and send hugs to you and continued prayers up to Him!

Joy Junktion said...

Susan, The loss of a daddy is hard, I know, I've walked it. My prayers are with your entire family as you learn to walk your new normal. It will be 'new' and it will become 'normal' but it will never be the same. Hallelujia that you know your daddy is with Jesus! Love and prayers are sent your way, Cindy

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Susan:
I came over from another blog and was so touched by what you have written about your precious dad. My dad is there too, and the crowd 'up there' is growing. The peace that you've had during this is so beautiful. It speaks to everyone who is reading this, and reminds us all of the HOPE we have, because of Jesus.
May that continue to be the comfort of you and your family in the days ahead. I'll be praying for you.

Sonja

Gotta Run..... said...

my heart really goes out to you and your entire family my dear sweet friend!!! Love ya!!!! See you tomorrow! HUGS!

Wendy Blight said...

Susan,

I popped over to thank you for your prayers for Lauren to read this news about your Daddy.

Sweet friend, my heart hurts for yours. And although I know you have a peace about where your Daddy is, there is still an empty place in your heart that only he can fill. I pray that over these next weeks and months your Heavenly Father will fill that place with wonderful memories and the Precious Presence of His Holy Spirit.

You bless so many with your love, prayers, and heart of service. I pray now that Jehovah Jirah will provide for you and your family's every need. For all the times you have given so freely, I pray the Lord blesses you tenfold. Praying for strength and peace.

Love,

Wendy

Ginger said...

Susan,
I am so sorry...words cannot express how it feels to lose that precious daddy in your life.

While I was reading your post, it reminded me so much of my family and brought back so many memories. There are so many things our families have in common.

Draw strength from the Lord and your family to help you through this difficult time.

I pray that God will give you a sense of peace, comfort, and strength in the coming weeks and months.

My love and support are with you. Please email or call me if you need to talk!

Lots of love and hugs to you,
Ginger

Paula V said...

Susan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm not been in blogland to visit for several days...maybe it's been weeks.

I found it such a blessing from God that you spoke to your dad on Saturday when you normally don't talk on that day. Such a sweet, sweet blessing.

Love,
Paula

Kristen said...

Susan,
I had read on Elaine's blog about your father. I am so sorry for your loss, but am also rejoicing that he is resting in the arms of our Savior!
I have tears in my eyes... your faith during this difficult time is a witness to the strength the Lord gives us in difficult times.

"A New Normal" were words we spoke (and still do) after my husband's father went home to be with the Lord.

Death may end an earthly life... but it doesn't end a relationship! Until you see your precious Daddy again... God Bless You!

seesawfaith said...

I'm so sorry. I am behind in reading through posts and wish I would have seen this one in a more timely manner.

Through your posts you seem to be holding on to the peace of God. Keep it up!

When I lost my mom, at the service, the pastor said that as much as it hurt for us to let her go, God ran to her the moment she passed and gathered her close. That picture has stayed in my head and heart.

I have prayed for you right now.

Remember that peace and promise when those little unexpected longings pop up. Silly enough, my 2 worst times are my birthday (That was a day that was special between the two of us), and whenever my daughter really squeezes my heart with that painful happiness of motherhood. I would give all the gold in the world to share those moments with my own Mom.

Your post was so encouraging by it's peacefulness. I pray that is a continuing comfort to you.

Shannon

prashant said...

I pray GOD continues to pour out HIS peace, love, and comfort to you and through you.
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,

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