November is upon us, and the next couple of months promise to be full of challenges and adventures. My work as chauffeur, personal assistant, official hand-holder and nurse to my dear friend Lisa Jewett will continue. After her surgery on the 10th she will be living with us for several weeks during her recovery period. On the 17th of the month Marilyn, Will and I will be seeing the original Beach Boy Brian Wilson live in concert in St. Pete. There's a phone upgrade in my future. Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. In December we will have Will at home on break for several weeks. There is the excitement of the Christmas season. And on the 18th Will, Marilyn, Michelle (and her brother Alex) and I will celebrate Lisa's birthday by seeing Star Wars: The Force Awakens - in 3D. Tickets have been purchased. Life is going to be interesting. But will it be blog-worthy?
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that, "There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth..." The seasons of life keep turning. Since August 26, 2009 it has been the right time, as well as a pleasure and a blessing to write this blog. It has given me focus, a chance to dedicate myself to something worthwhile, and an opportunity to reconnect with many old friends. It has also helped bring new people into my life who have taught me much about grace and friendship. But now, after 1900+ posts, it feels like the right time to stop. It is simply a matter of inspiration- or a lack thereof. Lately there have been more and more recycled posts and deeper struggles with creating new material that are not too intensely personal. Everyday my heart and my mind turn to the same subjects and the same issues, and it feels like I am wearing them out. So today is the day. It's the end of this blog as we know it- and I feel fine.
From the beginning, this blog has been about the things Jesus has done and is still doing in my life. It's been about the people who mean the most to me and the events that have shaped me. I've shared my biggest failures, my joys and my sorrows, my pain and my happiness. I wrote a novel and shared it with you. I have shared stories of faith and doubt. Through this venue my life has been an open book. But now it is time for a new chapter. To paraphrase Olivia Newton-John, I love you guys- but right now we all know I've got somewhere else to go. Going forward, it is my hope that God will inspire me to reach out and to tell my stories in new ways. For the foreseeable future there will only be posts here if there is important news to share or respond to. You can still find me on Twitter, by e-mail (Youthguy07@aol.com) or by phone (813-919-3755). But until further notice this blog will still be here, but will remain dormant.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have supported me with comments, words of encouragement and simply by taking the time to read my words. It's been a great run. Please understand that this is not a bad thing- there is nothing wrong with me, nothing that is dragging me down. I just need some time and space for my head and my heart, and I have important work to do in the days ahead. I covet your prayers, and look forward to our future adventures together. Please stay in touch, and if it's not asking too much, "keep me in your heart for a while..."
Because of Jesus,
I understand! I don't think I've written a post in weeks and I'm not sure when I will be able to get back to it. I'm not willing saying goodbye, just see you later. So take some time and space, we will be here when and if you are ready to return. Love you. Go be the Jesus Revolution. I'll catch you on Twitter. And thank you for all you have taught me over the last couple years.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Andrea. The friendship that we have developed means the world to me. You and Drew have been so supportive and so encouraging, and I love you both. And you are right- this is in NO WAY a goodbye. Just a "see ya real soon."
DeleteLove you Big C, and your blog. It has meant a lot to me and to many others. Thank you for giving of yourself through the blog for years. It will be missed.
ReplyDeleteWe need to catch up soon. Will give you a call.
Todd
Thanks for all of the support you and Kristin have given me in this endeavor- and in general! Looking forward to catching up soon.
DeleteI second what Todd said! This jog down memory lane has been fantastic! Thank you for sharing your heart. We must definitely keep in touch and catch up, whenever possible, in FL. See you later, blog. It's been real.
ReplyDeleteMuch love.
Brook, you have been a faithful reader from the very beginning. On days when it was hard to write, I often wrote for folks just like you. So thank you. And the blog may lie dormant, but our friendship will remain every strong!
DeleteYes, indeed! I will miss being able to find you here, while you are gone. Best wishes.
DeleteI will be lifting you in prayer. Greatful for Jesus and all He has done for us. Thank you for proclaiming Him and testifying to His grace....love you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind words and the love!
DeleteDude, this blog has meant so much to me. I get your reasons and your need to sit it out for a while- but I selfishly I hope you will hurry back. We need you! ~ Chris Cooper
ReplyDeleteChris, your comments and support have often kept me going. As for coming back, only time will tell. But it is nice to feel needed!
DeleteThis is sad news for all fans of The Beach Boys. I was looking forward to your next series featuring the band with great anticipation. I will continue to do so.
ReplyDelete- Clayton Redding, U.K.
I totally agree! Your Beach Boys countdown was so awesome and led me to so much great music. Hurry back, Carl! - Katie Davis
DeleteI've enjoyed reading, reminiscing, and sharing through the blog. But I totally get it. Hard to pull back, but sometimes so necessary. It takes a lot out of us, sometimes, to respond to where the Spirit is leading us. Be well, friend.
ReplyDelete