When I was 17 years old and entering my senior year of high school, my boyfriend and I broke up. He was heading away to college three hours away, opening himself up to a whole new world with new friendships to be forged. I was going to be making some big life decisions myself while enjoying the last year of public high school.
We wanted to give each other freedom to enjoy life, be ourselves, and be open to the people and things that God might bring our way.
So, I stood on my porch crying as we said goodbye. Neither one of us wanted to break up, but we felt it was the responsible thing to do.
It was heart breaking.
Yet sometimes separations need to happen. Sometimes we need to make the hard choices to give something up so that we are open to what God has ahead. We can’t keep piling thing on top of thing so we are so busy we can no longer hear the One Voice that matters.
And to that end, I feel that God is asking me to suspend my blogging. I don’t know for how long, or to what end. I just know that He is asked me to throw everything ministry related in my life up in the air so I can gain clarity. Whatever He gives back (if anything), I will do wholeheartedly, but I need a clean slate.
It’s heartbreaking for me.
I have loved working out my thoughts on this electronic page. I have loved using my spiritual gifts in this venue. I have loved unique worship of God. I have loved meeting so many of you in this way.
I don’t want to take a break, but I must.
Four days after my boyfriend left for college, we got back together.
“Did you find anyone else to date?”, I questioned him on the phone. (We had talked every night).
“No, have you?”, he responded.
“No.”
“Then let’s just keep dating.”
And we have ever since that day 20 years ago.
I don’t know if God will allow me to return to blogging or not, but I hope you and I can still be friends.
Signing off with tears,
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Dear Joy,
Praying for you as you listen to Him. 
Excited for you as you follow after what He’s asking you to do. 
I will miss reading your posts.
AWESOME job doing what you believe God is asking you to do!!!! Keep your eyes on Him! He will make the path clear.
Sending much love and blessing to you!
With love-
Pam
Thank you sweet Pam.
You have always been and incredible example of how to live your life in obedience to Him. There is no doubt in my mind the Lord has something very special in store for you and will use your gifts in other incredible ways. Although I will miss your blogs greatly, I look forward to hearing what new ministry He has planned for you!
Thank you Sandi. I am so thankful for our “real life” friendship. You are a gift to me. xo
Sweet Joy,
Your obedience is absolutely beautiful. Will I miss your blogs? Absolutely, without a doubt! But I understand. You are amazing and I see God just smiling and patting you on the head saying “Good girl, Joy!”. Thank you for being a great example.
Love you…..that’s all.
Love you, too, Kari. Thankful that I get to serve along side of you. Hugs.
Thank you for the insights and wisdom you have so generously shared with all of us through your writing. It is indeed a beautiful gift God has given you. I am so moved and encouraged by your words — words that He has spoken to you and through you. I have grown immensely through reflection and application of many of your posts, and I will continue to seek HIM and listen for HIS guidance in all things as you have continuously modeled for us. Perhaps your break will allow me to get to know you better in real life (and not just through reading your blog). I would love that.
Aimee, thank you for turning to Jesus in all things, even as you have read my blog posts. I would absolutely love to have a real life relationship with you. Just name the date!
Is there anything more exciting than to see what God has next? Your obedience gives HIM the opening HE needs to lead you ahead. Excited for you. Will miss your blogs because they are so full of insight, so amazingly well written. However, I hope the Lord gives you the freedom to let us know how He’s leading you on. Because of HIS love, Lois Peterson
Your kindness humbles me, Lois. Thank you for your loving words and for pointing me to the Lord in them. We shall see what is ahead!
God has been amazing in using the words you use to encourage others in ways you can’t imagine. Now HE is encouraging you to move in a new direction, & as sad as I am in my selfishness because I love your blogs & learn much from you, God has decided to move you else where
and HE is faithful, enjoy your journey. YOU are loved by many & with God as your guide all will be well. Blessings to you, t
Thank you so much Teresa. I am humbled that you even ever read the blog. I am blessed to be surrounded by women of encouragement such as yourself. Hugs.
Joy, Thank you so much for the inspiration and grace in the heartfelt messages here! I’ve been encouraged many times as a wife, mother and friend by your beautifully written words. I’ll miss reading your blog but it will be exciting to see where God is leading you next!