Several years when I was the Spiritual Formation Director at Christ Memorial Reformed Church, I  began writing messages about Living as Apprentices of Jesus for the congregation.  Much to my astonishment, these were very well received. So much so that when I retired, I started writing a blog on Word Press, which has also been well received. Some years ago, I was diagnosed with a blood cancer called multiple melanoma. I have been fighting that disease for more than ten years.  The latest treatment is no longer working and because I am allergic to a component of the best new object, I can no longer experiment with treatment.  As a result, my cancer doctor put me in the care of Hospice of Holland  in early May and estimated that I have from 4 to 6 months to live.  

I had decided I would have to end this blog when a good friend offered to take it over with the same emphasis on living like Jesus.  I was THRILLED when she offered to become the new voice of the blog. 

I am so excited that the blog will continue under her beautiful writing and capable leadership.  Her introduction as the second author of Living as Apprentices follows. As my journey gets more difficult, we may decide to keep you informed until I have ended my Apprentice with Jesus and joined him  the afterlife. 

…And from Joy

This blog, founded on Karen’s firm belief in the unshakeable kingdom of God,  is a space to reflect, to ponder, and to embrace the depth of life that dwells in an apprentice of Jesus.  Not only does this provide us strength for our individual journeys, but it can also act as a reminder that our “apprentice life” is not a singular thing.  Instead of singular, it is a community that flows much like a river might, offering spots to pause or stop for a time, others to view from afar, and potentially another that feels like a place to rest and stay.  We learn from each other, each perspective and viewpoint adds a level of awareness that can help us in forming our own.  It is in this fact that I take hope, as a fellow lover of words, to walk in Karen’s path, continuing to seek, love, strive and believe as we walk our journeys together. 

The assurance of the “unshakeable kingdom of God”, a foundation of apprentice thinking, reminds us that no matter what happens next, we, each of us,  “are safe”.  I was reminded again recently by Apostle Paul of the confidence and strength that resonates in the life of an apprentice of Jesus.  When writing to the Corinthian followers in the second letter, Paul speaks of keeping “treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (NIV, 2 Corinthians 4: 7).  His letter continues with a reminder to the Christ-followers of Corinth, to these early apprentices of Jesus, that there may be challenges, hardships and struggles along the earthly journey, but that we can remain secure that in our lives, Jesus can be revealed.   In that, I am reassured that part of God’s kingdom work has been to bring me to this juncture with Karen, my dear friend, writing critic, reviewer, and mentor who passes the baton to continue this work.  I am reassured that God has Karen wrapped in His arms and will continue to love and care for her.  I am confident that God continues to use Karen for his glory on this earth.  I am committed to embrace her vision and remain with both feet firmly on the ground in God’s unshakeable kingdom as we walk this journey together.

Over the next number of months, you may see some changes or additions to the Living Apprentices blog as we continue to get to know each other ; in all that will come, rest assured that Karen- and my intention- is grounded on the belief that this blog is a place that offers a space to witness and explore the imperfect human lives that strive to be more like Jesus in character and action each day.