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Bittersweet

Thank You, Elicia Kirby – From Her Porch

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” from Ecclesiastes 3 KJV

Do you ever miss the ‘good old days’? Perhaps miss friends and family who have gone on before?

Today, I’m trying to gather my things for a few days away. No vacation – funeral of a dear friend. By now, I should be showered and packed. Instead, I’m sittin’ and sobbin’!

I miss my mommy, and daddy, and grandpa, and cousin Penny, and brother and … The list goes on and on and on. My heart is lonely today.

Last Saturday, June 27, the family gathered here to honor the 100^th anniversary of my precious Russell’s birth. It was bittersweet as we shared memories, hugs, and tears.

When we moved to Buffalo in 2000, our realtor, Aaron Taylor, invited us to church where he and his young family were members. Loren Dryer was his pastor. We watched Aaron surrender to the ministry and become pastor of a local congregation. This week, Aaron preached at Brother Loren’s funeral. (Loren drew his last breath on Russell’s 100^th bday! Heaven will never be the same!)

In 1978, recently widowed, my mother and I visited Harmony Heights Baptist in Joplin, where I met and married the widowed pastor (January 1979). I soon met Jim and Dorothy Davis, a couple Russell had encouraged in ministry through the years. Now, they were my encouragers, patiently guiding me in my new world.

I’m loading my car today and heading to Clinton for Jim Davis’ funeral. Bittersweet, as I will spend time reminiscing with his children and their families.

Allow my tearful heart to challenge each of us. As we reflect on the past, let’s not forget the future that awaits. I have dear ones who do not know the love of Jesus. Do you? Let’s focus on the other side of our last breath and do all we can to “bring in the sheaves”.

Dear friend reading this chatter, you will never know how precious you are to me. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement.

Please let me know how I can pray for you!

Hugs and Praises,

Susie

Personal Chatter and a Hug

Just Me Watching My World Go By

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV

Life has thrown me a few curves this 2026, one right after another. After lingering all too long, I dusted my boots, grabbed my tool chest, and jumped right in to fix it all. Without fail, each time I thought I had all my ducks in a row, here came some pigeons–and crows–and?

You know; you have been there. Perhaps you are there now. Things just aren’t lining up like they are supposed to. Decisions were made that affected me and my life without my knowledge. And I had more than one “what was I thinking?” moment!

HOWEVER! Don’t miss this! I changed! I failed! My circumstances changed! Others failed me! But My Father never, ever changed! He never, ever left me! He is using every bump for His glory and my benefit. I praise Him. Romans 8:28

Follow this link for 45 helpful scriptures – https://christianitypath.com/bible-verses-about-guidance-and-strength/

Add to the confusion, my precious Russell has been gone for almost five years, and for whatever reason, this year has been the hardest. The hole is big; the miss is real! He would be 100 on Saturday, June 27. Our family is gathering and celebrating the memories and the Promise: we will be together again when we all get HOME! “What a day that will be…”

Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your patience. Please let me know how I can pray for you. God is honored as we bring our requests to Him in faith.

Be watching for the next newsletter (hopefully with a new book announcement!)

And… drop Susie a note!

With prayers and hugs,

Susie

Can You Relate?

Susie and a few Springfield Writers’ Guild Pals: Candy Simonson, Marilyn Smith, Donna Barnes

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” Eccl.8:1 NKJV

Do you ever have cause to wonder what you were thinking? The following is a true story from a few years back. However, it’s not the first or the last such incident in my life!

While this was a Springfield Writers’ Guild critique event, it could well happen with any project! (I will be anxious to hear your stories; I know I am not a lone ranger.)

Following a detailed lesson on editing, our group was given a test with a $50 prize up for grabs. I recognized some of my bad writing habits as I listened intently and took good notes. With a room filled with seasoned writers, I was at best determined not to come in last!

I’ve never felt calmer working on an assignment. Slash, slash! slash-slash-slash! With a steady hand, I worked diligently, removing all unnecessary words that did nothing to contribute to the story. But then something happened, I got caught up in the story. I wanted to know more about the main character, and I wondered how his story would end. I forgot to finish my edit!

“Time is up, put down your pencils.” Oops! Papers were graded quickly, and I was surprised to find I was very close to the winning score. Could I have actually won? I don’t know because I lost my focus.

I learned something that day about editors and proofreaders — I don’t want to be one! I admire their knowledge, skill, and stick-to-itiveness.

I learned something, too, about myself. I need to apply myself to the task at hand, focus more, and pay attention. Finish what I start. Therefore, in reality, I DID WIN THAT DAY—where it counts!

What an honor to be a part of several writing groups, including SWG. If you are a writer or a wanna be, I challenge you to gather with other authors and writers.

Drop me a note with questions or prayer concerns. I’m sending hugs your way,

Susie