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Oh, the Wonder of It All

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:4-5 NKJV

At my request, my friend came a day early so we could attend a particular church Sunday morning. With plans secure, we chatted until midnight before turning in.

I felt confident everything was fine as I crawled into bed. But I couldn’t sleep! My heart was clearly being pulled in another direction. Was it me? Or did God want us somewhere else? The struggle continued relentlessly. Finally, at 3:30 am, I texted my friend to sleep a bit longer; we were going to another church.

From the opening prayer to the invitation, God clearly had a plan. When the pastor left his seat and leaned over the pulpit to watch the kids, I knew something was going on. Though they had not conspired, the children’s story would be the perfect prelude to his message.

As we stood for the invitation hymn, my friend slipped past me to the altar. After praying with the pastor, she told the congregation that God had clearly spoken to her heart, cleared up some issues, and given her peace. Pastor had us sing the invitation again, and a man came forward to join the church.

I’m telling this story for three reasons.

#1 Praise the Lord for His faithfulness. He loves us and has our best interests in mind.
#2 Learn to recognize God’s nudges in your life. Be willing to go in a different direction. This is hard for me; I am very self-willed. But God is patient (and persistent)!
#3 Pray daily for our pastors, church leaders, and congregations to be faithful to His leading.

Each time I write an article, I am reminded that it is your prayers and support that keep me going. God created us to need one another. He calls us ‘family’! WOW!

Thank you for your notes, prayers, and encouragement. Tell someone about Jesus this week, then tell me.

Hugs,

Susie

Spending August with My Best Friend

Somehow, as I peruse my well-organized August calendar, I’d rather go back to bed! The zeal I had making my endless lists vanished after another sleepless night.

“Come unto me all you that are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” From Jesus in Matthew 11:30

My Best Friend is Jesus. He tugs gently at my heavy heart and lovingly reminds me I have a choice this day and every day. It’s a choice. I MUST choose every hour of every day to follow Him.

“OK, Susie Girl! Wash your face! Comb your unruly hair. Dress! Take your breakfast and morning coffee outside and start the day with Jesus.”

The cool morning air awakens my spirit. Butterflies dance amid the fragrant flowers, showing off their colors. Soft breezes turn my thoughts to brighter days; peace fills my hungry soul.

I challenge you to spend time in God’s Word. Here are some wonderful, comforting words to begin with.

Despair turned into rejoicing as Kitty nudges my legs for cuddles, and Best Friend Jesus floods my hungry heart with gentle reminders of how God had truly blessed my world recently. I could write a book of the many times I “just happened” to choose to shop or eat where God had an appointment lined up for me.

Two weeks ago, on a hot, dry Kansas road six hours from home, I ran out of gas for the first time (and hopefully last) in my life. Seriously! I was within a few miles of my first cousin Eva’s home. God used my unexpected need to stay overnight to put us in a Walmart store just as a young fella and his four children were checking out.

I gave the kids little Bibles and chatted with them as their father recalled seeing Eva at his church. As we all moved away from the checkout, I could hear Cousin Eva repeating: “I will be praying for you. I am so sorry. I will see you Sunday.” Later I learned that his wife had left that beautiful family for someone online. Jesus had put us at the right place at the right time to offer hope. The kids needed something (a little Bible?) to hold on to. He needed a friend praying for him.

Whether it’s an older couple needing encouragement, or a weary momma’s tear-filled “thank-you” as her rowdy little boys settle down in a cafe with their new tiny Bibles, God always times things just right.

I can’t explain how my adjusted income wraps around these endless bills, let alone allows me to continue my Little Bible and candy/tract ministries. But it does. My income changed, but not my giving, and God continues to bless.

Count your blessings. Spend quality time this August with My Friend. His love for you is immeasurable. If you are unsure about Jesus’ love for you, message me. He really is my Best Friend, and He wants to be yours, too.

PLEASE, drop me a note at the bottom of this article. Praying for God’s Peace in your heart.

Re photo above: I am so thankful for a few acres of beautiful trees and wildlife. Only God could have arranged this! Have I said how blessed I am?

Hugs and many, many prayers,

Susie

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