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Gifts Money Cannot Buy

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NKJV

As I sit down to pen this article, our town is brimming with people. The Christmas parade has come and gone. Little ones are wired with their tummies and pockets filled with sugary treats. Eager shoppers rush to find perfect gifts for family and friends.

For forty-two years, Russell and I either exchanged gifts or planned a special outing for our anniversary or Christmas. Other times, he brought me gifts when he thought about it (not necessarily for a holiday or anniversary). Often he gave flowers, carefully choosing the container.

Of more value to me than the flowers, were the little cards. The words clearly came from his heart. He seemed to know when I was feeling old or inadequate and had the right words to encourage me. They were his words in his writing; priceless!

If you steal my purse, take all the money (both dollars!), just please leave this card. Seriously, it is one of my most treasured gifts and cannot be replaced. Money can’t buy the tenderness in the words my sweet husband penned in 2016. Eight years later, his final “I love you” was as meaningful as his first.

As you continue your holiday shopping, are you giving the best gifts? Your time? Your attention? Your prayers? Could you take time to write a simple love note to include with your gift? Perhaps you can join me in resolving this year to pen a tiny note to each of our loved ones every month or so.

We are reminded in this season that the Greatest Gift, while free to us, cost God His only Son. Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have forgiveness of sin and be with Him in Heaven. If you have not received this free gift or have someone you are praying for, jot me a note. Eternity is at stake.

May Jesus be more real to you this Christmas than He has ever been.

Love, hugs, and prayers.

Susie

The Great Cover-up Part One

The Great Cover-up Part One “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Click here to read Ezekiel 34:25-27.

We purchased our little home on the hillside in beautiful Buffalo, MO, 25 years ago. I continually praise my husband’s wisdom and the Lord’s direction for this decision as I navigate life as a single for the first time in sixty-plus years.

From day one, it was heaven on earth for this country girl. I tended my flowers, planted shrubs, and eagerly tromped the hillsides picking four-leaf clover. Often I hiked down the hill, across the creek, and marched around an empty field for my daily exercise.

Colorful irises, lilies, succulents, and other perennials had donned their best attire throughout the spring and summer on Adams’ Acres. And time passed. This year as weeds began to take over the flowerbeds gracing my front entry, I vowed once more to yank them out before they got out of hand.

Seriously? I can’t reach over to tie my shoes!

Days turned into weeks and soon the front porch was edged in ugly. Could someone please explain why weeds always flourish while flowers succumb to the elements?

Then, as if by magic, a beautiful vine adorned with huge leaves and vibrant yellow blooms quickly took over the entire bed. The great cover-up began. As if on a mission, the vines stayed within the bed ignoring the banister, steps, and walkway. And I was pleased – no weeding for me.

The truth of the matter? This plant is truly magnificent, but it covers a bed of neglect and waste. Soon, this foliage will wither and die revealing a bed in worse condition than in the beginning.

I have cause to pause and look at myself. As I fluff my hair and put on my happy face and best attire to go out into the world, what might I be covering up? Am I prayed up; cleaned up inside by the Holy Spirit? Am I hiding anger, bitterness, selfishness, bad attitude, etc.? Did I tidy up to impress others or to please and honor my Lord and Savior?

Do I want the world to see what is hidden inside? Is God happy with my heart condition, or do I need to spend more time with Him, in His cleansing Word?

As I begin tomorrow (December 1) reading a chapter of Luke each day, I am asking God to search my heart. I need a cleansing, a refilling, a refueling! I want my life to count for the One who gave His all for me. How about you?

Let me hear from you,

Hugs,

Susie

The Value of Community

the value of community

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133

This week, I have had many occasions to pause and praise the Lord for the great community in which I live.

After I voted on election day, I lingered in the parking lot for three hours, praying for God’s will as I watched my community vote. They came alone, they came as families, they came by the carload. More than once, I watched strangers helping each other navigate the long, bumpy ramp or get into their vehicles. I do not take this good neighbor thing for granted!

Later in the week, I took advantage of the free community dinner provided by a local church. Again, all ages came to share a meal together; some individuals, some families, several who had brought friends and family. The laughter and camaraderie are unmatched; I am grateful to those who provide the food and facilities. The welcome mat is extended to all whether or not they can drop a few dollars into the offering jar.

At another community event, I believe more than one miracle happened as senior adults attended the free coffee and pie social at the YMCA. God did what only He could do at one table as two strangers from out of town found out they were actually neighbors. The laughter and chatter that followed ensured the beginning of something great.

Click here for what the Bible says about community.

Precious friend, I have a challenge for you. Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood; lend your support as much as possible. To be perfectly honest, without my sweet husband by my side, I often have to push myself out the door. Home is comfy and I can always find things that need my attention. I make a choice to go out.

Do it for yourself. Do it for others. Our world needs Jesus, now more than ever. And, we need each other!

I’m looking forward to hearing from you. As I hit send, I always pause and pray for God to meet the deepest needs of those who take (make) time to read my chatter!

Hugs,

Susie