-

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

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