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Father, Forgive Me

This is My Father’s World, and HE CHOOSES THE WEATHER!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart., test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

Sunday, March 15, 2026

My light jacket was comfortable this morning as I headed to worship. However, I drove home in a fierce thunderstorm and dropping temperatures. The storm passed, leaving strong, bitter winds to greet the few who came for our first community revival service at 3:00 pm. Before dark, I would find my tulips and jonquils in a sea of snow!

Arriving at revival early, I sat in the car bemoaning the fact that our 70’s sunshine didn’t continue. My thoughts turned toward the Creator God who parted the seas and calmed the storms. Why, Lord? Why this weather — today? People will just stay home.

I was right. I sat at the back of the big auditorium as the musicians did their best to encourage us to join in praising our Saviour. Brother John Marshall brought a compelling message from Matthew 22:37 as I continued to peruse the empty seats, wondering.

3:00 AM, Monday, March 16, 2026 — I cannot sleep!

Brother John’s message is stirring my heart and soul.

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37

I do not recall all his words, but this message is playing over and over in my mind:

He said that we were made for God, to love Him with sheer pleasure, nothing held back. For believers, there’s only one first right thing. Holiness matters most. LOVE GOD FIRST!

Father, forgive me! My focus was on who came and who didn’t! On the weather and so many other things, not on You. Did I hinder others from focusing on You?

God, You do not need good weather to bring revival. You need hungry hearts!

I will be there again tonight, but not in the back row watching people. I will be down front listening for God’s still small voice tugging my own heartstrings. Our community clearly needs revival. Let it begin with me.

I need Jesus, and so do you!

With sincere hugs and prayers,

Susie

Redeem the Time

Photos will Never Capture God’s Glorious Sunsets

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

For the first time in weeks, temperatures were above freezing here in our Ozark Mountains. I had missed Sunday evening worship far too long, and I was determined.

My eyes were peeled for deer and critters as I bravely headed down the long, narrow road. I have learned through experience to drive slowly and cautiously.

Already late, my eyes were suddenly fixed on the beauty of God’s setting sun. I had to stop! Mind you, it’s a narrow country road; there is no shoulder. I am heading into a blind curve. I do not have time to stop! But I did! And He met me there. My hungry soul drank up His glory and peace that passes all understanding.

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:2

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 ESV

For more verses on using our time wisely, click here.

It’s interesting how God uses the “small things” to awaken us to larger issues. When I returned home from church, I began to evaluate how I spend my hours. My hours are a GIFT! Seriously, God gives them to me, and I too often squander them. Why do I seem to run late? Why do I not spend more time soaking in His glory? I wonder.

Well, dear friend, before I begin meddling, I’ll bid farewell for this time. I trust you have a bit to think on yourself as we bask in the goodness of the Lord.

Looking forward to hearing from you. How has He blessed you this week? How can I pray for you?

Hugs,

Susie

Learning to Rejoice

My Fav Preacher sharing Jesus in Walmart

“Rejoice in the Lord, always. And again, I say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

Always, Lord? Really? My heart is breaking! It’s our wedding anniversary, and the hole in my heart grows bigger each year. And I am to rejoice?

Before I go any further, I want to chat with you who have lost a loved one, perhaps a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or friend. Each of us goes through stages of grief shaped by our own backgrounds, temperaments, and experiences. My earnest prayers are with you; the losses are great, the pain runs deep. Allow God’s love to grant you HIs peace and comfort.

This 5th year without Russell has been harder for whatever reason. The grief is huge. Winter seems colder this year; days are longer, and simple decisions are more difficult to make. And yet, I can honor him and celebrate God’s goodness because I KNOW this parting is temporary! HOME is awaiting, in God’s time.

On January 13, 2026, I chose to rejoice, to have a fun lunch with friends at the local senior center, and to celebrate our 47th anniversary. It was Bank Day (free), and the Boomer Brothers livened us up with ’50s and ’60s music. The next several hours were spent on “our” bench at Walmart. I could write books about the lives God touched as Russell sat on that bench, sharing Jesus with all who would stop by.

Here is a tiny sampling of God’s grace to a lonely old lady. I was rarely alone. Trust me, the little I share here is the tip of the iceberg!

An elderly lady asked for one of the tiny Bibles I was giving to the kids (with the kids’ family’s permission). She is helping a restless 6yr old learn to sit still in church.
Numerous fellas and gals paused long enough to share a praise or a serious prayer request.
Close neighbors/friends who had moved away “just happened” to be in the neighborhood and detoured last minute to pick up something on their way out of town. What joy!
A prayer partner sat with me for over half an hour, bringing me up to date on how God was working in her family despite difficult circumstances and personality challenges.
A young teen who had lost my contact information was afraid she was too late to submit her drawings for the Patches’ Friendships book I am working on. Happy!
I complimented a lady’s shirt, and she complimented my butterfly pin. She and her friend invited me to a women’s brunch in a neighboring community; this will be an ongoing relationship for sure!
The nods, the winks, the hugs, endless!

Sweet friend, you and I are left here for a reason. Our world needs to know they are loved, prayed for, not forgotten. We all need a dose of Hope and it only comes through Jesus. I challenge you to be Jesus’ hands and feet for someone today. I promise, you will rejoice!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Hugs,

Susie