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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

Memories How They Linger

February 13, 2008

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 KJV

This day is the day I set aside to clear my tables and set my house in order. And then, I found a box of old photos and took a long trip down memory lane.

Each beautiful lady above has touched my life and left an impression on me. I am richer for having known them. And, I could tell you stories … well, enough said!

Later, I took another walk down memory lane while cleaning out Russell’s pickup truck. It’s a 2001 Ranger with 65,000 actual miles. I sat in the driver’s seat with the windows rolled down and recalled the joy he had when he purchased it from our son’s father-in-law. (No, it is not for sale.)

The back seat was packed with treasures: an extra cushion, a fuzzy blanket, an ice scraper, etc. And… brace yourselves … maps! Seriously, road maps! And the front seat had his two special tote bags. One was filled with my books, which he boldly showed (and sold) to all who would listen.

The second was his favorite never-leave-home-without bag! In it was a good selection of Bibles. Whether walking in Woods’ supermarket each day or running errands, he talked about Jesus. It was important to him that everyone had a copy of God’s Word in their home.

I am in the process of going through all my “stuff” with the idea that I’m gone and the kids are left with it. Believe me, that’s an eye-opener! But, I have cause to wonder, “stuff” aside, what will I leave my friends and family of value? Will they know how much they were loved? And, more importantly, will they know Jesus loves them? I wonder.

Here is a challenge for you. Take a trip down Memory Lane. Do you see those who have touched your life in some way? Find a way to hug on them … or call or send a note. Do your friends and family really know how important Jesus is to you? Tell them.

And… drop Susie a note!

Hugs,

Susie