All Posts Archives - Page 2 of 91 -

Preparing for Winter

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens …” from Isaiah 51:6

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath …” Isaiah 51:6a NKJV

A brief chill in October and freeze in November has drawn my thoughts toward winter. I am NOT ready!

The furnace guy came by today to check the fireplace, the furnace, and the well-house light. Tomorrow I will order propane and winterize the car.

My cupboards need restocking, and I wonder where my winter wraps are. (Will they still fit? That’s another story!)

In re-reading this chatter, I have cause to wonder if in all my preparations I have neglected my heart. How many folk today did I complain to about the weather instead of rejoicing over “the day the Lord has made!”

“In all things give thanks, for this is the will of Christ Jesus in you.” IN ALL THINGS! Seriously?

I want to be the little grey kitty, looking up toward the heavens! I have a home. I have a car. I have clothing and food. I have friends and family to call on.

As winter draws nigh, I want to be fueled by God’s spirit and not my “wish list” of complaints. I want to be a beacon of light. However, I know I cannot do this alone; I need Jesus to set my priorities for winter. Join me as we get “WINTERIZED”!

For more encouraging verses, click here.

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished.” From Isaiah 51

How do you stay motivated and encouraged during the winter?

Drop me a note.

Hugs,

Susie

God Changed My Plans

My New Friend Joey

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

October 19, 2025, Crisp autumn air beckoned me as I began the beautiful drive to a country church I had planned to attend for quite a while. I left home in plenty of time to arrive early. Ooops! I can’t hear the turn signals! Oh, no! My hearing aids are on the table (where I surely would not forget to pick them up!)

As I left the house for the second time, my spirit lagged a bit as I changed my destination. Was it me, or was it God doing the changing?

Thankful for a spot near the front door of our old home church, I grabbed my Bible and entered the sanctuary. It had been a long, weary week; I needed God-hugs from His children and His word. My first hug was from a sweet neighbor lady who “just happened” to be there for a baptism..

The music drew my hungry soul straight into the Lord’s presence; the pastor’s clear message nourished my heart. Since the baptism was in an adjoining building at the back of the church. I planned to quietly slip out the front entrance and head home. I knew the walk would be too much for me. Yet, as we stood to leave, my feet followed the crowd!

Only God could orchestrate what happened after the baptisms. I approached a young man in the crowd. “Hi, you don’t know me, but could you bring my car to me from the front of the church? I know I can’t walk that far.”

“Of course,” he said. “And I know you. When I was helping build this church, your husband would come by my house often to visit. He was a really nice man. He encouraged me to join this church, and I did.”

As I pulled out of the driveway of the church I had no plans to attend today, my heart was exploding. I can’t begin to tell you all the God-hugs of this day. Words don’t adequately express the joy of being in the right place at the right time.

Do you know my Jesus? Do you have the peace in your heart that only He can give? Have you learned to trust Him when things do not go as you planned? Can you freely give Him your itinerary? If not, we need to talk.

With prayers and hugs,

Susie

Finding Our Happy Amidst Turmoil

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4 KJV

Today, let us count some happy!

We are bombarded with heavy news: he said, she said, they did …! Our schedules are overwhelming. Our friends and family are weighed down with the cares of this world.

HELP! I need encouragement right now, so today I will get out of this rut and find some Happy. I promise, p-r-o-m-i-s-e, you will find some Happy too!

(For the record, this computer is insisting I replace happy with happiness! NOT happening! This isn’t an English class, this is Susie just being Susie!)

Five reasons to be happy today.

#1 I’m happy because I can read. Seriously? Yes! Recently, I made a casserole with hot, hot peppers in the chopped tomatoes because I didn’t take the time to read the label. I don’t do hot! What about those shoppers who brave the stores and cannot read labels?

#2 I’m happy because I can open my door and breathe in fresh, clean air. No raging war outside my door, no fires, no starving wee ones on the corners.

#3 I’m happy because I chose to care for Mother, hubby, and family. Not everyone has someone to care for. God entrusts us with loved ones; then He enables us to care for them and love on them, even when the road gets rough at times.

Click here for verses on happy from God’s Word.

#4. I am happy because I have a bed to crawl into, a chair to rest in, a refrigerator with good food and fresh water to drink. Many, many, many do not!

#5 I am happy because I have friends to write letters to and friends who share their burdens and joys with me. Friends like you, dear ones, who make my life happy by simply sharing in it.

#6 I am happy because I have the freedom to choose how I spend my days and who I spend them with. Believe me, this is not a small thing.

#6 My Greatest Happy – JESUS

I have a Friend, Jesus, I can talk to every day. He shares my joys, my sorrows, and knows my deepest needs. I pray you know Him, too. He can make the heaviest day a happy one as we learn to leave our burdens with Him.

Thanks for dropping a note! Where did you find your Happy today? Did God surprise you? Have a great week.

Susie