God Hugs Archives -

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

None Would Toss Jesus in the Trash

Jesus flyers left on both tables at our post office

“And he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.‘” Revelation 14:7

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Walking into our local post office early one morning, I was caught off guard by the tables before me. Rarely is there even one lone magazine or paper lying on these tables. After carefully sorting their mail, most people toss the unwanted mail and flyers into designated blue trash bins.

But not today! Not everyone wanted the bulk-mail flyer from a local church, yet very few of them seemed to make it to the trash bin. I stood with tears flowing down my cheeks (seriously)! It made my day! I showed my photo to the postal clerk, and we both rejoiced.

“Jesus, make Yourself known while your name rests on this table.” My heart leaped with joy as I thought of all the hungry hearts coming in and out that day. Each one had to pass that table. Each one would “see” Jesus.

And then I paused and considered my life. I wonder, when people pass by me, do they see Jesus? Really? Do I always make an effort to smile or nod? Shake a hand? Open a door? I wonder.

As I left that day, I asked God to help me be a bolder witness for Him. I asked forgiveness for taking Him for granted so often in my daily life.

Today, I pray for you. ^“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Thank you for leaving a note, and THANK YOU for praying for me.

Hugs, Susie