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Praises and Comments for Patches

In California, 4-year-old Everlee is a young artist at work.

Praise for Overwhelming Reviews and Comments

I’m humbled by all the reviews, photos, and notes I’m receiving for Patches’ Biblical Coloring and Activity Books. Truly God is at work as Patches the Turtle shares Jesus with young and old.

When her grandmother’s Christmas gift included Patches’ Farmland Adventures, 4-year-old Everlee was ready to color! Beautiful job! Thank you, Grandmother, for sharing this picture with us.

Patches’ books are not Just for Children.

A woman in St. Louis writes: “I was given Patches’ Farmland Adventures and coloring pencils by a friend. She knew I needed some activity while being homebound all winter. In fact, the added Scriptures were just what the doctor ordered!”

WebMD lists some amazing reasons we should all color; click here.

Some time ago, I mailed a copy to an elderly friend who was losing a long battle with lung cancer. Her hobbies of crocheting, reading, and working in her church were now impossible tasks. I learned just today from her daughter how much the book meant. The large print and short stories encouraged her to read, and since she could hold colored pencils easily, working on the pictures was great therapy.

Nursing Homes and Extended Care Facilities

One person bought ten books to give to residents in a local nursing home. What joy to hear from some of them and to see their work. Many residents, men and women, are lonely and need something to occupy their minds.

Mayo Health Clinic agrees with Patches; we all should color! Click here

Please, please pray with me.

As books go out to individuals, children’s Bible classes and groups, and families across our land, I pray God will use each of them to touch hearts and change lives.

Lost and unchurched families and individuals can meet Jesus.

Only God can put together the words that touch hearts. On every page, Patches shares Scripture and encourages the reader/artist to think about God’s perfect design for them. Click here to see all of my books.

Thank you for allowing me to share my praises with you today.

Hugs,

Let me hear from you. Who do you know that could use some encouragement?

How Wide is Your Friendship Circle?

Some of My Church Friends

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9

Yes, friendships do refresh the soul. My friendship circle includes family, friends from school, workplaces, and church.

However, if not careful, my circle of friends will be only those in my church or community that think as I do. Comfy folk. They will mostly agree with my beliefs and choices in life. Easy, breezy!

To learn more about what the Bible says about friendships, click here.

Because of my stubborn will and Southern Baptist heritage, I have strong convictions on many issues that vary between denominations. A very strict, rural upbringing adds to my opinionated mindset. Over the past few years, God has expanded my friendship circle, and I am eternally grateful.

Each month I meet for brunch or lunch with Evelyn. She and her husband co-pastor an Assembly of God church. Also, I frequently enjoy fellowship with Vicki, a Methodist pastor. I learn from them, I pray they learn from me. We are working to find ways to share Jesus as we meet needs in our communities. We each seek to know and to do God’s will for us as individuals and for our church families. We do not try to ‘convert’ one another to our beliefs. I treasure our prayer times and our friendships.

Every few weeks I meet with Sarah. She is half my age, and her dress and demeanor are quite worldly. She doesn’t know Jesus as her personal Savior; she has no interest in knowing Him. However, we share some common goals and interests and learn from one another. Sarah knows I pray before meals and often has a request for me to include in my prayer. God is at work in her life.

Being an author and writer, some of my friendship circles include guys and gals who do not have Jesus as their first priority, if at all! Sometimes, the stories they are working on can stir my heart to quietly pray for them. But, here’s the thing. I learn from them. As I get to know them better, I grow in understanding our communities better. Hopefully, I will become not only a better writer but a better person because of their friendships.

So, I have to ask you. How wide is your friendship circle? Are you ready to ask God who He wants you to include? Has he pricked your heart just now with the name or face of one who really, really needs a friend?

Please, pray for me as I continue to grow and seek God’s will in all I do. Praying for you, dear friend is a joy. And, I look forward to the day when you call for that friendship coffee.

Sending hugs and prayers,

Choosing to Celebrate

MY SS class painting Blessing Tree on Wall

Future Pastor FBC Fair Play

Most of These Young Ones are Now Parents! Yikes! I’m OLD!

Sunday morning, August 21, 2022, I concluded a week-long celebration of my precious husband’s first anniversary in Heaven! Grandson Rusty and I attended the last church he pastored before ‘retiring’ in 2000. Their great pastor, David Stunkel surrendered to preach under Russell’s ministry. His children were in my Sunday School class at Fair Play FBC. What joy!

Sunday night I celebrated at the last church Russell supplied the pulpit, Union Mound Southern Baptist. With their permission, I told Russell’s favorite story and thanked them for their ministry to him through the years. Afterward, the Pastor asked the congregation to share their favorite memories of Russell; wow! Tears of joy!

Yes, I am celebrating. Yes, I am sad and lonely, and I miss him more than words can express. I would not choose to begin year two without him. Yet, I know, I KNOW, there will be a great reunion one of these days.

From earlier in the week: Russell and I rarely had sporting events, camping, or fairs and such on our agenda. However, we could spend hours sipping a soda and waiting for God’s appointments. So, with a prayer on my heart, I bravely made the solo trip to Springfield Sam’s Club and ordered our usual pizza slice and drink, trusting God to fill my empty heart. And God did not fail me!

As I watched the people, an energetic young girl in the food line with what I assumed was her grandparents was telling all who would listen that it was her 10th birthday.

“Do you have a pocket?” I asked, “I have something you can keep in your pocket for your birthday.”

As she eagerly took the Little Bible from my hands her face lit up. I was told she loves reading the Bible and would treasure this gift. I learned, too, that they were not her grandparents, but foster parents adopting her. WOW!

As they gathered their things to leave, little Cindy jumped into my lap and gave me the biggest hugs ever! Her dad handed me his business card as he thanked me for the good chat. Not surprisingly, he was a pastor. Interestingly, his very, very uncommon last name was the same as my first husband’s stepdad. As I fought back tears and unpleasant memories, I prayed.

“God in heaven, thank You for reminding me in this subtle way of your eternal presence in my life. Before I was born you had a plan for me. Certainly, I have made many wrong turns, but You always steered me back on the path…always.”

And, nothing in my life has been for naught.

If you struggle on your journey or fail to find meaning in your life, drop me a line. You may enjoy this post: https://www.susiekinslowadams.com/2020/10/31/children-are-our-greatest-treasure/

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Hugs,