Help Archives -

Heart Warming Thoughts for 2025

From Philippians 4 … if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good… and you will find the God of peace will be with you.

As I pen this note, it’s day five of the new year. Diamonds sparkle on ice-laden trees, fences, and walkways as I warm by a cozy fire. With above-freezing temps nowhere in sight, winter photos somehow lost their appeal! Happy summer pics of Kitty checking out my coffee warmed my heart. I trust they will do the same for you.

Let’s chat a bit about this new year looming in front of us. Are you a goal-setter? Did you make resolutions? How’s that going for you?

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking, “Susie, I just hope to get through one more day with a little sanity left. I am not ready to look at an entire year before me. I’m bone tired, worn out, and physically and mentally empty. I cannot think of resolving for next year!”

Like me, you may watch the news and wonder how anyone will make it. We can so easily get weighed down with our daily struggles and the cares of this world that there seems no way out.

I have a personal challenge for you. Let’s make this our best year ever. No matter how busy, stressed, or worn out we are, we can do this!

Consider joining me this year on a journey. We will set one personal resolution (goal) we can keep for the entire year. I promise this simple goal can change your life, give you a new perspective, ease your burdens, and lighten your load.

Here is the deal. My one major goal this year is taken from God’s Word in Philippians chapter 4 (paraphrase):

“…fix your thoughts on what is honorable – right – pure – lovely – admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Let’s not plan to change our doing, let’s change our thinking, one day at a time. For me, as my thoughts head for old familiar territory-I Can’t Hill, They Won’t Road, Trouble’s Coming Village, We’ll Never Make It Curve,

Stop it. Today, with God’s help, I will fix my thoughts on lovely, pure, good things.

I will look into the mirror and smile at myself until I laugh out loud at that silly woman staring back.

I will hug someone nearby, call a friend, or simply raise my hands high and breathe deeply as I sing praises to Jesus.

Yes, precious friend, I will have other goals. I have to make them for my work, my family, and myself. However, this one goal will be my priority, and all else will follow.

Thanks for listening and taking the time to leave me a note so I can pray for you as we journey 2025 together. Let me hear from you. We can make this a great year.

Hugs,

Susie

Learning to Listen with Our Hearts

“Are you listening to me? Really listening?” Matthew 11:15 MSG

“I love the Lord because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2

I want to learn to listen like that! God inclines His ear to me when I talk. I want to hear with my heart so that I don’t forget what is said to me. I want others to know I do care about them.

Listening involves more than merely hearing.

We are wise to learn to listen. Especially today with so many diversions at our fingertips, focusing our attention on a single conversation can be difficult. As we put forth effort to become a better listener, we benefit others as well as ourselves. You may find, as I have, some of these simple tips are easier said than done!

How you appear to the one speaking may let them know you care.

1. Look the person in the eye as you listen. This may seem oversimplified or unnecessary, especially if you are busy meeting immediate needs and you genuinely feel you don’t have time for conversation. Pausing for a few seconds to look at them directly as you smile or pat a hand or shoulder is a visual sign you genuinely care and have their best interests in hand.

Your answers can help others communicate better.

2. Do give feedback that encourages further communication. No one wants to hear, “I know how you feel”. A better comment would be, “That must be difficult for you”. Saying “I’m so sorry you feel this way” will often help to win trust and build confidence.

There is a time to give advice and a time to wait.

3. Learn to listen without giving advice. This can be extremely difficult, especially if you feel you understand the circumstances. Make a note if you think this is a topic that may need to be addressed at a later time or with others responsible for their well-being.

Click here for what the Bible has to say about listening.

Learn why certain topics are repeated more than others.

4. Try not to get impatient with repeated conversations. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes; consider why these stories might be so important. Listen for clues that may help the person, family, or you as a caregiver.

Most people simply want someone to love them; to genuinely care about their needs.

5. Do not judge the person by what they say. You may not relate to what is said or agree, but you can show the courtesy of listening politely.

Knowing you care will build trust, help reduce tension, and release emotions. Taking time to listen, even for a few short minutes, will encourage further conversations and can produce life-changing results for all.

We can learn from Jesus who said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Hugs,

Susie

5 Reasons to Write Your Story NOW

What stories could this old barn tell? The hay field? The home hidden in the trees?

“Remember the days of long ago! (Ask your father and the aged men; They will tell you all about it.)” Deuteronomy 32:7 TLB

Writing our memoir has been an amazing journey. I am totally blown away by what I have learned – about myself! Seriously. It has been fun, challenging, gut-wrenching, surprising… I could go on. I genuinely believe every person needs to write their story; if only for themselves.

While THE REBEL AND PREACHER MAN is our true love story, it also holds some mystery, more than one miracle, and….

There are many reasons every single person should write his or her life story. Here are five that I personally think are good reasons.

Most Important: Do it for YOU!

I cannot over-emphasize this point. If you never plan to have anyone else read your writing, you still need to do it for yourself. Honestly, something happens when your words leave your head and heart and through your hands onto the paper. I am serious. Do it for you.

Help Others Overcome Challenges

Every person faces challenges of one kind or another. As you write about your personal challenges, you gain insight into how to help others. What has formed you into the person you are? God never wastes a thing; he will use the good and the bad for His glory as you yield control to Him.

So You Don’t Forget Where You Have Been

As I wrote The Rebel and Preacher Man, I gathered information from small notepads, journals, and even scribbles on the back of envelopes. There are little tidbits in the book that I had long forgotten; jewels in every sense of the word.

Preserve Your Family History for Future Generations

Get beyond forming the family tree. Consider the heart issues. Why are you living where you are now? Is this where you planned on spending your last years? Did the cares of this world pull you away from your youthful dreams?

Pray about Sharing All or Part of Your Story

You do not have to write a book. Do you have life experiences that might help others? Are there some fun, crazy times worth sharing? Both print and online publications are looking for short stories that encourage or lighten the load of others. We need each other.

For informative articles on writing your story, click here

I am praying for you as you read this. Please, ask God where you are in this article. What does HE want you to do? Trust me on this. Follow your heart as He leads and you will be amazed at what God has for you.

Blessings, prayers, love and Hugs,

For more of my story, click here