Spending August with My Best Friend

Spending August with My Best Friend

Breakfast Outside with My Best Friend as A Few Friends Gather

A new month has dawned; time to refresh my goals, to begin again. Somehow, as I peruse my well-organized August calendar, I’d rather go back to bed! The zeal I had making my endless lists vanished after another sleepless night.

July was hard, really hard. Too hot. Too dry. Too many final goodbyes. Too many unfinished tasks. Endless decisions to make, more paperwork to decipher.

“Come unto me all you that are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” From Jesus in Matthew 11:30

My Best Friend is Jesus. He tugs gently at my heavy heart and lovingly reminds me I have a choice this day and every day. It’s a choice. I MUST choose every hour of every day to follow Him.

“OK, Susie Girl! Wash your face! Comb your unruly hair. Dress! Take your breakfast and morning coffee outside and start the day with Jesus.”

The cool morning air awakens my spirit. Butterflies dance amid the fragrant flowers showing off their colors. Soft breezes turn my thoughts to brighter days; peace fills my hungry soul.

I challenge you to spend time in God’s Word. Here are some wonderful, comforting words to begin with.

Despair turned into rejoicing as Best Friend Jesus reminded me of July’s blessings.  As Kitty nudges my legs for cuddles, Jesus floods my hungry heart with gentle reminders of how God had truly blessed my July. I could write a book of the many times I “just happened” to choose to eat where God had someone for me to meet.

For instance, I attended Springfield Writer’s Guild for the first time in a year. Why now? Because earlier in the week God orchestrated a chance meeting with a couple in town for lunch. Turns out she’s an author and wanted a friend to go with to guild meetings! It’s God’s Amazing Grace!

Prayers for God’s blessing on individual churches are reaping benefits as at least five had baptisms (many adults) this month!

A momma’s tear-filled “thank-you” as her little rowdy boys settled down in the cafe with their new tiny Bibles.

I can’t explain how my adjusted income wraps around these endless bills, let alone allows me to continue my Little Bible and candy/tract ministries.  But it does. My income changed, but not my giving and God continues to bless.

Count your blessings. Spend quality time this August with My Friend. His love for you is immeasurable.

PLEASE, drop me a note at the bottom of this article. Praying for God’s Peace in your heart.

Hugs,

I am so thankful for a few acres of beautiful trees and wildlife. Only God could have arranged this!

Learning Who Directs My Paths

Zelma (98) building memories with Sara (9) at revival.

 

My church is hosting a tent revival this week.

In a TENT? It’s near 100 degrees; no breeze! Hard metal chairs. Mosquitos and flies. Noisy. I can’t navigate that rocky hillside.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

I should go. NEED to go but it’s too far. I’m old and tired; completely worn out. Listening on Facebook later while I sip my coffee will be okay.

Ring, ring. “Hi, Susie. I knew you’d be going to revival tonight. Could I ride with you?”

Okay, Lord! So I got the message; I AM going to revival!

Have you been there?

Click here for some verses on God’s Plan

Sitting in front of us was 98-year-old Zelma singing praises with 9-year-old Sara. (Yes-ninety-eight-I could be her child!) With them was Lilly age 7 and Lashell, 11.

 

Looking at Jesus on her fan

God has so much for each of us. Every single day, He wants to bless, encourage and grow us into His likeness. The things of the world can so easily detour us.  Good things…but not His best always.

Yes, my home would have been cooler, more comfy…yet I would have missed so much. God spoke directly to my heart through the music and the message.  I was strengthened by the prayers and support of “family” around me. The testimonies of God at work in the hearts of His children of all ages encouraged my heart.

The evangelist’s powerful message challenged my very being. I would have listened later to the message on Facebook, but it would not have been the same. The church had a cooled sanctuary for any who wanted to watch on the screen away from the elements. I chose outside with my Forever Family.

I don’t know what you may be facing this week, or the choices you will have to make. Reasoning without prayer may put you on the wrong path. At the very least, you may miss the tremendous blessings God has in store for you. Trust Him; pray much before saying, “I am not…”.

Gotta get dressed for church…have a blessed week. Please let me hear from you soon.

Hugs,

 

What Does Abundant Life Mean to You?

What Does Abundant Life Mean to You?

One of Many Abandoned Churches

He was rugged looking: skinny, tattered clothes, stringy hair, and a scruffy beard. Perched like a pigeon on the edge of the pew, he was soaking up every word the pastor said.

After the service, I met Joe; the most well-scrubbed shabby person I ever knew. In the same way that his appearance spoke volumes of his prior lifestyle, his firm handshake and broadening smile warmed my heart.

“…I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10b Joe clearly had met Jesus personally. He was saved, rescued, and turned around leaving drugs and old cronies in the dust as he made his way to God’s house. He understood abundant life more than most.

Some would say the abandoned church building, the aging well-known pastor/musician and his wife, and Joe have seen better days. Perhaps, but I’m not so sure. There was joy here, pure joy. New life in Jesus spilled out all over the place as the tiny congregation lifted their voices to their Lord. Abundant JOY. Abundant PEACE. Abundant COMFORT. Abundant ACCEPTANCE. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine…!” Hungry souls had found peace and rest; they knew what they had in Jesus.

Click here to enjoy some of that preacher’s original music.

In this tiny town in SW Missouri, an aging preacher/musician and his wife have opened an abandoned church building to the “least of these”. Addicts and alcoholics and the down and out are finding love and compassion, healing, and restoration, one weary soul at a time. New Life! Abundant Life. Not on things, bank accounts, prestige, but simply based on the overpowering soul-saving Love of Jesus.

My heart longs for that newness of life; that joy unspeakable and full of glory!  I pray for that for my family, our churches, our pastors, and our congregations. Holy Spirit, fall fresh on us. Take away the worldly view of the abundant life we have come to rely on; to desire; to work to attain. Renew in us a right spirit.

My challenge this week for each of us is to check out our own “Abundant Life”. Lord, teach us to be grateful for what we have; for our families; our friends; our home; our jobs. Grant us opportunities to share Jesus with those who have no hope. Life without Jesus offers nothing. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me.

Hugs,