- Page 20 of 94 -

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,

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,