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Bloom Where You are Planted

Beautiful Hollyhock Never Gives Up

A beautiful hollyhock bloom like this greets me each day as I back out of the garage or walk to the mailbox. I see the promise of more blooms to come.

In the photo below you will see how the plant has had to struggle to live, to grow, to keep producing blooms.

This determined plant has woven itself back and forth through a chain-link fence. It’s been chopped with a weed-eater, buried in mud, and nibbled on by a variety of critters.

Let’s face it, this plant is not exactly in the right place to produce anything of value. Yet, it has not only survived but also brings happiness and joy with each bloom.

Do you feel that way at times; beaten down by the world and all its cares? Illnesses, death, job issues, personality conflicts, money problems all take their toll. Feel like you can never bloom or be of any good where you are planted?

Has life seemed to sap your energy? Do you struggle to make it through another day? Me, too, at times! But we can find hope in God’s Word. He alone is faithful.

#1 TRUST in the Lord. From Jeremiah 17:7-8: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank…he does not fear…he is not anxious…he does not cease to bear fruit…

Let’s face it. When our world comes crashing around us, when “friends” forsake us or fail to live up to our expectations, trust can be difficult. But we have an anchor; our God has a plan for us. In every circumstance of life, we can always trust Him.

#2 BE STRONG. From Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid … for the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you…

It takes courage to chart a new path and leave the familiar behind. Fear can stifle the grandest intentions. It takes faith to believe God will be with us; yet, He has promised that very thing and He cannot lie.

#3 BE CONTENT. From Hebrews 13:5 Be content with such things as you have for He hath said I will never leave you or forsake you... we have a Savior who will supply all our needs. If I am struggling at the moment, I can be content. I know that whatever I am going through, He has a plan.

Worth the Struggle to Survive

I know that I cannot back-track. The words I’ve spoken or the deeds I’ve done cannot be undone. The option is not there to say or do more in any circumstance. I cannot redo or replan my life; not a minute of it.

But I can trust the One who holds me in His loving hand with my present and my future.

So can you, my friend. Let me hear from you; I am praying for each of you as I send this letter out.

Bloom where you are planted; trust God and obey.

Sending hugs,

Memories, How They Linger

Dr Glen Pence wed us in a Joplin, MO blizzard.

Our Beautiful Family on Our Wedding Day; Debbie, Laura, Michael, Ricky

Memories, how they linger.

It was one very long month ago that my precious husband breathed his last breath here on earth.

Today, I pat his pillow and pray for strength to face another day without his loving arms wrapped around me. In the deepest trials, he assured me, “Susie, God has this. It will be okay.”

I know that, but I sure would like to hear him say it just one more time!

Celebrating Our First Year

God’s Word has been such a comfort to me. Our Father’s Love is boundless. Click here to check out these great scriptures.

Life is hard when you lose a loved one. When it is a spouse, every part of your life changes. I don’t like checking “widowed” on all these papers. I don’t like filling my own gas tank; carrying in the groceries, going to the mailbox, emptying the trash, making decisions all by myself.

But the love of friends and family keeps me going. God blessed us with four beautiful children. I am so thankful. Each did their part in caring for Russell and me in his final hours. Our daughters call often to see what I need, to share memories, to encourage. The boys are coming again this week to fix stuff around here for me.

I’m overwhelmed at the floral tributes, cards, calls, and monetary gifts given to Dallas County SBA Missions and Gideon Bibles in his memory. Literally from coast to coast I am getting comments of how his life has been an influence on others. Beautiful memories; such immeasurable blessings.

All this is good. However, right now I sure would like to have one more great big hug. Lunch is not the same without him wrapping his arms around me and blessing the meal. Going to Woods without his walking while I shop is lonely. And, I don’t know what to buy…I don’t need all that stuff he liked; not sure what I even prefer to eat.

Visiting churches each week is both uplifting and very lonely. I miss his hand patting mine; his affirming smile; how he showed his love for Jesus and for others. I went to revival last night; I missed hearing his comments on the great message and fellowship. Our DCASB Annual meeting is tomorrow; he should be there to give his report and encourage our pastors!.

Truth is, we have an entire community of “suddenly single” individuals trying to find their way in a new and different world. Not all share the same needs, but each long for someone to hold their hand and say it will be okay. Please pray for us as we seek God’s will in our lives individually, and in our community as a whole. The need is great for some support groups. Russell and I had talked since last Christmas about the need in our association and what God would have us do.

And, as you read this, consider your own family. Love them. Pray for them. Hold them close. Trust God to work in their lives as you give them over to Him.

Never miss an opportunity to say “I love you,” or “I am sorry.” And, drop me a note anytime.

Hugs,

If you have been involved in a support group or know of some good bereavement materials, please leave me a message at the end of this article. Thanks for caring.

A Little Child shall lead Them

Baby Reiley at Promise Point Baptist

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them … Isaiah 11:6

As I write this, my world has turned upside down. In the midst of it all, there is hope. I know Who holds me in His loving Hands.

The first week in August was long, tiring, and for the most part unsuccessful. One more long trip out of town following my cousin’s death was inevitable. However, my heart drew me back home Sunday for church. A close friend, Marilyn, was to be baptized in the river, I HAD to be there.

As often happens, the Lord spoke directly to my heart through the pastor’s message. Over sixty years as a Christian and I continue to be amazed at how the Holy Spirit meets the deepest, unspoken needs of my heart.

The breezy warm day was ideal for a dunkin’ in the river. As Pastor closed the service, a loud clap of thunder stopped us in our tracks. Thunder? no, no, NO! Within minutes the parking lot was flooded as lightning again filled the sky. There would be no river baptism today.

All was lost. I should not have made the long trip home. Or, was this another one of God’s appointments?

“Susie, we didn’t get your picture with the baby. We need all of our church in Reiley’s Family album.” A very excited new grandmother was in my face with a camera as she plopped that wee one in my arms. Oh, my … I’d drive anywhere to cuddle that cutie again.

As I cradled that precious child in my arms, I knew that I knew that I knew. God always has a plan. I must learn to trust Him more. There is hope. There is a calm in the midst of my storm. there is assurance the promise of our permanent home where we all, God’s children, will have the peace of this little child. We will be cared for and nurtured and loved like no other can.

For some encouraging scriptures providing hope click here.

I do not know what my tomorrow holds, I do know it isn’t going as we had planned. I’ve not had time to comprehend the loss of my cousin/sister! It leaves me as the last remaining member of Momma’s family! Just now I am watching my amazing hubby struggle to breathe. We do know the Great Planner has each of us in the palm of His loving hand. I know, I KNOW we can trust Him.

Are you a Child of the King? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt your last breath here will be your next in Heaven?

There is a peace that passes all understanding as your Forever Family holds you up in prayer. Do you have that peace? If not, I have time to listen. Even in the midst of the wildest storm, you are loved.

Hugs,