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The Value of Community

the value of community

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133

This week, I have had many occasions to pause and praise the Lord for the great community in which I live.

After I voted on election day, I lingered in the parking lot for three hours, praying for God’s will as I watched my community vote. They came alone, they came as families, they came by the carload. More than once, I watched strangers helping each other navigate the long, bumpy ramp or get into their vehicles. I do not take this good neighbor thing for granted!

Later in the week, I took advantage of the free community dinner provided by a local church. Again, all ages came to share a meal together; some individuals, some families, several who had brought friends and family. The laughter and camaraderie are unmatched; I am grateful to those who provide the food and facilities. The welcome mat is extended to all whether or not they can drop a few dollars into the offering jar.

At another community event, I believe more than one miracle happened as senior adults attended the free coffee and pie social at the YMCA. God did what only He could do at one table as two strangers from out of town found out they were actually neighbors. The laughter and chatter that followed ensured the beginning of something great.

Click here for what the Bible says about community.

Precious friend, I have a challenge for you. Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood; lend your support as much as possible. To be perfectly honest, without my sweet husband by my side, I often have to push myself out the door. Home is comfy and I can always find things that need my attention. I make a choice to go out.

Do it for yourself. Do it for others. Our world needs Jesus, now more than ever. And, we need each other!

I’m looking forward to hearing from you. As I hit send, I always pause and pray for God to meet the deepest needs of those who take (make) time to read my chatter!

Hugs,

Susie

Making My Home a House of Prayer

My Family Secure in God’s Hands

“…far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you...” from 1 Samuel 12:23

“…we have not ceased to pray for you...” from Colossians 1:9

Do you have a long prayer list from churches, social media, neighbors, family, and friends? How do you keep track of them? Are you faithful to pray for them?

I have tried notebooks, sticky notes, prayer folders, daily quiet time, and more. Yet, I fail when the list continues to grow and the needs deepen.

What does the Bible say about praying for others? Click here

In Isaiah 56 and Matthew 21, God mentions His place of worship as a house of prayer. I desire that my home be a house of prayer. I want to take prayer requests more seriously. Here is a glimpse of what my House of Prayer is beginning to look like.

Closest to my heart is my family; for their spiritual condition more than health or wealth. My dining room is the center of my home. When I enter, I pause to thank God for my family. Lighted candles for each child surround a sculpture of God’s open hands. There is a stone in God’s hands for each family member; I often hold them as I pray individually. On my way through, I pat the hands and thank Our Father for His care and mercy. Quite often, I pause and weep over my family.

My dining room is my FAMILY PRAYER ROOM.

In the kitchen, little notes on the refrigerator (often in red) are reminders of urgent requests; those that need more time in prayer. I believe more spiritual battles were/are fought and won in kitchens throughout America than in churches. Watching the critters in the woods as I work at the sink reminds me that I can trust my Father to know what is best for my friends, my country, and the world.

My kitchen is my URGENT NEEDS PRAYER ROOM

My bedroom is filled with things that turn my attention to praising God. I want to awaken every morning with Jesus as my first thought. When I put my shoes on each morning, I ask for His direction for my entire day. As I pull out of the driveway, I pray for God to guide me where I need to be and make me a good witness for Him. (NOTE: I could write volumes on how God has changed my direction almost daily.) At night, no matter how weary, I strive to crawl into bed praising God for who He is and how He has worked in my life and my world.

My bedroom is my PRAISE JESUS ROOM

I’m not sure what other rooms God will open up for me in my little cottage, but this I know. He and He alone is the Master of this house. And He wants to hear and answer every prayer.

Please take a minute to let me know what works for you. How can I pray for you?

Remember: in the crazy times that we are living in, God really is in control; He is not asleep! He WILL have His way.

Hugs,

Susie

When My Ways Yield to God’s Ways

A View from the Elevator

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Excitement was high as I packed for my first Baptist Secretaries Conference (BSAAM) in several years. I was anxious to see old friends and learn new techniques, and I needed inspiration to move forward.

I had included my usual request as I reserved the room. “Please ensure my room is next to the elevator as I cannot walk long hallways.” I was assured that could be done.

Confident all was as planned, we headed for the elevator expecting our room number 203 to be just outside the door. It wasn’t! Our room was at the end of the hallway; 112 long steps to be exact! Roommate Cheryl gingerly pushed our luggage cart toward the room while I had to stop three times to catch my breath and steady my weary legs. Seriously!

Normally I would have tried to get the room changed. However, God kept me moving, not complaining, trusting Him to care for me. He alone arranged for my ‘needs’ and not my ‘wants’ to be met that day. By the end of the stay, I even took the stairs to the lobby!

At the conference facility, we walked long (very long) hallways to each class. The bathroom was at one end of the hall and the atrium (food) was at the other. My loving Father knew I needed that hotel warmup to prepare me for the days ahead.

Click here for encouraging scripture from the Billy Graham Association when things do not go as expected.

How about you, precious friend? When things go awry, do you consider God may be giving your needs instead of your wants? Can you stop and praise Him, even in the worst of times knowing He loves you and knows what’s best?

Many of you are daily facing much more complex issues than I face. I know that for certain. I pray for you often. Never lose sight of the fact that God loves you. God has you and your family in the palm of His loving hand and He WILL NOT LET GO!

Here are a few more verses to hang on to when the road gets rough.

Let me hear from you. How can I pray for you this week?

Hugs,

Susie