When My Ways Yield to God’s Ways

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

More than a Recipe

“Let all you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

My only sibling always seemed to go the extra mile. When I called for a list of herbs in my brother’s famous roast, he replied: “Sure, Sis. I’ll get right back to you.” He didn’t just call me back. Instead, I received this beautiful, hand-written, detailed letter in my mailbox.

Always the over-achiever, Richard graduated from Goodman (MO) High School in 1968 with honors including salutatorian, Boys State, Babe Ruth championship team, and more. In the Navy, he graduated from Class 9 Communication School as the honor man and represented the Navy at the European National Pool Tournament. In the business world, he worked as a Consumer Finance Manager for finance companies and hospitals. His skill with figures pulled many hospitals out of the red.

Little brother was a great story-teller; so much so, I took most things with a grain of salt. However, later I learned many of his “tall tales” were true. One thing I could depend upon, if I had a need, he would be there for me.

He called Mother every week, regardless of where he was. After she died, he continued the Saturday night calls to me. “Sis, how is it going?” Oh, how I miss those calls.

This simple letter is one of my most prized possessions. Not for the recipe, I don’t cook. Its value is in the memories it holds. Richard took precious time and care to go the extra mile for me. God blessed me with a brother’s love that will last forever.

Click here for verses on brotherly love.

I wonder, what am I leaving for my family? for others? A house full of “stuff” or hearts filled with sweet memories of a Mom, Grandma, or Friend that loved beyond measure?

More than tangible things, I have real concerns about my spiritual legacy. But, then that’s a story for another day. Keep tuned in.

What is your most prized possession? Let me hear from you.

Hugs and prayers,

Susie

Church Conflict and God’s Amazing Grace

Church Conflict and God's Amazing Grace

Helen Wall and Susie Adams and God’s Victory Bouquet

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
—Deuteronomy 31:8

For over forty years as a pastor’s wife, I was honored to serve churches in several states. And I can say, every single one was filled with strong, loving Christian men and women who never had internal conflicts. I can say that. It’s not true, but I can say it.

Click here for some exciting words from our Loving Father regarding church family.

Sweet readers, as long as we are here on earth, we will have problems, in and out of church. When there is that inevitable conflict, I believe it’s not so much whether I am right or wrong, but how my spirit is toward others.

When my husband was asked to leave one church, we had children in school and a very active, growing congregation.  We took a week’s vacation and shared and prayed as a family seeking God’s will and direction. Only God’s Holy Spirit could have granted us the peace we had as we returned and continued to serve those who would do us harm. (I must say, God’s clear direction was sometimes to leave.)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Before leaving for vacation, we ensured everything about the church was in good order and ready for worship. I grabbed some of my favorite flowers and made a colorful altar bouquet with little thought of how God would use those flowers to speak to me when we returned.

Week after week as we grew in grace, God seemed to reveal His character and grant peace through a simple bouquet. Three lilies – Father, Son, Holy Spirit; gladiolas – I was glad… to worship; striped grasses – by His stripes we are healed; baby breath – He is the Breath of Life; roses – He died and rose again … Each week a loving Father spoke through the Victory Boquet and turned our hungry hearts toward Him.

If your heart is troubled, or you know someone struggling, meditate on these verses as you pray for one another. Allow our Father to pour out His grace and love upon you, those you love, and those who rub you the wrong way.

I love you. I care. God loves you so much more.

Drop a note if I can pray for/with you.

Hugs, Susie