blessing Archives -

Personal Chatter and a Hug

Just Me Watching My World Go By

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV

Life has thrown me a few curves this 2026, one right after another. After lingering all too long, I dusted my boots, grabbed my tool chest, and jumped right in to fix it all. Without fail, each time I thought I had all my ducks in a row, here came some pigeons–and crows–and?

You know; you have been there. Perhaps you are there now. Things just aren’t lining up like they are supposed to. Decisions were made that affected me and my life without my knowledge. And I had more than one “what was I thinking?” moment!

HOWEVER! Don’t miss this! I changed! I failed! My circumstances changed! Others failed me! But My Father never, ever changed! He never, ever left me! He is using every bump for His glory and my benefit. I praise Him. Romans 8:28

Follow this link for 45 helpful scriptures – https://christianitypath.com/bible-verses-about-guidance-and-strength/

Add to the confusion, my precious Russell has been gone for almost five years, and for whatever reason, this year has been the hardest. The hole is big; the miss is real! He would be 100 on Saturday, June 27. Our family is gathering and celebrating the memories and the Promise: we will be together again when we all get HOME! “What a day that will be…”

Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your patience. Please let me know how I can pray for you. God is honored as we bring our requests to Him in faith.

Be watching for the next newsletter (hopefully with a new book announcement!)

And… drop Susie a note!

With prayers and hugs,

Susie

Overwhelmed Caregiver: When Spring isn’t so Grand

Posted on March 31, 2015 by adminOctober 25, 2016

Spring is one of my favorite seasons, a time of blessing. I’ve spent hours watching the birds scurry around to build nests and hunt worms. The world seems to awaken overnight; animals attack every new blade of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates. It’s a happy time, a great reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation.

Even the splendor of spring can’t hide our pain!

I recall a particular spring day when my thoughts were not so favorable:
“Little Robin with your head held so high, do you know my heart is breaking? You strut proudly and sing … chirping along, grabbing a bug to eat as you go. I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Doesn’t the whole world need to stop and feel my pain … Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

Feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, mother, friend, is inevitable.

I had been watching Mother lay in a hospital bed for days, wondering each day if it would be her last breath. Her window opened to beautiful, flower laden lawns filled with cheerful little robins. My feelings stormed inside; I wanted to chase the birds away, to cry, to scream, to do something to let the world know my heart was breaking inside. Making it doubly hard was memories of Mother and I often rejoicing together at God’s creation and enjoying the beautiful robins at play.

There is help and there is hope.

There are times when we all feel overwhelmed with circumstances around us. I deal with some of those thoughts in My Mother My Child in the chapter called “Going Home”. It was difficult to live through; hard to write, but important to share.

One of the greatest helps I have found is simply a listening ear. I hope you have someone you trust to share your feelings with. When I cared for Mother, I often felt so alone. I did not realize so much of what was happening with her was a natural part of aging, and yes, of dying. If you care for anyone at all, find some support; you need it and so do those in your care.

Psalm 40:1 says it best: “I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry.”

Hugs,

My Mother My Child will make a thoughtful gift book for all ages. I am grateful for testimonies from young and older who have been helped and encouraged.

Finding Balance and Counting Blessings

Posted on March 1, 2014 by adminOctober 26, 2016

Although tiring and often challenging, most days of caregiving are filled with rewards and blessings. There are times, however, when the stress and routine of the job seem to win.

Can you relate? The most menial tasks have suddenly become overwhelming. It has been a major struggle to care for yourself let alone others. Grumbling and complaining have taken your music and robbed you of your joy.

The concerns you are dealing with may be serious with no clear answers in sight. Faithful helpers have suddenly dropped out of circulation and you are left alone.

Adding to the stress, your long-awaited one-day outing has just been canceled due to an unexpected storm in the forecast.

Perhaps you are trying to make better menu choices for yourself, family and all in your care. However, today you are starving and there is no relief in sight!

Now what? How do you pull out of such a deep pit and back into circulation? How do we escape?

When I have times like that, all my helpers could show up at one time and I’d still be in the pit. I could eat the refrigerator and all its contents and still be starving. I know food is not the answer to my dilemma.

Recently I have found the Serenity Prayer to be a welcome reminder – I am not alone.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Are there things in my life right now I need to accept, deal with, and move on? The Lord will give the strength and peace I need if I ask.

… courage to change the things I can. What actions could I take to make my work run smoother? Do I need to accept help from others? Are there changes in the way I do things that would help? Could I use my time more wisely?

… wisdom to know the difference. God in heaven knows what is best for me. If I am to go through trials, He is there to comfort and to guide. If He desires change in my life, He will provide it as I yield to His will.

This thought from Colossians helps put my day in perspective: “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”

As you serve others, I pray for you days of health, sunshine, and love.

Hugs,

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