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Not My Plans for the New Year

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 ESV

January 2025

Week One: My right hearing aid broke. Week Two: The roof leaked in the master bedroom and the front porch. Week Three: Pipes burst in the well-house as the water froze.

These were not my plans for the new year.

As I sit to chat with you, I am waiting for the plumber and the roofer. As for repairing the hearing aids, I’m not sure I want to hear what either of these guys have to say.

How has your year been so far?

“Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” 1 Peter 5:7 TLB Click here for more verses on worry.

Despite all the difficulties of my first few weeks, I have a peace that only comes when you know, really know that you are God’s child. I have a Father in Heaven who sees my need and will answer in His time and in His way.

He has graciously enabled me to stay home. I have a cozy cottage with a fireplace, plenty of bottled water, and food. I even have popcorn and chocolates! It’s like camping out with all the perks. He has given me amazing opportunities to witness His love and grace to those I would not have met otherwise.

God has helped me, through His marvelous grace, to view each obstacle in daily life as a stepping stone. I can choose to step up and

trust God in all things
praise Him for who He is
allow God to work as He sees fit

Or to step down and be worried over finances and material things. I choose to step up. Will you join me?

What are you facing today? Will you trust God’s hand in each circumstance? Can you simply let go and let God? Thanks for leaving a note below.

How can I pray for you?

Hugs, Susie

Heart Warming Thoughts for 2025

From Philippians 4 … if you value the approval of God, fix your minds on the things which are holy and right and pure and beautiful and good… and you will find the God of peace will be with you.

As I pen this note, it’s day five of the new year. Diamonds sparkle on ice-laden trees, fences, and walkways as I warm by a cozy fire. With above-freezing temps nowhere in sight, winter photos somehow lost their appeal! Happy summer pics of Kitty checking out my coffee warmed my heart. I trust they will do the same for you.

Let’s chat a bit about this new year looming in front of us. Are you a goal-setter? Did you make resolutions? How’s that going for you?

Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking, “Susie, I just hope to get through one more day with a little sanity left. I am not ready to look at an entire year before me. I’m bone tired, worn out, and physically and mentally empty. I cannot think of resolving for next year!”

Like me, you may watch the news and wonder how anyone will make it. We can so easily get weighed down with our daily struggles and the cares of this world that there seems no way out.

I have a personal challenge for you. Let’s make this our best year ever. No matter how busy, stressed, or worn out we are, we can do this!

Consider joining me this year on a journey. We will set one personal resolution (goal) we can keep for the entire year. I promise this simple goal can change your life, give you a new perspective, ease your burdens, and lighten your load.

Here is the deal. My one major goal this year is taken from God’s Word in Philippians chapter 4 (paraphrase):

“…fix your thoughts on what is honorable – right – pure – lovely – admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Let’s not plan to change our doing, let’s change our thinking, one day at a time. For me, as my thoughts head for old familiar territory-I Can’t Hill, They Won’t Road, Trouble’s Coming Village, We’ll Never Make It Curve,

Stop it. Today, with God’s help, I will fix my thoughts on lovely, pure, good things.

I will look into the mirror and smile at myself until I laugh out loud at that silly woman staring back.

I will hug someone nearby, call a friend, or simply raise my hands high and breathe deeply as I sing praises to Jesus.

Yes, precious friend, I will have other goals. I have to make them for my work, my family, and myself. However, this one goal will be my priority, and all else will follow.

Thanks for listening and taking the time to leave me a note so I can pray for you as we journey 2025 together. Let me hear from you. We can make this a great year.

Hugs,

Susie

Spring Brings A Fresh Perspective

Adams’ Acres Awakens to Spring

Spring is my favorite season, a reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation (that includes you and me!)

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth. ” Genesis 1:1 Click here for more verses about God’s creation.

It’s a happy time. Birds appear from nowhere to build nests; butterflies search for the tiniest flowers. Animals attack new blades of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates.

And yet, too often our present pain can overshadow the splendor of spring.

I recall a spring day when I unloaded my heavy heart. “Little Robin, I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Can’t you see my heart is breaking as you strut proudly singing? Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

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

As Mother lay in a hospital, I wondered if each day would be her last. 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.

Yet it was that very image that gave me hope.

From childhood to now, my fondest memories of Mother included nature. Thoughts of our rejoicing in God’s creation refreshed my weary soul. As I pondered the joys we had on our many spring excursions, I felt a sense of peace. Mother relished every moment outside in the spring. “Smell the air” she would say. “Look at the colors! Susie, never lose sight of what God has given us!”

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bringing spring to those who cannot get outside.

Recently, it seemed I had walked into a spring garden instead of a care facility. Every room was filled with colorful flower cutouts. Bright ribbons adorned pictures and bows accented the lamps. I was told they celebrate each month with all the vigor they can muster. “Not one of us, after all, is promised a tomorrow! We simply must do all we can do today to celebrate the goodness of God.” Wow! That profound comment was food for thought!

I recall holidays when we were caring for Mother. We hurriedly put out an appropriate card and flower of some sort as holidays came and went and seasons changed. I may have even decorated a cupcake or two. But, to celebrate each day like this? No, not at all.

Who needs a touch of God’s goodness this spring?

We have much to celebrate, not the least of which is A Risen Savior! How better to spread the Good News of New Life than to splash color around in the room occupied by the home-bound? Give them and your family something new to gaze upon. Add life and interest to your home.

Celebrate family! Celebrate life! Make every day a holiday; celebrate the gift of life!

I pray for you, dear friend, that you find rest when you are weary. I pray you find resources to meet your needs and those in your care. I pray you find the courage and hope for the days ahead.

Most of all, I pray that you know the Savior that rose from the grave that day and offered His free gift of Eternal Life and Hope to all who would receive it. Blessings and hugs to each of you.

Thanks for your comments; and your prayers.