family Archives -

Learning to Rejoice

My Fav Preacher sharing Jesus in Walmart

“Rejoice in the Lord, always. And again, I say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

Always, Lord? Really? My heart is breaking! It’s our wedding anniversary, and the hole in my heart grows bigger each year. And I am to rejoice?

Before I go any further, I want to chat with you who have lost a loved one, perhaps a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or friend. Each of us goes through stages of grief shaped by our own backgrounds, temperaments, and experiences. My earnest prayers are with you; the losses are great, the pain runs deep. Allow God’s love to grant you HIs peace and comfort.

This 5th year without Russell has been harder for whatever reason. The grief is huge. Winter seems colder this year; days are longer, and simple decisions are more difficult to make. And yet, I can honor him and celebrate God’s goodness because I KNOW this parting is temporary! HOME is awaiting, in God’s time.

On January 13, 2026, I chose to rejoice, to have a fun lunch with friends at the local senior center, and to celebrate our 47th anniversary. It was Bank Day (free), and the Boomer Brothers livened us up with ’50s and ’60s music. The next several hours were spent on “our” bench at Walmart. I could write books about the lives God touched as Russell sat on that bench, sharing Jesus with all who would stop by.

Here is a tiny sampling of God’s grace to a lonely old lady. I was rarely alone. Trust me, the little I share here is the tip of the iceberg!

An elderly lady asked for one of the tiny Bibles I was giving to the kids (with the kids’ family’s permission). She is helping a restless 6yr old learn to sit still in church.
Numerous fellas and gals paused long enough to share a praise or a serious prayer request.
Close neighbors/friends who had moved away “just happened” to be in the neighborhood and detoured last minute to pick up something on their way out of town. What joy!
A prayer partner sat with me for over half an hour, bringing me up to date on how God was working in her family despite difficult circumstances and personality challenges.
A young teen who had lost my contact information was afraid she was too late to submit her drawings for the Patches’ Friendships book I am working on. Happy!
I complimented a lady’s shirt, and she complimented my butterfly pin. She and her friend invited me to a women’s brunch in a neighboring community; this will be an ongoing relationship for sure!
The nods, the winks, the hugs, endless!

Sweet friend, you and I are left here for a reason. Our world needs to know they are loved, prayed for, not forgotten. We all need a dose of Hope and it only comes through Jesus. I challenge you to be Jesus’ hands and feet for someone today. I promise, you will rejoice!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Hugs,

Susie

Finding True Peace

Fellowship Meal at Promise Point Baptist Revival

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

From my journal, December 18, 2024 – “Regina came yesterday; leaves today … We talked non-stop for hours. My heart breaks for those who do not have close friends to do life with!”

My friend lives several hours from me, yet she finds (MAKES) time to come my way. We laugh, we cry, we pray, we share things only God will ever hear. Do you have a treasured friend like that? Are you one? God calls us “family” for a reason.

The attached photo was taken at a recent church dinner. The t-shirt says it all. Without a life of prayer, we can easily slip into the world’s mode: climb the proverbial ladder, work harder to get more stuff. Yet, it is ALL temporary.

“… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b

I love the photo of sweet Judy and the tiny baby. Do you know the Jesus we celebrate holds us like that? His love is so great. He desires that we come to Him as a little child.

Like many of you, I’ve had more than one challenge the past few weeks. Because of God’s family faithfully praying, I have felt His comfort and peace in the midst of my storms. Do you have that peace in your storm? Let me hear from you.

Are you struggling with health issues? Are your finances strapped to the limit? Do you have relationships that need healing? Are there things in your life that need fixing? There is one answer: Jesus! Click here for God’s words on peace.

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus this year, I want to personally challenge you to search your own heart. Have you made room for Jesus? Is He so real to you that you know (really know) He walks with you each day?

Dear friend, I do not have it all together! In the midst of reading hundreds of happy birthday posts and cards, I have felt lonely. Yet, God has been faithful. I read His word, recall His promises, and I find peace. As I close, I pray for that kind of peace for you. I want you to feel God’s spirit when you need an extra hug.

Hugs, love and PRAYERS!

Susie

Let me hear how God is at work in your life.

The Time to Talk is Now

2005-6 Promise Point Baptist Church

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

This photo from twenty-five years ago appeared on my memory page today. Obviously, from the gals in red, it was a Valentine’s banquet. I’m guessing Brent McCune, decked out in his finest, honored us with special music. (His proud parents are in the back row.)

Feeling God’s clear leadership, seventeen of us had left Crossroads Baptist Church in Buffalo, MO, to begin a new ministry, and Promise Point Baptist Church was birthed.

Excitement grew as we canvassed the area sharing the Good News of Jesus while working diligently to prepare a vacant church building for Sunday services. God began blessing immediately as one of the young men we visited stood at his front door and asked Jesus into his heart.

The photo stirred happy memories for sure. I treasure each one and long to renew acquaintances and share stories. However, within the photo is another life truth that cannot be overlooked. Only five of the nine in this photo are still living. My time for reminiscing with the other four has passed. (Mr. Bill Ware’s homegoing celebration was today. In his honor I post this.)

Precious friend, this has been a wake-up call for me. I don’t know when I will draw my last breath, nor do you. The time to talk is now.

#1 Do I know, really know, those I meet each day have asked Jesus into their heart?

#2 Do I have my family relationships in order? Are there fences to mend? Stories that need to be told?

#3 Are there people I need to make a point to go see now, and not put off until a “better” day?

The list of questions is endless. I would ask you to pray… seriously pray. Ask God who you might need to talk with today.

As always, I’m praying for you and looking forward to hearing from you.

Hugs, Susie