family Archives -

Bittersweet

Thank You, Elicia Kirby – From Her Porch

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens; a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” from Ecclesiastes 3 KJV

Do you ever miss the ‘good old days’? Perhaps miss friends and family who have gone on before?

Today, I’m trying to gather my things for a few days away. No vacation – funeral of a dear friend. By now, I should be showered and packed. Instead, I’m sittin’ and sobbin’!

I miss my mommy, and daddy, and grandpa, and cousin Penny, and brother and … The list goes on and on and on. My heart is lonely today.

Last Saturday, June 27, the family gathered here to honor the 100^th anniversary of my precious Russell’s birth. It was bittersweet as we shared memories, hugs, and tears.

When we moved to Buffalo in 2000, our realtor, Aaron Taylor, invited us to church where he and his young family were members. Loren Dryer was his pastor. We watched Aaron surrender to the ministry and become pastor of a local congregation. This week, Aaron preached at Brother Loren’s funeral. (Loren drew his last breath on Russell’s 100^th bday! Heaven will never be the same!)

In 1978, recently widowed, my mother and I visited Harmony Heights Baptist in Joplin, where I met and married the widowed pastor (January 1979). I soon met Jim and Dorothy Davis, a couple Russell had encouraged in ministry through the years. Now, they were my encouragers, patiently guiding me in my new world.

I’m loading my car today and heading to Clinton for Jim Davis’ funeral. Bittersweet, as I will spend time reminiscing with his children and their families.

Allow my tearful heart to challenge each of us. As we reflect on the past, let’s not forget the future that awaits. I have dear ones who do not know the love of Jesus. Do you? Let’s focus on the other side of our last breath and do all we can to “bring in the sheaves”.

Dear friend reading this chatter, you will never know how precious you are to me. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement.

Please let me know how I can pray for you!

Hugs and Praises,

Susie

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.