Tag Archives: family

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

Gifts Money Cannot Buy

 

 

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NKJV

As I sit down to pen this article, our town is brimming with people. The Christmas parade has come and gone. Little ones are wired with their tummies and pockets filled with sugary treats. Eager shoppers rush to find perfect gifts for family and friends.

For forty-two years, Russell and I either exchanged gifts or planned a special outing for our anniversary or Christmas. Other times, he brought me gifts when he thought about it (not necessarily for a holiday or anniversary). Often he gave flowers, carefully choosing the container.

Of more value to me than the flowers, were the little cards. The words clearly came from his heart. He seemed to know when I was feeling old or inadequate and had the right words to encourage me. They were his words in his writing; priceless!

If you steal my purse, take all the money (both dollars!), just please leave this card. Seriously, it is one of my most treasured gifts and cannot be replaced. Money can’t buy the tenderness in the words my sweet husband penned in 2016. Eight years later, his final “I love you” was as meaningful as his first.

As you continue your holiday shopping, are you giving the best gifts? Your time? Your attention? Your prayers? Could you take time to write a simple love note to include with your gift? Perhaps you can join me in resolving this year to pen a tiny note to each of our loved ones every month or so.

We are reminded in this season that the Greatest Gift, while free to us, cost God His only Son. Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have forgiveness of sin and be with Him in Heaven. If you have not received this free gift or have someone you are praying for, jot me a note. Eternity is at stake.

May Jesus be more real to you this Christmas than He has ever been.

Love, hugs, and prayers.

Susie

 

The Value of Community

the value of community

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133

This week, I have had many occasions to pause and praise the Lord for the great community in which I live.

After I voted on election day, I lingered in the parking lot for three hours, praying for God’s will as I watched my community vote. They came alone, they came as families, they came by the carload. More than once, I watched strangers helping each other navigate the long, bumpy ramp or get into their vehicles. I do not take this good neighbor thing for granted!

Later in the week, I took advantage of the free community dinner provided by a local church. Again, all ages came to share a meal together; some individuals, some families, several who had brought friends and family. The laughter and camaraderie are unmatched; I am grateful to those who provide the food and facilities. The welcome mat is extended to all whether or not they can drop a few dollars into the offering jar.

At another community event, I believe more than one miracle happened as senior adults attended the free coffee and pie social at the YMCA. God did what only He could do at one table as two strangers from out of town found out they were actually neighbors. The laughter and chatter that followed ensured the beginning of something great.

Click here for what the Bible says about community.

Precious friend, I have a challenge for you. Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood; lend your support as much as possible. To be perfectly honest, without my sweet husband by my side, I often have to push myself out the door. Home is comfy and I can always find things that need my attention. I make a choice to go out.

Do it for yourself. Do it for others. Our world needs Jesus, now more than ever. And, we need each other!

I’m looking forward to hearing from you. As I hit send, I always pause and pray for God to meet the deepest needs of those who take (make) time to read my chatter!

Hugs,

Susie