Jesus Archives -

Memories How They Linger

February 13, 2008

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 KJV

This day is the day I set aside to clear my tables and set my house in order. And then, I found a box of old photos and took a long trip down memory lane.

Each beautiful lady above has touched my life and left an impression on me. I am richer for having known them. And, I could tell you stories … well, enough said!

Later, I took another walk down memory lane while cleaning out Russell’s pickup truck. It’s a 2001 Ranger with 65,000 actual miles. I sat in the driver’s seat with the windows rolled down and recalled the joy he had when he purchased it from our son’s father-in-law. (No, it is not for sale.)

The back seat was packed with treasures: an extra cushion, a fuzzy blanket, an ice scraper, etc. And… brace yourselves … maps! Seriously, road maps! And the front seat had his two special tote bags. One was filled with my books, which he boldly showed (and sold) to all who would listen.

The second was his favorite never-leave-home-without bag! In it was a good selection of Bibles. Whether walking in Woods’ supermarket each day or running errands, he talked about Jesus. It was important to him that everyone had a copy of God’s Word in their home.

I am in the process of going through all my “stuff” with the idea that I’m gone and the kids are left with it. Believe me, that’s an eye-opener! But, I have cause to wonder, “stuff” aside, what will I leave my friends and family of value? Will they know how much they were loved? And, more importantly, will they know Jesus loves them? I wonder.

Here is a challenge for you. Take a trip down Memory Lane. Do you see those who have touched your life in some way? Find a way to hug on them … or call or send a note. Do your friends and family really know how important Jesus is to you? Tell them.

And… drop Susie a note!

Hugs,

Susie

None Would Toss Jesus in the Trash

Jesus flyers left on both tables at our post office

“And he said with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.‘” Revelation 14:7

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Walking into our local post office early one morning, I was caught off guard by the tables before me. Rarely is there even one lone magazine or paper lying on these tables. After carefully sorting their mail, most people toss the unwanted mail and flyers into designated blue trash bins.

But not today! Not everyone wanted the bulk-mail flyer from a local church, yet very few of them seemed to make it to the trash bin. I stood with tears flowing down my cheeks (seriously)! It made my day! I showed my photo to the postal clerk, and we both rejoiced.

“Jesus, make Yourself known while your name rests on this table.” My heart leaped with joy as I thought of all the hungry hearts coming in and out that day. Each one had to pass that table. Each one would “see” Jesus.

And then I paused and considered my life. I wonder, when people pass by me, do they see Jesus? Really? Do I always make an effort to smile or nod? Shake a hand? Open a door? I wonder.

As I left that day, I asked God to help me be a bolder witness for Him. I asked forgiveness for taking Him for granted so often in my daily life.

Today, I pray for you. ^“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Thank you for leaving a note, and THANK YOU for praying for me.

Hugs, Susie

Saying Goodbye to Mother the Final Hours

Posted on June 10, 2013 by adminOctober 26, 2016

Mother celebrated her last birthday by staring over and over again at the huge stack of cards on her table. I wondered if she recognized any of the names. Or did she realize it was her 90^th birthday? I took comfort in watching her smile as she carefully handled each one, knowing they brought blessing and pleasure to her for the moment.

Soon, too soon, she would again be taken to ICU and from there to a skilled nursing facility. Having the positive assurance of heaven made our expected parting so much easier. This reassurance was repeated several times before she actually went home. “Mommy, I’ll keep you forever if you want me to; but, I’ll let you go be with Jesus when you are ready.”

Holding her hands in ICU, I would sing old familiar hymns to her. Although she had not been able to verbally communicate in months, a few stanzas of “Rock of Ages” would spur her to “hum” along with me. Her hums and my singing left much to be desired to the outside world but I knew in my heart that our Father in heaven was honored and my precious mother was comforted. Amazingly, this girl that never sings in public could not have cared less who heard our duet.

Days later, in the skilled care nursing home, I caress her tiny, cold hand and recall all the work those hands have done in ninety years; good work and honorable. I think of all the care she’s given to others. I think how much those who didn’t get to know her have missed. I want her to go on home, but I miss her so much already.

At 6:40 God answered my prayer and Mother peacefully went to sleep. No more pain. I was blessed to be there holding her hand and singing to her: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.” Thank you, Jesus.

My prayer for you today is that those in your care are ready to go home; that they know Jesus personally. I pray that you have that assurance for yourself. What joy to know where Mother is; I look forward to seeing her again someday.

Today’s article is from pages in my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD, and available through my store .

Hugs,