Tag Archives: joy

Finding Joy in a January Do Over

 

Finding Joy in a January Do Over

Not another January! Count me out!

Finding Joy in a January Do Over

2nd Thought… It’s okay; God’s got this!

“Trust the Lord in all your ways… ” Proverbs 3:5-6

Pics- Kitty not leaving his post (my January and April). Kitty is eager to face the days ahead, and so am I.

Regardless of circumstances, I praise Jesus for freely giving His life that I might be with Him forever. Praise God for His undying love and mercy. If you do not know Jesus personally, let’s talk!

You recall my January was a bit of a challenge (frozen well, burst pipes, leaky roof, etc.). Through it all, God provided peace in the midst of my storms as He blessed February and March beyond measure.

And then came April! 3. Heavy rains and wind pounded our car as we headed for Kirksville and the annual Missions Celebration, “What Joy“. Well, my joy plummeted as we tried to check in.

“Your credit card has been denied!” Ooops! After the second card was denied and they didn’t take checks, only God could have given me the peace to relax and enjoy the next three days. (And a friend with cash!) Later, I would verify charges on my statement and have new cards rushed to me. (Sounds simple, doesn’t it?)

My first card was delivered the next day. The 2nd card was another story. Most of the week was spent enduring robocalls to get to a real person. Following Robo’s instructions, I canceled all appointments and spent two days in front of my open door awaiting my package. At about 8 pm, the second day, a FedEx truck flew past my house looking straight ahead. A text followed on my phone: “Driver unable to locate the address.” Duh! BOTTOM LINE…I learned my package was in Springfield both days, awaiting pickup.

I want to tell you exactly what I repeated loud and clear each time I was privileged to speak to a live FedEx person. “I have great admiration for your FedEx guys. Every person I talked with has gone above and beyond to help me. I seriously do thank you. HOWEVER, that robo stuff is CRAP!”  I will continue to give my delivery guys bags of candy, scripture, and a “God Bless You”. I can’t imagine their job in this computer age.

And so ended the 2nd week of the 2nd quarter of 2025. (I will spare you the details of the next week.) Life! Sometimes it’s messy, unpredictable, not good, confusing! And, I want to stay in my safe place, snuggled by the fence with Kitty, and wait until the storm blows over.

But I am reminded of who I am, a child of the King. I hear Father’s plea, “Come unto Me and I will give you rest…” April had some turbulent times, but as I pen this, we have just celebrated Jesus’ life, death, burial, and glorious resurrection. Somehow, that puts all the “stuff” in perspective.

Just as Christ rose from the grave, I, too, will rise to face what God has planned for me.

Just as Kitty moved bravely forward, ready to climb her mountain, so, too, am I.

I celebrate Easter every day. Christ is risen. Whatever comes my way here pales in comparison to the joy my Father has in store for me.

“What Joy,” indeed.

In a few days, I will be blessed to celebrate 25 years of directing DCASB’s annual women’s retreats: God’s Amazing Grace!

I have more speaking engagements booked this spring. God has sent two dozen amazing stories for our book: What Love Looks Like. (Seriously, prayer is appreciated so that I can hear God clearly as I put it together.)

I am rich! I see His hand at work all around me. I feel His presence. I praise Him for each of you.

How can I pray for you?

Let me hear from you…

Hugs,

Susie

 

Find Joy and Peace in Hard Times

Find Joy and Peace in Hard TimesYou can find joy and peace in hard times.

How is your world? Mine’s in a mess right now! I could be stressed, worried, and frazzled to a fritter.

I could question finding any joy and peace as I, like many of you, struggle with deaths, unexpected changes, illnesses and daily stresses.

My friend Patches (picture) and I have a few tips to help you find joy and peace in the midst of hard times.

Focus on the good, even for a few seconds.

In the worst of times, dig deep within you for good memories. Holding my brother’s hand for the last time brought heaviness to my heart. Recalling his laughter, the twinkle in his eye when he talked of seeing Mother before I do, served to remind me of better days. I praise God for the times we shared.

Make time to do a fun project.

Seem impossible? Too busy? Stop! Think! You can organize a tiny space somewhere to leave a small project out for those few minutes a day when you can steal away. Seriously, put out a pad and pen if you like to write. Begin a sewing, embroidery, or crochet project … even a few stitches a day! Have a favorite book ready to open (and maybe a tiny candy or cracker to go with!)

Learn to lean on a strong foundation.

This year for me has been one of learning who I can trust with my deepest feelings. I am thankful for a strong foundation based upon God’s Word. His words have held me up when all else failed around me. If you are not familiar with the Bible, read the Psalms and meditate on them. God’s Word will give you strength and joy and peace beyond belief.

Find a way to share with others.

I have a friend, more stressed than I, that finds joy in baking bread for someone or taking them a meal; I don’t do that!  I send cards, call people, give hugs and smiles.

I write letters to God, I read His word; I write stories about Him. I keep a pen and paper in my pocket! I have a strong belief that the youngest child to the oldest adult will benefit from learning about God from His Word.

And now, about Patches!

I believe God created Patches Joyland Press to make His Word more personal to young and old alike. My new book is a Biblical Coloring and Activity Book and will feature Patches. From comments already, I believe God will use this to encourage all ages, not just kiddos.

PATCHES JOYLAND EXPRESS will be available through Amazon.com when it’s published.  It will be filled with pages to color by Artist Valerie Van Bebber and word searches and crossword puzzles and more! Lots more!  AVAILABLE NOW! See Susie’s Bookstore or click on links on the right!