We just returned from a camping trip for my husband’s family that also included a 50th Anniversary celebration. All ages were represented and I couldn’t get over how quickly some of the grandchildren/cousins had grown. Where do the years go? We currently have a college sophomore, a freshman, several rising middle schoolers, an elementary student, and three little ones represented in his family. My extended family is similar with high school and elementary ages represented. Parents and grandparents are dreading the good-byes for the older ones, and nervous about new school experiences for those leaving the relatively safe elementary school environment for the dreaded middle and high school experiences.

I hear friends and see online acquaintances expressing the same concerns as this new school year begins. I understand the helpless feeling of having little control over your children’s day and the wondering what kind of negative influences they will be exposed to at school.

At times like these, we pray. Even though we cannot be with our children at school, God can watch over them. May this year be a positive one for those you love.

Blessings,

Sue

Summer, 2022.

Record heat waves in Texas and other states, drought conditions, increasing gas prices, inflation causing everything to cost more, continued violence reported on the news daily. I could go on, but you get the picture; you’re living it too.

I’m so glad that my peace and security doesn’t depend on what is happening in the world or even around me. My hope remains in God, just as my salvation and future home rests in His Son, Jesus. Do you have that same security? Trust in Him.

God bless – Sue

It’s June 30th, and as I get ready to pay the monthly expenses, I marvel that another month has seemingly “melted” away. It’s time to begin the second half of 2022; unbelievable!

Monday is the 4th of July, the holiday that some battle-worn military veterans and dogs dread, as the fireworks bring back unwanted service memories and outright fear for our canine companions. The day also brings families together for those backyard or park barbeques, band concerts, and enjoying time making memories.

The Voices want to wish you a happy holiday. Especially in these challenging times, we can be thankful for days to celebrate and enjoy, whether it’s outside or watching special TV programming. Thank you, Lord, for this blessing.

I just returned from watching the latest Top Gun movie, and really enjoyed this fast-paced version. It brought back memories of the original and my immediate reflections on how much has happened since then in my personal life and the world as a whole. Watching the aerial scenes in 1986 made me think how much my Dad, a WWII Army-Air Force pilot would enjoy the movie. I called him when I got home, and he and my mother watched it the next day. His comment to me was, “I was born in the wrong generation!” How he would have enjoyed flying those planes he watched in the movie.

My Dad passed away several years later, I completed my college degree, taught school for 18 yrs, and then my husband and I retired to help care for my mother and father-in-law in their final years. My life is so different now from the first time I watched those fighter jets soar. Our children are grown, grandchildren are in their teens, and I am approaching the time when I might need the care I once gave.

I guess this is “sunrise, sunset,” also known as the circle of life. I am thankful for my current blessings as I mentioned in my previous post, but in times like these I fondly remember those earlier years when life was busy, but seemed so much simpler. So my advice for the day is to treasure the important things – family, faith, and friends – everything else will take care of itself.

God bless – Sue

Feeling tired, depressed, or just plain “over it?” No nap, pill, or momentary distraction will help as much as realizing how many good things are actually a part of your life. I would like to encourage you to look around you, assess your life at this moment, and literally make a list of the good things you are experiencing.

Let me start: At my age (70s), the fact that I’m still here should top the list. Then I should add that I am healthy, walk and bicycle several times a week, can afford the ever-increasing gasoline prices and groceries, enjoy retirement by doing the things I enjoy, live close to our son and his family, and end each day as I begin it – with a prayer of thanksgiving. I truly believe that my faith is a big part of my inner contentment in a world that daily tries to strip every good feeling away from me.

There’s a song I remember from my childhood – I know, a long time ago – that has a verse that goes like this: “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”

Ok, you have your assignment. Get pen and paper ready and make that list. Put it where you will see it every day – maybe the bathroom mirror. May God bless and encourage you day by day.

Sue