My husband and I made a quick trip to our family hometown this past weekend to attend celebrations on two consecutive days. The first one honored the mother of our brother-in-law as she will soon be reaching a milestone birthday – her 90th. There was lots of family time, too much food, and great weather. Young ones swam, and we older people enjoyed visiting with family we rarely see.

The next day we experienced a different type of festive occasion as we had an about-to-be high school graduate to celebrate. Balloons, leftovers, and lots of chicken were on the menu, as well as gifts for this special young lady.

It occurred to me that the family was experiencing a “sunrise/sunset” phenomenon. One day rejoicing in a long life with the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that resulted, and the next celebrating the milestone that begins the next phase of a young person’s life. It was a blessing to be there for both events. It brought to mind the thought that sometimes the years between high school graduation and the last years of our lives pass more quickly than we at first realize. May God lead us to use these years wisely.

God bless – Sue

Yesterday I joined a world-wide audience watching the coronation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Such pomp, precision, golden carriages, and gorgeous music, along with crowns, scepters, and orbs. Did you catch the fact that the king placed his hand on the Bible when he recited the oath, took communion, and listened to the names of Jesus Christ and Almighty God mentioned numerous times?

In the midst of the ceremony, it occurred to me that all the honor of this ceremony – with the soaring music and prose that praised a sovereign – rightly belonged to my Lord and Savior, the Jesus they mentioned frequently. He alone is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and only He is worthy of our worship. I hope Charles III follows Him as he rules.

God bless – Sue

If today, you are struggling, trying to make sense of all the “whys” in your life, hold on to the one constant – your Heavenly Father. Trust in His promises like the one written below by Craig Groeschel. Be encouraged and talk to Him, remembering that He cares for you.

God bless – Sue

Yesterday was Saturday of Holy Week – the day after Good Friday when those who followed Jesus were still reeling from His death on a brutal Roman cross. They had seen Him beaten, mocked, crucified, and laid in a borrowed tomb.

The reality of His death had to hit anew when they awoke that next day. I can’t imagine the grief and fear that gripped their hearts. Everything they had hoped for was gone; their Master was dead. They couldn’t see how to overcome the tragedy of His loss, or how to go on with their lives without Him.

Yet by Sunday morning, just a day later, everything had changed. Jesus was alive and hope had returned. Never had the phrase, “what a difference a day makes,” been more true. Life had a purpose again.

Have you had a “Saturday” recently when you can’t see how to go on or understand why something is happening? Sometimes we have no idea what awaits us in the midst of a hard time. Fearful of the future, we can’t imagine a brighter tomorrow. Easter Sunday proves that something good can come from a very bad situation when God is in control. Hang on, keep believing for something better. The resurrection proves that “nothing is impossible for God” (Luke 1:37, Matt. 19:26).

Happy Easter!

God bless – Sue

Today is the 4th Sunday in Lent. We are moving ever closer to Easter. I have really enjoyed the emergence of daffodils and gorgeous pear tree blossoms turning bare branches into beautiful white blooms. Yesterday I noticed vegetable plants along with small potted flowers for sale at a local store. Spring is inching its way to us and I am more than ready!

Along with improved surroundings and more daylight, I am enjoying occasional March Madness basketball. It’s always great to see a game go down to the wire with the underdog pulling off a win.

I guess I’m just grateful for the small blessings in life that I’m experiencing right now. I don’t want to take them for granted, because life has a way of handing you the unexpected at times. So thank you, Lord, for the “little” things. I am most grateful.

God bless – Sue