(flickr)
Hello all.
It’s been nine weeks – over two months – since my last post. What an experience each day has been, filled with things I have never seen or done before. I’ve stayed home most days, only venturing out for early-morning shopping during Senior hours. I have missed our son and his family who only live 30 minutes away, but who I had not seen since March 15, until last week. I have missed their hugs, my granddaughter’s giggles, and her brother’s sarcasm. I just miss my life! I imagine that last sentence is echoed across our country, perhaps the world.
However, there have been blessings from these months of isolation as well. I now follow four pastors’ sermons online plus continue to worship with my congregation via Zoom and Facebook live. That never would have happened without the lockdown. I hope you are enjoying one of those pastors, Dr. Kenneth Stevenson’s sermons, on this blog site. He is a fellow author with Deidre’s and my publishing company, Morgan James Publishing. I know I am learning from him every Sunday.
Let me leave you with this thought: Covid-19 didn’t catch God by surprise; He allowed it. However, He has promised to go with us, to be with us through any trouble, illness, or challenges we face. He is God, Emmanuel, Who is “God with us,” and we can trust Him. You are not alone.

God bless you all,
Sue

This Coronavirus situation is getting more concerning with each news broadcast. As a Christian, I realize that my life and times are in God’s hands : “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under Heaven: a time to be born and a time to die . . .
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
That doesn’t excuse us from risky behavior however. Please follow safe guidelines of avoiding crowds, handwashing, and staying home when you’re ill.
We will get through this virus season just like we have survived others if it’s God’s will. Those of us who know Him never have to worry about tomorrow for He is already there. Be comforted, and stay safe, everyone.

Sue

(Pin by Monika Kis-Benedek)
How can it be that the first month of 2020 is almost over? Time seems to pass so quickly as our busy schedules melt away days, weeks, even years.
2020 hasn’t been kind thus far as the Coronavirus is threatening to spread from China, earthquakes and even volcanoes are occurring, and Australia’s historic fires torched so much of that country and its wildlife.
Then this past weekend a tragic helicopter crash occurred in California, taking nine lives and affecting five families in heartbreaking finality. We know about it because of the one name that made the news – Kobe Bryant.
The title above says it all – are you ready? None of us knows when our last day will be. God knew the moment we were born and also knows when our last breath will occur. He loves you, sent His Son to die for you, and has prepared a place for you in Heaven. However, you have to make the choice to accept His gift of salvation by accepting that Son – Jesus – as your Savior. He is the only way to God because He paid for our forgiveness of sins.
Don’t waste the time that has been given to you. The devil likes to misguide people by whispering, “You have plenty of time – don’t rush that decision; that choice.” Why would you listen to who Jesus called the Father of lies?
Be ready!

Sue

First of all, I guess I should wish everyone a Happy New Year, but the topic of this post is rooted in reality, not a dropping ball or confetti.
We all wish for a better year than the last one. It doesn’t always happen.
So what do you do when something bad happens? It could be a car accident, health problems, job loss, death in the family … something bad.
Through social media, devotional and church websites, I learn of lots of peoples’ problems daily and their requests for prayer. It’s in the crucible of hard times that those of us who believe in the power of prayer reach out – first to our Heavenly Father, and then to others who care for us. We believe that God hears us and will send what we need to withstand the trials we are experiencing.
In this new year/new decade, will you remember that the first thing you should do is pray and trust that your Heavenly Father, your Abba, will listen and sustain you? He is able, even when you aren’t.
So move forward in 2020 knowing that nothing will take God by surprise, because as a wise person once told me, He knows the end from the beginning.
I wish blessings to you all this year.

Sue

What do you see when you look at these two pictures compiled by Michellle Witt-Garcia?
How would you describe these two very different moments in Mary’s life?
What emotions do these images evoke?

For me, the first picture illustrates the popular Mark Lowery song and title of this post, “Mary, did you know?” The joy, the awe, the wonder at the birth of God’s son is evident on Mary’s face. She has yet to hear Simeon’s prophetic words when she and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel … And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
These words are evident in the second picture as an anguished Mary cradles the body of her son after He sacrificed His life for us on the cross.
We celebrate Christmas as the birth of the Christ Child – the only One who was born to die for you and me. Praise His holy name!
Merry Christmas from the “Voices.”

Sue

Are you a “glass half full or a glass half empty” person?
In the upcoming days, families will travel, turkey, ham, and the fixings will be prepared, and in the midst of all the food (and football!), some will remember to count their blessings.
What if we did that every day, minus the food, of course? 🙂
Wouldn’t counting our blessings make our challenges less intimidating?
A wise person once told me, “There is always something to be thankful for.” This wisdom follows scripture: “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ” I Thes. 5:18
The Voices are sending you heartfelt good wishes for a blessed Thanksgiving. Whatever you are going through during this season of your life, I challenge you to find something for which to be grateful, because thankfulness is indeed a choice. God bless.

Sue – Voice II

Lately the news has been covering the conversion of Kanye West to Christianity. He has gone (in his own words)”from I am a god to Jesus Is King” and “I’m not a slave; I’m a child of God.” Contrast that with previous words and actions. Look at his face!

This situation reminds me of Acts 9 when the disciples were afraid to accept the newly saved Saul into their midst, remembering his past and not acknowledging what Christ could do in his life. This man was transformed into Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament and minister of the gospel to many.

We can’t limit God! Please pray for Kanye, that he continues to grow in the Lord. He could have a tremendous influence on many for our Saviour.

Sue – Voice II