Have you ever stopped to look back at the past seven days and realized that those days seemed more like a month? I just experienced that kind of week.

It began with a challenging family project, an enjoyable football game, and a 20-hr round trip drive to attend an unexpected family funeral. That was just the first four days! The week continued with a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, enjoyable family time, and is concluding with us watching over our grand-dog for a few days. Then this morning my sleepy self awoke to the sight of four Christmas storage tubs, realizing that the two “D’s” await me – dusting and decorating! Where is my vitamin bottle?

However, my morning devotion reminded me that today is the first Sunday of Advent – a time of awaiting my Savior’s birth. Wikipedia defines this season as “a Christian season of preparation for the nativity of Christ at Christmas . . . with the name meaning coming or arrival.”

In all the busyness of the coming days, I want to stop and remember why this is such an important season. Emmanuel – God With Us – is coming! No shopping, decorating, baking or gathering is as important as that fact.

So as that first candle is lit today in many homes and services, I will choose to reflect on the true meaning of this time. God loved us so much that He sent His own Son to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful man. I am thankful for this wonderful gift and will make room in my heart to include Jesus in the days ahead.

(wikipedia image)

Last week my husband and I worked the mid-term election at one of the polls in our large Virginia city. It seemed like a good idea back in March when we signed up and trained, and as a former social studies teacher, I looked forward to doing my part to help the election process. From setting up the election site at 5:00 am to the two hour process it took to close it down, the 16-hr day was exhausting, but it was also exhilarating. The fact that I’m writing this blog over a week later proves that a recovery time was necessary, and that the busyness of life continued.

One of the most enjoyable parts of that long day was the people I was able to greet and thank for their vote. They came in all sizes, ages, races, dress, and personalities. I’m a “people” person and really enjoyed this constant, ever-changing interaction. An incredible thought occurred to me that every one of them was known by my Heavenly Father. The next thought asked the question, “Do they know Him?”

This encouraged me to understand the importance of sharing of Jesus in these chaotic times. Yes, it’s important to be civic-minded and to volunteer for helpful activities, but the far more crucial task is sharing the eternal life and peace that comes from accepting Jesus Christ as Savior. I will keep looking for ways to do this – please join me.

God bless – Sue

It’s the time of year when many churches offer an alternative to Halloween “trick or treating” with their Fall Festivals, offering food, games, music, and of course, candy, to those attending. This fun appeals to children, but brings adults to the church facilities as well. The purpose behind all the effort is to invite those who attend to become a part of the church family, attending services and activities on a regular basis, not just for a special event. It is hoped that Sunday worship, Bible teaching, and supportive care will result in people accepting Jesus as their Savior – a decision that will have an eternal blessing.

If you and your family attended such an event this weekend, I encourage you to go back for Sunday worship services. There might be Sunday School for all ages, singing, a special message, and perhaps, opportunities for you to serve others too. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a visit for kids’ treats turns out to be a blessing for the whole family!

I heard a song this morning that I’d like to share. The words are true and I hope you enjoy.

It’s been an unusual couple of days. After a very busy week, my husband and I drove 3+ hours to relax and enjoy “An Evening with David Jeremiah” in Raleigh, NC. The evening in a packed PNC Arena did not disappoint as we enjoyed wonderful praise and worship songs, a timely message from Pastor Jeremiah, and an extra blessing of hearing the Gaither Vocal Band. It was truly a special night that provided a Heavenly “high” for me.

However, in the back of my mind was the nagging news I had received that morning via a FB message that a special lady from my previous church was nearing the end of her fight with the illness she had been enduring for several years. I found myself praying for her and her family several times during the service as I worshipped. The next morning, as we were driving home, I received another message that she had passed away. In the space of one day, I went from the mountaintop experience in the arena to the heartbreaking news of a great loss.

God has promised to be with us and comfort those who are mourning. I am reminded that Matthew 10:29 tells us that He knows the numbers of hairs on my head, and even when a sparrow falls to the ground. In the good times and bad, I can trust Him. So can you.

Blessings – Sue

This past week my husband and I spent several days with family and friends camping on Assateague island in Maryland. Even though our reservations touted the beauty of the island with its wild horses, other wildlife, and pristine beach, it also warned us to bring plenty of insect repellent because of the abundance of what I call “bugs.” We set up our campers amidst those horses, and marveled at their ease around people, even though we were told to stay 40 feet away. Sweating in the heat of the day since we had no electricity to run air conditioning, I sought out the shade, appreciated the breezes blowing almost continually, and was tempted to curse those relentless flying critters who seemed to hone in on any area of exposed skin that hadn’t been sprayed with Repel. More than once I marveled at God’s creation from the vastness of the ocean with it’s dolphins we observed one morning and the tiny crabs scurrying away from sea gulls, to the marshlands with deer and egrets and beautiful landscape. I had to remind myself that He created those insects too.

I think the best part of the time spent in this place was being able to visit with family and connect with friends who became family over these few days. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the blessing of this time – even with bugs!

Blessings – Sue