It’s been a busy 8+ days for some of us at my small church. We are a neighborhood-minded congregation, and sometimes our outreach programs overlap. That’s what happened this year as our Food Pantry packing efforts/give-away happened at the same time many of us were preparing and conducting this year’s Vacation Bible School. So the days were full of room and church decorating plus packing over 100 bags of non-perishables and hygiene items for our drive-thru give-away while also holding a block party on the Saturday before VBS week to register children. The schedule went as follows: Prepare five days of lessons, decorate rooms and sanctuary, hold block party, pack food pantry bags, welcome children to the Monday thru Friday activities of VBS that taught kids of God’s love, Jesus’ sacrifice for them, and the plans/purpose God has for their lives, undecorate and clean, then have our 3rd Saturday Food Pantry event.

To say my husband and I (and others) are tired is an understatement, but it’s such a good tired. Watching children enjoy fun activities and learn important truths, then help feed those who need extra food to last through the month not only fills a tired body with energy, but also fills the soul with satisfaction. I’m very thankful that I was able to participate. Now it’s time for a nap . . . or two!

God bless – Sue

One of my favorite things to do in the evening is to watch the TV game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. I figure that it doesn’t hurt to improve my mind by solving puzzles and guessing answers to varied and obscure questions. However, several weeks ago I was literally shocked at what happened on that question/answer show. The category of one of the series of questions was about Biblical knowledge, and the easiest question – the one worth $200 – asked, “What is the missing word in this statement: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, (blank) be thy name.'” The contestants had to buzz in and put the correct answer in the blank which was, “What is hallowed.” The silence was deafening. None of the three people who had been selected for this televised program due to testing and superior knowlege had the answer to probably the most famous prayer in the world. I couldn’t believe it! My mind was filled with questions.

Was this an anomaly, something that goes against the norm, or do a lot of people today not have basic Biblical knowledge? Is the most fundamental prayer of all time, which Jesus taught His disciples, now largely unknown? Do we still teach it to our children? If the Lord’s Prayer is unknown, is Jesus’ teaching of the most important of God’s commandments also missing to many – the one about loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37)? Maybe that above all else explains the condition of the world today and people in general. Obviously days later I’m still troubled enough to write about this situation and liken it to actual jeopardy for so many. May God help us to focus on and learn about Him.

God bless – Sue

This week the attention of many people has been focused on the tragic news story concerning the whereabouts of the OceanGate Titan submersible. Social media site postings were full of comments concerning the plight of the five passengers aboard the missing craft. I couldn’t believe or understand why some people were writing such negative things about those who had decided to take an expensive, deep dive to view the wreckage of the Titanic. One comment said, “It serves them right.” Another lamented the cost of the trip and what that money, $250,000, could have done to help others. Thankfully there were those who chose to view the situation with sadness and prayers for all involved.

I think our society needs to take a close look at what is happening to people in this day and age. The sub’s design and lack of safety will be analyzed in the days ahead – a post mortum of sorts. I choose to focus on that term, which is defined as an “examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death,” as it reflects on those insensitive responses to the misfortunes of others. Is humanity’s compassion and mercy a thing of the past? If so, we’re doomed.

I’m reminded of Micah 6:8 in the Bible. It might be good to meditate on those words.

God bless – Sue

Have you noticed that just when life gets the busiest, your attention is grabbed by “bombshell” news that once again tends to divide rather than uplift? So in the midst of late graduations, weddings, and the beginning of summer vacations, we are hit with political upheaval once again. It has become a way of life for us and I for one, am tired of it. So I have decided to live in the moment, focusing on the blessings I experience every day.

It’s easy to overlook sunny weather, food on the table, phone calls from loved ones, a good health report, time spent with family, and the blessing of just another day when I am focused on yet another divisive news story. I choose to live with thankfulness and in the “joy of the Lord.” After all, He is in control of it all and I can trust in Him.

So when those nagging doubts and worries about tomorrow try to creep into your mind, remind yourself of Who truly controls it all, and live in His peace.

God bless – Sue

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