Good morning, I think.

My days and nights have kind of merged lately as we have added a 10 wk-old puppy to our family. She is a darling pup, but potty training is real work – how did I forget that?

The first 2-3 days there were several accidents on the rug, so my husband and I decided that we would take her “out” every hour or two, in between her naps and playtime. Reinforcing the word “potty,” she picked up on the idea of doing #2 rather quickly as she is a smart girl! However, the wet accidents continued because she simply wouldn’t do that outside.

By the third night, my prayers included these words, “Lord, please help this little one understand what we want of her. Thank you.” Waking up early several hours later to her whimpers, I got up, put on her leash, and quietly took her outside. As we began wandering around the yard, she almost immediately squatted and peed. I couldn’t believe my sleepy eyes! My prayer had been answered only hours after I had asked. I almost felt guilty – with all the major problems in the world, I had bothered God with something so trivial. Then I remembered a Bible verse that promises our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and is a “good Father.”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

We’re still walking the potty training journey, but I may remain amazed at the answered prayer for our little girl and her tired/frustrated mama for quite some time. I hope my story encourages someone else to pray for the seemingly insignificant “little things” in their life. God loves you and He cares.

(Little Birdie blessings)

God bless – Sue

It’s the closing weekend of summer. I could ask the usual question: “Where did the time go?” In looking back, I know – it was filled with all kinds of activities that fulfilled and exhausted my husband and I. Between monthly food pantry food collection and give-aways to Vacation Bible School, our church kept us busy. Two trips back “home” in May and July for family events put mileage on our car, and a well-planned, wonderful 8-day vacation with great friends rounded out the summer in August.

Of course, as with everyone, the heat has been an issue for us this summer. So Labor Day 2023 is most welcome as it ushers in the season of cooler temperatures, Fall colors, football games, and pumpkin everything.

I wish you a great Labor day weekend, and encourage you to look back and remember the highlights of your summer. I hope there were many.

God bless – Sue

(Photo courtesy of The Hill)

This has been a summer of record-high temperatures across the U.S. and elsewhere, drought-like conditions due to lack of rain, and wildfires burning out-of-control in Canada, Maui, and other parts of our country. A Google search revealed that over 534,000 acres have burned this year. So many people and animals have been affected that the weather forecast usually leads the news in many areas.

These HOT conditions remind me that the Bible prophesies the end of this world by fire – it will be utterly destroyed. That’s not a comforting thought unless you also know and have acted upon another truth from the Bible: those saved by Jesus’ sacrifice for them will be safe in heaven. Do you know for certain that you have accepted Him as your Savior, repented of your sins, and are trying to live according to the way the Bible describes? If not, don’t wait. You are loved by God Who provided a way for you to be saved through His Son. Jesus himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Tomorrow is not promised.

God bless – Sue

The “Voices” just returned from a busy vacation together, visiting attractions we had talked about seeing almost six years ago – The Ark Encounter, Creation Museum, and Dollywood. Our final stop before taking off for home in different directions was The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC.

What an awesome experience to watch Billy Graham preach once again via the film clips the library highlighted. Every room not only showed examples of his life story, but also his fervor for evangelism, as he preached the Gospel around the world. In multiple countries, Dr. Graham explained the saving power of Jesus that all of us need because of our sin. No one will ever know how many peoples’ lives were changed by hearing Dr. Graham’s sermons, reading his books, or listening to the many interviews he gave.

I was struck by the fact that one country, dairy-farmer’s son made such a world-wide impact by allowing God to use him. I also noticed the timeline of events that eventually led Billy Graham to his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Savior – a decision that started everything else. Few of the people in this timeline (posted below) were famous, but each played an important role in Dr. Graham’s amazing story. It revealed to me that every life lived for Christ can make a difference.

If you have a chance to visit the Billy Graham Library, please do. You will leave feeling inspired by this well-lived life, and possibly encouraged to make a difference as well.

(photo courtesy of Graham library)

God bless – Sue

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