I’ve been busy lately, but in all the activity I’ve been reminded that blessings and hope remain. For example, last week several of us from our small church worked to pick up fresh produce to add to the 100+ boxes of food that we had packed earlier and would give away in our “drive-thru” food pantry on Saturday. I never considered how heavy multiple bags of potatoes,cabbage, and apples could be! Saturday was cold but sunny as we set up tables and pallets for the food that would be given away in less than two hours. People are so grateful to receive the food and the offer of prayer several of us offer. I am always blessed to experience being a blessing to others.

This week I have also had the opportunity to transport and watch my granddaughter at her 2-hr volleyball practices. The amount of energy out there on the court wears me out just watching. Time spent with her = blessing.

As I pulled out of our driveway several days ago, a brief spot of color caught my eye. It was a full-blooming daffodil standing straight up in my flower bed. It wasn’t there days earlier! The unseasonably warm weather must have encouraged that reminder of approaching Spring, and once again I was blessed.

I guess the rationale for this entire post is to encourage all of us to look for the bright spots – the blessings – in our daily lives. We need these “uppers” to outweigh the negatives. So look for the daffodils, the blessings, in your life in the coming days. It could make all the difference in the way you view your circumstances.

God bless – Sue

It’s February 10th and the temperature has reached 73.° Such a beautiful, sunny day, at least for several more hours before some rain may move into the area. So my husband suggested that it was a perfect day to get out of the house and take a drive.

We head down the road into the countryside of nearby NC and see a sign for a ferry. The next trip is in 90 minutes, so we find some lunch and head back to wait for our ride. Nothing to do but rest and relax. What a blessing! How many hard working folks would love to have the opportunity that we found by chance.

Pulling onto the ferry, we find ourselves at the front with nothing much to obscure the view. With windows down, we enjoyed the sunshine, breeze, and scenery. After reaching land, we discovered a way home through back roads and didn’t need to wait for a return ride on the ferry. In the midst of a winter month, an unexpected adventure was provided for us – it was a good day. I hope the Lord blesses you with one soon.

God bless – Sue

(Pinterest)

Everything worthwhile in life takes time. From birth, a process that took around nine months, to our education that progresses through twelve-plus years, we don’t achieve much in life overnight.

Let me transition from these two examples to a Christian perspective. I have been taught that God hears and answers prayer in one of three ways: “yes, no, or wait.” The hardest of these three is undoubtedly “wait.” We want our answer now; it’s important! However the Bible tells us in Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the Lord – be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart – wait I say on the Lord.” This idea is reinforced in one of my favorite scriptures: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” from Isaiah 40:31.

Is something or someone on your heart today? Pray for God’s leading to the answer you need, and get ready for God to move on your behalf. Just be ready to wait, because His timing is always right.

God bless – Sue

(Image from The Guardian)

I would be remiss if I didn’t voice my thankfulness for the unfolding of the Damar Hamlin story. A week ago very few people knew his name or were aware of his charitable foundation. But in less than one week over $8 million has been donated to help children in Damar’s hometown of McKees Rocks, Pa, and most people now know know who he is. All the notoriety and donations have occurred since the Buffalo Bills player suffered a devastating injury last Monday night that was witnessed by millions of football fans. Untold number of prayers have been lifted for Damar and his family, starting immediately after he collapsed on the field, needing immediate CPR and other life-saving methods to get his heart beating again.

I know I was not the only one struck by the response of the players and fans in the stadium to this situation. Tears, prayers, reverent silence, and support from everyone there was evident. Grown men knelt in a supportive circle after Damar was taken by ambulance to the hospital in critical condition. ESPN reporter Dan Orlovsky prayed on live TV, stating, “Maybe this is not the right thing to do. It’s just on my heart that I want to pray for Damar Hamlin right now.” Then he continued, “I’m going to do it out loud, I’m going to close my eyes, I’m going to bow my head, and I’m just going to pray for him.” And he did!

May I offer the opinion that Dan Orlovsky did the absolute right thing in lifting this critically ill player to his Heavenly Father. In times like these, it’s the only place to go and the only thing to do – it is never wrong to pray.

Damar is improving and has asked everyone to “keep praying.” Please join me in doing so because I truly believe we are witnessing a miracle from God. Thank you, Lord!

I woke up this morning and it was 2023! Gathering a few items to add to my kitchen table, I snapped a picture. It represents what I wish for you this coming year.

First in the picture is my Bible and a desire for all of us to read it more for knowledge, assurance, and peace. It is God’s very message to us for daily encouragement.

Next is my perpetual calendar which required two changes this morning – month and day. There’s something kind of refreshing about the realization that this is the very first day of the first month of a new year. All things might just be possible, especially when we decide that the past is just that – gone.

Then I added a heart made of leftover candy canes from last month. I wish you love in your life, but more importantly, someone to whom you can show love.

Finally, I added a gift given to me by my family. I am privileged to be a Grandma. Family gives you grounding and a reason to wake up each day. Sometimes our closest relationships, those people we consider “family,” aren’t necessarily by blood, but by choice.

May God bless you with all you need in this new year. Look to Him first and everything else will fall into place. Matthew 6:33 says it well: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added to you as well.”

God bless – Sue