When Death Comes

I guess you never stop being proud of your kids, those born to you and those that arrive by the easier method of marriage. I just witnessed an amazing act of selflessness from our son-in-law, Robert and his wife, our daughter, Aimee.

Robert’s mom died in bed on Friday and was found late in the day by Robert’s dad. She has suffered for many years with ill health and while she is finally free from that it is so hard to think of life here without her. Kathy’s passing leaves an empty place in our hearts. She and Ethne (Robert and Aimee’s 3-year- old) were especially close. Last night, while washing her hands, Ethne looked up at me and asked, “Grammy are you going to die soon?”

Do you give the theological answer about God’s Sovereignty and the truth that life ends whenever He says, “Come?” or do you give the answer that will comfort a little heart that is already broken from losing someone who loved her so fiercely?

“No,” I said. “Remember how Gran was sick? Remember how she had to go to the hospital a lot? Remember how she went to see the doctors because she was sick?”

Ethne nodded.

“Gran was sick. I am strong (I didn’t feel strong). I am healthy. I am not going to die.”

“But when you are very, very old, will you die?”

“Yes, I will because every one will die. But do you know what? When I am very, very, very, very old, you will be too. You will probably be a Grammy by then.”

Her eyes grew wide and her smile too and she laughed to think of herself as an old woman. “Well,” she said, “when I am grown up I will go and stay with Pops (Robert’s dad) for two weeks. I will stay with him and he won’t be so lonely. He will be so happy that I am staying with him on the top bunk!”

I scooped her up, and held her and let her love flow into me so that I really could be strong. Then I tucked her back into bed with a kiss that lingered and a prayer of thanks that I could know and love such a precious little child.

As I was saying, the news of Kathy’s death reached our kids late Friday night. Their weekend was already planned out. No one plans, but God’s, included Kathy dying on Friday. On Saturday, Robert and Aimee were photographing the wedding of the daughter of one of our pastors. Then, on Sunday, flying to Austin to shoot a wedding there.

In the face of the devastating news they just received Robert and Aimee made the decision to go ahead an fulfill their obligations to these two couples and not to mention the fact that Robert’s mom had just died. Their grief was held at bay and not allowed to cast its shadow over the joy other’s were experiencing. They cared more about the capturing the wonder of two lives joining as one than about their own pain. Isn’t that like Jesus? If they were your kids, wouldn’t you be proud too?

(To see a picture of Ethne with her Gran and to read Robert's thoughts, click on the 'son-in-law' tab on the left of this screen and click on his flicker tab.)

Gasping For Air

(Pictures of swimming at in indoor pool with our friends.)

Hey. Most of you probably don't read magazines for Teenage guys. Now and then I write for one that is amazing, it is, Breakaway, published by Focus on the Family. In April they ran a story I wrote about pornography. It's a topic I care deeply about because I see how the Evil One is using all types of sexual addictions to destroy lives and families.The sad part is that God has designed human sexuality to be a great blessing and even to represent the mystery of the love between Christ's and His Church.
My interest in the topic of Biblical sexuality (sex according to God's design) began when I was about 11 years old and a neighbor sexually abused me. As any child would, I knew that what happened to me wasn't right or good. I wanted to understand what God had to say on the subject! Of course my own healing took time and prayer and studying what the Bible had to say. I discovered that God's Word says a lot about sex but I didn't learn much of this in church. So, anyway, that's part of my journey.
If you are one of the many people who have suffered sexual abuse at any time in your life, please take heart that the Lord cares and hates what happened to you. He is offering you healing, and freedom and wholeness.
If you want to read my story, you can find it here.
Blessings,
Sue

Hello!
I've been home from the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference for almost a week and still haven't posted any thing about how much the Lord blessed me there. So, because I've feeling bad about being such a slacker, I'm going to post two reruns of some of my favorite stories. Hope you enjoy them. (A note about the picture.) One year, after reading the story posted here, to the ladies of our WOW Bible Study, they surprised with a 'Thank you for teaching gift,' -- A black plastic bag filled with pretty socks- Blessings, Sue

HOLEY, HOLEY, HOLEY

Not too many pounds ago I had three preschoolers. Back then our budget was tight and my jeans were loose. One morning I borrowed a car, loaded up my brood and headed for Gemco. It was the store with everything; house wares, fabric, clothes and, way in the back, the lowest priced groceries in town.

We went in for food, but took a tempting detour through the shoe department. The

cart stopped itself in front of the ladies socks. I really needed socks. I really needed

groceries. I looked down at my neglected feet then up at my three hungry children.

No contest. My feet were definitely outnumbered. The choice seemed totally obvious

and completely unfair. I knew other people with preschoolers who could afford socks

and food. I even considered some of those people to be my friends—usually.

I glanced sideways at the other shoppers. Some had new towels in their carts. Others had name brand shampoo that made your hair smell like an herbal garden. I bet they can afford socks. They probably buy the fancy kind with cute little patterns. All I want is plain, white, cotton.

I reached for the package and examined it. They sure were white. They sure were soft. They sure didn’t have holes in the heels.

“Mommy,” my two-year-old asked, “you hugging socks?”

The baby squirmed in her front snuggle/carrier.

“Mom,” Mr. Four-year-old informed me, “you’re smashing the baby. Didn’t we come to buy food?”

I looked into the eyes of my trusting children and sighed deeply. Reluctantly I hung the package on the hook. Then I squared my shoulders and pointed the cart toward the grocery section. But before I gave it a forward push, I said a quick prayer. I did not kneel. I did not wail. I did not close my eyes. I just lifted a thought to the One who always hears. “God, I need socks.”

The next day I answered an unexpected knock on the front door. I opened it to see, Shirley, a lady from church.

“Hi Sue. Say, my daughter-in-law works at a sporting goods store and has access to some clothes. I thought you might be able to use them.”

“Sure. I love hand-me-downs.”

Shirley placed four large, black, plastic trash bags near my front door. “Most of these are new. Overstocks, discontinued items or returns.”

I hugged her. “Thanks for thinking of me.”

We all waved as she backed out of our driveway, then took the bags inside. My kids gathered around as I loosened the knot on the first bag. “Isn’t it nice when people give us clothes?”

Mr. Four-year-old peered into the bag and announced, “These aren’t clothes. It’s nothing but a great big bag full of socks.”

I gathered them into my arms—the children, not the socks—and hugged them. Isn’t God good!

Readers Respond!

Hello, it’s me, long lost bloger (I almost wrote blooger which looks a bit like booger— whoops.) Can’t believe I’m going to post that, but why not? After days and days of no posting, at least it’s something.

Last time I posted was about the power of story. Today, I want to share something very precious. For the first time ever I have been contacted by readers about an article. This is amazing! It is humbling. I’ve heard from a woman named, Sherry, and I tried to respond to her by email but I don’t think she got the message. (Sherry if you read this please check your bulk folder for emails from me.) Anyway she liked the article enough to search and find my blog! Next, I got a letter, hoping that I was the Sue Cameron who wrote the article in Focus on the Family, from a dear 80 year-old brother named John. He tries to live each moment by asking Jesus for direction and then following what he hears! Wow. Also, I had a phone call from a lady here in town, and a man who lives near Atlanta. He is struggling with being too busy and carving out the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. I’ve never met any of these people face-to-face, but somehow we’ve connected. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that something I’ve written has touched someone’s heart. What a great and awesome privilege.

So, to all of you who check this blog from time to time and find it empty, I’m sorry. Thank you for your time and interest, I am honored by your attention and will try to be a better friend by writing more often. If you’d like to see the article you can find it HERE.

Here's to stories

There’s something wonderful about having a three-year-old around the house. It’s the questions, comments, and observations but mostly; I think it’s the free flowing imagination. After watching “Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang” with Ethne (and 9 month old Emeline) yesterday, our car ‘flew’ to church and of course we had to sing as we flew. Then Grammy and Granddad became Mom and Dad and we added an invisible brother so we could play out the story. I was surprised when Ethne gave me a huge hug and kiss at bedtime since she isn’t overly affectionate. Afterwards she handed me a ‘treasure chest’ and I realized she was just play-acting what she’d seen the little girl do in the movie.

Well, two thoughts. First, we may actually have another actress type in the family. Also there is a very powerful influence in stories story. As a writer this isn’t a surprise but to see its affect so vividly (and immediately) portrayed startled me. Why are we so impacted by what we see and hear? Is this a part of being made in God’s image? What is it in human nature that makes us long for stories? Novels, movies, sit-coms, soaps, reality TV, news reports, celebrity pieces, stories absorb us and, like it or not, we absorb stories and in some mysterious, powerful way they impact our lives.

This means there is an awesome responsibility in the way we handle stories, those we write, or tell, read or watch. I am very honored to have a story appear in “Breakaway” this month. It’s a story about the way pornography affected one family, one marriage, one boy. Although it is fiction, there is truth embodied in this simple story and I think that the desire for truth is what may draw us so strongly to stories. After all, the Lord God is truth and each of us really need Him, right? So maybe when we’re seeking truth and the meaning of life, we are actually seeking Jesus.

Here is a verse that I am pondering and growing to love because t talks about the fruit of light being all that is good and right and true. "For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true" (Eph 5:8-9).

So whenever we encounter anything good, right or true, in stories we are seeing light, God is being revealed to us in some small way and this feeds our souls. We like to be fed because so many of us are soul starved. Some of the true things I saw in “Chitty-Chitty, Bang, Bang,” were that love is more important than money and that creativity is fun and that good wins over evil. Here’s to true, good, and right stories, of every kind, and to those who enjoy them.

To the young moms

(Here are 4 of our grandchildren, ready to go to church to celebrate that Jesus is alive! From L-R, Emeline, Cameron, Kayla and Ethne)















This is to thank the young moms that I know. Three are extra special, my daughters, Sara and Aimee, and daughter-in-law, Shawna.
I'd forgotten how hard it is to be a good mom of little children, how hard it is to be patient and kind, understanding and just. But Sara and her two little ones are staying here this week and that is helping me to remember. Remember being on-call to the needs of someone younger who doesn't care or understand if you have your own needs.
Then there's the constant feeding of little mouths that only like certain foods on the right type of plates, and tomorrow it won't be the same as it was today. I didn't understand about leaving the peel on the banana so that fingers wouldn't get messy and that was nearly heart-breaking to one little guy that I love. But I can be taught. Now I know how to serve his banana. And just in case I might forget, he is sure to explain it to me, in words that I can grasp, each time he makes his request.
I want to please these little ones. I want to make life easy for them and for their moms. I can help some, but the fact remains that this is not easy. Being a good parent is about the most difficult job ever invented, mainly because it requires unselfishness, doing what's best for others and putting their needs ahead of your own--all of the time--at every hour--day and night.
I love you girls for loving my grandchildren so well. Thank you.
"Lord God, bless these little children and the parents who are raising them. Give them wisdom from your heart to theirs, strength that is supernatural, and most of all, joy in the process. So they can delight in the wonder of these little ones, who they are and who they are becoming. Amen."

To Love and To Cherish

(Here is our little Queen Emeline)

To Love and Cherish

Sue Cameron

One of my favorite memories is being in an Amish farmhouse, surrounded by stacks of beautiful handmade quilts. It was my privilege to choose one to take home to cover our bed. As I drank in the vast array of colors, patterns, textures and designs, I found I just couldn’t decide on which one was the most special, the most lovely, and my very favorite. Seeing my dilemma, and knowing we could buy only one, my husband made the final selection.

When we get married, we have made our final selection. We’ve chosen one person above all the rest. When we place that ring on their finger we’re saying, “You are my favorite, the one I most desire,

I choose you.” And we promise to love and cherish them for the rest of their lives.

The trick is to think about how well we are doing and not to focus on how much we do or don’t feel loved or cherished. Are we showing our mate that we love and cherish them? How do we accomplish this in the day-to-day routine of living?

According to Gary Chapman, in his book, “The Five Love Languages,” there are five basic ways a person gives and receives love. Why not try expressing your love in one of these ways each day for the next five days? Pay close attention to your mate’s reaction.

Day 1: AFFIRMING WORDS. Tell your spouse what you value and appreciate about them. Praise them for who they are and for what they do. Do this in a written note, on the phone and face to face.

Day 2: QUALITY TIME. Put aside everything else and just spend time being with your spouse. Take a walk with them, read a book together, talk to them as they do a task, just take time to be near them.

Day 3: PHYSICAL TOUCH. Try giving your mate a foot rub, head rub or back rub. Touch their shoulder when you pass by, give them a passionate kiss.

Day 4: GIFT GIVING. This doesn’t have to cost much, try a single rose, a favorite candy bar or a meaningful card. Just give an unexpected gift for no reason at all, except that you love and cherish your spouse.

Day 5: ACTS OF SERVICE. Help your spouse with one of ‘their’ jobs or better yet, do it for them without being asked. Wash the dishes or mow the lawn, take out the trash or pay the bills, go out of your way to lighten their load.

Day by day watch how your spouse responds when you show love to them in these various ways. In doing so you will be able to identify what really makes them feel cherished by you. Then, make it your goal to act in this way on a regular basis. When you do you will fulfill your promise to love and cherish them.

Determine, each day, to cherish your spouse and to cover them with your love. And, like a beautiful handmade quilt, your marriage will be a place of warmth, comfort and beauty.

CELEBRATING WITH THE ANGELS

This is our oldest grandson, Benjamin. Recently he and his mom were talking about what a "really real Christian" was like. As he talked to his mom, he said, "I don't think I really have Jesus in my mind and in my spirit." Shauna then explained to him that he could have Jesus in his mind and spirit by just believing and praying, so they did.

This is very exciting news! We know his child-like faith is precious to the Lord and his prayer is the first step in Ben walking in the ways of the Lord for the rest of his life. It is very good news.

"Lord we thank you for Ben and that he has a heart that is seeking you at an early age. Please give him a great love to for you and for your word. Give him a heart to follow and obey you and to make wise choices. May he always honor you and please you. Give him joy and peace in every situation and teach him about your faithfulness and tender care for him. Thank you that he is the first grandchild to open his young life to you. Please Lord, please, bring all of our grandchildren into personal, lifelong love relationships with you. Amen."

What's in a vow?

I've really gotten out of the habit of posting. A lot has happened! These are pictures of the way the tables looked when we hosted a dinner party in honor of Richard and Sonia, friends who recently got married. Speaking of marriage, here's the second installment of articles on wedding vows. Blessing to you, Sue

WHAT’S IN A VOW?

by

Sue Cameron

We’re in the process of taking a close look at the promises we made during our wedding ceremony. Last time, we considered the meaning of ‘to have and to hold.’ Today we’ll look at, ‘for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or in health.’

These three vows sit in between, ‘from this day forward’, and ‘until we are parted by death.’ They form the central foundation of our marriage. They are closely related, each having a double sided meaning. One aspect has to do with circumstances within our control and the other addresses circumstances we cannot control.

MOTIVE FOR MARRIAGE

First, let’s think about what is ours to control. The only thing in life we can really control is our choices and ourselves. When we chose our spouse and they chose us it was because life was better together. This motive has existed since the Creator said, “It is not good for man to be alone,” and He created Eve. For Adam and Eve, and for every married couple since, life with our beloved is superior to life alone.

Inherent in this motive, and in these three vows, is a commitment to work toward continued increase. It’s the thought of, ‘You think I’m an appealing, intelligent, fun person now—in twenty years I’ll be twenty times more!’ I believe we are actually promising our mate that we will do all we possibly can to see that life with us continues to be far better and richer and fuller than life without us.

This means I take responsibility for myself. I decide that as the years go on I will take care of my whole self, body, soul and spirit. I determine to improve myself, expand my mind and grow in my faith. Based on my vow, I will strive to reach my full potential, helping my spouse to be thankful for choosing me.

EVALUATING OURSELVES

On our wedding day we each determined to be all we could be. Marriages are good because people make them good. So, how’s it with you? Are you a better person today than on the day your spouse gave their life to you? Remember, you are not responsible to see that your spouse fulfills their vows toward you, that job belongs to them. You and I need to be sure that we are doing the things we promised. Evaluating the meaning of our vows means evaluating ourselves.

VOWS BASED ON COMMITMENT, NOT ON FUTURE CURCUMSTANCES

The other, more obvious side, of these vows has to do with situations in life that we cannot control. Such as difficulties, trials, temptations and failures. Although we long and work for a better, richer, healthier life, what we may actually encounter is serious illness, financial crisis, permanent disability, infertility, death of a child, or addictions.

The passing years may bring hard circumstances that test our determination to remain committed. If this happens, how are we to respond? Thankfully, we addressed that question when we took our vows. We promised, before God Almighty, that even if things did not get better, even if we did not gain wealth, even if illness came to us, we would remain faithfully committed to our mate and to our marriage.

This is a beautiful and powerful part of the wedding vows, expressing the essence of real love. It means if they suffer, we suffer right beside them. It means if they fail, we help them to try again. It means if they lose everything, they will never lose our love or us. It means, most of all, that we will choose, every day, to love them for better or worse, richer or poorer and in sickness or in health.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

Emeline's first Christmas

WHAT’S IN A VOW?

To Have and to Hold

by

Sue Cameron

Most of us don’t often think of the vows we made on our wedding day. Yet, each married person made legally binding promises, to their beloved, before God and man.

But, what do words such as: to have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death, really mean?

While we can’t force our spouse to follow through on their promises to us, we can evaluate ourselves. It is helpful to pause and consider the meaning of the words we spoke. To look closely at the promises we made. Let’s examine each phrase. We’ll pick it up, like a priceless treasure, and hold it up to the light to see what is revealed inside our own heart.

To begin, what does the promise ‘to have and to hold,’ mean? I think this is talking about an exclusive, mutually faithful and satisfying sexually relationship within marriage. This is the first vow we made. In essence we said, “I promise that you are the only one I’ll ever have in my bed. You are the only one I will ever hold in an intimate way.”

When we made this vow we promised to meet our spouse’s needs in this area. According to God’s design you are the only person in the world who can legitimately fulfill your spouse’s sexual needs. How are you doing?

Sexual intimacy is a vital part of a healthy marriage. It is meant to be a total sharing between a husband and wife, body, soul and spirit. This relationship is to be a place of safety and joy, purity and delight, honor and giving.

The Lord means for this relationship to be a source of strength and power to every married couple, yet, for some it is sorely ignored, abused or remains a point of on going frustration.

Struggles can often be traced to one or two sources. The first is that the frequency or desire for intimate contact is not equal between the husband and wife. This is a place to compromise. If your spouse would love to love you every day of the week and once a week seems ideal to you, why not split the difference and agree on every other day?

While most of us would never withhold nourishing, regular meals from our spouse, some may be in the habit of thinking they have a right to ration out sexual contact according to their own desire, ignoring the sexual appetite of their husband or wife. But part of our wedding promise to our spouse is that we will make sure they are satisfied sexually. Likewise, we must not make unreasonable demands on our spouse for intimacy but show consideration for their built-in level of desire.

Another challenge is that men and women are very different. This is delightful and it is frustrating. It’s helpful to take time to learn about how the Creator designed our bodies to function together sexually. Understand, honor and enjoy the differences between you and your spouse.

I’ve heard it said that in regards to sexual arousal, “Men are microwaves and women are crock pots.” This being true we need to be sure to work together toward sexual pleasure for both husband and wife. This takes time, but that’s okay, we have a lot of time. After all, each of us vowed to ‘have and to hold,’ for the rest of our lives.

I’d like to recommend two books on this topic. For husbands, “The Married Guy’s Guide to Great Sex”, by Clifford Penner. For wives, “Intimate Issues,” by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus.

(sorry if the fonts are different in size, I've tried to change them and can't)

Here is a movie of Ethne "wrapped up like baby Jesus, and her sister Emeline and mom, Aimee playing.

Easier with a friend.

Today someone named Kate sent a comment asking me to keep writing down my thoughts on marriage. If any of you are writers you know that nothing will get you going like a bit of encouragement or someone who actually wants to read your stuff! So, thank you, Kate (you sweetie) for asking, now I just have to hope that I write something worth reading.

It’s the new year and my husband, Craig, and I are doing new things together. Good things, needful things but things that are hard to do alone. Specifically, we are dieting, using the BowFlex, and reading the Bible out loud (he reads, I listen.) I know it’s only January 9 but so far we’re doing great! In the process, I’m discovering, again, that I simply enjoy being with my husband. He’s my friend. It’s good to remember that one reason we married our spouse was because we liked him, enjoy being with him and knew life with him would always be better than life without him.

That reminds me of the wedding vow, “For better or worse.” I’ll post some short articles I’ve written on that topic. Hope you enjoy them and thanks for reading. Blessings to all, Sue

Christmas Story 2007

The Manger Cradled the King

by

Sue Cameron

Mary leaned on the doorframe, silently watching her husband work. She watched his hands, so skillful and steady, almost gentle as they worked with the wood. She also noticed the strength of his back and arms underneath his simple woven tunic. How can I help but love him? He’s taken me as his own. Her hand went protectively to the unborn child she carried. He’s taken both of us as his own.

He must have sensed her admiring him. “Mary? Is it already time for lunch?”

She smiled. “Your stomach usually alerts you.”

He wiped sawdust from his hands. “I could use a break.”

Her eyes traveled to the back of the small room. “I see you finished the yoke for Levi. What are you working on now?”

He blushed and she felt startled. “What? Are you embarrassed to tell me?”

He crossed to her and lifted her chin. “No, I just wanted it to be a surprise.”

Her eyes grew wide. “For the baby?”

“Yes.” He led her to the lovingly sanded wood and held it up for her to inspect.

She touched it carefully. “It’s smooth and—beautiful.”

“It will be the most wonderful cradle in all of Nazareth—in all of Israel.”

She clapped her hands and bounced up and down on her tippy-toes. “In all the

world! Everyone will come and see the cradle you have made.”

He placed his hands on her shoulders. “No. Everyone will come to see the

baby in the cradle.”

“Yes, the baby—” She looked up at him in fear, in wonder, in anticipation.

“Joseph, why me, why us?”

He wrapped his arms around her and held her. “Only Yahweh knows and that is

enough.”

* * * * *

Mary fought back the tears when she saw the discouragement in Joseph’s eyes as he returned to her. “No room?”

He shook his head and grabbed hold of the rope, tugging their weary donkey forward. “Caesar has no concern for us and the fact that we have no place to sleep tonight. His greed, wanting to make sure no one fails to pay him tribute, is the reason we had to make this difficult journey.”

She watched his hunched shoulders and wanted to comfort him, to encourage him. “At least we’re together.”

He stopped and came to her, stroking her cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Good. I’m young and strong as an ox and—”

“Mary?”

“Oh!”

The color drained from his face. “Now? So soon?”

She swallowed and nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry.” He took hold of the rope, yanked hard, and urged the donkey. “Come on.” He glanced back at her. “I’ll find us a place, I promise.”

* * * * *

There was more work and pain and blood then she had expected. Seeing others give birth did little to prepare her for her own experience. But in an instant all of that had been replaced by overwhelming love and wonder as Joseph laid the baby in her arms. She looked down at him and then up into her husband’s eyes. “He’s perfect.”

Joseph wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Yes, he is—more perfect than any baby ever born.”

She smiled.

He kissed her forehead. “I’m so proud of you.” When the baby cried he pulled back. “What’s wrong?”

She giggled. “I don’t know, maybe he’s hungry.”

“Then you should feed him, right?”

“I’ll try.”

As the newborn nursed, Joseph knelt at the manger to prepared his bed. “Ouch.” He sucked his finger.

“A splinter?”

Joseph nodded. They looked into each other’s eyes, mourning the tiny hand-woven blanket and hand carved cradle so tenderly prepared for this moment. He went to her, grasping her hand. He whispered, “He is here with us, that’s all that matters.”

* * * * *

When life doesn’t turn out as you planned, when dreams don’t materialize, when the journey is harder than you’ve ever imagined, just remember, Jesus is here with us, and that’s all that matters.

SAVING FACE

Grandkids sitting on Granddad (Thanksgiving 2007)

Grandkids table at Thanksgiving.


It's been too long since I've visited with you. I want to share the story I wrote last Christmas, hope you enjoy it and MERRY CHRISTMAS.

SAVING FACE

Just after Christmas last year I purchased a three-piece nativity set. It’s made of an off-white resin/stone mixture. I chose it because the figures look realistic and I like the way the fabric of their clothes seems to flow.

We positioned the set high on a large rock in our front yard. My husband, Craig adjusted one of our spotlights to shine so that the trio would be clearly visible to those who pass by. Ethne, our granddaughter, loves the figures. As soon as she arrives for a visit she says, “Baby Jesus, see it.” I take her hand to steady her as we walk over the large uneven river rocks of our desert landscaping. When we reach the little family of three she says, “Baby Jesus. Hold it.” Then she lifts the figure of the Christ child to plant a tender kiss on his face. This new ritual delights me and I pictured it as a permanent part of our family’s yearly Christmas tradition. But that was before the winds came.

El Paso wind can be vicious. It blew in, swept Joseph from his place of honor and sent him crashing headlong into the stones below. Joseph lost face; in fact he lost all of his face. There was nothing but a huge empty gap where his features used to be. I collected four jagged pieces of his shattered image then picked up my broken Joseph to carry him inside. I hid him. I couldn’t let a faceless man watch over Mary and Baby Jesus.

In a strange way, I hurt for the lifeless figure, wondering why he couldn’t have fallen backwards where the damage wouldn’t be so obvious. Gluing the back of his robe would have been so easy. No one would even notice that he’d been damaged and repaired. But this injury was apparent, from ear to ear and forehead to chin, the Joseph I had enjoyed was missing.

I didn’t throw Joseph away or seek to replace him. I knew what he needed—a surgeon with skillful hands. Luckily, I’m married to one. Craig went to work on our statue and glued the plaster back together. Now Joseph is restored. He’s not broken anymore. His scars are visible, cracks crisscross his face and there is a small gap near his hairline where a small piece of plaster is completely missing. It’s obvious he’s been mended. But Joseph has rejoined his family.

Sadly, it is not unusual for a man or woman to fall publicly and their image to break upon the rocks of sinful choices. Sometimes they are those in high places, other times they are our neighbors, friends or members within our own family. With no place to hide, their brokenness is apparent to all and often causes pain for others.

When I consider this, I think of my Joseph. The cracks in his face will remind me, year after year, that Jesus came to restore people. He can mend every person who has lost face. Bind up every broken heart. Heal every shattered family. Christmas whispers that there is hope and healing in the loving hands of the One who is a surgeon of souls.

So, come to Him this Christmas, as you are—needy, frail, and breakable—fashioned of dust. Give thanks that the roaring wind hasn’t yet blown through your life, or that though you bear scars, you have survived. For at the manger, you will find Jesus reaching out to lift you up in order to plant a tender kiss of mercy on your face and restore your soul.

MARRIAGE MATTERS

Here's a picture of Craig handcuffed for his Birthday surprise!
This is Craig's ice cream cake!

If you’re married, marriage matters to you, at least your marriage matters. It seems like there are so many people who are unhappily married, yet at the very core of who we are we long for and seek after a life-long loving relationship. I guess that’s why divorce isn’t much of a deterrent to remarriage. But marriage isn’t about finding the right person, it’s about being the right person.

It’s human nature to pass the buck and blame others for anything and everything in our life that goes wrong or is wrong. Just notice how quickly and easily we excuse or explain ourselves when confronted. From, “Well, I was low on gas,” to “If you would have called to remind me. . .” Self-protection is easy and taking personal responsibility is not. But in the end each one of us will answer for our own choices.

I think I’ll post some Blogs about marriage as I see it revealed in the Scriptures. How it is meant to be. Especially how wives are to operate in relation to their husbands. I’ve been married 30 years, my hair is silver so I may have something to offer you but only if you decide to be open and teachable, and allow the Lord to speak to you, not about how your husband could improve, but about how you’re doing. How good of a wife are you? One way to measure this is to ask, “How happy is my husband?”

Hi Friends!

Here I am (years ago) with our four children when they were dressed up.

Here’s a picture of Cameron (Spider man) and Kayla (Tinker bell) with our oldest daughter Sara, when we visited them over my birthday weekend.

Hello my friends. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat down for a chat. The good news is I’ve been writing—a story for Breakaway and an article for Focus, and just got an assignment for another article due November 20. It’s about, “Making Memories on a Shoestring,” so if you have any ideas, please send them to me! I’ve even begun to work on my novel again, which is a big deal, since I’d basically shelved the project (rewriting is just plain hard work.)

After the Novel Retreat, in N.C. (which was so good) I flew to KY to spend a few days with Sara and watch the kids so she and Mike could go away for a couple of nights. It just happened to be my birthday weekend and as a surprise, Craig picked me up at the Louisville airport. I was so confused that I didn’t act very excited, but I’m really glad he came and it made my birthday extra special!

I recently spoke to a local MOPS group on Prayer and even sold some CD’s! It was such a fun topic, because prayer is living and ongoing and I think we will be discovering new dimensions our whole lives (because the Lord is unfathomable and unlimited).

Tomorrow at WOW we’ll be talking about Psalm 139. What a wonderful, personal, joyful psalm about the Lord’s personal, loving care for each of us and how He designed with purpose. I praise Him for being infinite and also so concerned with the details of our lives, what an Awesome God we serve. Blessings to all.

I want to tell about these two pictures. This is us celebrating Craig’s ‘family’ birthday last Sunday. Our good friend, Kirk made his famous homemade-smoked ribs. They are truly the most wonderful, melt-off the bone eating experience . . .

His wife and two girls joined us. The girls sat in the front hall at a small table and Ethne sat with them. When it was time to eat I squatted by the girls and said, “It’s time to pray before we eat. Do one of you want to say the prayer?”

Ethne said, “Me.”

“Okay,” I said and we all closed our eyes and folded our hands.

Ethne prayed, “Lord Jesus, thank you sor (for) this sood (food). Thank you sor Grammy. Thank you sor my sriends. Amen.”

I was so moved. I had never heard my little 2 ½ year old granddaughter pray before and she included me! Wow what a blessing. Okay she also included food and friends. It was wonderful.

Quiet Place

Hi, This is a picture of my quiet place and the verse the Lord 'spoke' to me while I was sitting there listening. It's the third verse I've memorized and placed into my 'memory' album, this has been a fun way to encourage myself to really hear from the Lord and to 'hide' His Word in my heart! I have an exciting adventure coming up. I'll be attending a Novel Retreat a few days of intense focus for writers working on a novel. (see link for more information). When I'm finished I'll fly to Sara and Mikes for a few days and they get to go away a couple of nights while I stay with our KY grandkids. Can't wait, should be a lot of fun.

Happy 50th!

THE CAPTURE!

THE SURPRISE!

For my husband’s 50th birthday, my friend Pam and I planned a party. We held it two weeks early so it’d be a real surprise (and it was). Our son, Eric, blindfolded his dad while son-in-law, Robert put the handcuffs on (not without a struggle). They then drove him around in an attempt to disorient and confuse him—it all worked perfectly and we all had a wonderful evening.

Before taking Craig off to his surprise party we all ate pizza. Then he made chocolate-chip

cookies (from the tub). Ethne was helping him and said, “Granddad, you’re a good man to make

chocolate-chip cookies.” I think this was his very favorite part of his entire day, maybe even better

than a bunch of adults surprising him with a party and singing “Happy Birthday”!

We started back to Bible Study this week. These are the other ladies on the ‘Servant’s Team.’ Back row: Kellie, Karen, Debbie, Front row: Molly, Shelly Stephine, Kim

Here is Aimee on her 24^th birthday.

I really think I should know better. Whenever I’m feeling guilty about the good things I should be doing, and how I ought to be spending my time, there’s a problem. The problem is that I really shouldn’t being doing those good things, because they are not the good works God has planned for my life and for me.

Do you have a ‘life verse’? Mine is Eph. 2:10. Here’s how it reads in the New Century Version, “God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.”

Well, it’s up to me to follow His plan, not make my own. When guilt becomes the motivating factor, it’s a sure sign that I’m not following but leading. God’s not the one who accuses us, and makes us feel guilty, that’s the voice of the evil one. “You should be doing this,” “You ought spend time here,” “why aren’t you doing that?” Our heavenly Father’s voice is one of delight. When I’m doing what He’s designed for me to do, my heart says, “Oh goodie, I get to—.”

It took me months to identify the fact that what I was straining over accomplishing a certain assignment. I was miserable until I realized that every time I thought of that task I felt guilty. So I asked, “Lord have you asked me to do this thing?” “No, I’ve asked you to write and you are not writing.” He was right of course and I was set free. I’m so grateful for His longsuffering and kindness and for His voice of encouragement.

Blessings,

Sue

THE WITNESS OF PRAYER

I just read an amazing story in The Voice of the Martyrs, magazine. I want to share it with you. It’s about an Algerian woman who wanted to know God and kept crying out to Him. One night, when she was 15 years old, she said, “God, I know you are there, so why don’t you answer me?”

“I was crying on my bed and I saw heaven open and rays of light writing the words, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ I knew this was not a dream, I ran outside on the patio to look up at the sky. I was sure God had spoken to me.”

Later, she was given a New Testament and read the words of Jesus, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life,” she knew that they were the same words God had spoken to her, so she gave her life to Jesus. Time passed and she was charged with being a Christian in a land where that is illegal.

She went to court. The judge asked her, “What did you find in Islam that you didn’t like?”

She explained how she was searching for God and how He spoke to her and about the words of Jesus she had read.

The judge then asked her about Christian prayer. “Where do you pray? What do you pray?”

She said, “We can pray anytime, anywhere.”

He asked, “Can you pray now? Here?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, pray.”

“Thank you, Jesus, because we are sinner and You died for us. . . “ She knew that her prayer would be an opportunity to share the message of salvation. She prayed a blessing for the leaders of her country and that those in the courtroom would see the salvation of Christ.

She took 10 minutes to finish. “When I said, ‘Amen,’ the officials turned and to look at each other. The room was quiet. They were speechless. The judge said to me, “This case is dismissed. Go home.”

I turned to walk down the long aisle to the door. I heard someone running behind me. I

turned and saw the judge. He caught up with me and said, “Woman, when you pray to Jesus,

please pray for me."

What my name is?

Do you remember being little and playing make-believe, dressing up or just pretending?

Ethne, at 2 ½ is the queen of pretend. You never know who she’ll be. The Princesses have been

ruling in her life and ours lately. On any given day she might be Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel or

Jasmine. The other day, when we were at the park and told her it was time to leave, she said, “Oh,

no! Not yet! I’m Pocahontas, running through the forest with John Smith.”


Then, yesterday, her Mommy bought her some new panties, these are decorated with the fairy

Tinkerbell. I don’t think Ethne had heard of this tiny creature with wings before, because all

day long she kept talking about wings and asking me, “What my name is?” It’s a very strange thing

for a Grammy to tell her granddaughter that her name is Tinkerbell, but if I would have said, “Ethne,”

I know she would have protested. Besides, I still like to have an excuse to pretend, don’t you?

Hot and Humid

We just returned from a quick trip to San Diego. It was great to be with Craig's family but boy was it hot and humid. When we got back to El Paso, we thought, "They should have come to see us, our weather is perfect!" Of course we don't have the beach--we took the girls and here are a few pictures to prove it! Happy Labor Day.
sue

Gifts and Green-Chiles

We were recently given some
fresh-shelled pecans and about five pounds of green chilies. It was a generous gift but one that required action. Today I spent most of the day making green chili sauce and then roasting and chopping the remainder of the chilies. I wore plastic gloves as I worked and kept thinking about how much easier it is to use the small cans of prepared chopped green chilies I usually buy.

It reminds me of the year a friend allowed me to pick wild blackberries in her yard. After buying the jars and sugar, picking, washing and preparing the berries I decide a buck or two really wasn’t too much to pay for jelly at the grocery store. I think the same is true for green chilies—but they were a gift after all I couldn’t just let a gift go to waste, could I? Someone had planted, watered and grown them—that took work. They picked them and brought them to us, that took work and so I just couldn’t break that cycle of productivity. And in the end, I learned a lesson, or at least made a personal application.

God gives gifts too. And like the green chilies, his gifts require a response in order to get the full benefit. If I refuse to do the work required to make the gift palatable to others I have failed to really appreciate the gift or the confidence the Lord showed when He entrusted it to me.

It’s one thing to be entrusted by God with a gift—it’s another to take the steps necessary to develop the gift in order to offer our time, our lives, and our efforts to Him as a living sacrifice of praise.

This is a picture of a verse found in Revelation 3 and it is challenging me to be diligent about the work the Lord has given me to do.

Blessings, Sue

Stinky Water

(Two pictures of Granddad with Emeline)

I just returned from two days up in the mountains of New Mexico. Aimee and Robert were the photographers for a wedding at The Inn of the Mountain gods, and I went along to look after Emeline, now eight weeks old. Our room was really large with a balcony that overlooked a beautiful lake and the surrounding pine covered mountains. Watching the light on the lake throughout the day was like witnessing the unfolding of a masterpiece. Just when I thought, “This is so perfect and fabulous,” clouds would roll in and the shadows would shift and take my breath away.

Last evening, after Emeline and I eavesdropped (from a distance) on the wedding ceremony, we went for a walk on a path that followed the edge of the water. I carried her in her snugly and as she slept I enjoyed touching the soft dark hair on her tiny head. My eyes were filled with the splendor of the water, but unexpectedly, my nose was filled with an unpleasant odor. Nope, not a baby diaper in need of changing. This smell came from the water. I don’t know if it was the water itself or a result of all the ducks that live along the edge or even rotting foliage, but I was unprepared for that odor.

It got me thinking about how sometimes we as people are like that. We look good from a distance, but if you get very close to us, you discover that we’re not as pleasant as we first seemed. In fact what others may envision is not at all the reality of who we are. We can try to hide it, but each of us has a stinky problem that dwells within us called sin and it seeps out at unexpected moments.

That is true of me, and that is one reason I have made a commitment to do

systematic Bible study. The closer I get to Jesus through studying His Word the more the

fragrance of His love, kindness and forgiveness flows out of my life. As summer winds down

and you look at your fall schedule I hope you will consider making room for a weekly Bible

study. It will sweeten your life and others may be pleasantly surprised.