Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Magical Moment

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!

Have you had a magical moment recently?

Last night at 7:00 I went for a 3 mile walk in the country for exercise and it was beautiful! There was a dramatic sky, with dark clouds moving my way trailed by veils of rain to water the earth. I was well prepared with a raincoat and hood so I figured that the chance of getting wet was a small price to pay for the visual display in the vast horizon.

Far away, I spotted something that I couldn't identify which made me curious. As we drew closer, I could see that it was a small Amish wagon pulled by two wide ponies who were about as tall as golden retrievers, carrying a father and 3 children. As we met, they stopped to visit for a bit and I learned that the kids were aged 2, 3 and 4. They were absolutely darling!!! I was slightly acquainted with the father, who trains and trades horses. They were on their way home from putting trash in a neighbor's dumpster which they share. While we talked a little about horses, art, and family, I felt connected even though our beliefs are different. I wanted to talk longer, but the man was getting cold. The kids were bundled up, but he was in his shirt sleeves, so I let them go.

As I continued my walk, I felt grateful to God for my magical moment, visiting with my charming neighbors.

Love, Sue

Monday, April 12, 2010

Spring Break

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this morning!

Do you get to mentor people?

Over Spring break, I was fortunate to spend time with two of my favorite people, our 14 year old son, and my sister, Debbie. We went to Frankenmuth, MI which is a charming German Village, ate their famous chicken and toured the village a bit. We loved the giant cuckoo clock on the side of the Bavarian Inn that tells the story of the Pied Piper and of course, Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store.

We also took my son to visit university campuses to see what they have to offer in his field of interest, which is computer animation. We learned a lot and were fortunate to meet a department head at one school and an instructor at another. We talked to students, gathered literature and peeked into the classrooms.

As a parent it's hard to know how much direction to offer to my son. I am trying to help him gather information, encourage him in his dreams and leave the decisions up to him as much as possible, within our budget.

I'm pleased that he has a passion already and is interested at researching colleges at such a young age. It may seem early to some people, but this is his choice, not my idea (even though I love it!) The biggest blessing is that he now knows that every grade he gets in H.S. is important for reaching his goals.

Watching young people dream and pursue their hopes is one of life's thrills! As a mother, I am bursting my buttons in pride as he takes the bull by the horns to further his education. My prayer is that all children find ways to fulfill their sense of destiny and vocation.

Love, Sue

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Teaching Art to Kids

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!

What would you enjoy doing as an alternate career?

Today I get to teach art to kids which is great fun! Yes, I get stressed from all of the commotion, but I love to see kids create!

I'm helping them to make puppets out of tree branches today. They will come up with wild characters!

Love, Sue

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Stress

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!

How do you handle stress?

I feel stressed today after receiving some bad new last night. How do I handle it? This one will take some prayers, some scripture, some music, some painting and maybe even a little chocolate.

God will bring something good out of it.

Love, Sue

Monday, April 5, 2010

The Joy of Easter

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!

How was your Easter?

I love Easter! It rivals Christmas in spiritual joy! Plus it's so darned fun with all of the pretty little girls in their dresses, spring flowers and loved ones laughing. Such bliss!

Yesterday was one of the most joyous Easters ever for me, because it was also our anniversary. I remembered the joy and energy I felt on our wedding day, 17 years ago, when, believe it or not, I preached two worship services in the morning and we got married in the afternoon. I was the pastor of two churches at the time and it was my way of including all of my parishioners in our wedding. I sure can't imagine having that much stamina today!

My husband was sweet and romantic in celebrating our marriage and our shared faith. Thank you God for answering my prayer with the man who is a wonderful match for me!!!!

Love, Sue

Friday, April 2, 2010

Good Friday

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!

Have you ever been mistreated by a whole group of people?

I never realized how painful that was until it happened to me and it took me years to recover from it. I'm glad it happend, in a way, because it gives me much more sympathy for Jesus Christ as he was persecuted and crucified by a mob of people that he loved. His example of non-violence and forgiveness is beyond my human understanding. I am grateful and filled with awe.

Love, Sue

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Arnold Natioanl Holiday

Dear Friends,

God bless you, your loved ones, and your ministries today!

What is your favorite holiday?

This morning, I woke up early and went outside to see the full moon as it set in the west. I was surprised to see a helicopter had parked in our back yard. I wondered how it could have landed without waking us up sometime last night. As I approached, I saw a goat sitting in the driver's seat, chewing on the steering wheel. I hollered at him to stop and he said, "Mind your own business, Earthling!"

Love, Sue