Vote for Jesus

    Today in South Carolina it is primary day. I've had to pray hard, research and ask questions as I decided on which candidates to vote for. It's important to go vote and to pick the person with the morals and values that are important to you. I want my representatives to represent me and what I stand for (that's their job). As a christian I am a representative for Jesus Christ. I am to represent Him. That's my job.  I can't think of a better day to share my story of salvation with you. 

     33 years ago today during vacation bible school at Tucapau Baptist church I prayed to ask Jesus into my life. I was 11 years old and had wanted to ask Jesus into my heart for some time.  I grew up going to Sunday school every week.  I had some wonderful teachers like; Pat Barnett, Jackie Frost, Helen Bradley, Connie Dobson and others who I am sorry are not coming to mind right now.   I really loved GA's (which stood for Girls in Action). Joan Davis was my teacher and she did a great job teaching us about Jesus and missions.  We used to go sing at nursing homes and at Christmas we would take soap wrapped in washcloths for the residents (we shaped them like candles). We had guide books with activities we'd complete and earn badges to go on our GA Jacket ( I still have my red GA jacket). I have fond memories from Camp Rawls like making baskets, picking a stick and cooking my own hotdog and fun crafts.  It was a special time in my life. Those folks helped shape me into the woman I am today.  A non-perfect christian woman, who loves the Lord and seeks Him daily. As a young girl I remember many Sunday worship services ending with us singing the old hymn "Just as I am". The preacher would give the invitation and this little mill hill girl would struggle with the desire to accept Jesus and that long walk to meet the preacher ( we sat on the 3rd pew from the back). I was a quiet and shy person so getting up and walking in front of everyone was more than my nerves could bare. Our Lord in His graciousness gave me another way to meet Him in the form of Vacation Bible School. Our youth minister at the time (who is now a pastor) Dr. Wayne Dickard, taught the Bible lesson that night at VBS. I can't tell you what verses he read or the story he shared. All I know is when he finished he asked us to bow our heads and close our eyes. He asked if anyone wanted to pray to accept Jesus to raise your hand? Wow!! That was my moment! I lifted my hand.  After class we went to the pastors study and on my knees I prayed and invited Jesus to be Lord of my life. In the weeks that followed I finally did make that long walk from the back of the church to my pastor. I told him of my decision and that I wanted to baptized. I was baptized sometime later.

Picking a candidate today was important, but choosing Jesus as my Lord was the best decision of my life and the most meaningful.  Being a christian doesn't mean life is easy or that you won't have pain or heartache or sickness.  Being a christian means you won't ever have to do life alone.  It means that you are sealed forever with a saviour.  Jesus died on a cross for my sin and yours.  He paid the price and offers the free gift of salvation to all who will accept Him.  Won't you accept Him today? If you have questions just message me.  It will be the best choice of your life; I guarantee it !!!!

Go vote and go be a blessing . . . Choose Jesus.

What does your face book say about you?

Social media has certainly changed the way we live.   I used to love to read the paper ( hold it in my hand and read it).  Now I just read facebook for all of the latest news and updates.  It's not surprising to me how facebook has grown in popularity over the years. It's a great way for people to stay in touch. I honestly check it and comment many times throughout my day.  I have come to love my facebook friends and consider them family.

Facebook puts a "face" to a "book" in which we are writing each time we post something.  What does your facebook story say about you?  Some people put on a pretty face ( lots of them, in the form of selfies).  Others put out pictures of their children and family.  Many share pictures of their pets.  While others share bible verses, funny sayings or cartoons.  A new trend that is blowing up my news feed lately are solutions to weight loss.  Slim fast, Medi fast, Cleanse fast ... you get the picture and I'm sure you get the same posts.  People share their favorite sports team, recipes, garden tips, health tips, parenting tips, craft ideas and the list goes on and on.  I sometimes want to share all of my pet peeves; like how people who drive under the speed limit really get on my nerves, or how I hate green tums and see no point in them. Does anyone like the green tums?

My mom always taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.  I try to keep that in mind when posting.  You know in real life you can't take back what you say, but in written word you have the option to go back and change your mind.  I guess that's why I like writing.  I have time to think before I say anything.  That also puts an extra burden on guarding my heart and mind so my words are worthy.  The bible tells us in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." I hope that my facebook posts shed grace on others and not something negative.  I have to work on this as I am human and like to stand up for the underdog. It's easy to get caught up in a thread of comments and slam others with our words.  I am thankful the holy spirit convicts me when I do that so I can make it right if possible.

Another thing I enjoy sharing on facebook are fun times with family and friends.  New experiences like our trip to Washington, DC last year or our adventures tent camping are a couple of my favorite posts.  As I share what's going on in my life other facebook friends share their similar experiences.  We have a golden opportunity to learn valuable lessons from those who've "been there and done that" before us.  None of us are too old to learn and experience seems to be a great teacher.

I use facebook to share prayer requests.  I share them for myself and on behalf of others. It's a great way to find out when someone is sick so that if you are able you can take them a meal or help out with their children. Since I don't read the newspaper anymore I often find out who has passed away through facebook.  In many respects it is a great way to communicate. Email is also a great way to communicate and due to an email I just received I have to share our fantastic news with you.  We are now a licensed and approved adoptive home!!! This means that part of what I asked you to pray for in my last blog post has been answered in our favor.  Praising the Lord with happy tears right now!! I will ask that you continue to pray for us as we are on this journey.  We are praying God's will for us and sweet T. 

Gee I was planning on taking this post in a different direction, but I guess I'll just stop my thought process here.  As the old hymn goes: Let's just praise the Lord, Praise the Lord ... Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord :)

Go be a blessing . . .



 

Calling all prayer warriors :)

Back on August 29, 2010 a very happy me, shared on this blog wall that we were a new licensed foster family.  My blog went on to tell how excited we were to be picking up our first foster child that next morning.  All we knew was that she was 5 and "cute as a button".  I asked for prayer for her and our family as we would soon be meeting.  Fast forward until today, May 8, 2014 once again I have some big news to share, but unfortunately I can't share all of it just yet.  I will tell you that we are in the final stages of trying to become a licensed to adopt family.  Those of you who know me know that I am an open book.  Right now I can't be so open, but in time I will share the details of  many things going on behind the scenes in our family.  The reason I am sharing this much is because I believe in the power of group prayer.  I am currently reading  a book called, Pray Like it Matters, given to us by our pastor.  This verse from Acts is highlighted in the first chapter.  Acts1:14 says, "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." People in the bible days came together to pray and they saw many miraculous things happen.  I still believe in miracles and I certainly believe in prayer.  So this blog is for one purpose and that is for you to consider joining me and my family in praying for a situation I cannot yet discuss? I want you to go through the ACTS type of prayer:

A - Adoration
C- Confession
T- Thanksgiving
S- Supplication (here is what I'd like to ask, pray the Lord's will for our family and this situation).

If you will commit to pray for us this month and next month, then just tell me on facebook or here or in a private message.  We need encouragement and prayer.  This morning when I woke up and called out to the Lord because of a disappointment that I got yesterday in regards to the above mentioned situation, the Lord gave me these two verses: Hebrews 12: 1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  There is a joy set before us and you all are our witnesses.  Help pray with me that we will throw off the daily things that hinders our faith and pray that we will draw on the strength that comes from Jesus. 

If you are willing to pray for us weekly for the month of May and June let me know.  Thanking you in advance. 

Love and prayers for you all.

Be a blessing . . .

Introducing Joy Beyond ... my friend Brenda's new book :)

Hello friends,

I'd like to share with you about my friend Brenda McGraw who has written a book called, Joy Beyond.  I met Brenda at church where she was one of the adult Sunday school teachers in a class Chris and I were in.  She has a heart for the Lord and is using her story to help bring others closer to Jesus.  I had the joy of helping edit parts of her book and she even shared one of my blog stories.  I am happy and proud to share with you about her book release, Joy Beyond.  Check out the link below to read more. 

 http://www.askgodtoday.com/2014/03/28/joy-beyond-release/

Be quiet and listen

Those of you who know me well, know that I put great emphasis on prayer.  I think it's the most important thing we can do for each other.  You can pray anywhere and at any time, and about anything.  Anyone can pray.  So as a woman who values prayer I started re-reading a book I've had for years called, Becoming a Woman of Prayer, by Cynthia Heald.  Yesterday while waiting on Olivia to come out of school I read a page that really made me think about how I approach my prayer time. The writer suggest that we quiet ourselves before prayer time and do as Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God"  Hmmm, I thought, do I do that? Do I have a time of quiet before I pray?  I'd have to answer that most of the time I am not quiet ...  When I know who and what I want to pray about  I usually just jump right into prayer time. Below is what the writer suggested.

 Well, my daughter came out of school and it was time to start the car and go home so I didn't think to much about what I had read ... Fast forward to my quiet time this morning.  The scripture reading was Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord

Hmmm, then I got over to the devotion page and well you can only imagine what it had to say:

It said to "Be still and know that I am God"

 

 

   I kind of sort of think the Lord is wanting to tell me something with this. I guess I better be still and take notice. What does the Lord want to show me? What does he want to show you? The above exert is from my daily devotion booklet titled In Touch found at www.intouch.org You know in sharing this with you I don't want you to think about me; I want you to think about how this relates to you and your prayer life. I am a sinner saved by Jesus grace. There is nothing special about me. I am just trying to do the best I can with what I know. As I get older I realize that there is still so much for me to learn. I am a work in progress.  I make mistakes.  I don't have all the answers. I am simply Susan. A wife, a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister in law, a daughter in law, a niece, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend. All of those titles carry with them great pride and responsibility.  I admit I strive to be the best wife, mother, relative and friend that I can be.  I like to help people when I can and I want to be an encourager, but my most honorable roll is that as daughter of the most high King.  If I can live my life to do His will, seeking Him first, then I know I'll do ok at my other roles in life.  No I won't ever be perfect on this earth, but by seeking to learn how to pray, how to love, how to give, how to serve at least I'll know I gave it my best.  So if you are reading this and you don't currently have a prayer time let me encourage you to start right now.  If you'll sit quietly for a few moments and think about how wonderful the Lord is and how much He loves you, then ask Him to join you in prayer. Talk to the Lord and be quiet and listen ... I know I am.

 

 

 

Go be a blessing . . .

A basket of memories

This morning I feel led to share with you my basket of memories.  Years ago I cleaned for a lady in my neighborhood named Gwen.  She was super sweet and very organized.  In her living room was a large decorative container that held cards, lots of cards.  She said she kept them there so she could go back and read them.  Me being a card writing, stationary loving, pen pal freak thought that was one of the neatest ideas I had ever seen ... thus I began my own card basket.  I must say I had always kept all my cards, but they weren't out in public view.  All of my cards were stored in plastic containers under my bed.  Not anymore, Gwen had just opened my eyes to a very meaningful display of love.  I put the basket in our sitting room next to the love seat and every time a birthday card, anniversary card, thank you note, Christmas card, etc. comes for any of us it goes in the basket.  Pictured above are two very special stacks of cards.  The ones on the left started coming in November 24, 2006 after my dad died, the ones on the right arrived after May 28, 2008 when my father-in-law died.  I can't tell you how many times I've referred back to the basket to read the sweet notes of sympathy others sent to help us grieve our loss. What a comfort even years later.

 

 Just yesterday I attended the funeral of my friend Louan's mom, Mrs. Martha Waldrop.  Mrs. Martha and I have known each other since Louan and I became friends at church.  I'd see Mrs. Martha at her grandsons birthday parties, at church events or just around town.  She served in the Children's ministry at our church and was in her place this past Sunday teaching 3 year olds.  I remember when my dad died Mrs, Martha, sent a sweet sympathy card and again when Chris's dad died another card came in the mail. She and her husband sent cash in one and a gift card to a restaurant in the other, to help feed us in our time of need.  That was the kind of woman she was.  Martha worked behind the scenes in her service to the Lord and was happy doing things that way.  I, too, like to work behind the scenes.  I don't care who knows what I'm doing as long as I know I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do.  It's all for His glory anyway, not mans.  Yesterday Martha was honored in a way that I think she would be proud of ... a way I would be proud to be honored when my time comes.  Don't ever think a good deed or a kindness goes unseen, God knows. My goal in sharing this with you today is two fold; number one, if you are a person who throws away your cards let me ask you to reconsider and start a basket of memories.  On days when you feel blah you can go to your basket and pull out a funny birthday card or silly note and be reminded of the people around you who love you and took time to show their love through that card.  My second point is take time to make a difference in this world even if you and God are the only ones who know. Send cards, make visits or phone calls (do stuff behind the scenes for others) you will be blessed.  Life is really short ... eternity is really long and only what we do for eternity counts anyway.    I sincerely, love you all and thank you for taking time to read what I have to say.  I pray the Lord will use my words to encourage you on this journey.

 

Go be a blessing...

 

Please continue to pray for Doug as he is grieving his wife of 44 years. Pray for their only daughter Louan and her husband Stephen and two grandson's, Adam and Noah.  They are a close family who I know will appreciate your prayers. 

Dirty dishes in the stove :)

Yesterday this thought crossed my mind, "We are competing against people who don't even know they're in a competition with us".  Is this true in your life??? I think if we are all honest in some ways it is true.  Take for instance, a blog post a friend shared on face book.  I don't know the person who wrote it, but what she said reminded me of this thought.  She was writing her "mom confession".  She told how she has a couple of kids who are hard to put to bed and how she sits in the floor between their rooms until they fall asleep.  She confessed that she feeds them boxed macaroni and cheese and doesn't buy organic apples.  I got the feeling she was comparing herself to others, who I suppose have children who are easy to put to bed, always make homemade food and buy organic???  I'm not criticizing her, far from it ... I am wondering WHY we women feel the need to compete??? I don't know where it is written that we MUST have a perfect "Southern Living" home, buy only organic food and have perfect children.  We all know that isn't happening anyway.  This is the real world.  Women, wives, mothers, young ladies ... stop competing against people who don't even know you're in a competition with them.  Be the best YOU, that you can be.  I think striving for a clean house, healthy meals and respectful children is a must, but don't beat yourself up about it.  Life is taken one day at a time.  Do the best you can today.  Tomorrow, do better.  Prayer is a major part of my life.  If I didn't have the Lord to talk to and His word to read, I'd be a basket case.  The absolute best thing you can do for your husband and children is to pray for them.  Listen to them.  Be there. Sometimes the dishwasher is full, the sink is full and the counter is full of dirty dishes ( that happened to me yesterday).  I was out all morning cleaning for a friend of mine and left my house to clean up later.  Well as soon as I got in I found out someone was coming by unexpected.  I panicked, I didn't want her to see my kitchen in that big mess. So, do you know what I did??? I moved the rack in my oven to the lowest level and I shoved all of my dirty dishes in there.  Shazam!! My kitchen looked great !!! True story.  Why did I do that?  Did I need to make this lady feel like I had it all together?? I guess so.  Funny thing is she didn't even come in to my kitchen. Laugh out loud now.  I did. 

My point is this;  magazines and movies are where things are "staged" to look "perfect".  Real life doesn't always look that way, BUT it doesn't make it any less special.  So enjoy your life right where you are.  Stop competing with  people who don't even know they're in a competition with you. Live the life you were given, then you and your family will truly win.  They will win a wife and mom who realizes what is truly important and that is time spent with family.  Make a mess in that kitchen ... who cares if you don't know how to roll out homemade dough for cookies; I don't either.  Buy a bag mix and make some memories.  Leave your Christmas wrap and bows all over the floor and teach your kids how to wrap gifts (let them in on the fun and experience) it's ok if the tape is to long or crooked or if the bow doesn't match. Life is short.  Time is fleeting.  Come on, live a little and stress less.

Jesus said, ""Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."
Proverbs 16:20

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are also being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Ephesians 2:19-22


 Merry Christmas my friends :) Go be a blessing. 

Christmas, what does it mean to you?

     Christmas.  What is Christmas to you? What does it mean? Do we really celebrate Christmas or do we celebrate something else that we've created?  Tough questions.  Christmas to me is the birth of Jesus.  It means that God kept His word when He sent His only son to be born of Mary at the time and place told about in scripture. We celebrate Christmas to honor Jesus? to share His story? Hmmm, do we do that? Do I do that?  Oh sure I teach Sunday school and I tell little children all about the birth and love of Jesus.  We've made beautiful ornaments and will see a nativity play. We'll have a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake and we'll sing to Jesus and yes that is celebrating.  I pray I'm not just going through the motions.  I want to feel it, experience it, share it ...
  
   Then there is time with family. On December 25 we'll eat a meal together, catch up on the happenings in each others lives and then open gifts.  Where does Jesus fit into that?  Maybe He doesn't.  Maybe, we are so busy and caught up with food, family and gifts that we accidentally leave Jesus out of Christmas.  Say it isn't so? I pray that we will be purposeful in reading the account of Jesus' birth from the bible, so that we don't overlook the guest of honor.   I don't want to miss it? I don't want to do Christmas wrong. Years ago people celebrated Advent in the weeks leading up to Christmas, some folks still do.  I'm not an expert on Advent, but I suppose it gives people an opportunity to yearn for what's to come, to pray and to prepare.  I like to be prepared.  I like to do things the "right way". Am I messing up Christmas? I hope not.  As I ponder Christmas in writing this I am reminded that Christmas is more than one day on the calendar, Christmas is Jesus living in my heart.  Jesus is with me every day of the year, not just on December 25th.  I may or may not be doing Christmas right, but I'm seeking and searching scripture and the Lord knows my heart.  I want to share His love with others the best way I can.  I want you to know that I am a sinner, but Jesus loves me just as I am and He loves you just as you are.   I'm never going to be perfect until I stand before the Lord and He gives me a new, glorified body.  All I want to do is obey Him while I'm here and help others along my journey.

   So to sum up my thoughts ... Christmas is the birthday of the most important person in the world, Jesus Christ.  He came to live a sinless life, to die on the cross and be raised to life ( all of which He accomplished).  Now He prepares a place for all of us who will receive Him to come live with Him in heaven.  That's what Christmas is to me. He is the ultimate gift.  Do you know Jesus? If you don't know Jesus, call out to Him in prayer.  He is there and He loves you very much.  Won't you receive Him this Christmas? Don't miss out on the reason for the season. Don't miss out on the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas with love.


Luke 2: 1-20

Christ Born of Mary

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,^[a] who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”^[c]

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely^[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 Go be a blessing . . .

The Sanctuary

What is a sanctuary? Webster defines it as "a consecrated place:  a: the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies b (1): the most sacred part of a religious building." When I think of a sanctuary I think of a holy place; somewhere you can go to feel the presence of the Lord. A quiet place, reverent, solemn, joyful, peaceful, calm. A place with stained glass windows, prayer alters, the Lord's Supper Table, bibles, candles, hymnals, pews, pulpit, piano, choir loft and a baptismal. I asked my fellow facebook friends what comes to mind when they hear the word "sanctuary" this is what some of them had to say: peace, safe place, worshipping, safe haven, God's word, souls saved, total mercy, a song called Sanctuary, the presence of God, a refuge ...   I think the sanctuary should be considered a holy place and treated as such. Sadly the world has changed the look and feel of the sanctuary and it makes me sad. I don't think there is anything "holy" about darkness, flashing lights or even smoke in the sanctuary (not on purpose anyway). I suppose modern churches must think that too, considering they've changed the name of the sanctuary to the "worship center". I know it doesn't change what it is, but it does change how I perceive it. I am not saying that people aren't worshipping when they go into a worship center.  That is NOT the point of my post. However, my heart longs to keep the sanctuary just as it is; a sanctuary ( a holy place of quiet reverence).  I want my sanctuary back.   I am praying that the church will rise up and be what it has ALWAYS been, a sanctuary.

Exodus 25:8 "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them."
 

This is an old hymn my mom and I used to sing at Tucapau Baptist. My heart longs for this type of worship. Read the words:

Just as I am written by William B. Bradbury

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

2. Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

3. Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

6. Just as I am, thy love unknown
hath broken every barrier down;
now, to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Go be a blessing . . .

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of myself, Susan Boiter Neal and not of anyone else.   I speak on behalf of myself and what is on my heart. I am open to listen to other peoples thoughts and ideas as well.  If you'd like to comment my facebook feed is open, however, if anyone says anything disrespectful I will remove it. 

In memory of dad ...

Seven years ago today I stood in an ICU room holding my dads hand as he entered into the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. I am so thankful that he was a Christian and because of that I know I will see him again in heaven. So many memories flood my mind as I look back over my life with my dad. He loved me so much; I don't think I realized how much. He was very strict and at the time I didn't appreciate all of the rules. Now I realize that raising a daughter is tough and he wanted to protect me just like I want to protect my daughter. He did a great job!!

Some of my best memories were of us fishing together and drinking chocolate milkshakes. We loved to eat at the Beacon and Joe's Lake and many other dives. As a little girl I can remember going outside after a big rain and holding the flashlight while daddy picked up night crawlers.  We'd walk through the woods hunting deer tracks and then when I got older he taught me how to shoot a 38. Our country rides and the stories we shared probably meant the most to me.  He was an excellent listener and cared about ALL of my heart breaks. When I found true love he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day in spite of having a kidney stone attack.  He was in pain yet fulfilling his fatherly role of giving me away. He was my biggest cheerleader. He was not only my father, but my friend.   Memories that I will always cherish.

I've traded in my tears for smiles of great memories. I am happy knowing how much he loved my mom and our family.  He loved Chris and Olivia. Dad and Chris were buddies from the beginning and Olivia's big brown eyes melted his heart. Chris is a sweet dad to Olivia just like my dad was to me. He is so good to us and I am thankful that all of us are Christians. This earth is just part of our journey home. We will all meet up in Heaven one day.

Remembering my dad, Ray J. Boiter, Sr., today and always ...

The New Toothbrush

It all started with a free Oral B toothbrush my dental hygienist gave me.  I didn't put much thought into this toothbrush prior to using it, but boy as I brushed, I was singing it's praises.  I walked into the hallway and began to tell Chris and Olivia how awesome this new toothbrush felt.  It was like I was giving myself a professional cleaning.  This brush has two round sets of bristles in the middle and longer bristles on the sides AND it has a soft rubbery part on the back.  I told them if I had known it was going to be that nice I would have used it sooner.  End of story? not quite. . . By the time I took Olivia to school and came back home to have my quiet time the Lord had pressed into my heart a very strong point.  He said,  if I liked that toothbrush so much and I didn't even need it, how much more would someone who really needs one enjoy it? We have some dear friends that we've been exchanging gifts with for years.  I love and cherish this small group of friends and enjoy the gift exchange, but somehow this toothbrush issue changed my heart.  It's honestly like the Lord said, "Susan why buy your friends another scarf or book to add to their collections when you can pack a toothbrush (and many other items) for a child in need instead? So I prayed about it ... I talked to Chris and Olivia about it and then I typed a letter sharing with my friends what the Lord put on my heart.  Instead of us buying for them or them buying for us we could pack shoe boxes in honor of each other. The letters went in yesterdays mail and Olivia and I already shopped and started packing the five shoe boxes after school yesterday. Our church is one of the collection sites so we will drop them off next week. We are so blessed in this country.  We use so many things everyday (like a toothbrush) and we don't even give it a second thought.  A toothbrush or even a hairbrush will be a luxury item for the child who receives it. Maybe you will consider packing a shoebox in honor of one of your friends?  It's fun to shop for the shoebox items and just knowing that we get to be a small part of making a child's day brighter is worth it.  I am going to share pictures of some of the items that can be packed in a shoebox.  If you are interested contact me or you can go to www.samaritanspurse.org

 

We plan to add more candy like lollipops and smarties, but as you can see it's very simple to do.  AND you know what the best part is, each of the children will receive information about Jesus.  They will know that someone cares about them and that makes me smile.  It's the little things friends, the simple, little things that matter most.

Go be a blessing . . .