Forgivness

A friend was having a difficult time forgiving people in her past who had wronged her. Boy, could I identify. I could write a book! Wait, I am ... lol.

After recalling the history of my life for the last several years while writing my book, I know how painful the past can be.

I told her the best thing was to ask God to help her, and she may have to forgive them over and over, but eventually, she would get there!

Forgiving is a lot like grief. There is no map or special formula. It takes time to work thru it, but faith in God will help.

Perhaps the most difficult to achieve is forgiving yourself that you allowed someone to hurt you. Odis used to tell me a lot, “Suzie, while you are forgiving others, don’t forget to forgive yourself.”

Even after the forgiveness is determined in your heart, you may resent what was done to you.

Understanding forgiveness is important. You are not saying you weren’t hurt. It happened. Even when you still remember, accept that you cannot change the past and, in time, the hurt will fade.

Remember, not forgiving hurts you, not them.

Why Read??

 Reading opens up a world of travel, knowledge, and entertainment.

I never liked to read, but was determined to encourage my children to read. I gave both my daughters cloth books when they were barely old enough to sit alone! It worked! One is in her 40s and the other in her 50s and they read two or three books a week! I encourage new mothers to use this tool!

Everyone has a book inside them! Whether or not it is ever published, just do it! It’s easy to self-publish! The hard part is research! It has taken me 6 years and I’m still working on my autobiography, but it has given me a new respect for writers! Now when I walk into a bookstore, I don’t see books; I see the hours of research, writing, and editing that the authors spent on those books!!

October ALT Magazine Blog

 

It’s Fall, and That Spells H A L L O W E E N!

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween and when it began? 

H a l l o w e e n first came to the United States in the 1840s but observing Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

There are as many theories on the observance of Halloween as there are stars in the sky! Some believe it’s witchcraft, while others say it is harmless fun! Schools plan fall festivals with cakewalks and games, while churches schedule Trunk or Treat activities and ask children to dress as bible characters!

I remember my mother telling me the story of their first Halloween experience. They lived far in the backwoods of Fouke, Arkansas, where the closest neighbor lived 20 miles away! It was too far to walk, so they did not observe the tradition in a country setting.

When they moved to town in the Summer of 1942, mom was pregnant with me! She said on October 31st, kids showed up dressed as ghosts and goblins in sheets and homemade costumes and masks! The kids said “trick or treat” so fast, she could not understand what they were saying!

The next year they were better informed and prepared. No Walmart stores were available to purchase bags of candy, so most neighbors made candy apples and popcorn balls for the trick or treaters.

I’m not sure when the first act of maliciousness occurred, but in 1966 a guy in Houston put double-sided razor blades in apples, and several children were badly injured! We had just moved to Conroe, and I was fearful for Diane, my three-year-old daughter, to take part and drove all over town, taking her to friends’ homes to “trick or treat.”

Years later, Odis, as a Gideon, purchased new testaments to give with the candy. One little guy got so excited, placed it across his heart, and said, “I’ve never had my own bible before.” It overwhelmed me. I take all my bibles in different translations for granted, and this young lad was excited to get a new testament. The next year, he came and brought a friend and asked if he could have a bible. We promptly provided him one.

No matter how you decide to celebrate this night, be responsible and stay safe. If you do “trick or treat,” be selective where you take your children and carefully check their bags of candy!

It’s not the ghosts and goblins you have to watch out for, but people who use it as an opportunity for wickedness! 

Teach your children about the genuine spirit of a living God!

 AND BTW, parents, don’t eat all the kiddo’s candy.

Our Redeemer Cometh

 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. I Corinthians 13:11 NIV.

I was in church my entire life! My mother said I threw my baby bottle on the concrete floor of the church they attended! I hope she busted my bottom, but probably didn’t 

Our childhood experiences mold our thinking. I heard things as a child in the church that either I misinterpreted or was said in ignorance, but either way, my ears heard them, and my mind kept them! We have to sort out the good things from the bad and figure out the difference! Hopefully, we will use the Holy Scripture as our guide! 

Those lessons will be useful in these last days of the world as we knew it in the past! One thing we know! Jesus is coming back to take the church home to be with Him! It’s not a church with a label but those who look for His appearing!

Every day, a preacher or prophet will make the statement that Jesus is coming soon. I’ve heard it all my life. It could be so easy to become lax and think it’s never going to happen, but I assure you… That appearing will happen one day. It may not be in my lifetime, but God’s promises are yay and amen and will take place.

Things seem really bad now. The daily news is not good! The economy is bad, food and gas are going out the wazoo, and Christians are being punished. I never thought in my lifetime churches in America would be persecuted. That only happens in the countries that we send missionaries to. Things look bleak and hopeless, but guess what… I’ve read the end of the story. We win!

Lookup for our Redeemer draweth nigh!

Cajun Land

 My grandmother (we all called her mam-ma) was almost a hundred when she passed away. My grandfather (her husband) passed away before I was born, and he asked my dad to promise to take care of her as long as she lived, and he did.

She lived with us, and I was her bed partner. I loved snuggling up to her at night.

She was a feisty little thing and had 2 sisters and a brother who lived in Louisiana (her maiden name was Hebert… (pronounced A-Bear), a Cajun name, and we would travel on the train to visit them.

One time my friend from Texarkana went with us. We had a slumber party with my Louisiana cousins and talked about…. you guessed it… boys! I remember my Aunt Susie (who they named me for) was listening to us, and she told us about her boyfriends, and of course, it fascinated us. We almost fell out when she was talking about this one that was so cute, and she said he had a real pretty “horse and buggy”… I still laugh about it. 

They were such fun times, and I treasure those memories in “Cajun Land”!!

Today's Multiple Marriages

 

Since I’m not shy in giving my opinion, I’m weighing in on multiple marriages.

Now, I know some of you don’t believe in women preachers, so I’m not preaching just being a biblical Deborah!

While adultery may be a scriptural reason for divorce and remarriage, you are free to re-marry only in the Lord. An unfaithful spouse will give you scriptural freedom to get a divorce, but the same scripture is clear, you are free to only marry another believer.

When a Christian unites with an unbeliever, they are not on the same page spiritually. This is my thinking and I have no scripture to back it up, but I have to wonder, if God doesn't sanction an unbelievers' marriage in the first place, then some unions would be invalid. Everyone has to pray and seek their own understanding and answer.

Thank God for His credit line of forgiveness!

I am a little doubtful that Larry King and Elizabeth Taylor had scriptural grounds for divorcing 8 spouses. I have to wonder whether maybe they are just difficult to live with and should stay single. But that is their answer to seek. They did not ask me to give my approval or permission! hahaha

Seriously, I do think we need to clean up God's church from ALL sin! That includes lying, gossiping, and backbiting, not just unfaithfulness in marriages. We should have such a relationship with God that we want to live holy and exhibit the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control!!

August ALT Post

 Let’s Go Fishing!

Besides being an interview guru, Mike Brower is a fishing expert. Every fisherman I know has a whopper of a story to tell. Each one will try to “out whop” the other! My fishing story is one they can’t top! Ha Ha

My first fishing experience was in a boat with my daddy and Grandpa Bud and one I never forgot. He was a perfectionist. He unloaded the boat and checked it fifty-eleven times to make sure every little iota was in place. 

 

He made me wear a life jacket, which made me feel awkward and clumsy. How could I fish and relax wearing that? They wanted complete silence, and I made too much noise for them. I did not have an abundance of patience and became bored waiting for the fish to bite and ready to go home!

 

When Odis and I dated in 1958, he wanted to take me fishing. I pushed my dull fishing outing to the back of my mind and loved being with him whatever we were doing.

 

Not being fond of the live worms that wiggled, I let Odis put them on the hook for me. I did not know that when the red and white bobber bobbled, it was a sign of a nibble, and I needed to yank the line to hook the fish. The fish gobbled up my bait, and I only fed them. I learned that I am a better observer than a participant, and Odis realized fishing was not my thing.

 

When I met the boys fifteen years later, they excitedly told me about their fishing experiences. I told them my story about their dad taking me when I was not too much older than they. They laughed as I explained, “He never asked me to go fishing again.”

 

From AGAINST ALL ODDS, We Found The Perfect Love Copyright ©2021 Suzie Tyler 

Currently available on Amazon as an eBook. 

 

Hope your summer has been great doing whatever you enjoy!!

 

Follow SuzieTK Snippets on Facebook, Word Press, and Blogger.

Bible Translations

I really like the Message Bible! I remember when the Living Bible came out, churchgoers were going crazy! “It’s changing the Word of God!” Did you know the King James was a translation? Hello? If you want to have the original go to The Jewish Bible, the Old Testament was originally written almost entirely in Hebrew, with a few short elements in Aramaic. Both the Old and New Testaments have a long history of translation.

The Message Bible uses the modern-day language we are accustomed to today and easier to understand!

I enjoy reading that God is in control and will have the last word!! This scripture makes it plain:

“Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you will end up out in the cold — real losers. Those who worked against you will end up empty-handed — nothing to show for their lives. When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won’t find them — Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory. That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:11-13‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Casual prayer??

How many times do we pray a casual prayer?

I read a story several years ago about a lady who passed away in the emergency room. She felt her spirit rise above her body and could see her family weeping because she died. She related hearing her dad say, “I wish she hadn’t died!” Immediately, she saw those words shooting thru a glass tube to Heaven. As it hit the throne room of God, they instantly sent it back to her hospital room, and the prayer restored her life! It was a casual prayer, but a powerful one!

 

I remember when my friend JoAnn and I were on our way to Houston for a casual drive. I was hurting after being deceived and rejected! I casually said, “I want a man who will love me more than life and for who I am!

 

I did not know God would answer my casual prayer in such a wonderful way and so quickly! God sent me a man who was beyond my wildest dreams! A man who loved me with unconditional worshipful love!

 

We are so unworthy of God's love! Thank you, Lord, that you love us unconditionally and answer our casual prayers!

July post in ALT Magazine Independence Day

 The Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day — has been a legal

federal holiday in the United States since 1941. But it is more than just a

day off from the office, grilling hamburgers, or skiing at the lake!

It’s the birthday of our country! 

But what does that mean?? 

On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence

free from the rule of Britain. Two days later, on July 4th, delegates from the

13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring America as

an independent republic nation. The first public reading was on July 8th,

1776.

So technically, we can celebrate from July 2nd to July 8th and bosses should

give all those days off from work. Ha Ha

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate with fireworks? Since the 12

century, China has used them to signify national pride and patriotism and

in the 15th century, European monarchs used them to celebrate national

triumphs, the restoration of peace, and even the monarchs' own birthdays. 

Over 14,000 fireworks displays go off across the nation, including Las Vegas

and San Francisco, but the largest one is in New York City attended by

more than  2 million people for the 30-minute show.

From 1776 to the present day, we have celebrated July 4th, with festivities

ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family

gatherings and barbecues.

A little FYI: Three presidents died on July 4th. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson,

and James Monroe.

Independence Day, New Year’s Day, Christmas Day, and Veterans Day are

the only 4 holidays designated as a legal federal holiday on the same day

every year. Any of the days that fall on Sunday are observed on Monday.

So eat some barbeque and pop some firecrackers and celebrate the

freedom of our nation!

Happy Independence Day!

June Blog for ALt Magazine

Happy Father’s Day to All Dads!

Babies usually say dada before they say, mama! Most little girls idolize their fathers, and that superman status is maintained in their eyes until they become a teenager... Then it fades until they are ready to find a husband, and they look for someone like Dad, their first superstar!

I was no exception! My Dad was my hero! I thought, “My daddy can fix anything!” I respected his values, and my biggest fear was disappointing him!

In the fifties, church attendance was a family affair, and parents were revered. Most Americans were patriotic, and boys were proud to serve in the military. Today that sounds like a fairytale.

My fondest memories are of Sunday family dinners. My Dad worked from 3 to 11, and on Saturdays, he drove to Fouke to work at the farm. Sundays were set aside for rest and worship, and no one worked. The meal cooked during church, and after the service, we joined around the table, said grace, and sat down to eat together. We discussed our weeks' activities with no TV or cell phone distractions and learned about life from our parents, not a TV screen. 

When television arrived at our house in the mid-50s, shows were family-oriented. Lucy and Desi Arnaz slept in twin beds, and they could not mention the word pregnant.

The challenge of fatherhood is greater today than at any other time in our history! The family unit has changed, and over 69 percent of homes have more than one father figure! Technology has replaced our quality time, and the family is no longer respected. Today, it is not unusual for teens to be texting during mealtime with no communication with parents.

Writing this article has reminded me how different life was in the fifties. Entering the world of modern conveniences should have made life simple, but it has become more time-consuming. We have made significant trade-offs for our lifestyle. I hope it has been worth it.

Happy Heavenly Father’s Day, daddy.

Preface for AGAINST ALL ODDS We Found The Perfect Love

PREFACE

My high school romance began on February 13, 1958, followed by a separation through no fault of our own.

Fifteen years later, I found my high school sweetheart, who had been divorced for three years and raising his three boys. Most people thought I was nuts and did not believe our marriage would last. They were not counting on my deep feelings for this man that had continued through the years. I was unwilling to pass up my "second chance" and went against friends and family's advice.

With 450 miles between us, the odds of finding each other without Google was a miracle. We did not know what happened to each other but had kept a silent connection with an invisible bond.

I hope those who read my story will realize how life can begin again with pure love. Be encouraged. Happiness is still in your future when you put your trust in God. He is the giver of second chances to those who have experienced a divorce.

This book has been a labor of love spanning six years of research. It has been challenging to get data for circumstances happening over 50 years ago. Most people did not remember the events I was enquiring about or had died. They had torn buildings down to make way for progress, making it impossible to define without digital maps.

 Writing my life story has not been easy. We both had gone through a lot of turmoil during the fifteen years we were apart. While therapeutic, and I have recalled several wonderful loving memories, the painful times and events have made me deal with emotions I had suppressed. God taught me a lot about myself, and I have grown intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Odis' example of perfect love helped me to learn to trust again.

The most challenging part of writing a book is research. The Google search app has saved many hours of work in my quest to find information. I am thankful to my sister Racine, my friend JoAnn, Odis' friends Dalton, Willie, and Danny for allowing me to be a pest with many phone calls and questions to write my story that began at Lake Texarkana in 1958.

I am grateful to Odis's mom, Vivian, for not throwing away history.  She had copies of his tax returns starting in 1956. With his W2's, I put together the dates of his employment history from Texarkana until we married. She also had a small address notebook with every significant event in their life that proved invaluable. Odis kept a file of all the court documents of his divorce and custody battle. Sometimes being a packrat pays off.

AGAINST ALL ODDS We Found The Perfect Love

Available as an ebook on Amazon.com

Print available later.

On Loan From God For 24 Hours Introduction

Everyone wants a telephone line to Heaven. If one were available, we could talk with our loved ones who have left this earth. I wanted 30 more minutes with the love of my life. 

A few nights ago, I dreamed that Odis was talking to a men’s group, comparing the military soldier to that of the warrior as a Christian. I was in another part of the church, helping with the music, and when I finished, I walked down to the floor where I knew he was speaking. 

He was in a green army uniform with lace-up boots. The meeting was over, and I grabbed hold of his arm and walked up a long concrete ramp, holding on to him for dear life.

 

The dream seemed very real to me. For a moment, I thought he must not have died, and I only imagined it. As we reached the top of the ramp, I woke up. 

Be inspired by this short story, available on Amazon ebook and print

https://www.amazon.com/Loan-God-24-Hours-LOAN-Hours-ebook/dp/B07NGMDDR6