your love letter
August 24, 2010 | Books, Faith: Knowing Christ, Feelings: Intentional freedom, Just me
If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! I’m so glad you are here.
Yesterday I received a prayer letter from Lee Walker Merrill, http://www.prayergifts.blogspot.com/, a beautiful friend I met at She Speaks a couple of years ago.
The letter was unexpected. Lee had taken Scripture and turned it into a personal Gramma prayer. I don’t cry easily, but I wept as I read the words of prayer over my relationship with my first grandchild, Elle.
The words were powerful, and I will keep this letter tucked close forever.
I shared in the devo today that my father once wrote me a letter at a time that I truly needed to know that God was listening to my prayers. Later my Bible became a love letter from my Heavenly Father. Both of these letters have great worth.
But maybe reading the Bible is a challenge for you (as it has been for me at times, and for many others). How can you make it more personal?
One way that I study scripture is to set a time. Not to mark it off my to-do list, but to meet with my Heavenly Father. I also bring along a notebook. As I read, I write down thoughts, questions (even the hard ones).
I also write in my Bible. I underline. I write down when I feel that Scripture spoke direct to me. It is my personal me-and-God time, a conversation.
I ask the Holy Spirit to come alongside as I read, to show me the heart of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)
I pray that I will be changed. Even if bit by bit. That my Heavenly Father, who knows me and loves me like no one else can, will show me the areas of my life that need His transformation. (2 Timothy 3:16) That I will grasp how wide, how deep, His love is for me. (Ephesians 3:18)
I may read three scriptures and study them. For context. Who wrote it? Why did they write it? When was it written and who would receive it? What did the author hope to explain then, and what truth does it hold for me today?
Or I may just read, seeing the story as it is, with real people and real challenges and real transformation. Many times I am amazed when I see ordinary people living extraordinary lives because of following Christ. (Acts 4:13)
As I read Lee’s prayer letter to me and Elle, I remembered when I was a new believer and I would visit a friend’s home. I saw his dad sitting in a chair reading the Bible. The book was worn, tattered. It was marked, and the pages were thin.
I didn’t understand then why he read the Bible so much, or what value it held inside.
I do now. And maybe one day when I am old my precious granddaughter will hold my Bible in her hands and see the love letter it has become. The one shared between her Gramma and her precious Heavenly Father.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions. Also, I invite you to join me tomorrow for my weekly Bible study. We just began this month and are in the book of Mark. We are discovering who Jesus is and how that knowledge allows us to live free.
I also would love to connect with you on my Facebook Live Free page.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say. I’ll choose one comment today for a free autographed copy of my book, Making It Real: Whose Faith Is It Anyway? It’s written for teens — written after my son asked hard questions about making faith more than just religion, but it’s a great study for new believers or any adult wanting to take their faith deeper and more intimate.
I’ll choose a winner on Monday!
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Making it real is so fitting right now/As I struggle with the start of a new school year and it’s challenges, i know we will face the rebellion of our teen and 3 others that hear God’s word from mommy and daddy, from the wonderful Christian school they attend and then watch “big sis” raise the roof in rebelion. I am “just” the step-mom! So i need the peace and hope found in our love letter from God I am strggling to hear and make sense of it all. Is our teen just rejecting me or is it God she is questioning? Thanks Suzie keep writing!
August 24th, 2010 at 7:04 amSuzie, what a wonderful devotional today. I am in Wendy Pope’s read the Bible in a year study, and through what that has done in my life, I can ditto what you are saying in your writing today. His word is alive and speaks to us, wherever we are at in our life’s journey. Thank you for putting it so eloquently and persuasively.
August 24th, 2010 at 7:05 amMichelle
I’m praying for healing for emotional wounds and your devotional tugs at my heart. When does it stop hurting? Thanks Suzie!
August 24th, 2010 at 7:22 amSuzie, what a wonderful devo . . . if only we would treat our BIBLE as the LOVE LETTER that it is!
Thank you for the reminder and challenge that you gave! 
I’d love to use your book in my teen girl’s Sunday School class!
August 24th, 2010 at 7:40 amI feel so inadequate (even after years of being a Christ-follower) with my Bible study habits. Your post was encouraging today. I have needed someone to help me learn how to study. I have never been much of a “student” even in my school days so thinking of studying the Bible has always seemed daunting. I like what you said about taking just a little bit and chewing on it instead of using it as a “to-do” list and checking it off. I guess the Holy Spirit has helped me with that some. My perfectionism/performance always tells me that it is not enough.
I am praying for Karen and Julie…as we too have a wayward teen and I struggle with emotional wounds…I hear and understand. The LORD’s peace and wisdom be on you as you seek Him out…may you find that He is all that you need…and sense His embrace when you are feeling most alone in your struggle…for He is near to those who are broken in heart….God bless you!
August 24th, 2010 at 7:40 amGreat devotion today Suzie! I have somewhat successfully set aside quiet time everyday this year. But there are times when I’m not sure I’m getting everything I should out of what I’m reading. I guess we all can use a little help studying and applying what we read.
August 24th, 2010 at 7:41 amThanks for sharing this great devo “Letter of Love”. So many times I would put off reading my bible and praying to my heavenly father. Only to realize that I would need His love. His Word gives hope that endures forever and ever. The word of God is deeper than any double edge sword and cuts like a nife cutting away my sins but still it corrects me when I’m wrong and yes even when the road get hard and tough I can find everlasting peace in my heavenly father that he will always be with me even until the end. He has become my strength and song. I look forward to reading more of your inspirationl messages. Keep sharing real life experiences through the Word of God. Be bless in all that you do. Thank you, Sandy from Lithonia, GA
August 24th, 2010 at 7:51 amReally moving devotional today, Suzie! I’ve never visited before, but I was so touched by your words I had to come say ‘hey!’
August 24th, 2010 at 8:00 amThank you for sharing from your heart to bless others!
Thanks for sharing your struggles, Susie, and some ideas on how to study the Bible. We’ve provided a Christian home for our children, but with our young teenagers, we’re making that transition of learning to living faith out on your own, making Bible study personal, and really having a relationship with Jesus, which is hard for us. It’s always been head knowledge for my family, but we’re trying hard to live it out. I also appreciate all the previous posters and what they’re going through, and will think of all of you as we pray and work together for the Lord’s kingdom!
August 24th, 2010 at 8:03 amWhat an absolute joy your devo of today was. Thank you for sharing your struggles and the way to study the Bible. As I get into my “late” years, I rejoice in how my heavenly Father guides me through each day and the certain peace that I have in my soul that He loves me and is taking care of me with each breath that I take. I pray for you, dear lady, and am looking forward to more wonderful devotionals. God bless you and your dear ones.
Sherri
August 24th, 2010 at 8:08 amIt’s quite a struggle to just sit and study the work of God for me. I have the time, journals, pens, etc – even my favorite Bible. My problem is that I don’t think I’ll get anything out of it because of what you just said – having to read a certain amount a day. And yet just reading one chapter doesn’t seem to “be enough” in some circles. I look forward to following your blog and reading more about studying God’s Word.
August 24th, 2010 at 8:18 amA beautiful Post. We have to nurture our relationship with God daily through his word just as we have to nurture our relationships with family and friends. God is truth…his way is delightful to all that will follow. Blessings to you all.
August 24th, 2010 at 8:48 amKathy
Hi. This is the first time I’ve seen your blog. I would like to win a copy of your book. Thank you!
August 24th, 2010 at 8:51 amSweet Karen, It sounds like they are questioning God, and I want to assure you that God is big enough to handle their questions. I pray that when they see you they are astounded by the peace of God that marks your life. As parents we want the best for our children, and when their faith falters we tend to struggle, too. But that’s exactly the time to put your faith in God and live out your own faith in a such a way that when they do want answers to their questions, they will know that God is real because of what they saw in you. Praying w/you right now for an overflowing peace and joy that makes no sense due to circumstances, but perfect sense because of Who it comes from. (John 6:33)
August 24th, 2010 at 8:57 amHey Julie, Sometimes change is incremental. You are talking to a woman who knows what it is to feel wounded, and yet it’s only a memory because God healed the gaps in my life. But it wasn’t instantaneous. It was over time. It was day by day. It was laying down wounds to pick up healing, sometimes only to pick up those wounds again the next day. But I kept laying them down and eventually I walked right past them and I didn’t want them anymore. I chose joy. I chose life. You are on the right path,sis. Praying Matthew 11:28-30 with you today, that He will be your rest and carry your burdens.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:00 amDonna, I love it when I sit with a group of women and we take just a few scriptures and see the richness in those verses. I think sometimes we miss the conversation as we try to read to accomplish a task. : ) I love your honesty, and hope you come back often. Digging into Scripture is one of my favorite things to do, and the only thing that makes it better is to do it with friends.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:04 amThank you for such a wonderful post. I appreciate your tips on bible study. I get so frustrated from not knowing where to start and if I get a reading plan I feel like I have to stick with it no matter what. Thank you for sharing about your family. I have been praying for my family for a long time and I get discouraged because I do not see them coming to church or accepting Jesus. But I have to remember that God has a plan and it is not my plan. How precious that letter from your Dad must be – how even more precious is the letter we both have from our Heavenly Father. Thanks again for the encouragement!
August 24th, 2010 at 9:35 amGod’s timing is perfect. I discovered you today after asking God to help me learn how to study his Word. I do studies, I pray but lately have felt like I don’t know what to say to Him or what to read or where to start and just felt blocked. I prayed He would show me and he led me to you through Proverbs 31 ministries.
I saw my husband and myself in your dad and mom. Though we are believers, we too often put the world first and God takes a backseat. He is there and I know we’ll get to Him, but I want Him to be what my children see us putting first. We are in prayer right now for God to strengthen our relationship with Him and strengthen our marriage. I need love. He needs respect.
And my 12 year old son, who just experienced a breakthrouh in his own faith, needs us to be better examples of Christ’s love.
For the first time in a long time, I fell on my face before God and really felt like I was spending time with Him. I heard Him and He heard me. I am on the right path.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:36 amThank you for sharing from your heart so that others might grow. God bless you!
I appreciate your message today and your help about studying the Bible. I really want to be led by the Lord on what He wants me to read and study. I liked what you said about getting into 3 verses and dwelling on them, as an example..thank you!
August 24th, 2010 at 9:38 amSometimes I look around and think everyone else is doing such a great job with their spiritual life while I seem to be stumbling along hot and cold. I know that picking up my Bible and spending un-rushed time with God makes a huge difference in my day. Yet, somehow the mornings can get away from me and I’ve not sat with my Friend. It’s like exercising! I know it’s good for me and I feel great after doing it, but I can do a thousand other things and not ever get to it. And time with God is so much more important than exercise!! Thanks for the devotional.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:48 amThere is a family in my church that so needs a copy of your book. Their children have both accepted Jesus as their Savior this year. One child is 18 and the other 5 years old soon to be six. They live on disability checks and struggle to make ends meet as you can understand in today’s economy. We are searching for a new pastor and the children really miss the discipleship from our pastor that left. This family loves the Lord. I would love to win a copy of this book to give to the teenage daughter of this family. It sounds like a book that would encourage her heart and soul and help her with her walk with the Lord. Thank you for your daily encouragement today.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:49 amSuzie, Thanks so much for mentioning me on your post today. It was a sweet, sweet pleasure to write the prayer letter for your gramma heart. If that collection of prayers ever gets published, I will include it.
I had the most wonderful time with my Abba Father yesterday morning. He lovingly admonished me over some sin in my life, and I drew a “no more” line in the sand of my heart. Sometimes, God’s instructions are hard to follow, but He’s so faithful to place our shaking hands in His and guide us down the right path.
Keep on speaking truth, Sweet friend! Love, Lee
August 24th, 2010 at 9:52 amDearest Suzi, your story truly inspired me. When I sometimes feel my God is not answering my prayers, I realise that there are people out there that have more drastic problems than me and maybe God is answering their prayers while i am on hold ie He is dealing with each ones situation at a time and the more severe once first. After reading your letter I really felt for you and what you must have went through as a child and there are so many children that are facing similiar situations. My problems seem so minor really and I realised instead of asking from God, I should rather ask God how can I be of help. When I need an answer to a situation or when I need encouragement I have realised that God speaks to me through my bible. When you read your bible you need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you cos sometimes the bible can be difficult to read but with the help of the holy Spirit you would be able to understand. You also need to read the bible at the right time ie quiet time with no disturbance at all cos that is the time spent with God.
Thank you for your encouragenent today. God Bless
August 24th, 2010 at 9:56 amI love this post Suzie. When I used a hard copy of God’s word I did the very same thing to it as your friend’s grandpa and you do. I kind of miss that tactile activity. I’ve switched to an electronic bible on my phone and online with my pc. There’s no place to make notes and such like you would with a hard copy by writing in the margins and such. I’ll have to investigate and see if I can find someone online like that… like… mybibleonline or something. Happy Tuesday!
August 24th, 2010 at 10:05 amWow, I needed this today – I needed to read that I am reading a love letter from MY FATHER! I do every morning I read some of it – and I am so grateful. How I used to pray for my “dad” while he was on earth, he was a “preacher’s boy” – one that went far away from God as possible. He didn’t “allow” us to go with God either. So many years I went without knowing God AND Jesus – sure I know there was a God and I heard about Jesus, but I did not get to know them! Many years passed until I did (in fact I was 47) sure I seen glimpses of Jesus throughout those years but never really accepted Him. The good news for “my dad” that right before he left this earth, he went running into God’s arms, and like the prodigal son, God opened His arms for him. So, I know I will see “my dad” again, but it sure will be from a different “light” and what a celebration it will be. Until then, my love letter from MY FATHER is one I will always treasure AND read daily – with a grateful and loving heart!!!
August 24th, 2010 at 10:14 amThank you for sharing your heart with us. I get a P31 devo from crosswalk in my inbox at work every day. This was just what I needed to hear. I have been half heartedly praying about why I feel so dry in my walk with God lately. It is because I have moved away. I haven’t been reading my “Love Letter” and praying to the One who keeps me quenched! I have been taking the Church (my sanctuary) for granted lately! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for allowing God to move you in such a way that you share just the right things at just the right time. God Bless you Suzie!
August 24th, 2010 at 10:16 amI appreciate your topic today Suzie. God knew I needed it and I’m thankful you wrote it. I needed this as a reminder today to get back on board with my time with Him.
August 24th, 2010 at 10:30 amAs I read the replies to your post, I smiled. I had such struggles worrying about my own wayward children who seemed desperate to escape all that we had taught them. Now I am old, I marvel at how God ever watching allowed them to go just so far as it took for them to realize their need to come back to him. Now, I am a widow after a forty year marriage, wondering if my husband ever really loved me. I never knew the warmth and affection most wives receive and longed for it. Your blog reminded me that on this earth the only love some of will know is Jesus’ love- and that’s enough.
August 24th, 2010 at 10:33 amThanks for sharing (Prov31 devo) today. As a teen living in a non Christian home I also was so thankful for God’s saving grace and the sanctuary of my youth group and church. I know my parent’s saw a difference in my life but, as far as I know, my dad died not knowing Christ as his Savior.
August 24th, 2010 at 11:16 amDear Suzi, It sounds like we grew up in somewhat similar homes, but my story did not have such a happy ending. My father died and my mother has had alzheimer’s for several years. I was able to make some sort of peace with my father, what he was capable of, but my mother and I never had a relationship at all. I went from that home to years and years of progressively more abusive relationships until finally I was beaten and stabbed about 30 times and left for dead. I survived that as did my two young sons who were 8 and 10 and saved my life. That and a miracle from God. But the thing that really spoke to me in your Encouragement for Today piece was that you referred to the Bible as a “love letter”. I was and am still sooooo hungry for love. And only God and his love letter can fill me. I need a daily dose of His love to make it through the day. I also like your slogan “daring to believe that God redeems all the chapters of our life stories”. I think if I let him he would do that for me. With PTSD, anxiety attacks almost daily for the last seven years plus, and 20 surgeries to make repairs from that event in 2003… well your words give me hope and just the encouragement I needed today. Your book sounds just what I need to get to read to my sons. If I am not blessed to be the recipient of a copy, then I will put it on my shopping list. Both I and my sons will benefit from it. Thank you for your gut-wrenching honesty.
August 24th, 2010 at 11:34 amthank you for shring your story about how different life at home was than it was in church and how you continued to persevere and pray for your family.
August 24th, 2010 at 11:37 amyour book sounds like a good read for my daughter.
August 24th, 2010 at 11:38 amToday is the first day I have read your blog. I was brought her through Encouragment for Today. All of this was exactly what I needed this morning as I struggle through the tasks at hand. I ask that you would pray for me. I am looking for a new home for my children and myself, taking on a new challenge at work and trying to keep my children motivated to stay focused in life, friendships, family and God. I feel like I am close to falling apart but I know that everything will be okay. Thank you for taking the time to share your words and encouragments.
August 24th, 2010 at 11:39 amWhat an amazing devotional! Thank you for sharing how God has worked in your life. Thank you for encouraging all of us to pick up our Heavenly Father’s love letter once again. God bless you abundantly!
August 24th, 2010 at 11:49 amI found your devotion today to be very thoughtful. It’s one that I will re-read often. Thank you!
Your book would be wonderful for my entire family to read – my husband and I as well as our teenage son and pre-teen daughter.
August 24th, 2010 at 12:05 pmAs I read your devotional, I knew it was God-inspired… It was like a cool drink of water washing over this weary soul. This past year has been a real struggle and I really needed to read these words for today. They have touched me deeply and to feel the love of my Heavenly Dad is soooo wonderful.
August 24th, 2010 at 12:22 pmthank you for allowing God to share His love through you.
It has touched me deeply.
I would love to win a copy of your book! Thanks!
August 24th, 2010 at 12:27 pmGrandparenthood is a wonderful journey. I feel blessed to be able share the Lord with my grandchildren. Enjoy them!
I still need to focus on spending time each day reading my “love letter”, too. Your book would be a big help to me.
Keep up the good work!
August 24th, 2010 at 1:11 pmYou know, I have never thought of the Bible as a personal love letter. Oh how women adore love letters! Your father’s love letter is probably one of your highest treasured items that you will ever have in this earthly life. But what could be more special than a love letter from my Creator? I can’t wait to open my Bible in the morning and see it from a new perspective. Behold He makes all things new!
August 24th, 2010 at 1:50 pmThank you so much for today’s devotional! I have been really struggling lately, and I just feel like I am walking in circles. I so desperately want to get into His word, but I find myself suddenly seized by exhaustion when I read or just not knowing where to begin. I realize I am going to have to set that time to be with God. I want to read His love letters too.
Thank you for your encouraging posting.
August 24th, 2010 at 1:51 pmI have such a hard time bicking up my Bible to read. I can plow though a bestseller in record time and thumb through a variety of magazines and find something I enjoy. And my Bible sits. Hoping your words will get me started in the right direction.
August 24th, 2010 at 3:02 pmThank you for the reminder of our Heavenly Father’s love!!!! I have been working greatly on that relationship and staying in his word. It is great to receive encouragement like this! You shared an amazing story – one that I will keep to refer to often!
Thanks again for sharing your heart!
August 24th, 2010 at 3:09 pmStaci
Karen, I love your post. I love the verse in Psalms where David is crying out for God to “restore the joy of my salvation”. I feel like that has been my prayer as well in the past. I love that this intimate moment with Christ took place. I wonder how many of those moments we miss… but also treasure that it’s never too late.
August 24th, 2010 at 3:25 pmFather, I pray with Jen B that she will sense You are near to her today. Keep her close. Guide her, and let her sense Your voice. Thank you that you provide for us and that you will open a door of provision for your daughter according to Luke 12:22-34. In the powerful, precious name of Jesus.
August 24th, 2010 at 3:33 pmFor many of you who shared that they wanted to discover how to get more from Bible study, tomorrow we’ll study only 8 verses together. If you want to read those verses now, go to http://bit.ly/cDF61I
August 24th, 2010 at 3:42 pmCome back tomorrow and we’ll grow spiritually together.
Hi Suzie,
I praise God for the love letters in your life. Both HIS and your earthly father’s. I see much beauty from your life. You spur me on to know God even deeper.
Much love and a tender hug,
tiff
August 24th, 2010 at 6:55 pmDear Suzie,
Father God’s Word really comes alive to me if I close my eyes and imagine Him seated before me, reading aloud. I just feel His Presence and Truth truly sinks in for me in this way…Thanks for such a powerful testimony of healing and restoration…Thanks..tpierce
August 24th, 2010 at 7:04 pmYour devo at Proverbs 31 today really tugged at my heart. I can so relate to your mom and dad. I’m “your mom” and my husband, “your dad”. I’ve felt so much emotional pain since the break up of my significant other 3 years ago. I haven’t been the same since and my new husband doesn’t have a clue how to deal with it. My prayer is probably the same as yours was for your mom and dad…that there will be healing. After reading your devo, I’m realizing it may take years before I’m ever healed. In the meantime, my poor husband has to try to deal with it and has no clue. Thank you for such an uplifting devotional today. When does the pain ever end???
August 24th, 2010 at 7:10 pmThank you for your devotional. I often view my time with God as one more thing to check off my to-do list. I want to be a positive example to my children; to be a woman who loves the word of God and reads it every day.
August 24th, 2010 at 7:12 pmHi Suzi, thank you for your devotional through Proverbs 31, it was just what I needed to hear. I’ve been “meaning” to set a special time to read God’s letter to me and haven’t made it the priority it should be….I will be. Thank you!
August 24th, 2010 at 7:37 pmI just wanted to let you know what a blessing it was to read your love letter. God used this in a big way for me today. That same verse was from my daily bible reading and the Holy Spirit truely spoke to my heart. It is amazing how God works. We all have our short comings and demons and it is so encouraging to know that the Lord loves us even with those flaws and how much we can really gain from reading His Love letter to us.!
August 24th, 2010 at 8:49 pmThanks! I teach high school kids at church with a friend. one way or another we need a copy of that book so it is on my must buy list for sure! They are a great bunch to work with, my day job is teaching pre-k and that is fun too! Can’t tell you how many 4/5 year olds I have gotten the joy of being one of the first ones to teach them how to pray and talk to God. It is my honor to be that one. I teach at a small church preschool. Thanks for your writing!
August 24th, 2010 at 9:27 pmI have a love affair with GOD’S word too. I never knew how much I would crave reading it when I was younger.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:30 pmThe last few years have been a rocky road in my faith. Not that I’m not loving Jesus and following Him. Just that my family’s circumstances and ministry have been completely off track.
We long for His direction and blessing!
Waiting can be so hard…
Wow, this is what I need right now. What a blessing it would be o win a copy of this book for me and my teenage daughter. Thanks for sharing your devotion.
August 24th, 2010 at 9:40 pmI’m reading through my NLT chronological bible in 1 year along with Wendy Pope and I have to admit there are ups and downs. It’s like some days I have such a strong, vibrant passion-I can’t get enough of His word. Other days, however, I have to practically force myself to read the allotted text. I feel awful admitting this; I don’t want it to be something to “check off” on my to do list. His Word is living and active; with a transforming power. I know this to be true because of how it’s changed me. Despite this, I often internally struggle with the desire to read His word. Your devo came at just the right time……a coincidence? No way!
~Amy
August 24th, 2010 at 10:04 pmThat would be a great book to share with my daughter.
August 24th, 2010 at 10:29 pmI find it so hard to stay in the word. I love music and books and listening to preachers on audio but I have such a hard time grasping the historical aspects of the Bible. I’ve never been one to think that I needed to check it off my list but I have trouble picking it up and grasping what I’m reading. I want to breath and live the word of God! I’ve been changed by the Holy Spirit and I want to grow closer to Him. This devotional could not have come at a better time in my life. God knew that I needed to hear it!
August 24th, 2010 at 10:32 pmThank you for this touching and relevant post, Suzie. I come from a very sweet, very loving family and who live to love others, but who I think might be unsure about where that love comes from! They always encouraged me throughout my growing years to believe whatever I truly believe in. (And I did go through phrases and being unsure myself!) Now that I’ve opened my heart and Christ lives in me, I pray that I can be a bold, bright, loving light for my family. I find this is often harder to do with your own family that with strangers! The story of the letter from your earthly father encourages me to continue shining and loving so that hopefully my family will see that what I have is real, as well, and perhaps, that will help lead them to living free too.
Plus, as a new mother, I pray that God will give me the strength and discernment to help show my child what real faith is!
Thank you for your stand for Christ.
In Christ,
August 24th, 2010 at 11:27 pmCaroline
Thank you so much for today devotional
I am encouraged as well as challenged. I am a single mother of four (11, 9, 6, & 15 months) I work a full time job while going to school full-time. I have been making a to-do list for quite sometime now and 90% of the time I never make it around to spending time with God. I wish I could say that it was the other way around but that’s not the case. I just want to thank u again for encouraging me as well as challenging me. You have been a blessing 
Christine
August 24th, 2010 at 11:42 pmDear Suzie,
August 25th, 2010 at 3:07 amAs always, your devotions are an encouragement!! I love to stop by and read all that you have to say….today it is great to be reminded that the Bible is our love letter from God Our Father as many of the other women have said!!
To Din T, the teenage Christian living in a non-Christian home: my ten year old daughter just lost her father in an accident in May, we were not together and I raised my daughter to know and love God. She walked that faith and showed her earthly dad that she loved Jesus with all her heart. He never came to know Jesus during his life, was even drinking the night before he died, but I STRONGLY believe that she was a walking testimony before him, as you are to your parents my dear sweet girl!! I know that the Lord does not want for any to perish and that He gave my daughter’s dad, as well as your father a chance to know Him as Savior before they died. We have hope that they may have come to know God as their Saviors in the moments before their death. Din T, you are a strong and brave girl!! Continue to trust in the Lord in all that you do and He will watch over every single step you take, no matter how hard they may seem!
Suzie, I would ask that Din T be given the book to help her strengthen her walk with the Lord and be the Light to her family, that one day they can know the love and salvation that our Heavenly Father has waiting for them!!
You are a blessing always Suzie
Suzie,
August 25th, 2010 at 6:51 amthank you for your words of encouragement. God knows what you need and when you need it, and your devo was needed. Just a simple reminder that He yearns to speak words of love over my life and that He wants to speak life into me! Sometimes we forget how He longs to lavish us with His letter of love.
I am anxious to read your book. I have an 11 year old who is growing in her faith, but who is very curious about the world. I am praying for her to be “uncommon” as Lysa Terkeurst blogged yesterday. You Prov 31 women are so inspiring to me! God bless you.
Suzie,
August 25th, 2010 at 8:25 amThank you for your devotional today. I’ve just started receiving these daily devotions and I love them. They are bringing my focus back to God, just when I feel most distracted away from him, on the computer. Thank you for the challenge to get back to my Bible. I’m trying, but haven’t been succeeding too often. I needed this little “kick in the pants”!
I LOVE the Word also – I find myself dry when I go long periods without diving into it. My soul is renewed and refreshed by it – so who wouldn’t want that?! But the natural man in me also lets it sit sometimes (unbelievable!).
I love the idea of sending letters to friends which are personalized scripture – what a GREAT idea. I am going to copy that one.
Anyway, I thought you might appreciate the words to this song by Travis Cottrell:
You are the Word, my one desire,
An all-consuming holy fire -
The very breath that I am longing for.
My heart is desparate for Your ways,
Refine my in Your holy blaze
If that is what it takes to know You more.
You are the truth that set me free -
Your Word is life to me.
Suzie – my prayer is that God changes my love of the Word into a desparate “I can’t live without it”.
August 25th, 2010 at 9:19 amHey Suzie,
August 25th, 2010 at 11:44 amThanks for reminding me again how the Word of God is written to me and is alive and not stagnant, and to view it as true communication. I’m not a mature believer as of yet – so looking forward to checking out your book!
A dear friend turned me on to Psalms 31, I had been searching for a way to further my relationship with my Heavenly Father and just din’t know where to start. I am not a new believer i just didn’t feel that how i was spending time was furthing my relationsip with God and often felt lost in what I was doing, but your devotional today has given me a renewed spirit and much need guidence on how to handle my time spent in the comfort of my Fathers company.Thank you for much needed direction.
August 25th, 2010 at 2:25 pmThanks for sharing, something I needed! Thanks……
August 25th, 2010 at 3:42 pmI learned when I was young that my parents hadn’t planned on having any more children after my older sister and brother were born. For a long time I took that to mean that I was a mistake and wasn’t meant to be here. My senior year was a very difficult time for my family. The summer following graduation, my mom sent me a letter while I was on a mission trip. She shared that when they found out she was pregnant my dad was working part-time, and she had been laid off from her job and had no insurance. They didn’t know how they would afford to have me. By the time I was born, my dad had a good job, and they had actually over paid the hospital and doctor bill. My mom wrote, “I felt God had planned you for us and for Him and provided the way.” God’s love letter tells me “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jer. 1:5). Thank you for reminding me to treasure God’s Word as a love letter to me.
August 27th, 2010 at 10:38 amHi Susie,
August 28th, 2010 at 4:11 pmLoved your devotion. I have been out of town and I am catching up on my mail. Thank you for sharing this beautiful testimony. Beautiful!
Blessings,
Cheri