Susie Woods

I have 3 Susan sisters.  My own Susan Jean.  Terry's sister Susan Jean and Rand's wife Susan (Jeannette i think).  Today I want to honor Terry's sister - we call Susie.  In Terry's life she is stability.  I don't know anyone he admires more.  When he talks to her I hear a lightness and joy in his voice.  We don't really do much for Susie.  But she's done so much for us.  I look around my house and see a cookie jar, paper plate holder, plastic bag holder, drink cups, and probably stuff I'm forgetting that she has made and sent us.  At Christmas our tree is filled with ornaments she made and sent to us.  She has her own family but she always finds room in her life for us.  And not just us.  She finds room for taking care of those she loves around her.  She is like a strong spot in the middle of people's lives.  I have been so blessed as I have watched her faith grow and as we have shared a love for the Bible and for God.  Lately I have realized she is praying for me and I am so thankful for that blessing.  It gives me peace.  In the Reiff family I think she is the one most like her Dad and yet I also see that spunk that her Mom had.  I love that Reiff ability to make quick decisions and stick with them.  Susie is a great volleyball ref - one of the best in Missouri.  She does crafts, bakes, tries new activities, is a great friend for her friends, has a good sense of humor, runs Laurel Club, supports her children and grandchildren, is a positive church member, thinks of others....I could go on and on.  Here's to you, Susie!  I love and admire you.  Thanks for all you do.

The Kingdom

The Kingdom came one night at Pizza church.  People cried.  People laughed.  Love was flung around like a basketball.  Love was deep and strong. The Kingdom came one morning at church.  A grandmother had died.  Another grandmother had arms around her great nephew.  People hugged.  People cried.  Love was deep and strong. The Kingdom came in my bed one night.  We talked into the night.  Healing happened.  We cried.  We laughed.  Feelings were shared.  Love was deep and strong.  The Kingdom came at reunion.  Walls came down.  People shared from their heart.  Trust was easy.  Love was deep and strong.  The Kingdom came in our family once.  We didn't plan it.  We sat in a hostel.  We laughed.  We shared.  We didn't cry but love was deep and strong.  The Kingdom came to me one morning.  I sat alone and praised God.  It felt so good I cried and I laughed. I rested. Things were tough but God was enough.
I always think I'll do a study on the Kingdom and find out what all those parables really mean and I think I still will.  But once in awhile  the Kingdom just seems to fall into my lap, our laps.  And I know what it is.  I can't explain it.  But I know it's there.  I usually laugh.  I usually cry.  And Love is deep and strong.