Sometimes after receiving Thursday newsletters I receive back encouragement and further ideas on what to read. I will list some of them for you to see what others are reading, or how we are all in the process of learning and changing and trying to develop ourselves. Thank you for your notes to me. Thank you for your ideas for what to carry in the store, and for what you suggest that I read. I hope that you find encouragement, motivation, and comfort when you've read some of my notes and some of the responses below. I am not going to even put first names, to keep the privacy of so many of you knowing each other! Susan

Theme in those books is very "Lenten": my life for your life. Will find a copy. Enjoy the day. I'm in search of coffee. (3/4/10) (Referring to Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal and Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd Douglas)

Tereasa sent me a book it is called "Cold Noses at the Pearly
Gate: by Gary Kurz, I have just started it a little last night a book of hope for those who have lost a pet. (3/2/10)

My grandchildren really "Loved" all of their gifts, so did their parents!! I really do enjoy your store and all that you stand for. It is so calming and invigorating at the same time. Such a presence of peace and tranquility that engulfs the senses as a person walks through your store. (3/1/10)

Thank you so very much for Monday!!!! I really need someone and you helped me when I did not think there was anyone that could! I am enjoying the Gift from the Sea! It is beautiful! Thanks for all the time you take to help out the community and all who come in and get you wonderful letters! I can't wait till next week! Hope and I are thinking of making it a weekly trip in to get a new addition for her kitchen instead of monthly! I really hope that we can get in when your there! Thanks again! Thanks so much and God Bless!! (2/25/10)

We were in your store last night and we had a total blast! I absolutely love the new kid's books you have in! We bought both the train and truck pull tab books for Daulton and of course more gummies! Thanks for having your store - we really love coming in! (2/23/10)

Don't know that you remember but you talked me into buying this book some time ago and I read it right away. It's a fun read indeed.

I am having the same problem as the folks in Nollop--I'm losing letters, but not off my house, but off the computer keyboard, from use. Thanks to my high school typing teacher, I learned and retain the touch-typing method, so I can function, even though I cannot now see "i", "k", "l", "m", or "n", and "c", "e" and "s" are fading fast. But I still have my "p"'s and "q"s and am minding them:-)

But today what I have copied to keep is your closing para. Writing one's epitaph at the end of a day is a wonderful thought to start the day. Thanks. (2/18/10) (Referring to Ella Minnow Pea)

Thank you once again for hitting the nail on the head!! I must have needed Jane Eyre at 630 this a.m. - so much to think about. Jay's heart is very bad and I haven't been able to sleep because of worry, but your writings will help me get through this. A transplant is in order - he is working and doing okay, but could be soooooo much better. And what if death? Everyone must die and oh, what a wonderful afterlife! You keep me on task!!! I will copy your notes from this a.m. and sleep with them under my pillow this night!! (2/5/10)

I so liked and appreciated the thoughts in this newsletter (and also empathized with your tiredness and need for caffeine)! I read this book many years ago; will get it out and read it again as soon as I can, for now, you have made it possible to look for new meaning to the lines, and I (hopefully) am more mature in my thinking, and much more advanced in my belief in God. Thanks for making the enriching statements. (2/4/10)

Thanks again, Susan, for sharing from a great book. I haven't read it since high school, and missed all the deep things you noticed. I've realized that when I re-read a book as an adult (a very old one!) I see much more than I remembered seeing, and since this one is on my shelf, I'll make a point to re-read it. I'm now reading "The Bookseller of Kabul" Makes me VERY GLAD I was born in the USA! (2/4/10) (Referring to Jane Eyre)

Check out "Clara's War". Very good book-think you will like it. (2/3/10)

I am about 20 pages away from having finished "A Lantern in her hand". It is such a great book. What I really appreciate is that it's not something I would have ever picked up on my own, without your recommendation, so it's been very nice to explore this new insight and I love all the Nebraska history. That's why I wanted to join the book club, too. I read so much and all the time, but I wanted to kind of branch out and get new ideas and suggestions. Thanks so much for your recommendation. I'll come in again and get the other one by Bess Streeter Aldrich that you recommended.

(I think I'm bringing my friend from Grand Island to your store tomorrow. She's never been and I've been talking about it so much and told her she just HAS to come!!) (1/29/10)

For some reason, this week your newsletter hit my heart!!! (as it has many other weeks, just hadn’t taken the time to let you know) I love the Telepathy poem. In fact, I sent it on to my two daughters and a couple of really good friends. Plus the Heritage piece is precious. Wouldn’t that make a good birthday gift to have a Babushka and that piece inside the package? (1/29/10)

I do have one Anne Lindbergh book - Gift from the Sea - sitting on my bookshelf that I have yet to read. I have never read any of her writings but I do look forward to it. But right now I have 4 books in my Susan Box that I must read first!!!. Here is the interesting thing - I had never read any of Anne's writings and I saw the Sea book in a small display at a local antique store. There were 3 copies sitting there and I bought it mainly b/c I thought it was a pretty book. I loved the seashell on the cover b/c I always gather shells when we are at the beach. At the register, the shopowner said that she sold that particular book faster than she could put it out. The book has been sitting in my home for at least a year now but I will make it a new priority since you recomend it. (1/28/10)

Wanted to keep reading rather than working!! I am thoroughly enjoying this little gem. Reading about Abbie's heartaches and trials Is a great reminder that these times in our lives really can develop our character or break us if we allow it. (1/27/10)

We finally made it home several hours after we intended. As soon as I changed my clothes and moved all the clothes from the suitcase to the laundry basket, I sat down to open my box. The Looking Heavenward book was on the top – I briefly read the cover and wanted so much to start on it right then since you had indicated that it was another of your favorites. With great fortitude, I put that book aside to dig deeper into the box. The other two Bess books were just an intriguing – but on the very bottom, lay the one – the one that so touched me when I first found your website and writings. I lifted it out as if it were a delicate jewel and just holding it in my hand gave such pleasure. I just sat there holding it and studying the bleak yet peaceful painting on the front cover…I read the back cover all the while thinking of you and how I would have never even learned of this book had I not been led to “stumble across” your website…and I sat there speaking gratitude to the Creator for the manner in which our paths crossed just since Christmas. Then I found your note inside the front flap. You said that you hoped I would find a treasure here, too. Well I’ve read three chapters now and yes, I’ve found a treasure. (1/25/10)

Last night, my husband was at a church meeting late, and after I put the kids to bed... i decided to not turn on the tv and I did dishes, picked up the house and folded some clothes in complete silence for about an hour. I had lost my phone and didn't go to the computer. Just silence...
And I kept thinking of Anne LIndberg and Gift from the Sea.

Then I sat down and read more of "A Lantern in her hand". I couldn't put it down. I wanted to keep reading... and I did until 12:30. i'm so tired. It's a life's story and maybe ordinary... or maybe no life is ordinary. Unfortunately I have to work today and have quite a bit I need to accomplish but I am so glad for the silence and the alone time of last night. :-) (1/21/10)

I just slipped out of bed...only because my self talk reminded me it was Thursday and maybe the "note" was done, and that was reason enough to forcefully start my day... And here it is perfect words...from the ancient wisdom of men...these are the only men I trust you know....the ones that are wise and dead! How brilliant are the words of that fable...to remain as true today as then. Thanks again sweet Susan for my feeding my brain with wisdom of the ancients!!! Me smiling ready to face the day... (1/21/10)

I bought two more copies of "Gift from the Sea" for 2 of my friends. You gave me such a wonderful gift and I want to pass it forward. I started reading it Wednesday night, but didn't have much time and I finished it on Friday on the drive to Colorado. I can't even tell you how I felt connected to that book and to the author and then to you because you gave it to me and had also loved it! I really connected to the part of the Oyster shell and have now put seashells in my bathroom as a reminder, there's even an oyster shell in there. It made me feel better about my feelings of not being a perfect person, having a perfect marriage or feeling so scattered all the time. It helped me look at things and re-prioritize. I'm just starting that and I want to read and re-read this book to soak it all in and I want more by anne Lindbergh. It was amazing that she wrote that in 1954... I felt like she was talking to me today! I just started reading "A Lantern in Her hands" last night and so far am really liking it, I will let you know what I think as I keep reading. It feels peaceful to me... and calming. I need some of that. I think that's why I liked what you wrote about it and how to gain more time. (1/20/10)

This is one of my favorites so far. I think I will have a hard time adjusting when the kids are more and more self sufficient. It reminds me to value and cultivate my relationship with ____….. I needed to be reminded that it will be just he and I for the majority of our life and our labor intensive years of raising children will come to an end before we know it. (1/18/10)

Are you familiar with that book - No More Dreaded Mondays? I started that as my latest self-help book this year (I usually read about 2 self-help books each year - read one chapter a week repeatedly so that I can absorb the material). No More Dreaded Mondays is all about finding what you are suited to do and then finding a way to change your life in order to do it - hence you will not dread going to work each Monday. I am still looking for my hidden talent and wondering what I should do with my life other than being a supportive mother and grandmother. But this I do know (thanks to Simple Abundance), I want to make the most of each day and remember to enjoy the 'rest of the journey'. (1/10/10)

I read this out loud to Matt. He LOVES McManus. He was reminding me of one we read about Pat and his buddy and sledding with Rancid Crabtree. If you haven’t read that one…you must…hilarious!!! (1/7/10)

So as I moved into the story of the woman entering heaven, my mind's eye was seeing my own mother (already in heaven's gate) and another mother whom I have never met...your mother. But my mind's eye was also seeing my own precious daughter. B/c during the Christmas season of 2006 my daughter suffered a miscarriage - the Christmas season of 2007 she had another miscarriage. Therefore, she often talks about meeting those two babies some day in heaven.

When I got to the part about the mother not seeing her "precious babe who came here so many years ago", I had to stop and take a breather - couldn't read through the tearing eyes. Had to take another break when I read about the angel saying "though shalt see her wearing most precious pearls". All I could think was that my daughter's two babies would have a long strange of pearls!

Then your own darling child sleeping sweetly beside you as you wrote. Your ending was inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for a wonderful start to the new year. I have printed this article and read it several times already...and I anxiously await next Thursday's treasure. (1/3/10)

Awesome email……. Moved to tears. I never put that perspective on our little kiddos that you and I never got to hold. They are up there with the Lord who loves them…. Maybe they are friends. (1/2/10)

Susan, thank you for this. I am many time to busy to read all your stuff but I started reading this and couldn't stop until I was finished. My son was murdered in 2003 and my wife died in 2004 of breast cancer. At first I thought she had gone to care for him. I have come to realize that he went first to prepare the way for her. She was afraid of death and I'm sure his hand reaching out to her was a comfort. (1/31/09)

How wonderful!! Thank you! I think for once in my life I am speechless. (12/31/09)

Love this one : ) After having 2 miscarriges this makes you think!! (12/31/09)

Thank You for sharing today's thoughts !! I practically cried! Really hits home when you've lost a loved one, and how it all just seems like yesterday when "it" happened, Life IS Short, it's neat how kids see it all in a different perspective than us seeing the bad parts, my boys have shared the same thoughts as Camden on a loved one, or pet in heaven, makes us adults feel so much better! It's special to see it all through a Childs eyes!! (12/31/09)

Couldn't help but connect your short story this morning by Eugene Field with his poem here. I memorized the poem years ago. With the rhyme and rhythm so strong it is easy to remember (I don't know why I learned it--probably for school, or why I picked this one.) Here is the site where I found it--you might recognize other poems by Eugene Field. Eugene Field's son had died which ties into the short story you found. http://www.mamalisa.com/field/index.html#boyblue (12/31/09)

Thank you for taking the time to share all these thoughts. I enjoyed reading every word, and feel compelled to read the whole book! I am still reading Gift From the Sea and enjoying it very much. I feel it is so rich I can only read a few pages at a time. Then I need to go back and read it again! Thank you again for sharing it with me, it truly is a gift! (12/20/09)

What is the latin phrase for "things are the devourer of time"? Seems that is the realism of my life.
Love your emails! (12/18/09)

Oh, Susan. You just gave me the nicest gift this morning to sit and read your writings on what sounds like a WONderful book! (12/18/09)

Dear Susan,

I read through all your quotes from "A Lantern in her Hand"! Wow! I must read that book. You would like "Nothing to Make a Shadow". Have you read it? It's written by a woman who was a young girl when her family moved up here close to the area where we live--Winner, South Dakota. You would like it! I'll bring it some time if you're interested.

I love your quote from C.S. Lewis at the beginning of your website. "I am a part of all that I have met." I have recently read some books that I found very moving; I want so much to be moved by them, to be changed, to find someone to discuss them with . . . .

Time is an awesome mystery. When we get to heaven, we will not be confined by time or space. I can't understand that with my finite mind, but I do look forward to it. Time and space are so confining! (12/18/09)

Susan,
My emotions are running high this week before Christmas, tears in my eyes as I read this... You could not have posted a more meaningful message today! My "baby" turns three tomorrow - the youngest of three. (My husband and I were married in 2002 and I had three babies by the end of 2006!) The wind has certainly rushed by. I have been in a whirlwind for the last three days, just trying to catch my breath! Or has it been for the last three years? I've been referring to it as "multi-tasking", but now I'm just thinking it's CRAZY!!! Thank you so much for sharing this message. It reached out and grabbed me. God bless your aching fingers! (12/17/09)

Susan, thanks so much for the Lantern in the Hand this morning. One of my all time favorite books that I haven’t read in years. I sat and read every word although I don’t have time — funny, huh? I don’t have time. Ironic. Thanks so much. (12/17/09)

My dear Susan - you are a lantern to my soul - I want that book. It amazes me how much I can relate to the emotions Abby is going through. The difference is the "time" of the year in which it occurred. She moved out west and I out east. Same thoughts, fears and feelings. (12/17/09)

Hello SUSAN!!!! I loved your passage today on her daughter not wanting to be a mother... makes me love my kids even more... if that's possible!! (12/17/09)

Dear Susan, Me...weeping with hope. The quiet stable. (12/17/09)

I just wanted you to know that "A Lantern in Her Hand " is one of my most favorite books of all time....I recieved an old copy of it from Alan's father when Alan and I were first married and I have read it nearly every year...it is in a shambles...but I just hold it together with a rubberband..... (12/17/09)

Susan -- Thanks so much for your letter. I read it once, but now I'm printing it to read again. Excellent!! I appreciate your encouragement----what you wrote about is exactly what God has been laying on my heart in the recent months. A great reminder for the coming weeks with all of the kiddos at home. (12/17/09)

I can not even believe I'm going to admit to you that I have never read any of her books. What is wrong with me SUSAN???? This is absolutely beautiful and made me cry. Esp. the part about losing her husband so young. I can't even imagine losing my husband and yet it is probably the thing I fear the most. Most days I too feel like time is just floating by me and I can't do anything to slow or stop it. I HATE THAT. There is so much to life. So much I want to share and enjoy and so many people I want to love and appreciate. Thank you for reminding that there are some AWESOME books out there, that can express my feelings so much better than I can ever express them myself. (12/17/09)

Susan. Woke up this AM and thought is was Thursday…ran to my computer for Thursdays note…disappointment started my day! Anticipating tomorrow! (12/16/09)

Hi, Susan! I've been a reader of your Thursday emails for quite a while now, and I thought it was time that I introduced myself. I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your weekly emails. As a writer, I share your love of books, words, and all things literary. I know that writing is often a lonely, even scary, endeavor--sending your once-very-private thoughts and words out into the world and wondering where they land. So this is a note to let you know that your words have "landed" on me--and for this, I am deeply grateful. Your words have encouraged me, made me smile, reminded me to look up to God instead of in at myself, and sent me in search of many books. Thank you for the ministry that you have undertaken and the excellence with which you carry it out. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! (11/19/09)

Susan, just wanted you to know that I finished "No Time on My Hands" last week. What a wonderful book! This is one that I'll read again - probably several times over the years. :) Thank you for including me in your emails or I'd have never found this gem. :) (11/19/09)

I would like one of the little Warburg books - perfect for my six year old son.
I am so glad your "Hi from Susan" emails arrive on Thursdays. This daycare mom is usually tired and in need of inspiration at the end of the week! At the end of this email you said, "Go, look in other's eyes. There is someone that needs your smile, no matter your own story." That is so true, especially with children, and it just made me feel wonderul - the little lift that I needed this morning. That, and the laughter inspired by your three Thanksgiving responsibilities... I can totally relate! It's like a page from the book of my life. :) (12/3/09)

I mailed all the books to her for her Christmas, birthday and wedding. I told her she could open now later, whenever she wanted to. She chose to open immediately which I knew would happen. I got a message on my answering machine when she received them. You could tell she was so happy and excited just by the tone of her voice. She was especially pleased with the seal of the store on the first page. She said, "she didn't know how much help Susan gave me but she was pleased with all the selections". She was going to read all the prefaces and then start reading according to the preface. Thank you for all your help and I'll be back to make more selections. Books are Emily's toys and adventures in life. (11/16/09)

Susan I so enjoy your newsletters that I get but yours this morning was especially well written. There are so many that need comforting right now and those poems and words from you are so comforting. (11/5/09)

Every moment counts…perfect words for me today…gratitude and peace.

I finished reading Dark Nights of the Soul this morning…so perfect for me today.

Last paragraph of the book…

You become the wounded healer, someone who has made the descent and knows the territory. You take on the depth of color and range of feeling. Your intelligence is now more deeply rooted and not dependent only on facts and reason. Your darkness has given you character and color and capacity. Now you are free to make a real contribution. It is a gift of your dark night of the soul!

And this was the book I rolled my eyes at when you gave me almost 2 years ago!! (11/5/09)

Spiritual Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book VII

“You are not the owner of your life. Let him who owns it do what he likes with it, affirm his will, and be his slave---be free, be happy, meanwhile enjoy your place, and enjoy your portion, That is HIS will.” These words give me such peace. (11/3/09)

Your message once again hit the nail on the head. I am my own worst enemy - I can read until I'm blue in the face and I can't seem to change. I try to be different and people (my granddaughter) respond the same way, no matter what. I'm told that she's just being a teenager, but I am one that wants things perfect...God made me that way, so why does He give me a teenager to raise????? Actually, I'm not one to believe "He" gave me a teenager, that's just the way things happened. Now, if I could just let him figure out how to get me through this!! I raised them when I was young, and that was okay; but now I can't seem to handle it. AND, I'm not one to sit back and wait patiently for an answer...MY DOWNFALL!! Anyway, thank you for always, always knowing what is going through my head!! (10/31/09)

Thank you so much for the wonderful notes - I read every one of them. You touched on so much that I have been feeling - my Mother died last September, my Father died last November and my Father-in-law died last December --- I am in the midst of the first year anniversaries of their deaths - at times it overwhelms me and at times I have peace. I am not an avid reader, but I do like to read and have read more this year than any other year of my adult life - your notes have me more inspired to read than ever. Please add me to your email list for Thursdays. (10/27/09)

I also wanted to share the name of two OUTSTANDING books... "Same Kind of Different As Me" is true story of a homeless guy and an art dealer and his wife who meet him at a soup kitchen type setting. It is one of the best books ever!! "Sarah's Key" is also one outstanding book. It kind of haunts you after you've read it, tho because it's centered around the life of a young girl who escapes a camp where her parents are sent to Haulocaust. (10/16/09)

Have you read this book. I rate it as a must read for anyone who values the education of women. This man is doing more for peace in Pakistan, with minimal funds, than the U.S. military can imagine. (10/15/09)

Sad how the most important things for your soul….get shoved aside for trivial things like work. I’ve been reading the book you gave me nearly 2 years ago, The Dark Nights of Your Soul. Geez…I thru it aside then because it looked …yucky! But it really is an awesome book…thought provoking and gentle for the wounded spirit we all have sometimes. (10/2/09)

To me, there is no greater gift on this earth than a book. When I was a little girl, my parents did not have the money to buy a book---however, I did have a cousin who was a teacher and she gave my sister and me some beautiful little books which, to this day, I still have in my possession. (10/1/09)

Just wanted to drop you a note. I always enjoy reading your weekly notes! But today God must have planned just for me! I am here this am checking e-mails before we start the day and go to my Dad’s Memorial service. Thanks for your words, I will be looking toward the hills. (9/17/2009)

Susan: Loved visiting your store last August. As a library director, I thoroughly enjoy your reading recommendation list. May I add a new two newer titles for you? Both of the them are inspirational but from very different points of view. Still Alice by Lisa Genova on the topic of dealing with early onset Alzheimer's and the second Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper about life with a blind cat. (9/17/2009)

Have you ever read North River by Pete ?Hamill. Fascinating fictional look at the times/culture of New York City through the eyes of a physician who survived WWI and heartache to work in his poverty stricken neighborhood--I am not explaining well, but quite good book. If you have some extra time, check it out. (8/27/09)

What a beautiful poem. I really like that. But I am here to tell you enjoy those dirty little fingers. YOu will miss them so some day way to soon. Some times when I get upset about something the kids have not put away or done I have to stop and think two more years and its all over . My baby will have graduated. Thank you. 8/27/09

I needed your note this morning!! I have been so looking forward to my Thursday and Friday of painting my kitchen.. and little Jane was up sick all night... here I was, feeling sorry for myself and getting crabby that MY plans were now going to be sidelined.... and your note reminded me that she is such a precious gift to me.. and how lucky I am (and how blessed) that I can be home when she needs me!! How do you DO that????? You knew what I needed to hear. (8/27/09)

Susan – thanks for the message. I love the little hands. I still look at my 15 year old’s hand and wonder how they got so big. And I cherish my 9 year old’s. I really wish she could stay 9 forever. And the time alone in the house is nice, but after about 30 minutes, I miss them all! (8/27/09)

Thank you for a reminder of what is SO important, and yet we take for granted, every day. Time is fleeting and far too soon those pudgy little hands turn big and strong and then will only occasionally allow the mother to hold them close to her face. When the house and the car stay clean it means they are gone and we will only have the memories of the mess. I often wonder how much of their memories will be crowded with mom or dad's voice howling to "pick that mess up"! (8/27/09)

We have a built in kitchen "hutch" that I covered in shiny white paint last summer. Between the top and bottom is an open shelf...not very tall, but big enough to put a sugar and creamer or teacups..something like that. Anyway, as I was painting, I thought about the "ceiling" of the shelf. No one can see it. Why would I paint it? THEN...I thought of the grandkids that hopefully will grace my future. I painted it with just as many coats as the rest of the hutch because I could picture a tiny person looking up at me as I got out the plates to set the table, looking up and seeing the "ceiling" of that shelf...and I would know in my heart that I had painted it for their own little sakes....and the white paint will show off all their tiny fingerprints! (8/27/09)

I am reading a very old book by Robert Hughes titled "The Fatal Shore" about the settling of Australia by the convicts of England. Interesting...(8/24/09)

One tiny little hint that has done more than any one thing for my organizational behavior, (and believe me I have to work at being organized.) You probably have already read it or heard it, but it has been so helpful to me, I thought I would share it anyway....I refer to it as the Rule of Five...do just five small things to get the day started and give yourself permission to stop after you do five things. Generally what happens for me is that it is just a trick to get me started, and then once that happens, I gather some momentum. It is a daily struggle for us all to set priorities and keep life balanced...one of those things that is a perpetual work, at least for me. (8/21/09)

I was reading your email this morning, and wanted to recommend this great book to you, Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist. Its subtitle is "Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life" and that's just what it does! I just finished it, and it was wonderful. (8/6/09)

I have this quotation framed above my desk here at work:

Earth's crammed with heaven.

And every common bush afire with God;

But only he who sees takes off his shoes -

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.

Elizabeth Barett Browning

from Aurora Leigh Book vii (8/6/09)

My husband uses the music from Les Miserables in his vocal music classroom to teach some important life lessons. He doesn't belabor the adult themes in the story but the kids always, always are drawn into to story and LOVE the music. He teaches Middle School vocal music and has found that teaching through story (in music and story telling) is a great opportunity to touch kids where they live and to lift them up. I fall to pieces each time I hear 'Bring Him Home', "I Dreamed a Dream', 'On My Own', Empty Chairs at Empty Tables'. (8/3/09)

LOVING the book and the author. Finding so many great lines from her, my favorite was a line about how us mothers put trapeze artists to shame, we balance so much more than they do in our everyday lives! How true is that! You couldn’t have referred this book to me at a better time in my life, thank you again! (7/27/2009)

I think we all feel we know a number of those "so guided from a soft cradle to a calm and late grave..." and who's to know who thinks that of us! When people write to me of "days at the pool with the kids", or vacations that are beyond my imagination....or even cars that work most of the time (!) I immediately class their happiness level as much higher than my own. (I'm not proud of admitting that) However, I DO know grace in my life that I know many people never experience. This was an excellent reminder to me to selige felicitatem. (7/27/2009)

I jotted some of these onto stickies and placed them above my desk immediately. 'Cheerfulness' is a daychanger. Thank you! ... just heard interview of author Matt Crawford on the Bill Bennett morning talk show: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matt Crawford. Title says it all! Awesome interview. Soulstirring. The title registered with us. Can't wait to read it. (7/27/2009)

Your Thursday email last week was jammed with good stuff. I haven't read Bronte for years - about time I revisited her. I'll add, "not the shape you dreamed" to good lines in her paragraph. What to read? We listened to Fellowship of the Ring as we drove home today. Is listening to reading reading? Who is the authority on this argument? The debate rages at the library where I work. Frankly, we have stayed out of the fray - we are too busy 'reading' (call it listening, if you prefer) Tolkien with Rob Inglis. Wishing you well on all fronts, your home, your store, your writing. (7/20/09)

I love the excerpt from Streams in the Desert. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. (7/18/09)

The harder it is to turn out the lamp, (as in, there are too many books in front of it) the better the reading! I LOVED Villette! (i went through a Bronte summer where I read 3 or 4 of their books...no regrets. Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy...I hope you enjoy it. Not a light book, but a very good one. (7/16/09)

Susan, was that email just for me? I am printing off the quote from “Streams in the desert” I’d like a copy of that book too. Do you have them in stock? It’s amazing that your emails put words to my thoughts almost every week. (7/16/09)

Susan, Today's note was sent just at the right time as I feel a bit weary and tired today. I spent 13 hours straight painting in our new room yesterday while watching 3 kids. I felt so tired before I slept last night; but I did start praying. I think I feel asleep before I was finished. (7/16/09)

You have inspired my reading some books I haven’t read for some time, Susan—like Anne Morrow Lindberg’s writings. And I think perhaps you mentioned Beryl Markham’s WEST WITH THE NIGHT in a column sometime ago . . .? If not, you do want to read it—it’s an incredible life saga. And if you haven’t discovered the book THE HORSE BOY: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son, by Rupert Isaacson, please get yourself a copy asap! It is the most incredible true story! I can’t believe it hasn’t hit the non-fiction best-sellers’ list yet. I quote from the back of the book jacket “Rupert Isaacson has conjured a nonfiction journey that reads like an epic novel. It is a book of endless amazements. The world of Mongolian shamans, the details of adventuresome travel, the mysterious world of autism—all are amazing. Soon you realize that the world of horses is mysterious, too—and, yes, amazing. By the time you are in the grip of this book, you’ll see love, marriage, and parenthood as realms of magic, profound power, and further amazements. The Horse Boy can change the way you see your life, and it’s a terrifically good read at the same time. It feels like a classic.” I couldn’t agree more!!! (7/9/09)

I recently read An Episode of Sparrows by Rumer Godden...as well as Five for Sorrow, 10 for Joy . Both were wonderful, although the latter was quite dark. Am reading an EXCELLENT book published last august by Our Sunday Visitor called Mother Teresa's Secret Fire. I highly recommend it. (7/2/09)

I've got to tell you the magnetic ice cream cone maker toy I bought to keep at our house is one of their favorite things when they are over. Even Jay's 7 year old brother loves to imagine with it. (6/30/09)

Susan: I didn't see it mentioned in your newsletter, but I recommend Wednesday's Letters. I read it with the Shack and thoroughly enjoyed it. (6/18/09)

Just want to tell you that I loved your ‘words’ today – I always do but really enjoyed this one and wanted you to know it! I’m one of those who enjoys this kind of weather – I get more done whether it be housework or reading or writing. Anyhow, keep up the good work! Kim brought me the book about the canteen in North Platte during World War II and how I enjoyed reading it. I didn’t know that had even existed – and how much pleasure it brought ‘our boys’!!!! (6/11/09)

To hold the note is to stop the song… is now written in my Bible under favorite quotes. I love that phrase.

____ spoke at church on Saturday and she said that thru all her dealings with her granddaughter she “understands God less, but loves him more.” I wrote that in my Bible, too. He’s too big for us to try to understand, but that should make us love him more. If I understood God, he’d be less of a God to me and he’d fit in a box, I’m glad he doesn’t. (6/11/09)

I’m sorry that you miss your dad so much. You’ve inspired me to call my dad…. We need to talk. He’s on this earth and is my father, why do I not have a relationship with him? Can I rise above the fact that I have to be the parent in our relationship? No matter how much I fuss or pray (I should be doing more of the latter) my dad is who he is and he is here. That won’t always be the case…. Thank you for reminding me of that. (6/4/09)

If you have the opportunity, check out " The day the world came to town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland". It is very uplifting. (6/1/09)

I have been sitting at the computer this afternoon rereading some of your Thursday messages to us. It is chilly, windy, and gray outside and I'm just staying in. I know I have been wasting time today but I needed to just slow down and think. Thank you, thank you for the Thursday morning writings. I look forward to them and sometimes you hit exactly what I'm feeling at the time. That is the Lord working, I know. (5/26/09)

Thank you so much for taking care of the order for the Nantucket Briar Room Spray. It arrived, packaged so nicely, with that sweet treat, and an exceptionally memorable personal note. We are in between travels, so I haven’t had a moment to check out your website. However, I can already tell that I will want to get Thursday notes from you. (5/26/09)

Yes, the minutes of life are ticking by quickly. (5/21/09)

I read your comments about making decisions. Yes, I made the decision in the middle of the night to make homemade french bread.....since I could not sleep. So I crawled back to bed at 3:15 this morning. But I woke up with 2 long beautiful loaves of french bread on my counter. :-) Yes, the minutes of life are ticking by quickly. (5/21/09)

Thanks Susan. Been there, done that. Still have moments. I would add, “listen, deeply listen to music.” (5/21/09)

Thank you for your message. I saw Michael J Foxx on Dateline how powerful. My mother suffered from Parkinsons Disease horrible thing to live with. His book sounds like something I really need to read. (5/21/09)

I loved this newsletter! Oh how I can relate. I appreciate knowing that I can leave the wet laundry in the washer and go play with my kids instead!!!! (since that is what I usually do anyway :)) (5/7/09)

I'm wondering how long it would take to embroider this whole "edition" onto a pillow! Rob has been working full time with hospice for almost two years, and he has NEVER mentioned anyone regretting that they didn't tidy up more often! Order matters...I know it does, but so does balance and sanity and laughing and reading and playing.. Thanks again for a wonderful beginning to my Thursday! (5/7/09)

First of all, I love that you are reading Henri Nouwen. I loved The Way of the Heart and Peacework. Reading him in college was a major factor in entering Occupational Therapy School. Living in NYC has reminded me that of the sad truth that our natural response to suffering is often to look way.....to pass on the other side of the
road. Reading his words have caused me to enter into a field, I had rarely considered. And it constantly challenges what it means to be a friend.

"Let us not underestimate how hard it is to be compassionate. Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick cure for it. As busy, active, relevant ministers, we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. T

I have spent so much energy trying not to be "under the circumstances", and found one great way to retrain my mind. Because it is so easy to look at people and become discouraged, I decided to instead look at the attributes of the Lord. I made a list from memory of all of things that I could remember of what the Bible said about Jesus. Since all of the attributes of God are found in Him, it was a wonderfully encouragement to refocus my heart and mind on the One Who makes going through this "sometimes more than ugly" world, worth the effort.

I'm not too good at the "self-help" stuff. I tend to become overwhelmed by my own less than effective efforts at doing things better, thinking things through better, or putting aside my self-pity. So when I retrain my thoughts to the One Who knows me and the path that I will take when I follow Him, it takes my self-effort and puts it "on the shelf", while I concentrate on Belonging to the One Who knows me best and loves me most. Helping others becomes less stressful, because I am the one being helped in the process, as well. (3/10/10)

Just wanted to thank you again for the warm welcome, warm smile and the warm yummy coffee this afternoon when I stopped in your shop. I enjoyed visiting with you and finding some gifts and books. What a nice way to brighten a dreary Monday! Keep writing your weekly thoughts and book reviews, I enjoy reading it each week. (3/8/10)

I just wanted to tell you thanks again for donating the kids castle to the Build A Dream Charity Auction. Thought you would like to know that the gentleman who placed the final silent auction bid had very specific requirements that if he “won” he wanted the castle to be donated to the Edith Abbott Memorial Library here in Grand Island. So, Clay and I were at the library this past Thursday morning and that DID in fact happen and it’s a wonderful addition to the library!!! So, double the good deed for you…money generated toward a good cause AND a great new addition to the kids zone at the library!! (3/7/10)

What a coincidence to read this today! I have a parishioner who will be 99 next week. John has lived independently in an apartment until about a month ago when he fell and broke bones in his foot and leg. He's now at Hearthstone, a nursing facility in York. He knows that he won't be going home again, that Hearthstone will become his final home on earth.

John has told me before, when I would visit him in his apartment, about his favorite author, Lloyd Douglas, and of his favorite book Doctor Hudson's Secret Journal. He talked again just recently about these books. I read that one as a young person. Don't think I have read Magnificent Obsession, but have seen the movie several times and it's wonderful. In fact, maybe I'll add it into my Netflix queue right now. Thanks for reminding me of these books. (3/6/10)

I love your e-mails, the one you sent yesterday, well, it was just great. It gave me a great feeling to start my day. I always look forward to them. The pictures with the kids are priceless. I also want to thank you so much for the apron, I wear it a lot, and when I do, I think of you, and offer a prayer that you are going to have a good day. That was so thoughtful of you. You put a smile on my face. (3/5/10)

Susan, did you know there is an old movie starring Rock Hudson titled "The Magnificent Obsession"? It is based on the book - about the man who survives while the doctor dies because of not having the medical equip being used on the survivor. As always, its not exactly like the book, but a terrific B/W movie. (3/4/10)