Hello Sugar Pies! Well, it’s been a while since I’ve blogged! A lot has been going on! In fact this has been one of the most challenging seasons that I’ve been through in a long time! This summer has been very difficult for our family. Although, I’m so excited about the fall season and all the cozy goodness that Autumn brings that I’m so looking forward to blogging about, I felt it was important for me to share with y’all how the Lord has brought myself and my family through the last few months.
Some of you may be facing stormy seasons in your life and I want you to know that we have a God who cares, heals, redeems, restores, comforts, loves, and rescues us! I also want to point out that behind all the creatively styled pictures that we see on social media, including my own, that’s just a part of someone’s life, their creative side. We don’t always get to see behind the scenes. Many times we don’t know their personal stories and struggles unless they are willing to share them. That’s what I want to share with you today. My hope is that you will be encouraged to know that we all go through hard stuff…you are not alone. And if I can make it through so can you!
Here are a few of the hardships we have faced this summer:
- My dad (age 93) was in the hospital for Pneumonia for a week (he is home and well now, praise the Lord!).
- My mom (age 88) fell and broke her hip (she is still recovering, prayers appreciated!)
- My brother was diagnosed with cancer for the second time (receiving treatments, prayers appreciated!)
- A few of my kids had health scares (they are all doing better, praise the Lord!)
- My house almost burned down on the 4th of July (the same day this family photo was taken.) It was the Lord that prompted us that evening to check the garage, where our two cars were parked, before going to bed. Our home was just minutes away from being fully engulfed in flames. We are so thankful we caught it in time!
- One of my grand-babies had several seizures due to a high fever and was hospitalized for a week and spent time in the ICU. Mama and papa were by their baby’s side every minute of every day as we all were praying fervently for healing. My grandbaby was healed! Our sweet twinkly-eyed baby is home…healthy and happy! Praise the Lord!
- In my hometown, Branson, Missouri we all mourned the horrible accident of a tourist boat that sunk on Table Rock Lake during a severe summer storm where 17 people perished. This was devastating to everyone in our small town. Our community had a candlelight service in the parking lot of the Ride the Ducks attraction to pray for the families that lost loved ones. The cars of those who perished were still parked there.
- In the middle of all of this I was trying to catch up on all of my yearly doctor, dentist, and dermatologist appointments, including some medical procedures…all of which are emotionally draining especially when you’re waiting for biopsies to come back. Thank the Lord all is well!
Matthew 7:24-27 says ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
It is so important that we build our life on the rock who is Jesus and fill our hearts and minds with the Word of God, because when the storms of life hit we will be strong to withstand it. Doing so builds our trust and faith in the Lord in knowing that He will take care of us.
Here are a few go to scriptures that I meditate on when I am facing scary things:
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Psalm 103: 2-5 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
God is so good! He is such a comfort and loves us so much! When facing hard times please know that “This too shall pass!”. 
Bless your hearts dear ones!
I’ll be back soon with some cozy fall goodness!
Aunt Ruthie
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God be with you all My thoughts and prayers are with your family❤️❤️ This has been a spring and summer with a lot of challenges for my family too and I have been praying so hard too Let’s all pray for a better fall season! you have a beautiful family God be with your mom and dad❤️
Something I read this morning just prior to reading your post. I think you will like it too.
“I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10
Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not an asbestos armor, against which the heat hath no power? Let affliction come—God has chosen me. Poverty, thou mayest stride in at my door—but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, thou mayest intrude, but I have a balsam ready—God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears I know that He has “chosen” me. Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with thee. In all thy fiery trials His presence is both thy comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. “Fear not, for I am with thee,” is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the “furnace of affliction.”
—Charles H. Spurgeon
Hugs and prayers Ruthie! Thank you for sharing such intimate information about your life and showing us how deep your faith runs! I will lift your family up in prayer my friend and remember we all love you!
I’m so glad to hear that everyone is on the mend. Thank you for always sharing your heart with your readers. Happy Fall!
I’m so glad to hear that everyone is on the mend. Thank you for always sharing your heart with your readers. Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your mom and brother. I hope that this beautiful season of Autumn brings much joy and happiness your way. Happy Fall!
love your posts and always so encouraging…God bless
Prayers for you and yours…your adorable parents are in my prayers…may the Lord keep you all safe….healthy children and grand babies…..sending hugs…. Zephaniah 3:17
Dear sweet Lady, You have had alot going on. Im thankful Gods hand was on your Family and all . you are a Blessing to me. to so many . you all will be in my prayers . it fall you all….. LOVE your Maria
Hello my sweet Missouri sister!! Oh MY you have had a rough time lately. I lost my beautiful mother 10 weeks and 3 days ago after a two year battle with cancer. It is a heartache I have never experienced in my life. If it were not for the Lord, I could not endure it. When I feel as if I just can’t handle it any longer, He reminds me that this birden is His to carry for me if I will only lay it down. He is so good, even in the midst of the storm. So glad to know that all is well with you and yours. Blessings to you sweet lady! Thank you for the beautiful Scripture. His Word is alive.
You have the sweetest attitude and how you’ve handled your trials is an inspiration. You are a blessing and a good Christian example on how to trust God during the easy–and HARD times. I’m glad all seems to be better now, and thank the Lord for His mercies in upholding you and your loved ones. Looking forward to all the fall coziness and ideas you always provide. Love and prayers!
It has been a summer of trial! So very happy to read all is well. My area was ravaged by wildfires. Our home was spared, but may friends list theirs. Over 1,000 homes were lost and 7 lives. May God continue to bless you.
MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER YOUR HOUSE AND THOSE WHO ENTER IT . HE BRINGS US MANY BLESSING .KEEPING FAITH IN HIM ENABLES US TO MAKE IT IN ALL TRILES. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY MAY YOU REMAIN STRONG
Oh my! You have really had your faith challenged! So sorry you went through that. But glad all turned out so well. It’s awful to go through those times. We know firsthand about feveral seizures. Our granddaughter had several until she was 5 or 6. Very common. Believe it or not. The body heats up so fast that it throws them into a seizure. Even when the fevers decline really fast, the same can happen. So it might happen again. Just be aware of that. Always someone should keep their eyes on them in baths or showers or things like that. Our Son-in-law was checking on our granddaughter while she was in the tub just as she slipped under water. She could’ve drowned. We were surely blessed that time. Glad all is well.
Your post blessed me. Bless you for writing it. So glad that things are improving. Saying a prayer for ongoing healing.
I Love your use of, ” This To Shall Pass.” I say that a LOT. it certainly has been an entertaining last few months for your family. Go with God and prayers for all. W
Oh sweet Ruthie, you have no idea how much your words have comforted me this morning! I so needed to hear these reminders of how big & merciful our God is. I’m thankful things have settled for you and your family now & I’m thankful that you were so transparent with your heart and words. How you have blessed me with them. I’m a 50-something woman who has been recently diagnosed with cancer — AGAIN. But I rest in God knowing He loves me & walks with me.
I am so sorry to hear about all the Storms you and your family are going through. I love Psalms 16:8, I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. God Bless You and your family.
Prayers for your mom and your brother. So glad you have your beautiful family and your strong faith to get you through these challenging times. Blessings to you all!
Oh Aunt Ruthie!!!! Thank you for this inspiring message…praying hard here!!!
Love, Patti
Hugs and Prayers for you and your family. We all have storms and this was very encouraging to me! Just reassurance that we all have storms behind our smiles and have secret tears at night with our prayers!.
Thank you
So sorry to hear of the rains that have hit you recently. God is good and your faith will help you through. Prayers for all you.
Ruthie, I thought about you when I heard the news of that dreadful tourist boat tragedy, knowing you are so close to where it happened. I also have noted your lack of blog posts, and have wondered if all was well in your life. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve experienced this stormy time. We all have them in this world, times when our faith is our only strength. I am so glad and thankful to know the situations in your life have resolved, or are being resolved. Infinite blessings to you and yours — “Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Oh, precious gal! I’m SO sorry for all you and your family have endured! Sometimes it seems to come in waves, one hard thing after another, and we truly don’t know if we will make it – but God intervenes and prevails! We lost my dad to Parkinson’s 3 years ago today and had cared for him several years at home. We were so grateful that he could remain on the family farm till he drew his last breath, but it was SO hard on us – emotionally, physically, mentally. I can’t begin to know what it was for him! In less than a week after his funeral, our mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in her jaw. We were grieving and beyond exhausted, then hit with this. She was the epitome of grace and strength! The surgeon and oncologist didn’t think she’d survive the surgery, much less the recovery and treatments. Three years later, she has worked in her yard and tended a garden, visited neighbors and attended church. She is AMAZING – and so is our God! Due to Florence which impacted us terribly in eastern NC, she got much roof and ceiling damage. As usual, she has a positive, grateful attitude as we tarp and work toward insurance fun and getting a new roof. None of us escape hardships, and sometimes they can be overwhelming, but God ALWAYS has us in the palm of His mighty hand! I so look forward to your wonderful, uplifting posts! They are always a bright spot in my day when I see one has arrived in my emails! Your family is in my prayers!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Ruth Turner
Bless your heart! You have been through the storm! I know exactly where you are coming from! I pray the 91 Psalm over my family every day! I would like to share a scripture that I just read in my passion translation that reminds me of you in the midst of all the downpour you’be been through. “So always let His word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life” James 1:22 b
You are a blessing to all of us who read your blog, thank you!
Ranell Springfield Mo
God Bless your home and family Ruthie!! You’re always such an encouragement and blessing to your readers! Thank you❤️
I don’t normally comment; I just enjoy seeing your posts. But I wanted to let you know that this was beautifully written. Thank you for sharing God with others. <3 Will be praying for you all.
prayers and thoughts are with you.
You have really had your share, and more, of troubles but your faith shines through like a light. It’s an inspiration to read your blog when I get up a little grumpy over little minor stuff. Sets my day upright again! :) Makes me so happy to read from folks who love our Lord Jesus. Thank you and God bless…may He heal all your family.
So happy to hear that things have settled down for you. It’s been my experience that the tough times often come in waves, and the only way we can stand tall is with God’s help. May God bless you and your precious family always.
With Love from a Long Time Follower,
Susan and Bentley
A few years ago I faced several of the trials you & your family have and if it were not for the Lord’s Strength & His Promises it would have been that much harder. Today, your message filled my heart and reminded me, as I face some life decisions, that the Lord knows my life and I need not fear for my life is His and He will direct. Bless you for sharing this today ~ my spirit has indeed been reminded & lifted. Luv to you and your precious family!
wow, you sure have been through a lot. So sorry for it all. I will be praying for you and your family and of course your son
God is so good*
deezie
Thank you for praising Him in the storms. A very powerful testimony!
Like the song, sometimes we say “amen” and it’s still raining. Your witness and words bring Him glory :)
Precious baby girlies!!!!♥️♥️
I am so thankful that the Lord was with you and your family during all the things that happened in the last few months……God is so good to us and I am glad that we can trust Him.
I enjoy your blogs very much, especially your sweet testimony and encouraging words. Thank you.
In Him,
Joanne
Isn’t the reflection after a difficult season so vivid. We see God, ourselves and life so clearly. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Oh my goodness. Such troubling times, and especially difficult for you and your family. I have never posted on your blog, but enjoy it very much because of your testimony (and your beautiful home). I am thankful to hear your good news, and even more thankful to hear you speak truth. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Continued blessings from our most gracious Heavenly Father.
Oh Ruthie, you are in my prayers. We too have had a stormy 4 years. My youngest daughter, Rachel, age 7 passed away from Neuroblastoma cancer. She fought very hard, but her faith during her journey led people to Jesus. No mater what she was going through, she knew Jesus was with her. She truly lived everyday, and taught so many people to “walk by faith and not sight” as we are commanded. I do pray Jesus calms the storms in your family, or calms your family and gives peace that passes all understanding. God is truly good, all the time. As Rachel would say “ keep your eyes on Him”. Much love. Mindy
Prayers, hugs for you and family.
So sorry to hear your troubles , I too have had many issues this summer ! Glad I worked through it as you have Stay strong and TRUST OUR OUR GOD ! Amen !
Prayers for your loved ones, Aunt Ruthie. I’m sorry for all you’ve been through . Thank you for the encouraging words. I know they will help so many.
Oh my Aunt Ruthie. You and your family have been through a lot. It just blesses me so much to read how you call and lean on the Lord for your strength and help. I’m so glad your family and you have had good outcomes so far. I will be praying for all of you. And yes, that terrible boat accident hit all of us who vacation up there, very hard. Praying for those families now also..
Take care and I look forward to your next house tour!
Pat
Thank you so much. You are such a great encouragement to me, and have been for many years.
I needed this this morning. Your words are balm to my soul.
I will be praying that your courage is strengthened and your resolve is firmly in place! I do want to say that chemo is NEVER the answer to cancer and to never let the doctors fool you into this type of brainwashed thinking. And childhood vaccinations are harming our children at an alarming rate. I cannot warn people loudly enough to research for yourselves and USE the wisdom that the good Lord will give us when seeking the truth. I pray this one thing above ALL else…seek the truth! Doctors cause more harm than good and we only use them for emergencies.
I have lifted your Mother and Brother in my prayer for recovery for both of them and may your family grow in what you have faced this summer and through our great love for our God who watches over us daily and gives us the strength to carry on our daily living and face our challenges. May our Savior continue to be at your side and give you peace.
You are so inspiring and always uplifting. So glad to hear your sweet family is doing well. My mom and I come to Branson every year and were so saddened by the accident there. You are such a blessing to so many of us.
God Bless You! Hopefully your next season has fewer travails! But… those Sister pictures! Oh my goodness. You couldn’t ask for anything more wonderful. Such love and joy!! Definitely frame worthy. Enjoy Donna B
Breaks my heart as I read this. Take your time Ruthie. We will wait. The Lord will heal all of you.
Thank you for sharing. We serve a Great God.
Thanks for sharing your very personal stories with us! We all go through some rough seasons in our lives but Praise God for the Lord’s grace and loving arms! May the Lord continue to bless you and your family always!
Ruthie: when I don’t hear from my favorite blogger often, I offer special prayers for you and your family as I knew there must be things going on that were keeping you otherwise focused. Thank you for sharing your God triumphs and scripture to remind us we are equipped to get through these life struggles and that all things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose!
The words “know that we all go through hard stuff” hit home. Our beach home was flooded by hurricane Florence 2 weeks ago. And is still under water. Our whole 55+ community is flooded and the roads still impassable (as of 29 Septembre 2018). There are cars floating in the streets and alligators sunning themselves where ever they can. Lifetimes of memories have been lost. Fortunately no one perished and all able to be evacuated in time. One never knows what tomorrow will bring.
Peace and prayers for your beautiful family! My family, all to well, knows also how much we depend on the Lord , especially the past two years. Our faith in the Lord has grown so much, yet we still have a long way to go. We have also started to heal as a family, thanks be to God! Our new season is on its way!
Wow, what a great post!!! Sending many prayers your way!!!! God is always the answer. So sorry for all of your challenges, but also thankful.
Thank you Aunt Ruthie for being real and willing to share your trials and triumphs. Being honest helps others realize we aren’t alone in our struggles in this life. The scriptures you shared were great and some of my favorites as well. Please know you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers! Sending your lots of love from Texas!
Wow !
That is a lot to endure.
God Bless you and your loved ones.
Aunt Ruthie! Sorry to hear about the difficulties you have encountered lately. :-( However, glad that you are all well! May you all be in safety & good health! We will always celebrate light and goodness even in this Hallowed month! ;-) Thank you for writing and sharing. Jesus loves you! Happy “God is Risen” (not ‘fall’) ;-)
*Some scripture –
1) “by His stripes, we are healed.” ~ Isaiah 53:5
2) “…Himself bore our sins in His own body…: ~ 1 Peter 2:24
3) God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
4) “I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the LORD. ~ Jeremiah 30:17
5) The righteous cry out and the LORD hears… ~ Psalm 34:17
6) No weapon formed against you shall prosper. ~ Isaiah 54:17
7) The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:3
**Be well and blessed just as you have blessed all of us! ♥️♥️♥️ Love you! :-D (Hugs!)
I just love you! (Haha…and I totally don’t mean that in a creepy way!) I just think it’s fabulous that you aren’t afraid to share that your life isn’t picture perfect. I’ve definitely been going through a season myself and it’s so hard to post on my blog and social media in a positive way when I’m having a rough time. Thank you for being an encourager even through the hard stuff!
I always come to this page because I know it will bring me such joy. So many of the pictures you post have things in them of remind me of my grandmother. 2 days ago the Lord took her home. When I came to your page and read your latest entry it brought such comfort to me. Thank you for your willingness to open up about your suffering and the love of Christ in the midst of all of it. Blessings!
So sorry you have been through so much! My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and was given not to long to live. Praise God, she is taking treatments and relying on God to give her strength as she runs her shop and does her programs and she is still gling strong! We have been relying on Jesus and he is so wonderful to stand beside us every day! Prayers for you and your family for strength and peace!
Just got thru reading your story…and thru all your fears, tears, and heartache, your faith remained strong. God Bless you and May He keep His shining Light upon you and your family. Xoxo
I so love your blog and your YouTube page. I am so thankful for your words of encouragement and pray that God continues to sustain you. May God bless you and your sweet family in the days ahead. ❤
Thank you for this reminder. I have a friend, a 36 year old mother of 7, who had a stroke last week, still in ICU. My heart breaks for the pain she’s in due to the continued bleeding in her brain. Her children have yet to see their mother. My heart just hurts. But I have faith that the Lord is good, even in the storms.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. So sorry for all you are going through.God be with you and your family. Happy harvest!
Cheryl
so sorry for all your worries this summer but thank you for sharing and reminding us that God is always there for us!
Well that is odd, I have not looked at your page for sometime, today I decided to have a look and catch up on what you have been up to.
I have to be honest and say I am not a believer in God, but today out of all the pages you’ve written I chose this one.
In 4 days time I am going into hospital for a heart prcedure and Im terrified and suffering from ”Why me syndrome”.
I now see you have had more than you fair share this year and you have pulled through, it has made me think and not feel quite so alone.
Now Im wondering if there is a God, who else led me to this page when I had so many to choose from?
Love these words. I’m a believer, too, and I know that it’s in the storms of life that God has us tucked safely under His mighty arms and holds and loves us like we cannot imagine! Blessings to you in this season… and thank you for sharing your sweet heart.
Happy Fall Y’all:))))
Thank you for the sharing your beautiful home and stories. It brings a smile to my face when I open you emails. You make us feel right at home.
May I ask the paint color of your lovely kitchen/family room. Also, the flooring type. Enjoy this beautiful fall weather!!!
Have a wonderful weekend ,Gale
Ruth,
This comment was meant for your latest post.
Prayers and thoughts for all in your family. Well wishes being sent your way:))). Gale
Thank you for your wonderful testimony. God is good. All the time. Even when we are going through troubling times He is there beside us if we only ask. Praying for your family that the rest of the year is less worrisome. God bless.
Thank you for your wisdom