
{Saturday with Susan} trials and affliction
Last year, I republished an memoir from 1850 about Susan Allibone, a remarkable woman from Pennsylvania who lived the last 21 years of her life in great suffering. After she died, a friend wrote the following to her family: “I have often been struck by the unselfishness of your sister. Most persons, afflicted as she…

{garden notebook} March & April notes
My garden notebook was a little neglected in March and April, but I managed to get a few things in there. I am using it to keep track of weather, temps, and what I’m doing when in the weekly pages. I’m also trying to do at least one sketch per week to build my skills…

{Saturday with Susan} To become a devoted Christian…
One of the things I most enjoy about Susan Allibone is that while she examined herself regularly, she never got bogged down in self-absorption or self-abhorrence because of her sin. She knew Who to take it to in trust and thankfulness. From her diary Feb. 4, 1833“To become a devoted Christian is the earnest desire…

{Reading Notebook} Reconnected
I finally have a new entry in my reading notebook! I just finished Reconnected by Carlos Whittaker and really enjoyed it. His writing style is authentic, easy to read and even had me laughing a few times–which is odd considering it is a book about what our phones are doing to us. I’m trying to…

{Saturday with Susan} Love my Bible
As my mother-in-law is dying from cancer, I’ve been reading excerpts from Susan Allibone’s memoir to her. It’s been such a precious time together and Susan has truly grown into a dear friend to both of us, a comforter to me and an encouragement to mom. Right now we’re reading through Susan’s thoughts on heaven…