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Da-Da Fix It – Susan Dollyhigh
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We are Broken

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all… Psalm 34: 17-19 (NIV)

“Broke,” my grandson Drew said as he held up his red Matchbox car in one hand and a set of wheels in another. I watched as a frown furrowed Drew’s forehead while he turned the car over and tried to snap the wheels back into place.

With all of the manual dexterity of a two-year-old, Drew worked to replace the wheels on the underside of his small car. But it soon became evident, even to Drew, that this problem was too difficult for him. I expected Drew to become frustrated, perhaps cry or maybe even throw his toy down, but he walked over and calmly placed it on the coffee table; looked over at his mama, and said, “Da-Da fix it.” Drew left his broken car on the table and turned around to play with something else.

“Whenever something breaks,” Amy said, “Drew just puts it down and says, ‘Da-Da fix it.’ He thinks his daddy can fix anything.”

I have many things in life that I hold up and say, “Broke.” Relationships, finances, health – “broke.” A frown furrows my forehead while I try to put the pieces of my life back together.

With all the spiritual maturity of my fifty-four years, I work to fix my problems until it becomes evident that they are too difficult for me. Unlike Drew, sometimes I do become frustrated, cry, and even throw up my hands in despair.

Yet the Lord tells us to give him our broken pieces; to place them at the foot of the cross, walk away, and have enough faith to say, “My Heavenly Father will fix it.”

I know He can fix anything.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and hearing us when we cry out to You. Thank You for being close to us when we are brokenhearted. Thank You for the promise of delivering us from all our troubles. In the sweet name of Jesus, Amen.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and three awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, NC. www.inspirationfrommayberry.com

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The Miracle Suit – Susan Dollyhigh
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For the Spirit God gave us…gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Ever needed a miracle like… now? My son called to say his wedding, postponed the previous summer, would take place in one month. Anticipating the first wedding date, I’d bought a dress that fit perfectly.

I hung up the phone and dropped my head into my hands.

How would I ever lose the fifteen pounds gained since summer?

I began working out and counting every calorie. Holding my stomach in, I got into the dress without bursting any seams.

Maybe another day without food and I’d look just right.

However, when time neared for the big event, a vision flashed before my eyes of the groom’s mother waddling down the aisle in a beautiful, lavender dress with bulges everywhere — around her waist, around her hips, and around her thighs.

I dashed to the mall in search of the perfect slimming garment and spotted a sign boldly proclaiming Miracle Suits. I snatched that garment from the rack and practically danced my way into the fitting room. I pulled, tugged, and stuffed myself into the suit. My now-bulging eyes told me I was enhanced, slenderized, and shaped as the label claimed.

So I bought the suit, returned home, and removed my purchase from the bag. My family stopped what they were doing as their mouths fell open. They agreed I could not wear that suit of armor under my elegant dress. I realized the only thing slenderized was my brain.

Sanity returned to my panicked mind and I returned that miracle suit to the mall. The day of the wedding, I put on my dress and found that those huge bulges I’d imagined existed only in my panic mode.

Later, I was able to laugh about the suit of armor I’d almost worn to my son’s wedding, but I also realized that many times I react the same way in a perceived crisis. I take the problem to God in prayer and then rush out to try to fix it myself.

I’ve learned with a little discipline — physical, mental and spiritual, and putting on the armor of God daily — I don’t get myself into situations where I have to struggle with pleading to God for a miracle.

Are you in need of a miracle today? Trust God and watch him come through for you.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, NC. www.inspirationfrommayberry.com.

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A Season of Love – Susan Dollyhigh
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See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

I arrived at the homeless shelter and stopped in the kitchen doorway upon seeing two-year-old Kate and five-year-old Hope apparently waiting for me. They clapped and chanted, “Yea, Miss Susie’s here! Yea, Miss Susie’s here!”

“Wow, what a welcome,” I said, looking at their smiles and glistening eyes. My heart grew warm with love.

The small group of women and children gathered around the table where a centerpiece of pink and purple candles nestled among shiny evergreen leaves and red berries to form our Advent wreath.

“I know what the first candle stands for.” Hope’s mouth rounded into an O. “Hope, just like my name! And the second one is for peace.”

“You’re right, Hope! And tonight we’re going to light the candle that symbolizes God’s love for all His children, even those who feel they don’t deserve to be loved.” Thirty-year-old Debbie’s eyes met mine and I knew she fell into that category.

I shared with them that no matter what we think of ourselves or what others think about us, God sent His Son, Jesus, for each of us. Gazing at the faces of women who’d suffered illness, battled addictions, or spent time in jail, I assured them that God sent Jesus for the ill and the healthy, for the homeless and the wealthy, for the addicts and the sober, for the imprisoned and the free. The Father lavished this great love on us, His children.

As I prepared to leave, Debbie placed a small box in my hand. “This is for you. Open it now.” I lifted the lid to find a plastic angel ornament. “Thank you for loving us,” she whispered.

I had come to the homeless shelter to give of myself to the residents. I hope my message of love came across as clearly as the one I received from little girls excitedly greeting me, Hope wanting to please me by remembering what I’d taught about the Advent candles, and my most treasured gift of the season – a little plastic Christmas ornament given with love.

I wanted to give without receiving, but as I left the shelter I was very much aware of the thought, How great is the love that the Father has lavished on me…

Father, we thank you for the many blessings of this holiday season. Thank you most of all for the great love that you lavished on us by sending your Son Jesus Christ. Amen

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, NC.

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Bumper Bowling – Susan Dollyhigh
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Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4 NIV

Bumper Bowling is like a bumper life. I watched as my granddaughter, Katelyn, rolled the pink bowling ball around in the carousel until her five-year-old fingers found the holes to slide into. She picked up the six-pound ball and in a wobbly run made her way to the foul line where she came to an abrupt stop. Swinging her small upper body around to the right, she brought the ball up with both hands and heaved it down the bowling lane. Thump. Thump. Thump. The ball dribbled out of control before making contact with the lane where it swirled from the right gutter to the left gutter and once more to the right before reaching the pins and slowly knocking over all ten. With a celebratory jump, Katelyn smiled. “Yes, a strike.” Katelyn was Bumper Bowling, a game for children, which meant her ball was protected from falling into the gutters by pads positioned on each side of the bowling lane.

Marital problems, health issues, and financial concerns had left me feeling like a bowling ball dropped and thumped from one crisis to the next before swirling out of control, rolling into the gutter, and landing in a pit. Faced with so many difficult decisions, I didn’t know what to pray for, so I prayed as David did in Psalm 25, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths.” If I could get out of the pit and onto the Lord’s path, I would find the hope and peace promised in God’s Word. Remembering Katelyn’s Bumper Bowling, I asked the Lord to place bumpers so I couldn’t veer from His path. “Lord,” I prayed, “I want to go Bumper Bowling.”

Reading God’s Word, talking with Him in prayer, and seeking wise counsel are bumpers that can keep us from veering off His path and landing in the pit.

Father, I pray that you will instruct me in the way of wisdom and lead me along straight paths.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Texas. www.inspirationfrommayberry.com

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Walking in Daddy’s Shoes – Susan Dollyhigh
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Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. Proverbs 23:22-24

He sure was trying to fill some big shoes. I watched as Drew, my two-year-old grandson, wobbled into the living room, his daddy’s size eleven gray Nikes on his small feet. Drew held up his short arms for balance while his toothpick-looking legs shuffled one large shoe in front of the other. Beneath his blonde curls, big brown eyes danced while his smile said, “Look at me, I’m wearing my daddy’s shoes.”

My son Eric’s expression softened as he seemed to realize both the honor and responsibility of his son, Drew, wanting to wear his daddy’s shoes; walk like his daddy walks, and mimic his daddy’s every word and action.

While Drew wobbled, stumbled, and struggled to walk in what were nearly impossibly large shoes, Jesus – the perfect Son of God – filled His Father’s shoes perfectly. From the time Jesus was a small boy of twelve, He wore His Father’s shoes as he stayed behind at the temple courts in Jerusalem talking with the teachers and asking them questions. He wore His Father’s shoes while in the desert for forty days being tempted by the devil. Jesus wore His Father’s shoes as He preached the good news to the poor, proclaimed freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind. Jesus wore His Father’s shoes when He hung from the cross and died for each of us.

Thank God for fathers who walk in ways that are pleasing to God, who love their children and teach them righteousness and wisdom. On this Father’s Day, I pray you experience great joy as you rejoice in your children.

Thank you for showing your children how to fill their father’s shoes.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, North Carolina (better known as Mayberry). www.inspirationfrommayberry.com Read Susan’s devotions.
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Three Loves Ones Go Home for Easter – Susan Dollyhigh
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Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25

Isa and Jorge, my sister-in-law and her husband, came home Easter weekend to celebrate the holiday with the family. They came to spend the weekend with Coleen, Isa’s mother. Isa and Jorge brought along Kivette, their beloved lab-collie mix. Flamboyant, exuberant, effervescent Isa. Unpretentious, restrained, humble Jorge. Sweet, lovable Kivette. And Coleen. Strong, solid, firm. A rock as her children called her. Coleen — mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. Coleen, not very fond of dogs and especially not dogs in her house. But Coleen, who couldn’t deny room and board to Kivette, that sweet granddog of hers. Kivette who easily nuzzled her way into all of our hearts and soon came to spend every holiday with the family.

Isa, Jorge, and Kivette came home Easter weekend to celebrate the holiday with the family. The family planned to have Sunday lunch together. Coleen’s refrigerator was overflowing with her delicious home-cooked food. But the sun rose that Easter morning to the saddest day ever experienced by the remainder of the family. Sad and terribly painful. Easter Sunday spent not in church as planned. Easter Sunday spent planning three funerals.

Isa, Jorge, and Kivette came home to Mount Airy Easter weekend to celebrate the holiday with the family. Only Mount Airy wasn’t their final destination. Seems they only came through to pick up Coleen. On Saturday morning, Isa, Jorge, Coleen and Kivette traveled up Interstate 77 North. On that beautiful spring morning surrounded by the breathtaking panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, they were ushered into the very presence of God the Father. And seated there at His right hand, His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus who was sent into this world as a baby born of a virgin. Jesus who lived a sinless life yet died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus who on the third day rose from the dead. Jesus who now lives in heaven with God, His Father. And that’s what Easter is all about. Yes, Isa, Jorge, Coleen and Kivette went home that weekend to celebrate Easter. I can only imagine what a wonderful, glorious celebration that must have been.

Trust in the promise of eternity. Christ died for us.

In memory of Coleen, Jorge, Isa and beloved pet Kivette who went Home for Easter in March 22, 2008.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a free-lance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, North Carolina (better known as Mayberry). www.inspirationfrommayberry.com Read Susan’s devotions.

A Season of Love – Susan Dollyhigh
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See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!   1 John 3:1 (NIV)

I arrived at the homeless shelter and stopped in the kitchen doorway upon seeing two-year-old Kate and five-year-old Hope apparently waiting for me. They clapped and chanted, “Yea, Miss Susie’s here! Yea, Miss Susie’s here!”

“Wow, what a welcome,” I said, looking at their smiles and glistening eyes. My heart grew warm with love.

The small group of women and children gathered around the table where a centerpiece of pink and purple candles nestled among shiny evergreen leaves and red berries to form our Advent wreath.

“I know what the first candle stands for.” Hope’s mouth rounded into an O. “Hope, just like my name! And the second one is for peace.”

“You’re right, Hope! And tonight we’re going to light the candle that symbolizes God’s love for all of His children, even those who feel they don’t deserve to be loved.” Thirty-year-old Debbie’s eyes met mine and I knew she fell into that category.

I shared with them that no matter what we think of ourselves or what others think about us, God sent His Son, Jesus, for each of us. Gazing at the faces of women who’d suffered illness, battled addictions, or spent time in jail, I assured them that God sent Jesus for the ill and the healthy, for the homeless and the wealthy, for the addicts and the sober, for the imprisoned and the free. The Father lavished this great love on us, His children.

As I prepared to leave, Debbie placed a small box in my hand. “This is for you. Open it now.” I lifted the lid to find a plastic angel ornament. “Thank you for loving us,” she whispered.

I had come to the homeless shelter to give of myself to the residents. I hope my message of love came across as clearly as the one I received from little girls excitedly greeting me, Hope wanting to please me by remembering what I’d taught about the Advent candles, and my most treasured gift of the season – a little plastic Christmas ornament given with love.

I wanted to give without receiving, but as I left the shelter I was very much aware of this thought: How great is the love that the Father has lavished on me…

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, North Carolina (better known as Mayberry). Read Susan’s devotions.

Jesus Took Our Place – Susan Dollyhigh
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He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

The call came from New Hanover Hospital’s emergency room after the crisis with my three-year-old granddaughter had passed.

“Mom, Katelyn’s okay, but I just spent four hours in the ER with her,” my daughter said on the other end of the phone line. “It was just awful, Mom. We were shopping and Katelyn was sitting in the cart with her baby dolls and the next thing I knew, she attempted to climb out of the cart and fell face first to the floor.”

I was told that Katelyn’s little head had hit the concrete floor with a sickening thud. “I was so scared, Mom. Katelyn’s head was bruised and bleeding. We rushed her to the hospital and I cried all the way there. I wanted to take her place, Mom.”

As a parent, I know that feeling well. My heart would break as, growing up, my children experienced illness, injury and heartache. I would have given anything to take their place.

God our Father feels the same way about us, His children. God loves us so much that He sent His perfect, sinless Son, Jesus, so that we would “not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus left Heaven and came to earth. On Calvary’s Hill, He suffered as He hung on the cross — the suffering should have been ours. He died on the cross and paid the price for our sins –- a price that was ours to pay. Jesus took our place.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers’ Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, North Carolina (better known as Mayberry). Read Susan’s devotions.

Twenty-five with 25 Years’ Experience – Susan Dollyhigh
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Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

Reaching the big “Five-O” was like a heavy-weight boxing champion hitting me smack in the face. I didn’t stress over being 30. I didn’t sink into a deep depression when I turned 40. But 50 – that’s a half-century!

My son and daughter-in-law heard me having a conniption fit about my upcoming birthday. Their concern for my despair was obvious when a sympathetic birthday card arrived in the mail. A turtle with its head pulled into the shell graced the front of the card. The inside read: “Come on out….time to face up to it.” Bless their hearts for the…um…encouragement.

I told the Bible study group I teach at the homeless shelter that I was turning 50. Of course, the residents made all of the appropriate remarks.

“I can’t believe you’re 50!”

“Oh, thank you,” I said.

“You sure look young for your age!”

“You’re so kind,” I replied.

“I can’t believe you’re that old!” a younger woman said.

“Yes, I’m really that old.” Although my teeth were gritted, I managed a smile, knowing she meant well.

“And I refuse to feel a day over 49…no matter how I look,” I laughed.

Janet, a resident even older than I, patted my arm. “Honey, you just tell people that you’re 25 with twenty-five years’ experience.”

“Hey, I like that,” I told her. “That’s what I’m going to tell everyone.”

I felt younger immediately. I envisioned a face with no wrinkles or age spots, hair with sun-kissed highlights rather than gray, and a body before gravity became the enemy. But, given the opportunity, would I want to be 25 again? No, not if I couldn’t take the 25 years’ experience with me. Those were acquired on the Potter’s wheel when I was sometimes less than pliable clay. They were years the Father spent shaping me into who He wanted me to become.

I’m still on the Potter’s wheel and will be until the day the Lord calls me home, but I’m glad to have come this far. I’m happy to be right where I am, 25 with twenty-five years’ experience.

Let Him continue to shape you.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a freelance writer and columnist who recently won the Women of Faith Shine the Light Contest and 3 awards at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. She resides in Mount Airy, North Carolina (better known as Mayberry). www.inspirationfrommayberry.com Read Susan’s devotions.

He Restores My Soul – Susan Dollyhigh
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“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:2-3

Driving up the steep, curvy, gravel road, I asked the Lord to meet me on the mountain. After a season of intense trial, I needed some time alone with the Lord. I needed the peace and comfort and restoration that only come through Him.

After breaking my right foot, I’d been unable to walk or drive for ten weeks. As my world shrunk to four walls, the days crawled by. Satan didn’t waste this time of weakness and discouragement to attack. Life delivered another blow that threatened to break my very spirit – my soul.

As I returned to the doctor for check-ups and x-rays, the news was the same time after time. The bones haven’t healed. The bones haven’t healed. “Why aren’t your bones healing?” the doctor finally asked.

The news from my spirit was the same. The heart hasn’t healed. The heart hasn’t healed. “Why isn’t my heart healing?” I cried out to the Lord.

I felt so helpless. I felt so alone. I felt so wounded. The words that usually poured from my heart onto the page ceased.

Finally ten weeks later I returned to the doctor. With the x-ray report in hand, he delivered the wonderful news – your bones have healed. My foot had been restored.

But my heart – my spirit – that was another story. Realizing that I desperately needed to get away, I made a reservation for a few days at a little tobacco barn cabin. After unpacking my bags, I laid down for a nap. As I closed my eyes, sleep didn’t come – prayers did. Lying on the bed, I began to feel God’s mighty presence as I poured out my heart to Him. Throughout the weekend, I was drawn to God’s Word and read Scripture that I’d highlighted while going through previous trials.

Thinking my broken spirit couldn’t be repaired in one short weekend, I’d merely hoped to find peace and a little restoration. Packing my car to return home, I realized how little faith I have in our big God. I’d asked the Lord to meet me on the mountain and He had met me on the mountain. The Lord had given me His peace that passes understanding. He had healed my broken spirit. I returned home to the same problems I’d left behind only now, by His grace, I knew I could handle them. The Lord had restored my soul.

Susan Shelton Dollyhigh is a free-lance writer and columnist who recently won the Women in Faith Shine the Light Contest. She and her husband have two children and one grandchild and reside in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Susan is a featured writer in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust, A Journey to Financial Dependence.

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9822065-4-6
Price: $9.95 Read Susan’s devotions.