History Matters

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“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”—Sir Winston Churchill History still matters today, and with all the revisionist history going around our world—in the media, popular culture, and even in our educational system—we need to be wise. As Churchill wisely warned us, we need to learn from history so we don’t repeat the failures of the past. The historical parts of the Bible are important for that reason. So is our own history. We can learn so much from the people who lived before us. They shaped and were shaped by the events of their…

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A Chat with Author Susan Mathis

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Greetings from Marti Pieper in already-summery Mount Dora, Florida. This year, we actually had winter in Florida, but here in March, it seems we’ve skipped right on to summer. It’s not quite that warm where Susan Mathis lives in Colorado, which is also the state where she and I met a few years ago at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Along with her career as an author and editor, Susan serves as the CAN vice president and co-editor for the CAN newsletter. I’m delighted to introduce her and her work today. Welcome, Susan! Please tell us about your book. The…

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A Strong Dose of Charity

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  Excerpt from Christmas Charity by Susan G Mathis “I heard you were newlyweds from Canada. From Wolfe Island? It’s a mighty lot to adjust to, that’s for sure. But how’s you doing, dearie?” Susan bit her lip and studied Mabel. Could she trust her, this stranger? Susan needed to talk with someone, especially since her mama wasn’t here. “It’s … all so sudden. Patrick is a good and kind man, but …” She looked toward the door and sighed. “I’m sure I’ll adjust … with time.” Mabel took Susan’s hand in her tiny, wrinkled ones. “Change ain’t easy, I’ll…

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What Is Charity?

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Excerpt from Christmas Charity by Susan G. Mathis: Mabel opened the door and noticed the darkening sky. “Come in, Susan. Looks like a Nor’easters a building. Might have snow by nightfall.” Susan entered the elderly woman’s abode. Neat and tidy with lots of memorabilia, just as Susan had imagined. Mabel led her into the kitchen. “I was just making tea. Care for some?” “Yes, please. How are you, Mabel?” “I’m just fine. Been praying for you and that girl of yours a fair bit. How’s it going?” Mabel stopped pouring the tea and stared into Susan’s eyes. “Tell me truthful-like,…

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New Release: Christmas Charity by Susan G Mathis

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Christmas Charity Susan G Mathis November 2018 ISBN-13: 978-0578207797 About the book:  Susan Hawkins and Patrick O’Neill find that an arranged marriage is harder than they think, especially when they immigrate from Wolfe Island, Canada, to Cape Vincent, NY,  just a week after they marry—with his 11-year-old daughter, Lizzy, in tow. Can 23-year-old Susan Hawkins learn to love her 49-year-old husband and treat her angry stepdaughter with charity? With Christmas coming, she hopes so.     About the author: Susan G Mathis is a multi-published author of stories set in her childhood stomping ground, the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY….

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Practicing Patience

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Practicing Patience By Susan G Mathis My husband has Parkinsons disease, so I am learning to employ a good deal of patience—the very thing I taught in my children’s picture book, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patience —while we adjust to the challenges of such a terrible disease. God is never finished teaching us patience, so to that end, for all of us who need a bit of encouragement as we learn patience now or in the future, here are a few inspiring quotes that may help: “God’s way of answering the Christian’s prayer for more patience, experience, hope,…

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Drawing Close

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  My husband Dale and I have experienced medical challenges—cancer, Parkinson’s disease, multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and illnesses. We’ve had challenges in our adult children’s lives—financial stresses, unemployment, school struggles, health issues, and major moves across the country and the world. We’ve had life challenges—job changes, aging parents, home and car repairs, and so much more. Yet all these circumstances have actually brought us closer together because we’ve chosen to lean on each other, to draw strength from each other. You can, too. Sometimes your marriage will be easy. But other times the potholes or detours of life, the circumstances and…

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Spiritual Needs

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Spiritual Needs  By Susan G Mathis It’s always good to revisit your spiritual needs—individually and as a couple—and discuss how each of you can help meet those needs. As we grow and mature, our needs often change, so it’s good to adjust to them accordingly. First, if you haven’t already, find a church and commit to attend regularly. Next, be sure to pray together. For some, this isn’t easy, but start by saying a prayer before meals. Then you can learn to pray at other times and for other things—for safety on a trip, for God’s will, and for His…

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Lessons from Little Ones

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Lessons from Little Ones By Susan G Mathis Children have so much to teach us. Last week I spent time with four young families. One had a newborn who slept peacefully in my arms while I gooed and giggled over every infant face she made. She was content. I want to be content too. Another family had four busy little ones ages 3-7. The twin three year olds presented me with “gifts” of scribbled drawings that I just can’t throw away. I want to give others more gifts—gifts of myself—even if they are a bit scribbly. The third family has…

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Got Soup for the Soul?

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Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Miracle of Love released June 5. The compilation includes a story by Susan G Mathis and others. She will sign copies of the book at Barnes & Noble, 920 Colorado Blvd., in Glendale, CO, on Saturday, June 16, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Heather FitzGerald is excited that her YA Fantasy book, The Genesis Tree, is a finalist in the Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Awards for Speculative Fiction. That makes it a finalist in three out of four contests entered this year (still awaiting ACFW). What a blessing and an honor!

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