Threads of Grace
Life is messy
Welcome to Simply Susan, where I write honestly about faith, marriage, motherhood and the everyday threads of God’s grace.
So grab a coffee.
Pull up a chair.
I’m so glad you’re here.
Walking humblythrough faith, family and life’s adventures.
Come in, come in! Have a seat around the table so we can pause, pour a coffee, and discover God’s grace woven through the threads of everyday life.
Life hasn’t always been neat and tidy, None of my ducks are in a row. Like many women, I’ve known seasons of joy, disappointment, deep hurt, and unexpected adventure. As I look back over the years, I can see the threads of God’s grace woven through every season—through joy and heartbreak, marriage and motherhood, unanswered questions, quiet faithfulness, and even the unexpected adventures of later life.
Looking back over my life, I can see a thread.
Sometimes that disappeared beneath grief.
Sometimes it seemed tangled beyond repair.
Sometimes it was woven with unexpected joy.
But through every season, God never let go of the thread.
Simply Susan is where I share honest reflections on marriage, motherhood, faith, books, coffee, being a SAHM, working outside the home, motorcycles, and the everyday moments where God’s grace quietly meets us.
Faith
Five Necessary Gospel Points to Share
As parents we all want to raise our children in the ways of the Lord, to teach them His ways, to teach them His story. But there is so much to do, to read, to share. Where do we start? We start and end with the good news. But what exactly is this good news?
His Purpose is My Hope
God’s purpose for my teen is the hope that keeps me going.
God Knows
My teen asked ‘why’ to everything and I wanted to ‘straighten him out’. God, being the Great Multi-Tasker, already had plans. God knew.
Marriage
The Wedding Day ~ part two
The house was in a flurry of excitement for the Big Day had arrived. Hair, makeup, food, dresses. Agh! But in the midst a beautiful young man and woman were joined before God in holy matrimony. I didn’t cry once. For the whole day. It was the most magical day and I was deliriously happy. Abigail has chosen wisely as Ian is a fine young man who is responsible and mature yet full of energy and life. He is a godly young man who has a heart to serve the Lord and both John and I are happy and proud to have him in our family. Nothing sad about that! I couldn’t stop smiling all day. Ok, I’ll be honest. I did cry just once. As they drove off from the reception I had a wave of happy-sadness. It only lasted a minute or so.
Wifey Wednesday: Ways of Connecting
Last week Sheila introduced the idea that women, being relational and emotional, often need to talk before moving on to *other things*. I can totally relate to the imaginary story she wrote about- thinking of milk and cleaning the fridge. Why I don’t even like…
Wifey Wednesday: Greeting Him
How do you greet your husband when he returns home?
Motherhood
Becoming Grandparents
We recently became grandparents to three babies. All within three months! How did that happen? I’ve been busy helping when and where it is appropriate. I try not to overwhelm them with my thoughts, ideas and advice… they have enough of that already.
Is It Harder to be a Wife or a Mum?
In which I share my thoughts on the harder role – being a wife or a mother.
His Purpose is My Hope
God’s purpose for my teen is the hope that keeps me going.
Homeschool
A Change of Seasons
I’ve sensed the change coming. I’ve prepared for it. And now the change is here. A typical season even has a different atmosphere during the beginning, middle and end of that season. And over the last few weeks we have been in the transition between the end of one season and the beginning of another. Whilst I don’t want to hurry these last few moments of this season I also don’t want to cling to it when the change from one season to another is a necessary part of life. John and I have observed our son, continually prayed about his needs and decided that it is time. Time where his needs will be best met by going to school.
The Lamb: Fantastic Freebie Presenting the Gospel
The Lamb, is beautifully illustrated which will take you on a remarkable journey from Creation to the Cross, explaining the true significance of the baby in a manger. The free ebook and audio available at GoodSeed.
How Much Time Do You Spend In Bible or Devotional Reading?
If you are a homeschooling mama of little ones, how long do you spend reading either God’s Word or a devotional every day?
Health
Low Carb Milk: THM Friendly (S)
I’ve been on my quest. A quest to satisfy my daily habit. I have tried everything – almond, cashew, coconut, sunflower, flax, hemp and blends but none of them have been able to satisfy me. Until now. The inspiration came to me while making the instant cookie dough protein bars which are yummy and hit the spot. Low Carb Milk.
Why I LOVE Trim Healthy Mama
You know why I love this lifestyle more than any other eating plan I’ve done? Because it isn’t just trim. And it isn’t just healthy. And it isn’t just for me but the whole family. It is Trim *AND* Healthy. It is an eating plan for life that is affordable, sustainable and achievable in the long term.
Typical Meals in my Home
I’m a creature of habit and convenience. I’m a Drive Thru Sue with Purist ideals. This is a typical week’s worth of meals in my home. I don’t like shakes or smoothies and I’m quite conservative with my drinks. I’ll try about 3 shakes or smoothies per year and gag every time. It’s just not my thing. Coffee is though. Hmm coffee. Coffee, chamomile tea, green tea and Good Girl Moonshine are regular drinks.
Home & Life
My Weird Book Reading Quirk
I love being a part of that world, I love the characters, the setting, the story. And I don’t want it to end. Once I’ve read the last page, it is over. I can never again go back and be in that world in the same way and so I don’t want to leave.
Latte Art Appreciation
Is it obvious that we studied Art Appreciation as a subject? My eldest daughter is a barista and loves to create latte art.
My Book Reading Term One
I used to devour books. But I spend more time reading articles and blogs now. I want to get back to reading more real books so with that end in mind I have decided to record the books I read each term.