Splashes of Sunshine

By Susan E. Russ

There was no labor involved in choosing the title of the book. The title came long before the

writing began. I feel strongly that the Lord inspired the title. About a month or more later the writing began to take form. A Splash of Sunshine will indicate something bright, beautiful, charming, inviting, healing, or fun. It will knock out darkness instantly in the real world. There are no dark doldrums

within this book.

This little village was named Twitterville because of all the cunning little creatures twittering

about, or using their twittering voices to communicate, sometimes in secret code. The village includes some inside and outside capers that cause giggles to rise from your belly. They are precious and

adorable creatures full of vim and vigor, helping us to forget our troubles. Entering Twitterville provides quick relief to anxiety and fear. The air is pure and the village is charming as the stories

unfold.

This book has maintained strict ethical and moral codes, so the very young can have it read to

them but develops interesting characters enough to make it entertaining and inspirational for adults as well. It's warm, safe, good, educational, and kind. The love shown between siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and neighbors is exemplary. They happily spread helpfulness,

acceptance of one another, and friendship to newcomers on the block.

There are several reflections in the book centering on detailed descriptions of specific seasons of

nature in hopes that they will inspire deeper appreciation for each season represented.

The poems within this book create a sense of wonder and enlightenment, or give way to helping

you remember your own similar personal experiences. They are tender and warm, fun and exciting--

some in storytelling form.

God bless you!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685705251

Book preview

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Splashes of Sunshine

Susan E. Russ

ISBN 978-1-68570-524-4 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68570-996-9 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-68570-525-1 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Susan E. Russ

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Artwork by Susan E. Russ except where indicated by Kaitlyn in the acknowledgements.

Photos by Susan E. Russ except where indicated by https://DWhitePhotography.com or Elaine L. in the acknowledgements.

Bible verses from the NIV version of the Holy Bible unless indicated differently.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Stories

A Secret Village

The Race Is On!

Charlie and the Chipmunks

Wiggles and Giggles

Harrison Moves In

The Garden Escape

Wings of Sunshine

The Yellow Marvel

Air Traffic

Reflections

Celestial Banners

Change of Season

Heaven's Window

Winter's Overture

Poems

My Heart's Ambrosia

Abba's Healing Balm

Waltz in Daddy's Arms

Innocent's View

Aviator Friends

Twilight's Rhapsody

Birthday Blessings

About the Author

This book is dedicated to Yahweh, the one true God of the universe.

Appreciation and devotion pour from my heart in so many directions. My husband, Arthur; my children Jeffrey, Daniel, and Elizabeth; and my seven grandchildren continue to fill my heart with love and gratitude for all they've done to encourage me through this writing.

Foreword

Suzanne (Susan) is someone you admire from the time you are introduced. She is as genuine as they come and even more interesting to read her writings. Consider yourself blessed to own one of her books!

Sincerely Yours,

Dr. Peter Burgess, DMin, PhD. Trinity Seminary, author, composer, and lifelong friend.

I have known Suzanne (Susan) for over seven years. In that time, I have witnessed how her integrity, authenticity, and desire for positive, faith-driven living inspire not only her friends and family but also every context and community in which she finds herself. As an author, her openness and accessibility allow others to join a space of growth, healing, and reflection without an atmosphere of arrogance or superiority. Instead, just as with Suzanne's character, how she communicates her story and intentional conversations convey a sense that one is both accepted as they are and holding potential for whom they could become. I am privileged to count Suzanne a friend, a partner in faith, and a woman of outstanding virtue. She lives the right thing, does the right thing, and has many times with wisdom spoken the right thing. It is with no hesitation that I recommend Suzanne for each and every endeavor she has set her enormous heart and keen thoughtfulness to engage with.

Rev. James Backing, DMin, BCC

Acknowledgments

Marie, Marcia, Ellen, and Duane have been such positive influences, inspiring me to persevere. I hold them all in such high regard. This writing would have tarried without their encouragement.

Cover photo and photo of row boat on the sparkling lake by https://DWhitePhotography.com

Photo of painted sunset by Elaine L.

Waterfall, sunflower and cross drawings by Kaitlyn.

Introduction

The rock garden with all its frolicking critters inspired some of these writings as I would sit outside completely engrossed in God's creation.

Suggestion: Read the bold type to the very young ones in hopes that it holds their attention. Have fun as you enter the tiny village of Twitterville within the garden and labyrinth.

May our lives be a Splash of Sunshine to everyone we meet. May you see Jesus.

With a grateful heart,

Susan E. Russ

Stories

A Secret Village

There's a secret little village called Twitterville nestled within the garden and labyrinth below, with filtered light from above that refreshes all the darling little creatures. They're frisky and friendly, a playful bunch always ready to meet new friends. Come, I'll show you their enchanting world of fun and wonder.

It began with Oma and Opa looking for a place to call home where they would continue to weave love and respect through their family, not just a house but a home where kindness would flourish for generations, a safe haven where laughter and silliness abounded, you know, like silly dancing and giggling for no particular reason at all. This home was to provide for all their needs—needs, not necessarily wants. The wants would come periodically but not as a general rule. Humility, yes, that's it too. They prayed for humble hearts and a modest home where integrity could thrive, and children's laughter would fill their world with the flurry of activity.

Troubles would sometimes visit. It's part of life to have troubles, but they'd support each other with compassion and love. Life would yield many blessings also. They would be drawn with gentle cords of kindness and bands of love. The yokes of bondage would be lifted as Yahweh guided and comforted.

I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. (Hosea 11:4a NKJV)

They looked for just the right spot to begin their wonderful journey together. After much prayer and some searching, they found it! It was far loftier than they had dreamed! Oma absolutely loved all the flowers and trees. Opa was pleased that the ground was soft and pliable, so he could work in it with ease. They both loved the lake nearby where they could go waterskiing, or wakeboarding,