Random Dozen 12/30/09

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends? Not usually.

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)That no matter what you think you know......God always has something else to teach you about it.


3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations? It totally depends on my mood and time available. I usually take the tree down first but leave the decorations up till after the new year.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is: Take pictures of the house all decorated.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)? I'm so over it and ready for spring.

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales? Oh yes. Some clothing bargains and Christmas decoration deals.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve? Spending the evening with my wonderful husband.

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January? Graduation in May!

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)  Definitely a farcical!

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know. Entirely too much. Something I clearly need to work on in 2010. Better time management.

11. Who runs your household? Runs it where exactly?

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010. That all three children would be in rather than out at the same time. See #9 above.

God's blessings to you and your family as we greet 2010.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 16:33 (NIV) ³³"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

 

Glory to God

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)⁶ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Like a Child

May the message and the spirit of Christmas touch your life with peace, your heart with joy. Today, This Day, share the joy and peace of Jesus with your family and friends.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Micah 5:2 (NKJV) The Coming Messiah    ² “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me       The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Out of the Mouth of a Babe

O Holy Night - incredible child singer 7 yrs old

Praise His glorious name today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:6-7 (NKJV)⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

A Tribute Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.  

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
 

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.  

 
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
 

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.  

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
 

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.  

 
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
 

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
 

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.  

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
 

My Gramps died at '  Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.  

 
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile..
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
 

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.  

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
 

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."  

 
"  So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
 

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."  

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
 

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will soon be here. Please remember our U.S service men and women and give them credit for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in some small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Pray for them and their family members at home while they serve. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

 

My Hubby's Birthday

That's right. Mr. Wonderful Himself is having a birthday today! We celebrated last night and had dinner at one of his favorite places. His food of choice? A huge T-bone steak and for dessert creme brulee.

He is such a blessing in my life. I've tried to think of one word that best describes him but when I typed his name in the Thesaurus these are the words that come up: compassionate, kind, honest, integrity, honorable, sincere, humorous, weird, and a fruit cake. ahahaha  His greatest attribute is that he has a heart towards God and a desire to serve Him.  

Happy Birthday my dear husband. I love you with all my heart.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 1:68-70 (NKJV) ⁶⁸ “ Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,       For He has visited and redeemed His people, ⁶⁹ And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David,   ⁷⁰ As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,

The Christmas Story as told by Children

The story of Christmas as told by pre-school and kindergarten students. This is precious. I hope you are amused and touched by the simple hearts of these children. I was.



Share the Christmas story with someone today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 2:1 (NKJV) ¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,

Thankful Thursday - 12/17/09

It's Thankful Thursday!!! This is the day each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey and list five things that I'm thankful for. They can be serious or silly, big or small because God honors them all. Here's my list for this week:

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He has worked endless hours on the small details to make our house a home.

2.  I'm grateful for my abnormally normal family. Sometimes we're the Griswolds and sometimes we're the Waltons. Well, maybe not to that extreme, but you know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't you?

3. I'm thankful for the gift of Jesus. He came. Thank you, Lord.

4. I'm thankful for Christmas break. I get seven work days off. Pretty sweet!

5. I'm thankful for a safe, fun, and educational trip to Las Vegas. It was a great networking conference full of so much information that it will take me months to get through it all. There was also time for fun and relaxation. Oh yeah....and the food!

Please leave me a comment and tell me what you're thankful for today, This Day. If you'd like to join in, post your own list then hop on over to Sonya's and link up. 

May the love and joy of Christ shine through you that others may know Him. Merry Christmas to all.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 1:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰ But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Random Dozen -12/16/09

1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss. I love ginger snaps. Oh wait.....you said ginger bread. hmmmm I make a scrumptious ginger/pumpkin trifle that uses ginger bread. So, I guess that's a for.

2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family? I guess that's a no since I've lived hundreds of miles from my family most of my adult life. I do miss them, especially at holidays, birthday, and the like.

3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed? Frosty the Snowman so we could sing and dance and play.

4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life? I'll have to get back to you on this one.


5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of? I love the traditional Christmas songs: The First Noel, Silent Night, Away in a Manger, Hark the Herald. I never tire of them.

6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime? Donating toys, coats, and food to various shelters.

7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?" Nope. Merry Hannukwanzmas! As long as HE IS the central theme what does it matter?

8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month? Sadly, only one. I missed the grand-boy's program because I didn't know about it. (That's a topic for another blog post.)

9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality? I'm dreaming of it being white for Christmas at someone else's house. I'm so over snow and cold. Don't get me wrong, it's great to look at and play in (see #3), but it's such a bother to drive in. It's just hard to get that Harley down the road when there's snow on the roads.

10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice. The one that still sticks out in my mind is a kitchen set I received when I was about 5. There was a sink, stove, and refrigerator. I loved it.

11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month? Two down.....two to go.

12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas? By daily seeking God's help to show and tell others about the birth of Jesus. 


If you'd like to join in with your own answers, hop on over to Lid's by clicking here. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 1:30-33 (NKJV)³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

The Hope of Christmas

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 2:4-6 (New King James Version) ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:  ⁶ ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Christmas Poem

Jesus Christ was born this day so many years before

He came a servant to the lost, though He was Lord of lords

We celebrate this joyous time, reflecting on His birth

Not born in a mansion but a stable, as if He had no worth

He came so He could identify with the human heart of man

And gave His life as a sacrifice, offering a better plan

A plan that reconciles us back to our loving Father God

Bringing hope and redemption from sin's ruling rod

For this is the only reason that we should celebrate this day

To become focused on anything else would take the meaning away

So let's arise with joy in our hearts

And share it with everyone

The meaning of Christmas will always be the birth of Jesus Christ.

Please share the meaning of Christmas with someone today, This Day. You'll be sharing joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) ¹⁴ Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Isaiah 7:14 Literally God-With-Us

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that, let Me go on. It if bothers you that the town in which yo live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because ther would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in rememberance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldires away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time. Editor's note: here's an address for you: A Recovering American Soldier; c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center; 6900 George Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... it will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know what that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day, they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary -- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know the, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, If you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I ahve told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love....and remember:

I love you!
Jesus
***********************************************************
One of the class presentations was making candy cane reindeer which was donated to a local nursing home. Which from the list of 10 will you do today, This Day to share the love of Jesus?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 6:35 (NKJV) And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Off the Grid

Thank you so very much for all your encouragement, kind words, and prayers. They mean more to me than you will ever know.

I'll be "off the grid" for a few days. Today was my final team demonstration and presentation, then I'm headed to a Christmas party, then packing. Early tomorrow I'm headed to a conference and won't get back until LATE Wednesday night. Actually, it will be after midnight Thursday morning when I finally get home. Oh, don't feel too sorry for me. I'm headed to Vegas and the conference is at Caesar's Palace.

My pal, Jess, is traveling with me and we are doing a spa at Caesar's. I can barely wait. I so need the break and relaxation. They have a whole "spa experience" that includes relaxing in the Roman baths and saunas. Doesn't that sound just delicious? It's totally segregated so I'm good with that.

We're also eating at Mesa Grill. If you're not familiar with that restaurant, Bobby Flay from the Food Network is the owner.  We'll have one other evening for dinner out and we're just winging it. We will have so much fun. We always do.

Have any of you done a spa treatment before? If you could indulge in one luxury this Christmas season as a gift to yourself what would it be?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 122:8 (NIV)  For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

Thankful Thursday - 12/3/09

This is the day each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey in giving thanks for my many blessings. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

1. Thank you, God, for my wonderful husband. He always lifts my spirits now matter what the situation. He has a wonderful sense of humor....tho sometimes a little warped. Ok....a lot warped. But that's one of the things I love about him. Like teaching the grand-boy to make up silly songs.

2. Thank you Lord.....the semester is almost over. I'll be finished Saturday. Woooohoooo!

3. Thank you Lord that next semester is my last and I will finally graduate. I couldn't have gotten this far with out Your help.

4. Thank you, God, that the internship proposal was accepted and my boss is flexible with my work schedule to allow me to complete this degree requirement.

5. Praise you, Lord, for this glorious Christmas season. It's an honor and a privilege to celebrate the birth of your dear Son.

What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment and be sure to hop on over to Sonya's to link up and join in.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;

Random Dozen - 12/02/09

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like? Definitely the Scarecrow....cause sometimes, "I haven't got a brain." My wonderful hubby would concur with this. I'm clearly blond...some days the roots run a little bit deeper than on other days.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why? I generally start with a pair of slacks and build from there. Why? I'm so glad you asked. Because I have lots of tops to go with a few pants.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without? I have no clue on the animal. Now if we were talking bugs....

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home? Not a single one. My wonderful husband disposed of both of them during the move. Oh wait.....we do have one little four footer. Guess that's what we're using this year. Now in his defense, I have to say that the pre-lit one had a place in it where the lights no longer worked and the other tree needed lights which neither of us really wanted to mess with.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak? Absolutely not! Emotionless means no compassion towards others too. Gotta have that!

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression? I thought that was a tradition for everyone.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music? Some of it...yes; some....no. But I'm that way with other musicians too.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma? I have no idea.

9. Enjoy horseback riding? Oh yes.....I've been around horses since the age of 12. I miss having animals.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish? They have to be both for me.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic. Frisky

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?25% 


If you'd like to join in.....just hop on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee by clicking on the icon at the top of the page.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:1-2 (NIV) ¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning.

Welcome to Our World

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Celebrating Christmas

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

“Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

Thankful Thursday - 11/19/09

Wow! Can you believe it? Next week is Thanksgiving! NEXT WEEK!!!! I've decided not to post next week for Thanksgiving and want to do a little something different this week. Normally, and according to the rules, I post five things for which I am thankful. This week, I'd like to share a poem God impressed upon me several years ago. It is just as timely today as it was then. I pray you are blessed by it as I am.

I'm thankful for so many things

It's hard to pick just one;

But if I had to choose,

It'd be salvation through God's Son.

The past is now behind me,

I only look ahead

The fulfillment of God's promises

To the place I'll rest my head.

Some say there is no God

Or He didn't create the earth,

But I am living proof you see

God still creates in new birth.

So when you give your thanks today

And you're not sure what to say,

Look around at all the wondrous works

God has brought your way.

The sun, the moon, the heavens and earth,

The flowers and the trees,

The food upon your table,

The child upon your knee.

I'm thankful, Lord, Your grace abounds,

You pardon, You set free,

I'm thankful, Lord, You loved and forgave

An unworthy sinner - me.
Author SusanD

God's blessings to you, your family, and your friends as we enter into the precious holiday seasons ahead. Be sure to tell them today, This Day, how much you love them and how much they are loved by Jesus.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV) ¹ Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers  ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Random Dozen - 11/18/09

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be? Dancing. Some probably don't consider dancing a sport, but have you watched Dancing w/the Stars? Those people work hard every week to perform.

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision? I usually do some research on it thru Consumer's Report. It helps me make a good choice.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name? Diane Blairs

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food? You always throw in a tough choice question like this one. I'd have to choose my favorite food. I'd give up chocolate before I'd give up Christian music. Just sayn.

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference? More ripe. The banana flavor is more developed and it's softer; plus I can make banana bread w/toasted walnuts. Well....looky there....a new favorite food. lol

6. Your favorite tree is? The evergreen.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you? I'd give me about a 6

8. Has H1N1 touched your family? Nope. But there's still time.

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing? I think you'd better ask my husband that question. lol

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?  I'm gonna go w/the cat here. They are more independent than dogs, somewhat more cryptic, and fastidious about their hygiene. Don't really go along w/the sleeps a lot tho.

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago? There are a couple people I stay in touch with who I went to jr and sr high school. I have made some friends through the years and I stay in touch w/them too. So, I guess that's a yes.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why? I do a mentally tally and choose based on if I'm on a deadline. (Did you read #s 2 & 9?) lol 

If you'd like to join in on this fun quiz, just copy the questions, post your own answers, and link up at Linda's by clicking on the icon at the top of this post. Thanks for stopping by today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path

Thankful Thursday - 11/12/09

Last week I missed Thankful Thursday. Why? Well, let me tell you.....we were moving boxes out of the storage unit. It took most of the day to carry the boxes out of the storage unit and into the trailer, stack the boxes in the trailer, haul the trailer to the house, carry the boxes out of the trailer, and stack the boxes in their new location in the house.  Let me just say, I have not been lacking in exercise. Some boxes were carried downstairs to the basement, some boxes were carried upstairs to the second floor, and some boxes were carried to the main floor. Whew! Are you worn out from all this yet?

So let's get to the five things I'm thankful for this week. They can be serious or silly, big or small because God honors them all.

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband and the 24 years he served our country in military service. America is the home of the free because of brave men and women like him who have served and continue to serve our great country.

2. I'm thankful to have all of the boxes out of storage. I can finally see an end to having stuff scattered. The disarray is driving me a little crazy. Ok....maybe a lot crazy. Ok...maybe just crazier. lol

3. I'm thankful for so much information available on the internet. I've spent most of my day yesterday working on a research project for a paper. Without the internet, I'd have spent my day at the library pouring through journals and periodicals to find the information that is readily available at the click of the mouse.

4. I'm thankful for the time spent last weekend at a Beth Moore conference with one of my dearest friends. We sang, praised, prayed, learned, and rejoiced.

5. I'm thankful for the strength and stamina to carry and move all the boxes and other treasurers; that we have a trailer and truck to haul all those treasures; and that we have friends to help us with the heavier items.

If you'd like to participate in Thankful Thursday, please hop on over to Sonya's blog Truth 4 the Journey. She is our gracious host. Please leave a comment and tell me what you are thankful for today, This Day. You'll feel joy unspeakable and....it's the right thing to do.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 1:9 (NIV) For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

History of Veterans Day


World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Today, This Day, please join me in remembering and honoring the men and women who have served and are serving in our armed forces. God bless each and every one of them and their families. All gave some...some gave all.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Job 37:5-6 (NIV)⁵ God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. ⁶ He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

My Hope

Random Dozen - 11/4/09

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light? I wait it out.

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything? Maybe not eat as much junk food.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her) I've done all three. Is there proper etiquette for this?

4. Your favorite Disney movie is: Sleeping Beauty

5. Do you recycle? Yes.

6. Games of strategy or games of chance? Chance.

7. Do you have any recurring dreams? Not anymore.

8. What did you learn from your first real job? That I wanted a better second job.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books? Buy.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did? A vest.

11. When do you start Christmas shopping? The day after Christmas.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion? Nope, but there's still time.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV) who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Carrots, Eggs, and Coffee

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil.

In the first boiling pot she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see?'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting; however, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you... When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 13:1 (NIV) Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

 

The nurse took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. 

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled As he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me,  
But  I still know who she is.' 

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, True love is neither Physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have.  'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, But  "How to dance in the rain."  

  

This is the kind of love Jesus has for each of us. It doesn't matter what we've done, where we've been, what we have, and what we have not. This is the kind of love Jesus wants us to show to others. Is there someone near you who you can show this kind of love to today, This Day? Reach out to someone with the love of Jesus and watch the miracle.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Just a Teaser

That's right. If you'd like a glimpse of the kitchen cabinets, hop on over to my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. I'll have more pictures soon.

It's been a long day, class, grocery shopping, cook dinner, complete first class project. I'm tired and calling it a day. I'm going to need that extra hour of sleep. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) ⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Thankful Thursday - 10/29/09

Can you believe it? This is the last Thursday in October! Do you know what that means? No?? Well, let me just share with you. That means the next Thursday will be.... in November. ahahahaha I just crack myself up. Anyhoo, since it's Thursday that means it's time to join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey and list five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He is doing everything he can to make sure our new home is comfortable. God bless that man.

2. I'm thankful that another year has passed with a clean mammogram report. This is a huge milestone.

3. I'm thankful the kitchen cabinets and new counter top are installed. The appliances arrive today! I'll be cooking in my own kitchen again. woooohoooo!

4. I'm thankful for my job and my boss. He has been so understanding and flexible with my comings and goings these past few weeks as I've taken off to move, paint, and meet installers and deliveries. I have not worked one single Thursday or Friday this entire month.

5. I'm thankful that God is concerned with that which concerns us. Several weeks ago, we selected and paid for our new kitchen sink. After the installers cut the counter top and dropped in the sink I went to see their progress. GASP! That sink is the wrong color. Oh no. How did that happen? The stock person is the one who pulled it from the shelf for us. No worries. The husband took it back to the home improvement store for an exchange. They received one....that morning....in a shipment. God was definitely looking out for us. The right sink is in and it looks beautiful.

That's my list for this week. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment here and be sure to hop on over to Sonya's to link up with your own list.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Peter 1:24-25 (NIV)²⁴For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,  ²⁵but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.

Random Dozen - 10/28/09

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher. One of my grade school teachers (first or second grade) read Charlotte's Web with character voices. I was hooked on reading for life.


2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life. Did you read No. 1? lol kidding. Besides the pivotal moment of accepting Jesus as my personal Savior; or saying "yes" to a blind date when I met my hubby; I'd have to say it was when I was six years old and my mother walked out of our life.


3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke? I love the color of a clear blue sky. There's something peaceful and joyful about it.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older? When I say things to my children that my dad used to say to me; and I swore I'd never say them.

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you? Not really into the whole witches/goblin celebration thingy.

6. What's your favorite musical? How do you pick just one? Seriously? There are so many exceptional musicals. I'll go with CATS. The musical score, characters, costumes, make-up, story line....great....just great.

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse? I'm an ambidextrous kinda mouse....I can go either way. I love all that each has to offer.

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn."  I'm not sure about this one. I once adopted a zoo animal for a friend as a gift....isn't that kinda the same thing?

This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.
9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't. Driving.....it's crazy that people text while driving.......that's how accidents happen.

Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

10. "It's not a party unless _______." .... unless there's a good scuffle. No, .......unless someone dances on the table. What??? No, ......unless a sword swallower shows up. lol 

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available. Who's reading while in traffic? I want to steer clear of you people. ahahahaha

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you? Who answers no to this? Seriously? Of course I'd be friends with me. I'm tons of fun, generally happy, love life, love God, adventurous, what's not to like?

There's some food for thought. Were you surprised by any of my responses? My question to you this week: Who do you admire most and why?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Y-A-Y for Internet!

Greetings Friends! It's wonderful to have internet service back. I felt very disconnected from you and have missed visiting. There are pictures posted on my photo blog Shutter Clicks of the last two weeks. You can get glimpses of some of the colors and rooms in our new home.

We are completely moved out of the rented house! Wooohoooo! Praise the Lord!!! We are still figuring out where things go and how to arrange furniture. The living room furniture is set up and it's wonderful to be able to sit down and relax.

The cabinet makers started installing the cabinets today. Oh my! They are absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to show you. The appliances will be delivered on Thursday. It will be so good to cook in my own kitchen again. Honestly, it will just be good to cook. Eating out all the time has gotten old. We still need to pick tile for the back splash and a couple of light fixtures. It's fun tho.

We've made lots of memories and God has sustained us through it all with lots of laughs. What brings a smile to you today, This Day?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Thankful Thursday - 10/15/09

Another week has flown by and it's Thankful Thursday. This is the time each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey to list five things for which I am thankful. The can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all. Let's get right at it.

1. I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband. He is tenacious about accomplishing a task. I love that about him.

2. I'm so thankful for the house God has provided to us as our new home.

3. I'm so thankful that today is MOVING DAY! That's right, after months of searching and weeks of painting and fixing, we are moving in our new home. I actually scheduled this to post because I'M MOVING TODAY!

4. I'm so thankful for friends who volunteer to help us move.....and mean it. We have some pretty large pieces of furniture that without the help of friends, we'd have to pay movers to get the job done.

5. I'm so thankful for you! That's right, YOU! For your friendship, encouragement, and prayers.

So today, This Day, is the day we start a new season in our life; a new adventure; a new mission field. Please pray that we are open and receptive to all that God has planned for this house and for us.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Esther 4:14b (New King James Version) Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Random Dozen - 10/14/09

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive? (Keyboard is not a choice.) I do both. I usually print my grocery lists and notes other people read so there is less chance of it being misread. I write personal notes and letters (yes, I actually send letters in the mail) in cursive.

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist? Definitely a realist.

3. Billy Joel or Elton John? Billy Joel but I really prefer Jim Brickman or Floyd Cramer to either of these guys.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not just horror flicks but also ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan. Nightmare on Elm Street

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had? Being broadsided in a car accident.

6. What word do you misspell without fail? Difficult to say. I'd have to say choose/chose or loose/lose.

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at? Playing the piano. I took lessons years ago (more like eons ago) and would love to play like Jim Brickman.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?
Depends on my emotional/mental state.

9. Have you ever been on TV? Not yet, but there's still time.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.) This is so not a fair question.

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have? Only one. Cuisine at Home.

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning? Letting go and letting God. Did you read my response to last week's control question? No? Click here and read my response to questions 6 and 12. hahaha


If you'd like to join in on the fun and post your own responses to these seriously random questions, please click here to link up your post. So here's my random question for you.....if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Thanks for playing along today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 12:12 (NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

A Funny and Project 365

I'm caught back up with my picture project on my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. This is a project to take a picture a day during 2009. We are up to week 41. WOW! That means there are only 10 weeks until Christmas and 11 weeks until the end of 2009. If you'd like to see some of the other participant's photos, hop on over to Sara's blog. She's our wonderful host and there are some great pictures out there.

Friday night, the husband, the grand-boy, and I were running errands. We made our daily trip to the home improvement store followed by a stop at the more than bathroom place. We were on a quest for new towel racks and other bathroom accessories. A young couple entered the more than bathroom place store just ahead us. They were in their mid-twenties with a toddler at their side and an infant in a carrier. After struggling to get the infant carrier securely in the shopping cart, they head off on their own quest. As the wife is looking around searching for the item of their quest, she asks the husband, "Where do you think it is?" He replies, "How should I know, you're the woman."

I had to turn around and walk the other way, his reply struck me so funny. Hope you enjoyed it to. What brought a smile or chuckle to you today, This Day?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 126:2 (NIV) Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

Thankful Thursday - 10/8/09

Editor's Note: If you missed yesterday's post, please scroll down to read about the day I shaved my head! 

Welcome to Thankful Thursday. This is the time each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey to list five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

1) I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who has been so diligent in helping get the house ready for the big move.

2) I'm thankful that I'm not missing Thankful Thursday this week. We were so busy painting last week that I wasn't near a computer for four days in a row. My post today means I'm at work getting a break from painting.

3) I'm thankful for the stamina to paint four days in a row. I'm not even kidding! Rolling paint on walls is a lot of work. I'm still painting everyday, but at least I'm not painting all day.

4) I'm thankful for restaurants that prepare delicious food at reasonable prices. Seriously! Who has time to cook when there's so much painting to do?

5) I'm thankful for good paint that requires only one coat to cover up other paint and marks on the walls.

That's my TT list for the week. Please leave me a comment and tell me what you're thankful for today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Exodus 15:2 (NKJV) The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation;  He is my God, and I will praise Him;  My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Party in Pink

I was blog hopping (imagine) and found myself back at Rachel's spot Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife. I was there to see what she had posted for her Random Dozen. She did not post that today. She posted about this:

Which I totally forgot this was going on today. FringeGirl is hosting this Party in Pink for her bloggaversary, honoring her aunts who are both breast cancer survivors, and bringing awareness to Breast Cancer Month.

I'm supposed to take a picture of me wearing Pink. I thought I'd go a little farther. This is a picture of me taken with my friends, the day we shaved my head after my second chemo treatment. I couldn't control the fact that I was going to lose my hair; but I could control how I lost it. That was three years ago this month.

Here I am in May when I went to Nashville. See Betty, I haven't changed much. I just color my hair a little darker than I used to.

Those were tough times that I couldn't have made it through without God's strength and family/friends' love. So no matter how dark your road seems today, This Day, the Light of God shines and through faith cuts away fear.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV) O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

Random Dozen - 10/07/09

1. On an average, how often do you splurge and buy something for yourself? About once a month. Usually something small like a new top, scarf, a mocha latte, or a bottle of wine.


2. Are you more like Hall or Oates? Just kidding. Real question: What is the last creative project you began/finished? Feel free to post a pic of it. I am so totally not a creative person and rarely do craft projects. But....last fall I helped the grand-boy make a no-sew fleece blanket to give his mom for Christmas. She loved it!


3. OK, Goldie Locks, do you consider your house too big, too little or juuuust right? It is entirely too big! We sold our previous house to move closer to our jobs and to downsize. We succeeded in being closer to our jobs, but our house is bigger than the last one. What's up with that? 

4. What is your favorite outdoor chore? Riding my motorcycle. Wait...what? Oh, you said outdoor "chore" not outdoor "activity." I'd have to say gardening. I love playing in the dirt. 

5. If you knew that cigarette smoking was not bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? Why or why not? Even though I used to be a smoker, I would have to say absolutely not. That is some of the stinkiest stuff ever! If smokers could actually get of whiff of how bad they smell, there would be fewer smokers. 

6. On a road trip, would you rather drive or ride? I honestly enjoy doing both. Sometimes I just want to sit back and watch the scenery whiz by. Other times I want to be in control of when we stop. lol 

7. What do you consider a trivial pursuit? Any preoccupation that consumes your thoughts and steers you from your core values.

8. This weekend, we downloaded the movie "Duplicity" with Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Within 5 minutes, I was bored and annoyed, but I kept watching 5-10 minutes at a time hoping it would get better between small chores. I finally gave up and Jorge watched it alone, and then regretted wasting that time because he disliked it intensely, too. So ... how long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it? A book? I try to read into the second or third chapter. If it doesn't have my interest by then....it's not going to. I usually give a movie about 15 minutes. Who has time to waste on a boring movie?

9. Is there a song that you really love but are embarrassed to admit because it's not cool or it's racy or because it's by Hall and Oates? Nope, but there's still time. 

10. On a scale of 1-10 (10 = extremely) how spontaneous are you? In my younger days before marriage and children....I was a 10. I moved to different states four times with friends just because. I've since toned down and become more ummm responsible and mature. I'm probably closer to a 6 or 7 most of the time.


11. Are you a food and/or beverage snob? ahahahaha If you asked my husband that question about me, he would emphatically say, "YES!" I enjoy fresh, flavorful, home made food and rarely eat at places with drive-thru service. He considers that being snobbish.

12. Who/What are you trying to control in your life? Everything! I'm a total control freak! Did you read No. 6? OK, not totally, but this is one of the most difficult areas in my Christian walk. Letting go and letting God.


A special thank you to everyone who visited and commented on last week's Random Dozen. Several of you were first timers. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a note. As soon as time permits, I'll be visiting each of you. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 26:4 (NIV) ⁴ Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.