Random Dozen #4 (my second one)

1. Tell me the absolute best way to watch a movie. In the dark. hahaha sorry. Anywhere with my honey; on the sofa or at the theater.

2. Do you ever think about your own funeral? If so, do you have specific ideas about how you would like it to be? Yes. It may be kind of morbid, but after being diagnosed with cancer it made sense to have certain details laid out. (pun intended). One of those details is to have the Gospel preached with an alter call.


3. Are you more of a giver or a taker? I'm definitely both.

4. Vacations: planned activities and schedules, or play it by ear? We have to request our vacation weeks a year in advance. That makes it difficult to be spontaneous. 

5. What is one often overlooked item in your home that needs to be cleaned regularly? The pile next to me on the end table.

6. Name a cause that means a lot to you. The Make a Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

7. Do you eat a regular old peanut butter jelly sandwich, or do you customize it? And by the way, jelly or no jelly? No jelly! Just chunky peanut butter with a huge glass of milk. I sometimes splurge with honey. I have even been known to eat PB with Miracle Whip. Crazy, I know.


8. If we were having a conversation in person, how would I know if you were nervous? I rub the tips of my index fingers against my thumb nail.

9. Do you have an elaborate bedtime routine, or just the basics of toothbrushing and jammies? Wash my face, brush my teeth, then off to bed.

10. Have you ever regretted something you wrote on your blog? Not yet, but there's still time.


11. Has anyone ever told you that you look like a famous person or celebrity? Did you agree? When I was a teenager I was accused of looking like Twiggy cause I was so thin. Not so much anymore.

12. If you were going to dedicate a song to a loved one or friend, what would the song be and to whom would it be dedicated? I'm terrible at randomly thinking of song titles. I wish I had that "total recall" memory that my buddy KW has. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 3:20-21 (NIV) ²⁰Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. ²¹But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

 

Wordless Wednesday - 09/30/09

Job 5:11 (NKJV) He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety.

Menopause Parking and Project 365

Project 365 - if you haven't stopped by my photo blog by sure to hop on over to see the latest pictures. There are several of us participating in this project....taking a picture a day for 2009. Sara is hosting this project and there are some very talented photographers out there. You can click here to see them.

Now for today's funny: Menopause Parking by Chonda Pierce



My postings will be hit and miss for the next couple weeks as we close, paint, and move into our new home. I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures and update when I can.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Then Sings My Souls Saturday

It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday when I link with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.  The first video is Steven Curtis Chapman telling about how he came up with the song followed by his song. 

This is his first single from his new project Beauty Will Rise. This project is a collection of 12 songs created during the past 18 months during his walk through darkness at the loss of his daughter, Maria. Part lament, part praise, part grief, part hope, part pondering, part wrestling these tracks resonate as Steve's personal Psalms. It is a desperately hopeful, raw, personal, and honest recording.









Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 3:14 (NIV) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Thankful Thursday - 09/24/09

Welcome to Thankful Thursday. If you'd like to participate, hop on over to Sonya's at Truth 4 the Journey, copy the T.T. button on the sidebar and paste it into your post. Next write down five things you are thankful for this week. Finally, come back here and link up with Mr. Linky. It's that easy! They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.


1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. I love bouncing ideas off him. planning for the new house, and just talking about whatever.


2. I'm thankful for our new home. That's right peeps....WE HAVE A HOME!!!! Everything finally fell into place yesterday and we close on Tuesday. 


3. I'm thankful we get to make some changes to the kitchen by updating the cabinets, counter top, and fixtures.


4. I'm thankful we are buying new appliances from a separate budget than the cabinets.


5. I'm thankful for you. You have prayed for this house and are as excited as I am to see how God is going to use this home for His glory and kingdom.


That's my five. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment and hop on over to Sonya's to participate.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Samuel 7:29 (NIV) Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever."

Random Dozen

I've been meaning to join in on this meme since Linda started it, but just haven't found the time. This week, she was kind enough to post the questions early. Maybe I can get this done in the next couple days. If you'd like to join in, please hop on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share. The summer between 7th and 8th grade we moved across the state. I was devastated to leave my friends and home. Yet, as always, God has a plan. I met and became friends with a gal who I'm still friends with after all these years.  

2. What's your favorite Beatles song? Hard Day's Night

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be? A dress. Call me crazy, but I love wearing dresses.

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest? I love hosting parties.

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that? I certainly hope not. There may be convenience in electronic media, but there is something special about the written word.

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing? I'm definitely a visual learner. It's so much easier for me to learn in a seated classroom environment then apply what I've learned.

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?) Actually, there are three things. When I was dating you had to meet these three criteria or you wouldn't even get a date: same faith belief, non-smoker, non-drinker.

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet? Sweet!Hello chocolate.


9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there? I don't see a single thing that I didn't know was there.


10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie? This is a tough one. I like his early action movies like Top Gun and Days of Thunder, Rain Man was good, but I think the one I like best is Collateral. Totally unexpected.

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle? Give it away, probably to one of my children.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.) Chili.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) ³Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope.

See You at the Pole

A young man named Josiah began one of the greatest revivals and awakenings in the Old Testament. Josiah had become king of Israel at the age of 8. Scripture tells us that at the age of 16, he began to pursue God passionately. Like his forefather, David, he began to show signs of godliness early on and gained the respect of the people. 2 Kings 22:2 states, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father, David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.”

This resulted in radical obedience — getting rid of everything that did not honor God and challenging everyone around him to do likewise. These actions resulted in a mighty move of God in his day — actually, one of the greatest ever!

Our theme verse for See you at the Pole™ comes from the heart of this story. Right after the newly discovered scriptures were read to Josiah, the Bible says, “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” In other words, his heart was pierced with conviction.

 King Josiah heard the words of God and proclaimed:

“Go and pray to God for me and for the people . . .“ —2 KINGS 22:13a (The Message) 

  

Young people around the world will meet on their campuses to engage their friends, their school, their communities, and their world for His glory. Join me today, This Day, by lifting them up in prayer. 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV) May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Please show your gratitude today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Joel 2:7 (New International Version)⁷ They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line,  not swerving from their course.

Small Town Festivals

There is nothing better than seeing family and friends come together to support the community. This event is five full days of music, contests, two parades, marching band competitions, firefighter water fights, and a queen pageant. 


We took the grand-boy to the kiddie parade and on a few rides. Plus we watched the Grand Parade. We all had a great time. What are some local festivals in your region? Do you partake in the activities or "fair food"? My favorite activity is the Gospel Sing. This year Jeff & Sheri Easter blessed us. Hope you enjoy the slide show. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

One Time Around

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Thankful Thursday - 09/17/09

It's Thankful Thursday! This is absolutely my favorite time each week. I pause to thank God for His blessings. They can be serious or silly, big or small, because God honors them all.


I'm thankful for:


The roof up above me;
A good place to sleep;
Food on my table
and shoes on my feet.


You gave me Your love Lord, and a fine family.


Thank you Lord for Your blessings on me.


What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please comment here and join in at Sonya's Truth 4 the Journey to link up with your own list of five.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 3:13 (NIV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Where's Your Joy?

It was a typical day. Up at the crack of dawn, shower, dress, quick devotion and prayer, then head out to the office by 6 a.m. After fulfilling my assigned tasks, getting my teeth cleaned, and grocery shopping, I was sitting at the traffic signal waiting to turn left. 


Do you ever have that feeling? The feeling you're being watched. That's exactly how I felt sitting in my 2004 silver extended cab Chevy truck with dual exhaust. The motor was humming yet I had this uneasy feeling. I turned my head to the right. Yes. I was being watched! He was trying desperately to get  my attention. He was practically leaning out the window. I was drawn to his big brown eyes. I couldn't help myself. I bent towards him, egging him on, then it happened. He started barking at me. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at him. 

Sometimes the joy is in the unexpected. The accidental discovery of delight in the every day. Frequently in the most astonishing places. So when you're sitting at a stop light, today, This Day, look around, you never know who's looking back.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Monday Musing - Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Peter 3:8 (NIV) Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

 

They’re talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming…Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? (text taken from Max Lucado’s website)


To find out more about the book itself, please visit our very own Lori from Lori’s Reflection. She read the book so she can share her thoughts with us: Fearless by Max Lucado.


Now to the nitty-gritty part of the giveaway (LWG writers are not eligible to enter – sorry, girls ). The package includes: Fearless – Hard Cover, Fearless – DVD Study, and the Fear Not Promise Book. You have four chances to enter your name into the drawing. Wondering how to get your name four times into the drawing — pretty simple…

• Share the giveaway with your friends on your Blog, Facebook, or Twitter
• Follow Laced with Grace on Twitter
• Follow Laced with Grace on Facebook
• Become a member of the Laced with Grace Blog Frog Community

Please leave a comment at Laced with Grace for every entry you make. The giveaway will end next Tuesday, September 15th (midnight – EST) with the winner to be announced on Saturday, September 19th.

Remember, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7) Thank you for stopping by and be sure to share this awesome give away with your family and friends today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Thankful Thursday - 9/10/09

Welcome to Thankful Thursday. This is the day each week where I join Sonya @ 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. Let's get to it!


1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. 


2. I'm thankful for the gorgeous sunrise this morning. God is such a wonderful artist! He weaves and blends the colors of the morning just like He weaves and blends the colors of my life.


3. I'm thankful for all five of my senses and that they all work within their designed operating parameters.


4. I'm thankful for a God who understands when I am tired or sad or happy because He experienced all of those and more while He was here on Earth.


5. I'm thankful for the proceeds from selling our house which will allow us to make improvements to our new house without borrowing money to do it.


That's my five for this week. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave your comment here, or better yet.....link up with us at Sonya's. 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV)⁴ Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Once in a Lifetime?

That's what dates like today are......once in a lifetime. Of course there was 080808, last year which is similar, but not the same. Yet, this is the last of the single digits for quite a while. 1001 years to be precise. It seems like a good day to celebrate and look forward to.

Numerologists like to use dates to tell the future or proclaim eminent danger. Some soothsayers are declaring the end of the world. These same numerologists predicted doomsday would fall on June 6 2006 say they weren't wrong, they just got their numbers upside down. 999 is far worse than 666 and we're all going to die, it appears. Yeah right....whatever.

Then there are those who make lists or goals in "9s" for the entire year. Smile at nine people every day, lose nine pounds, make nine homemade meals every month (really? only nine every month? to me that isn't enough), and my personal favorite.....memorize the Twelve Days of Christmas and when you get to Nine Ladies Dancing....break out in to a dance. hahahah Really?

Of course, there are personal goals such as quitting smoking, walking nine miles, or sending cards or notes to nine people. I like that last one. Letter writing is a lost art to the internet and cell phones. When is the last time you received a hand written note that was not in response to a gift. A "just because I'm thinking of you" note or card? I love getting them. Hand written notes say, "I love you", "you're special to me", "you're worthy."

That will be my goal. I'm going to write a brief note to at least one person today, This Day and tell them how special they are to me....and to Jesus. Won't you join me?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 143:10 (NIV) Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Faithful Bloggers

What image do those words conjure up for you? Someone who posts daily on their site? Perhaps it means someone who consistently reads and comments on your blog. Would you think of someone who blogs about their faith?



Actually, Faithful Bloggers is a brand new Christian community. Their 'About' page states that they want to "help you use your blog for the glory of God." Courtney and Kelly are the founders and they are SAHMs who are also ....very tech savvy.

Courtney's first post was entitled "Have You Given Your Blog to the Lord?" and she gave me some things to consider.

Faithful Bloggers has a Blog Directory and you can sign up to be listed. You choose a category that best describes your blog. It's a great way to attract new readers and to find others. You can also choose badges to post on your blog. How cool is that? I'll be adding one to my sidebar.

I hope you'll visit Faithful Bloggers today, This Day, and check it out for yourself.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 1:28 (NIV) We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

We Finally Have A New Home!!!

I just got off the phone with our Realtor and the sellers have agreed to the fixes that were noted in the home inspection. The appraisal has been ordered. Now we wait to close at the end of the month.

This is so not the house we set out looking for, but this is clearly the house God had prepared for us. He has planted a seed in my heart that this home will be a "magic" house; a haven where the love of Christ will be felt and realized by all who enter. Praise His wonderful name.

Here's a slide show of the house. These photos came from the listing and are kind of fuzzy when enlarged. I just couldn't wait to share. Once I have better pictures, I'll post them.

Thank you so much for all your prayers during our search. You are the best besties a friend could have because I know that today, This Day, you rejoice with me at God's provision.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Thankful Thursday - 9/3/09

Welcome to my first Thankful Thursday post in September. That's right, I said September. Can you believe it? The year is flying by and I have so much to be thankful for so let's get to it.

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband.

2. I'm thankful for winning a free consultation for decorating my home for Christmas. I must confess, I'm not the best decorator. If you missed that post, click here to read all about it.

3. I'm thankful for cooler temperatures. I'm sure it's going to spike back up into the high 80s but at least heat relief is in sight.

4. I'm thankful for my wonderfully abnormal normal family.

5. I'm thankful for friends whether they are virtual, long distance, or local.

That's my list for the week. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment and stop on over at Sonya's Truth 4 the Journey. She's our wonderful host and you can link up there with other participants.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 48:17 (NIV) This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Why am I so happy, you ask? Why is there so much joy in my heart? Well, let me just tell you: I WON! I WON! I WON! That's right peeps. I am a big winner. Let's do a little happy dance.

But what did I win, you wonder? The best prize I could ever receive. I won a free consultation for decorating my house for Christmas!!! Plus a box of Christmas ornaments to help me decorate. Thank you so very much, Teresa. Remember when I blogged about this great new website Teresa started to share her expertise for decorating for Christmas? She calls it "A Baby Changes Everything." Teresa decorates homes for Christmas for a living. That's right! She's an expert.

This is such a blessing for me because I have absolutely no decorating talent whatsoever. Sorry Teresa. But the good news is that I'm a good student and willing to learn. I'm thinkin that with Teresa's guidance, my new house will be a home brimming with the beauty of everything the season represents.

Teresa is also sharing tips with you on her new blog for FREE!! If you're interested in benefiting from her expertise, just click on the icon on my sidebar.

I love Christmas for so many reasons. One of them is that most people are very receptive to hearing about Jesus. If you could tell someone one thing about Christmas today, This Day, what would you tell them?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:29 (NKJV) ²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Lines, Lines, and More Lines

It seems that I'm standing in a lot of lines these days. I stand in line at the deli and checkout at the grocery store. I stand in the teller line at the Credit Union to make a deposit. I wait in line at the drive up for DQ. I wait in line to get my oil changed. Here a line, there a line, everywhere a line, line.

I stand in line before the throne every morning too. What? Really? Bear with me on this one. Part of my morning routine is to spend time with God. I have a spot in line. Judy, Joe, Sandra, Billy, and Kathy stand around me. I so totally made that part up. But if you think about it, we have a particular spot before the throne each day during our regular prayer time. When we are not there, our spot is empty.

Other people are affected by whether or not I'm in my place in line too. How can that be? If I neglect my prayer time and Bible study time, I will be ill prepared to witness. You see, I have a place in the line of other people's lives too. I might be the first person who has ever told them about Jesus. I think this video says it best:



Are you prepared to tell someone about Jesus? Can you share your story of how you and Jesus met face-to-face in two minutes? Do you have Scripture memorized that can lead someone to Christ? I challenge you today, This Day, to practice your story and be able to lovingly share it with someone.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) ⁹ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.