TSMSS - 2/27/10

It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday when I link up with Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders. God laid this song on my heart early in the week. For some reason, I resisted. There are a couple other songs I'm partial to that I wanted to post. But this song kept coming back to me.



This message is for me. I pray you are blessed by it too.

Peace and Joy
SusanD

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Thankful Thursday - 02/25/10 Welcome Our New Host!!

I had really been perplexed at my tardiness for not getting my TT post up. For months I've joined many other bloggers in TT with Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey. She recently took a sabbatical from posting. A few of us continued posting on our own or linked up with Lynn, Laurie, and Iris at this TT site:





This morning I find out that my blog buddy Greg at Greg's General Store is taking over for Sonya. Welcome Greg!! Way to go!!! I'm still joining Iris at Grace Alone and welcoming Greg at Greg's General Store as our new host. Spread the love. lol My heart is full of thankfulness and I want to shout to the world all that the Lord has done for me. I generally list five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. I'm so thankful that he is not stingy with affection. He tell's me "I love you" a bazillion times a day. We hug. We hold hands. We drive our friends crazy it. lol

We are so blessed with our jobs, our home, our family, and our friends.

I'm thankful for the change God is working in me. Wait? What?? Change? Who likes change? Really? Not me, that's for sure. But God is developing a change in me that draws me closer to Him. How can that be a bad thing? It cannot.

I'm thankful for all the talents God has given to me. There are so many things I can do that most people my age wouldn't even consider doing at a much younger age.

I'm so very thankful for my health. No. Really. I'm a cancer survivor. That's my only health issue. I don't take daily meds for anything. My hubby on the other hand, takes a handful of pills every day, twice a day. Poor guy.

That's my list for this week. What are you thankful for today, This Day? If you like to post your own list, please link up. You know what to do.

Peace and Joy,
SusanD

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) ³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Random Dozen - 02/24/10

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow? But of course. My dad hunted pheasant and felt it was important for us to learn how to handle a gun properly. We attended a gun handling class when I was twelve. I'm not fond of shotguns, but enjoy shooting a rifle or pistol. Yep. Just call me Annie Oakley! lol

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are? Not before 7th grade.

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time? I'm an early girl.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type? Fashion wise...NY; fun wise...CA! lol I love the sun, water, and mountains.

5. Do you have a special ring tone? Oh yes. You can read about it here.

6. What is your favorite type of chip? What type of chip do you mean? potato? poker? memory? buffalo? lol

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is .... The short clip I was in. Yep. There's a story behind this one. I was standing on a pile of lumber, minding my own business. My X (who was driving a forklift not minding his own business) thought it would be funny to knock me off the pile of lumber. He skimmed the tire of the forklift against the pile of lumber. Instead of nudging the pile and knocking me down, the boards I was standing on caught on the tire which sent me sailing about 10 feet in the air. Laughing hysterically, he came to see that I was ok. I was, but I was hotter than a hornet. Funny? You decide. Note: If you laughed, you thought it was funny.

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?" My bangs, but my hairdresser always always reprimands me for doing so. I'm guessin that means it's not workin for me.

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self? My house. More people will enjoy it....and it will last longer.

10. Are you allergic to anything? Yep. Sulfa. Makes me itch horribly and break out in hives.

11. Why is it so hard to change? Cause I'm comfortable with how things are now. Thank you very much.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.Giving love or receiving love is an act of trust. I have trust issues. I've even been writing about it on my Throne Trip Tuesdays posts.You can click here for the most recent post.


Thanks to Lid for this fun meme. If you'd like to join in and post your own set of answers to these random questions, just hop on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and follow the instructions.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 4:5 (NKJV) Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - What is Trust?

 

Isn't that a loaded question? Let's first look at the definition of the word trust.

trust

-noun

1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.

2. confident expectation of something; hope.

3. confidence in the certainty of future payment for property or goods received; credit: to sell merchandise on trust.

4. a person on whom or thing on which one relies: God is my trust.

5. the condition of one to whom something has been entrusted.

6. the obligation or responsibility imposed on a person in whom confidence or authority is placed: a position of trust.

7. charge, custody, or care: to leave valuables in someone's trust.

8. something committed or entrusted to one's care for use or safekeeping, as an office, duty, or the like; responsibility; charge.

–verb (used without object)

9. to rely upon or place confidence in someone or something (usually fol. by in or to): to trust in another's honesty; trusting to luck.

10. to have confidence; hope: Things work out if one only trusts.

11. to sell merchandise on credit.

–verb (used with object)

12. to have trust or confidence in; rely or depend on.

13. to believe.

14. to expect confidently; hope (usually fol. by a clause or infinitive as object): trusting the job would soon be finished; trusting to find oil on the land.

15. to commit or consign with trust or confidence.

16. to permit to remain or go somewhere or to do something without fear of consequences: He does not trust his children out of his sight.

17. to invest with a trust; entrust with something.

18. to give credit to (a person) for goods, services, etc., supplied: Will you trust us till payday? 

Ok, that's a lot to digest. Wouldn't you agree? So what does it mean, really? The words that resonate to me over and over are: to have confidence in, rely on, expect confidently, hope. 

The Bible says that trust is to be placed in: 

1. God's name: Psalm 33:21 - For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name

2. God's word: Psalm 119:42 - So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.

3. Christ: Matthew 12:17-21 - 

¹⁷ that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
       ¹⁸ “ Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen,
      My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased!
      I will put My Spirit upon Him,
      And He will declare justice to the Gentiles.
       ¹⁹ He will not quarrel nor cry out,
      Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
       ²⁰ A bruised reed He will not break,
      And smoking flax He will not quench,
      Till He sends forth justice to victory;
       ²¹ And in His name Gentiles will trust.”

The Bible also tell us that trust is not to be placed in:
1. Weapons: Psalm 44:6 - For I will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me.
2. Wealth: Psalm 49: 6-7 - Those who trust in their wealth And boast in the multitude of their riches, ⁷ None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—
3. Leaders: Psalm 146:3 - Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help
4. Humankind: Jeremiah 17:5 - Thus says the LORD: “ Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD.
5. Works: Jeremiah 48:7 - For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, You also shall be taken. And Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, His priests and his princes together.
6. One's Own Righteousness: Ezekial 33:13 - When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.

I will be pondering all that the Lord is teaching me on trust and trusting Him. Today, This Day I put my trust in the God of hope. Next week, I will be looking at the benefits of putting my trust in Him.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 14:22 (NIV) ²² Do not those who plot evil go astray?   But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Monday Musings - Conversion

Sister Mary Ann, who worked for a home health agency, was out making her rounds visiting home bound patients when she ran out of gas. As luck would have it, a Texaco Gasoline station was just a block away. She walked to the station to borrow a gas can and buy some gas. The attendant told her that the only gas can he owned had been loaned out, but she could wait until it was returned. Since Sister Mary Ann was on her way to see a patient, she decided not to wait and walked back to her car. She looked for something in her car that she could fill with gas and spotted the bedpan she was taking to the patient. Always resourceful, Sister Mary Ann carried the bedpan to the station, filled it with gasoline, and carried the full bedpan back to her car.

As she was pouring the gas into her tank, two Baptists watched from across the street. One of them turned to the other and said, "If it starts, I'm turning Catholic."

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 17:9 (NIV) He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

TSMSS - 2/20/10

It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday when I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders. In keeping with my theme this week of serving others, I have chosen this compelling song by Audio Adrenaline.



Where will you go today, This Day, to show God's love?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 4:11-12 (NIV) ¹¹Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹²No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

101 Things to do for Lent (Not just for Catholics)

How's that for a title? Actually, this list is always at the ready for me when I'm looking for a direction to be the hands, feet, eyes for Jesus. Here we go:

Admit you were wrong to your parents (or your children) * Give someone a hug * Respond with compassion to people on the street * Instead of staring blankly as you walk down the street, smile * Watch "Romero" * Write a letter to a different person each day (or once a week) * Buy flowers for yourself * Read "The Return of the Prodigal Son" (by Nouwen) * Spend time with your parents * Give up chocolate, candy, or desserts * Listen to Beethoven's Symphony #9 * Volunteer at a homeless shelter * Go one day without using electricity in your house * Give up your cell phone * Write a letter each week to someone with whom you have lost contact * Apologize * Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center * Take a long, slow walk outside * Listen to Gorecki's Symphony #3 * Give up caffeine or coffee * Buy flowers for someone else * Participate in a Jewish Passover Seder meal * Don't listen to music one day a week * Sit still and do nothing for 10 minutes a day * Go to Mass (or church) once during the week * Read a book by Thomas Merton * Write a poem * Visit a grandparent * Tell people you are proud of them * Learn something new * Go one day without using running water in your house * Pick out one weakness and work to change it * Give up TV or the Internet * Ask for help * Greet five people a day who look sad * Walk in the rain * Say thank you at least once a day * Read a book to someone who can't read * Spend time with your children one-on-one * Find a dream inside yourself - and follow it * Go beyond where you are * Volunteer one hour a week * Keep a personal journal * Take an art class * Listen to Barber's Adagio for Strings * Go to Confession * Watch "Shawshank Redemption" * Clean up your language * Call someone long distance once a week * Pray the Rosary * Find something you believe in - and act on it * Spend a few minutes in the chapel each day * Give up snacks between meals * Be more patient * Be less judgmental * Work for peace in the world - and in your home * Forgive * Be non-violent with your words * Join a support group * Be hopeful * Get enough sleep * Take care of yourself physically * Clean out your closet and donate what you don't need or use * Read the Sunday Mass readings ahead of time * When you want to buy something you don't need, donate the money instead * Fast * Give up perfection * Keep a prayer journal * Cancel magazine subscriptions you don't read and donate the money * Start each day with a scripture passage * Tell someone you love them * Participate in the Stations of the Cross * Pick up litter * Say hello to people you usually ignore * Make a list of things you like about yourself * Talk to God without distraction * Do something for a stranger * Say thank you to your parents * Watch "Schindler's List" * Tell at least one joke a day * Volunteer to babysit (for free) * Give up alcohol - and donate what you would have spent * Donate blood at the Red Cross (1.800.GIVE.LIFE) * Go grocery shopping for someone who can't * Watch "The Last Days" * Thank God for something you usually take for granted * Don't watch your favorite TV show and reflect on your day (no taping it, either) * Give up your snooze button * Keep a gratitude journal * Read "The Sparrow" * Give up makeup * Use a daily Lenten reflection book * Do one thing ahead of time each week * Give up soda or fast food and donate the money you would spend on it * Listen to someone you disagree with * Watch "Jesus of Montreal" (in French w/subtitles) * Substitute healthy snacks for unhealthy ones * Give up smoking * Buy a plant and nurture its life * Sit and relax when you eat * Appreciate beauty, truth, and life wherever they are found *

Choose one (or more if you are so led) from the list and do it today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV) ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Thankful Thursday - 02/18/10

It's Thankful Thursday!!! This is the day each week that I pause, reflect, and 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 started:

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He has such a compassionate heart and love for God. He truly tries to see the best in everyone.

2. I'm thankful for the continued cold weather. Wait. What??? Have I lost my noodle? No. Actually, the longer it stays cold, the fewer bugs there will be this summer. Well. At least that is the theory. So I'm good with it staying cold a little longer if that means not so many creepy crawlies. I'm just not a huge fan of bugs. Besides that, they are gross to clean off the motorcycle. ahahaha

3. I'm thankful for Lent. Even though I'm not Catholic, I still believe this is a season to dig into God's word and reflect on the sacrifices Jesus made for me....and you. How can I show or tell others how they can connect with God? Experience God? Have a relationship with God? I'll be posting some things anyone can do for Lent (or anytime for that matter).

4. I'm thankful that peoples' hearts seem to be more soft and receptive to God's calling during this holy season.

5. I am thankful God chose me.....loves me.....teaches me.....helps me......heals me.

What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment. I am once again joining our February host, Iris @ Grace Alone. Your are welcome to join in and link up. You know how it's done.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:35,37 (NIV) ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Winter Olympics Random Dozen - 2/17/10

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be? Figure skating.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past? The perfect 10 in gymnastics! by 
Nadia Elena Comăneci is a Romanian gymnast, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976 Summer Olympics, and the first ever gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event. She is also the winner of two gold medals at the 1980 summer Olympics. She is one of the best-known gymnasts in the world and, along with Olga Korbut, is credited with popularizing the sport around the world.
3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics? Nope, but there's still time.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in? Talking! Isn't that an activity? My hubby would say that my jaw gets plenty of exercise. ahahahaha

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage? You mean besides being related to Abraham Lincoln and Tom Hanks? Why yes, but I haven't been able to get a hold of the family genealogist to get the specifics. I'll post an update as soon as I get the info.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late? Yes, but it happens so rarely. I have an internal clock that wakes me up even when the alarm doesn't.

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.) No (thank goodness) and Nope (but there's still time).

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why. Egypt. I'm fascinated by the pyramids and hidden chambers and artifacts. OR Anywhere in Europe. Italy, the Mediterranean. The climate, the food, the people!

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically? Nope, but there's still time.

10. What is the last book you read? The Shack by William P. Young

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random?? That's very random!

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?  Steak Fajitas at Rigo's in Tucson, AZ. Actually, anything from Rigo's. lol. 

Thanks to Lid for this fun meme. If you'd like to join in, just hop on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and follow the instructions.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 3:11 (NIV) This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

Throne Trip Tuesdays-2/16/10; and It's a Birthday!!!

 

I'm a little tardy getting a post up for today. I've been struggling with the topic. Struggling with what I thought should be posted. The topic I wanted to write about vs what God was laying on my heart to post. Do you ever struggle like that?

Trust is the topic or word God has laid on my heart for today's trip to the throne. Yet, I fail to trust. Mostly people. People fail. I fail. If people I know intimately fail me, how can I trust God whom I've never seen? How will He be different from others?

People change. They change their beliefs. They change their convictions. They change their minds. God does not change. The promises He made years ago still hold up for me today. God's truth 100s of years ago is still true today. Over the next few weeks, I'll be studying the word trust. My perception of trust vs God's word about trust.

Now....on to the birthday. Today my beautiful daughter turns 25. TWENTY FIVE!!!! I don't have any scanned photos of her at a young age. But here is a more recent photo. God bless you Dear Daughter. Today's scripture was her first memory verse.

 

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Monday Musings - My Story

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV) Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

TSMSS - Love - 2/13/10

Join us at Amy's for more music!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV) We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

So Long!

Good bye! Au Revoir! Arrivederci! Adios! That's right. I'm saying "So Long, Insecurity." You've been a bad friend and we need to part company. How am I getting rid of this unwelcome guest? I'm so glad you asked. I'm joining Beth Moore's discussion group on her latest release: 

at the Living Proof Ministries Blog. . .

If you want to join Beth, 5800+ other women, and me in discussing her new book, So Long Insecurity, on-line, hurry to click HERE!

I don't know how it's going to work with this many of us, but I know it will! God will bless it! Hope you'll join us!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV) Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Thankful Thursday - 2/11/10

That's right my dear blog peeps. It's that time of the week where I list five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all. I am once again joining our February host, Iris @ Grace Alone. Your are welcome to join in and link up. You know how it's done.

1. I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband. He is such a blessing and has the funniest warped sense of humor. It is never dull at my house.

2. I'm so thankful for the great workouts this past week. I'm working diligently on strength and endurance for a couple long motorcycle rides this summer. Plus, I lost two pounds in the process. Maybe I won't have to buy new dress slacks after all. lol

3. I'm thankful for the long weekend. Even tho I don't actually have a holiday on Monday, I'm taking the day off to be with the hubby and, hopefully, the grand-boy. The grand-boy does not have school.

4. I'm thankful for girlfriends. Close friends. New friends. Old friends. There have been many friends through different seasons of my life. We have laughed. We have cried. We have planned. We have traveled. We have prayed. Each one has blessed me. Each one has taught me. Thank you.


5. I'm thankful for love. The unconditional love God has for me. He accepts me no matter what. He knows my heart. He never waivers from His love. Praise Him! He loves me so much He sent His only Son to die for me.

What are you thankful for today, This Day?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (New International Version) ⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Random Dozen - 2/10/10

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient? If I'm really, really sick, I'd just rather be left alone until I feel better. Guess that makes me a grump. :)

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction? Y-A-Y! I get a snow day!

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve? Cooking. Seriously. I'm pretty good at it, but good grief. It's taken me over half my life to get to this point.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day? Nope, but there's still time.

5. What song is on your mind today? Toby Mac Made to Love

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic? It depends on what I'm in the mood to watch.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.Oh...I can do that. But I prefer to not get to that point. Let's just hash it out so we can kiss and make up. lol

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.) His sense of humor.

9. When was the last time your heart raced? This morning on the drive to work. The roads are treacherous and drivers are....ummmm....let's just say they don't know how to drive for the conditions. 


10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school? Decorated boxes filled with cards and candy from classmates.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer? You're kidding, right? Chocolate.....chocolate.....CHOCOLATE!

12. Red or pink? Yellow roses for me please.

Thanks to Lid for this fun meme. If you'd like to join in, just hop on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and follow the instructions.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (New King James Version) ¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - 2/9/10

 

I sit here at the keyboard, fingers ready to strike the keys, not wanting to rehash this topic. Yet, apparently there is more to the story that needs to be told. More that I need to face. More that I need to turn over to God. More healing to be had.

The feelings of being unwanted affected many decisions I made throughout my adult life. For many years I was on a self-destructive path. Self-addictions and personal abuse dominated my life. There was such a void within me that I tried desperately to fill, yet telling myself of my unworthiness every step of the way.

Oh, I believed there was a God. I even knew a little bit about Him. So I thought. But, ultimately I believed that He wouldn't want such a damaged person as me. There was no possible way I could ever be good enough for Him. Honestly, I had no idea how to even approach God. So, I continued to live with the mind set that, "I'm not committing any crimes so I'm ok." I was self-sufficient, providing for my family, myself. Yet, I knew I still lacked something.

It took God a long time to break through the fortress I had built up around myself. There were times I was comfortable in my little walled in world. I didn't want to or couldn't believe that my past didn't matter. That the hurt could be healed.

With Jesus, the hurt can be healed. It's a long journey with many bends and potholes, because I resist. But God gently leads me every step of the way.

One day, there will be no more pain or hurt or sorrow or tears. Praise to Him today, This Day for His patience and love.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Revelation 21:4 (NIV) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Monday Musings - Ooops! and We Have a WINNER!!!

Image by Rennett Stowe via Flickr

ALWAYS ASK, NEVER ASSUME !!
 

His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight.

He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.

Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.

He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, 'Let's go'.

The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.

Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, 'Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.'

'Why?' asked the pilot.

'Because I'm a photographer for CNN' , he responded, 'and I need to get some close up shots.'

The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, 'So, what you're telling me, is . . . You're NOT my flight instructor?'
*********************************************

The winner of my very first giveaway is Christy Rose at The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom. Congratulations Christy! Please email me your address so I can get your gift in the mail. I want to be sure you get it before the weekend. Thanks to everyone who played along. Please stop by and congratulate her.



Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 21:21 (NIV) He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

TSMSS - 2/6/10

It's Saturday when I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday. 


May this song speak to your heart as it does mine.

Thank you for visiting This Day!


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 59:16 (NKJV) But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.

I'm Prolific!!! and a Giveaway

Really? What is a prolific blogger? I'm so glad you asked. By blogosphere definition, a prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.

I received this prestigious award from my dear blog friend, Christy at The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom. Thank you, Christy. I am so honored you chose me! Thank you, precious friend. For those of you who do not know Christy, please hop over and check out her blog. She truly is a prolific blogger.

The responsibilities of the recipient:
1. Every winner of the prolific blogger award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!
2. Each prolific blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.
3. Every prolific blogger must link back to this post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.
4. Every prolific blogger must visit this post and add his/her name in the Mr. Linky, so that we all can get to know the other winners. (Click here for the Mr. Linky page.)

I have come to know so many prolific bloggers that it was extremely difficult to narrow the field to only seven. Knowing them through their blog has enriched my life. I encourage each of you to stop by and meet them. I believe that they will enrich your life as they have mine with their prolific blogging skills.

1. Kat @ Heart2Heart
2. Debbie @ Heart Choices
3. Kim @ Just a Southern Girl
4. Mari @ My Little Corner of the World
5. Deb @ Sweet Tea
6. Yolanda @ Higher Grounds
7. Beth @ An Instrument for His Glory

Someone thinks you are a prolific blogger too! ME! :) That's right! Every single one of you who stops by blesses me at your own blogs. Well, this is a good start to promoting some great prolific bloggers. Please, go meet them all today, This Day! You will not be disappointed, I promise!

Oh yes.....the giveaway. Today is your last chance to enter my very first giveaway. What am I giving away? I'm so glad you asked. lol. You could win Gary Chapman's The 5 Love Languages and learn to speak love in your spouse's primary language, plus a fabulous array of Valentine goodies. To find out how to enter go here and follow the instructions. Good luck everyone.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 18:1-2 (NKJV)¹ I will love You, O LORD, my strength.  ²The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Thankful Thursday - 02/04/10

For the past several months, I have joined many blogger peeps in Thankful Thursday. Our host for this has been my dear blogger buddy, Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey. She is taking a leave so I'm linking up with another group of wonderful bloggers for Thankful Thursday. This month, Iris at Grace Alone is our host. If you'd like to join in, you know the drill.  I'm sticking with tradition here and listing five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all. And, even if I'm the only one who does TT, I'll continue to praise God and proclaim His blessings in my life.

1. I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband.

2. Thank you, Lord, for Your protective and merciful hand.

3. Thanks be to God, the Father who was and is and is to come.

4. I'm truly thankful to God for the job I have this morning and the job I will have this afternoon when I leave here. This is something that my prayer partner and I have been praying. Not only that we have jobs, but that we have them to go to every day and that we still have them at the end of every day.

5. I'm thankful to be working with my personal trainer again. He def works me harder than I work on my own. We're concentrating on building my strength and endurance for several planned motorcycle trips this summer.

How has God bless you? Please join me today, This Day, to proclaim His glory and blessing.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Corinthians 2:9 (New King James Version)⁹ But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Random Dozen - 02/03/10 and a Giveaway!

That's right. I'm having my first giveaway. You could win Gary Chapman's The 5 Love Languages and learn to speak love in your spouse's primary language, plus a fabulous array of Valentine goodies. To find out how to enter go here and follow the instructions. Now, on to today's main event:






The first 6 come from Kelley at I Didn’t Know That! Thanks so much, Kelley! And can you please help us out with #4???

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?” Of course. Why waste them and throw them away?

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching? Lying on the ground, on a warm sunny afternoon, watching the clouds roll by and figuring out what the shapes resemble.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please) snails and frog legs. Not a fan of either.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!) Nope, but there's still time. (Note: I think that a rock singing is totally different that rocks crying out in praise to Jesus because no one else praises Him.)

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be? Spanish.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say? 

As you are now, so I once was.
As I am now, so you will be.
Prepare yourself to follow me.
Believe on Him to life everlasting. 

1 Timothy 1:16

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like. WindRydr.

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show? Who hasn't?

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about? I just sneeze, the say, "whew! God bless me."

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere? I read the campus rag occasionally, but generally read the local newspaper's online edition.

11. Are you a good speller? Generally.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about Lost lunch? The night before as I'm making next day's lunch. lol 


If you'd like to join in, post your own answers then hop on over to Lids at 2nd Cup of Coffee to link up. Thanks for stopping by today.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Timothy 1:16 (NKJV) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Hello! Hello! Are you there? - 2/2/10

I'm sitting at my desk. Music is softly playing through the computer speakers. I'm talking with a colleague about grant funds and personnel topics. Suddenly.....my phone rings. It's a familiar ring. The ring tone for my best bud. Do you have specific ring tones for specific people? When their ring tone sounds, it's an alert to exactly who is calling.  I have one for my dear hubby. I have a different one for my daughter. You get the idea. But I transgress. My phone rings. I excuse myself from the discussion. My colleague leaves my office. I answer the phone. "Hello. Hellooo. H.E.L.L.O.!" Nothing.  Oh wait. There it is. In the background. Garbled music and traffic noise. I've been purse dialed. lol

I hang up. My colleague returns. The phone rings again. The same scenario plays out. Two more times. It's almost comical.

You never have to wonder if God is there or listening. You can call on Him 24/7/365. It matters not to Him what time of day or night you call on Him. He is there. He listens. He responds.

But what about when God calls on me? Am I available to listen to Him? How do I respond? Is there so much background noise that I fail to hear God?

Here am I, Lord. Use me. Here am I, Lord. Send Me. Today. This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 6:12-13 (NKJV)  ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Monday Musings - GPS

Question: What do you get when you mix PMS with GPS?

Answer: A crazy woman who WILL find you! 

Why is the woman crazy to begin with?

Menopause Jewelry

My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings, bought me a mood ring the other day so he would be able to monitor my moods.

We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood, it turns green. When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a big red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond. Stupid man.  

Peace and Joy,
Susan
 

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