Random Dozen - For the Love of Peeps!

Because Linda loves chickens, this week's Random has a couple of chicken-dedicated questions. Other than that ... complete randomness. Because that's the name of the game.

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps? I love the sweet little sugary treats. But these guys? They have no mercy. Go here to see the Peep Research. Note: not for the weak. lol

2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down? Music.....or a good glass of wine....or both. :)

3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains? Not always.

4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why? A non-descript face with the words "John 3:16" written under it so when someone asked me who the tattoo represents, I could answer, "you." Because that's who Jesus died for.....you. It would be a great witnessing tool.

5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring? A nose stud. At least it can easily be removed.

6. Do you have any special plans for Easter? After church, we're going to our fav restaurant that serves fried chicken and all the fixins....family style. Come join us.

7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs? Cadbury.

8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of? Murdered peeps. lol. My buddy had them lined up on his desk and murdered them in all manner of styles.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one? The Bible. It's the only book I have time for right now with all the school work.

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning? Windows. Definitely windows.

11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? I have so many I can't even tell you. Yes, I probably need therapy. lol.

12. Which color makes you happiest? It's a toss up at the moment....sky blue or sun yellow.

Thanks for stopping by today. Want to join in on the fun? Just hop on over to Lid's at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Deuteronomy 14:11 (NKJV) “All clean birds you may eat.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - The Cross and The Crown

George Bennard was born into a miner's family in Ohio and came to Christ as a youth. He wanted to go to theological school, but family concerns kept him from the education he desired. In time, he became a traveling evangelist, diligently studying his Bible and reading all the books he could find. During one period of his ministry, he carefully studied the subject of the cross of Christ, praying for a deeper understanding of its meaning and power. As he preached from town to town, the words of a hymn began formulating in his mind.  He sang portions of it at his meetings. Finally he finished his hymn and sang the completed version to friends, asking them, "Will it do?"

It has done very well. It's "The Old Rugged Cross."

One of the hymn's central ideas is that our trophies in this world are temporary and cannot compare to the power of the cross or to the crown to be awarded us when we stand before Jesus, "where His glory forever I'll share."

In an age of awards and trophies, let's keep our eyes on the cross and the crown.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown. George Bennard   

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Galatians 6:14 (NIV) May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Monday Musings - Tim Burton Easter Eggs ?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to color eggs with Tim Burton? Well, honestly....me either. ahahaha. But if I did, I imagine it would look something like this:

Don't you just love some of the facial expressions? lol. Hope you all have an eggcellent dayyaay!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 126:2 (NKJV) Then our mouth was filled with laughter,   And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”

TSMSS - How He Loves Me 03/27/10

Join us at Amy's for more great songs! 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 1:29 (NKJV) For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Flashback Friday - Easter

It's Flashback Friday with Linda at Mocha with Linda. With Easter rapidly approaching, what better time to reflect back on how families celebrated.

What was Easter like when you were little? For example, did you receive a basket with toys and candy? Was the Easter Bunny part of your family's celebration? Did your family integrate both secular and spiritual aspects of the day? Did you dye Easter eggs. . . .and did your family eat them afterwards? Did you usually get a new outfit? (Post a picture if you have one!) Does any Easter stand out particularly? You might also share how your Easter today is similar or different to your childhood. 


Honestly, I don't have many vivid memories of Easter celebrations. There are fleeting mind pictures of a new dress, new shoes, even an Easter hat but it's difficult to put those pieces together into a recognizable story. Most of my remembrances are from Easters celebrated with my daughter. Coloring eggs. Filling plastic eggs with candy and other goodies. My then SIL and I would combine forces for our children to make it a more festive event. 

The family Easter egg hunt was always after church. Wouldn't want to get those new clothes soiled. lol. After the first egg hunt and pictures had been taken, we'd change clothes, eat dinner (yes at mid-day....lunch for most people), and the children would take turns re-hiding the eggs for more hunts. Well, after the plastic eggs had been relieved of their treasures. 

What about you? What memories do you have of Easter celebrations? Please join us at Linda's spot, Mocha with Linda. 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thankful Thursday - 03/25/10

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY! Unless you have other plans. If you'd like to join in, please go visit Greg or Laurie....or both! lol


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 9:2 (NKJV)² I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

Random Dozen on Tour - 03/24/10

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

This week we have "South Lakes Mom" from "I Didn't Know THAT!" hosting our Random Dozen!

Click here to join us!!

The theme is Spring . . . and any other random questions that crept in.

1.  What is your favorite sign of Spring? Seriously? You too. Another one of those questions that sends my poor little brain scurrying off in so many directions at the same time that it almost causes a melt down. The short list.....warm, fresh air, flowers, birds singing, sunshine, motorcycle rides, dresses. I think I've said this before. lol

2.  Did you remember to spring forward on March 14?  If not, how did it impact your day? Nope. Totally missed church.

3.  If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year? Tomatoes and peppers.

4.  If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant? Kiwi.

5.  What is your least favorite insect? You are assuming that I have a favorite insect. Which I do not. lol

6.  March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand? Sometimes. I generally use a refillable.

7.  Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that? Yes. But wasn't there long enough for it to matter.

8.  How many glasses of water do you drink per day? I'm always drinking water. Seriously. I'm sure I consume a gallon or more a day.

9.  March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini.  Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share. Nope....but there's still time.

10.  Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)? Nope....but there's still time. lol

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies?  If so, what is your favorite? I love a good western.

12. (Really random)  What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday? Somewhere in the NE. Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Trust for More

The disciples boarded the boat and headed for the other side of the lake, believing they would make it with no problems. But when the storm began to rage, their doubt was then revealed. It was at this point that Jesus had to rebuke the disciples for their unbelief and remind them that no matter how bad it got out there, He was with them. 

When our family members are well, our finances are in order, and our health is intact, we believe we can make it through anything with unfaltering faith. But then we get an unexpected diagnosis, a pay cut, or the news that one of our children has strayed, and suddenly we begin to question just how much we truly rely upon the Lord and trust in His sovereignty and provision.

When we feel our faith needs bolstering, it's time to dig into the Word of God, spend time in prayer, and strengthen our trust in Him so that when the tough times come, as they will, we will be prepared to meet them head on, knowing no matter how bad it gets, He is always here.  

A person who wholly follows the Lord is one who believes that the promises of God are trustworthy, that He is with His people, and that they are well able to overcome. Watchman Nee

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Romans 8:28 (NIV) ²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Monday Musings - Exercise Tips

EXERCISE FOR PEOPLE OVER 50 (or so)

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.  Place your feet shoulder width apart.  With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute, and then relax. 

Each day you'll find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer. After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags. Then try 50-lb potato bags, and then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-lb potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute.  (I'm at this level now).

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

Peace and Joy

Susan

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New International Version)⁷ "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.     ⁸ He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

TSMSS - Better is One Day....This Day!

Join us at Amy's for more great songs!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 84:1-2 (New International Version) ¹ How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! ² My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Thankful Thursday - 3/18/10

EDITOR'S NOTE: We are back home from today's surgery. Everything went well with no complications. Thank you all for your prayers.

Gratitude

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said:  "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.


A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.


Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"


The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."


I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."


Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?




Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have! Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.


When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the
fear.


The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. And even more beautiful, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!! Catch yourself when you start complaining about what you don't have. Remember; where there is life, there is hope.


Enjoy your Thursday with a heart of gratitude.  


My dear hubby is having the first of two carpal tunnel surgeries this morning. Please lift him up before the throne. I covet your prayers. Thank you for your friendship and love.



Peace and Joy,
Susan

Acts 4:10-12 (NKJV) ¹⁰ let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹ This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ ¹² Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Random Dozen - Iding and Springing with Leprechauns

1. On a scale of 1-10, how superstitious are you, honestly? 0 I am so not superstitious.

2. Julius Caesar is quoted as saying, "I came, I saw, I conquered." Which circumstance or experience of yours does this saying best describe? Riding/owning my own motorcycle. And I.love.it!

3. If I peeked in on your day like a mischievous little leprechaun, at what time would I most likely find you blogging? At about 6AM. I know. Crazy. But I'm an early girl.

4. Re springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, is there anything you've ever been really early or really late for? Nope....but there's still time.

5. What are you most looking forward to concerning Spring? Ok Lid. Here's another question that sends my poor little brain racing in so many different directions at the same time, it causes a circuit overload. Flowers. Birds. Warmth. Flip Flops. BBQs. Motorcycles. Dresses.

6. Shamrocks are the national flower of Ireland and are picked on St. Patrick's Day and worn on the lapel or shoulder. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day? Oh yes. I don't want to get pinched.

7. One of Caesar's assassins, Casca, said, "But, for my own part, it was Greek to me," which of course means he didn't understand something. Probably his own lines in the play. Anyway, what is something that is "Greek to you," something incomprehensible or indecipherable? How many of today's young people feel that they are "entitled" to things others work hard to get or achieve. That's all I have to say about that.

8. Is March behaving more like a lion or a lamb where you live? A lamb at the moment. But that will probably change.

9. "An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later." -Winston Churchill. If you had one extra hour per day every day, what would you do with it? Seriously? You're just trying to cause me a meltdown....aren't you? Too many options....too little time! lol

10. Legend says that every Leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden deep in the Irish countryside. Aside from real gold or money, what material item would be in your dream pot of gold? Please refer to #9. How bout that extra hour per day?

11. "The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." Robert Louis Stevenson. Look around you right now and tell us about something essential or beautiful very near you that you take for granted every day. My cell phone. What? Really? Yep! I never thought I'd even have one let alone be so dependent on it.

12. Just for a bit o' fun, click here (www.blogthings.com/irishnamegenerator/) and then report your Irish name. Mine is "Zoe O'Sullivan." I love it! Maeve McGrath. Now that's random. lol

If you'd like to join in on today's Random, hop on over to Lid's. She has everything you need to get started. Thanks for stopping by today.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Branch Out 3/16/10

If we want to take root and to grow in our faith, it's necessary to branch out in service. Try serving God in little things. It's wonderful to accomplish great things for Christ, but sometimes our greatest works are in the little things.

Leslie Flynn relates the legend of an angel who, at the start of a church construction project, announced he would award a prize to the person who made the most significant contribution to the finished product. Everyone worked hard, wanting to win--the architect, the contractor, the craftsmen, the artists, the clergy, and the carpenters. 

The winner turned out to be an elderly peasant woman who every day carried hay to the ox that pulled the stones for the stonecutters.¹

Our faith grows as we serve, and we serve best when we're faithful in little things. Try branching out in a new area of Christian service, however small; and be faithful, so that one day the Lord of the Harvest will say, "Well done!"

God expects us to take advantage of every opportunity to be a doer of good.... Keep on keeping on. Who does God's work will get God's pay. Leslie B. Flynn

¹Leslie Flynn, Keep on Keeping On (Carlsbad, CA: Mangus Press, 2005), 106.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Matthew 25:23 (NKJV) His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Monday Musings - Anger Management

Or.....how to make your marriage last.

A husband asked his wife:


"You never argue when I get mad. How do you always control your anger?"


"I clean the toilet," she replies.


"How does that help?" he asks.

"I use your toothbrush."

Disclosure: Please do not try this at home. These are trained professionals.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 84:11 (NKJV)  For the LORD God is a sun and shield;      The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

TSMSS - 3/13/10

 

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



Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Flashback Friday Debut - 3/12/10

Mocha With Linda is starting a new meme that sounds like fun -- Flashback Friday will give us a chance to swap stories about specific times/experiences in our lives. You can join the party by posting your flashback on Friday and then linking up over at Linda's blog.

This week's Flash Back:  How and when did you learn to drive? Do you have any particular memories associated with getting your driver license? How old were you when you got your first car and what was it? Who paid for it?

Driver's education was part of the school curriculum. It was so exciting when you finally enrolled for it. And also a little scary. You never knew who you were going to get stuck with. Most of my classmates were farm kids. They were already experienced in driving tractors, trucks, and other farm implements. Then there were the not so experienced drivers. Some had been driving on their permits for some time. Others had never been behind the wheel. Scary!

There were always five of us in the car. The teacher and four students. On the passenger side, the teacher had his own steering wheel,  brake, and gas pedal. Just in case he had to help the student behind the wheel. Or save us from being a statistic. I don't remember which of my classmates were assigned to my car, but overall it was a pretty uneventful experience. I still remember the fear of having to parallel park for the first time. Oh the agony of it all. lol.

If you didn't pass the class, you didn't get your driver's license. I still remember walking out of the DMV with my new license. It was a liberating feeling.


I was 20 when I bought my first car. It was a Ford Torino. Gold and black.  My second car was a Chevy Camaro. Baby Blue. Yep, I was into muscle cars. Still am! lol. 

Thanks to Linda for hosting this new meme. If you'd like to play along....you know what to do.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Peter 1:4 (NIV) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Thankful Thursday - 03/11/10

This is the time each week that I pause 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 took some unplanned days off and it's been wonderful having him home every day.

2. I'm thankful for my family. Even tho they can get on my last nerve sometimes and are abnormally normal, I love each and every one of them. My life is full and better for them being a part of it.

3. I'm thankful for my job. In this economy and the current job situation, I cannot say this enough.

4. I'm thankful for severe weather. Wait! What??? Really? Yep, cause that means the temperatures are a changing. Spring people! It's spring!!!! And with that comes crazy weather systems.

5. I'm thankful that God is on the throne and Jesus is sitting at His right hand. Praise His glorious name!

That's my list for this week. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment. If you'd like to join in, please go visit Greg or Laurie....or both! lol

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV) ⁹ Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Random Dozen - 3/10/10 Let's Plink Together

Definition of plink: "Plinking refers to informal target shooting done at non-traditional targets such as tin cans, glass bottles, and balloons filled with water." Plinko is also a game from the infamous game show The Price Is Right!

Here are the random plinko questions and my answers:

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet? I think my deck shoes are close to 10 years old. They still look like new cause I rarely wear them. All my other shoes? Two years....tops.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety? But of course. Well, not me exactly. The hubs bought them. Thin mints.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to? No, but there's still time.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager? Define responsible. ahaha

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see? I would have to look up to see what movies were nominated to answer that question.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself? I'm ok with either as long as it's not the daughter.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why? Sunday. Besides going to church, it's the one day a week that the hubby and I are both off together.

8. Do you miss anyone right now? Yes.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy? No. I've spent entirely too many hours/days in hospitals and Dr's offices to be queasy about it.

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you. Now this is probably the toughest question for me to answer. My little brain raced in so many different directions at the same time: Nieman's, Trader Joe's, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, DSW, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn. Really. This is a totally unfair question that almost caused a circuit overload. ahahaha

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items? Please re-read #10. lol

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels? When I'm the one telling. It's the vulnerability factor. Which is just another word for trust.

OK ... ready, aim, PLINK! You can post your own answers by hopping over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and following Lid's directions for this fun meme.  Thanks so much for stopping by, reading my answers, and commenting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Throne Trip Tuesdays - 3/9/10 - I'm on a Streak!

or a better title might be: What does God have in Store for Me?

In the last week, I have been selected to win some very nice gifts in giveaways.  The first win was from Kat at Heart 2 Heart. She shared coupons for free Minute Rice. You know the new microwave, single serve, ready to eat in a cup stuff.  I'm a huge fan of rice. And, I generally take my lunch rather than eat out. So this is perfect for me. Plus, I'm going to share with my hubby. He takes his lunch too. Thanks for sharing, Kat.

Then, a couple days later, I won this fantastic new DVD from the creator of Veggie Tales called "What's in the Bible?" from Linda at Mocha with Linda. I can't wait to share this with the grand-boy. Honestly, I can't wait to see it myself. Here's a trailer:



You can go HERE to the official website to learn more. Thank you so much, Linda.

Then, this morning as I'm visiting my regular reads my first stop is to Kat's spot at Heart 2 Heart. Her opening line announces the winner of the Mother-Daughter Duet/Dancing with the Father giveaway.

And....it's me! I had forgotten all about her giveaways. Thanks again, Kat.

God has been dealing with me in several different areas of my life. Each of these wins is a reflection of some of those areas. Eating healthier and being more active is one. Teaching His lessons and word to the grand-boy is another. The grand-boy is being drawn to the Father and has a curiosity about His word. These DVDs are going to make a huge impact on both of us. My relationship with my daughter is another. And, as you know from reading my Throne Trip Tuesday posts, He is drawing me to an ever closer walk with Him.

I'm really stretched thin right now and won't have time for leisure reading until after graduation in May. It seems God is getting resources lined up for me once that commitment is over. I'm excited to see what He has in store for me.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Do You See Me???? PLEASE LOOK!!!!

It's bike riding season. Bikes are beginning to show up everywhere. On all roadways. Have you seen them? There are children riding their bicycles. Teenagers who aren't fortunate enough to have a driver's license or a car. Adults cycling for exercise. And Bikers! Like me. lol

As the temperature continues to rise, so will the number of cyclists on the road. Some motorized. Some personized. (ok, I made that word up. lol) Please be on the lookout for all cyclists. Motorcycles travel faster than you think. Don't try to beat one on a turn. Wait for it. Use extra caution. Lives are at stake.



I will be out on mine this weekend. Wave to me as I blow by! lol I'm splittin the wind in the Name of the LORD.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Thankful Thursday - 03/04/10

I am joining with Greg C. over at Greg's General Store today for Thankful Thursday.   I am excited to be linking up with our new host this week! I'm also linking to another TT that Laurie is hosting.  Stop by and lift your spirit and rejoice with a grateful heart! I love these lists. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.


1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He's just plain handy to have around. He can fix just about anything. Today, he'll figure out why there was a ton of water under the sink, repair it, and put everything back in its proper place. Gotta love that!

2. I'm thankful for the water under the sink while I was rinsing dishes to go into the dishwasher. Really? Why am I thankful for that, you wonder? Because if the leak had happened while the dishwasher was running...or worse....if I had started the dishwasher then left the house! Oh my! That would have been a huge mess.

3. I'm thankful I have the strength and mobility to clean up that big mess. That's right! I can bend and reach and lift and walk. Praise His glorious name for these abilities. I don't ever want to take them for granted.

4. I'm thankful for God's word. Every day I realize a new truth, uncover a new promise, or understand a new lesson. Oh, it's is not new in God's word.....it is new to me. A treasure uncovered and revealed.

5. I'm thankful for more daylight hours. Oh yes. There is a twinkling of light earlier these days and it stays light longer in the evening. This means I have eyes to see, and they work.

6. I'm thankful for the birds singing this morning. They are more active and happier now that the days are longer and warmer. This means I have ears to hear, and they work too.

I know.....that's more than five. But I just couldn't help myself. lol. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave a comment here or link up with either Greg or Laurie.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Random Dozen - 03/03/10 Kiss the Blarney Stone

1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Odd. 3, 7, 11. Any particular reason? They're good numbers to hit if you're playing craps. ahahaha! KIDDING! They mean completion to me.

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you? I'm pretty high on the vanity scale. At least a 7. Probably closer to an 8 or 9.

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered I def like a good party. I love to entertain. I've very social. A friend of mine made the comment just yesterday that I'm very friendly, the type of person who could make friends with a brick wall. Maybe that qualifies me in the Talkative category too. lol

4. How lucky do you consider yourself? I don't consider it luck. It's a blessing straight from the throne of grace.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written? Subject??? Posts are supposed to have a subject??? Oh. I thought they were just random. lol

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words. Come on SPRING!

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery) I can spot it a mile away.

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking? Not as green as I could be, or should be.

9. What is your favorite song this week? Outside My Window by Sara Buxton (and I typed this before I read question #11). lol

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up? I don't pick it up. I pray that it blesses the person who does pick it up. I figure they need it worse than me.

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...." I see a world of possibilities and God's beautiful creation and yard work just waiting for warm weather.

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.Unchained Melody by Les Baxter, but these guys made it famous. You might also recognize it from the movie Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. 






Peace and Joy,
Susan

Job 23:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰ But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. ¹¹ My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - More about Trust

 

I'm continuing my study on trust. Putting my trust in God. Not just sometimes. All the time. Not only when it's convenient. When it's inconvenient. When it doesn't make sense. First, I had to know what trust really meant. Trust is defined as being solely reliant on the strength, integrity, ability of someone else; confident expectation; and hope.

I searched out to see what God's word has to say about trust. There are clearly some things that I am not to put my trust in....like $$$$, other people, works, and leaders. I can put my trust in God's name, in His word, and in Christ.

So, what are the benefits of putting my trust in God and not in my own strength? I will receive:

Joy - Psalm 5:11: But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.

Deliverance - Psalm 22: 4-5: Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.  They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

Triumph - Psalm 25: 2-3: O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.  Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

God's goodness - Psalm 31:19: Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!

Mercy - Psalm 32:10: Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.

Provision - Psalm 37: 3,5: Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
⁵ Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Blessedness - Psalm 40:4: Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Safety - Psalm 56:4, 11: In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? 11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Usefulness - Psalm 73:28: But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

Guidance - Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Inheritance - Isaiah 57:13: When you cry out, Let your collection of idols deliver you. But the wind will carry them all away, A breath will take them. But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, And shall inherit My holy mountain.”

It is clear that God has my best interests at heart. Yet, I have a tendency to withdraw from Him and rely on my own devices and desires. When my daughter does this to me, I get frustrated with her. I cannot understand why she will not accept the help that is so freely given to her. I imagine that my heavenly Father wonders the same about me.

May I not be ashamed to rely on God. May I trust Him whose desire it is to deliver me. Bless me. Provide for me. Lavish on me His riches and the inheritance He has already established for me. May I seek His guidance today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 3:18 (NKJV) My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Monday Musings - We've All Been There!!!

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Ezra 9:13 (New International Version) "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this.