Memorial Day

Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy (and too often taken for granted). Memorial Day is the national holiday where American's honor and remember those who perished in service to this nation. No one should ever forget the sacrifice of the warriors who preserved the freedom of their fellow man.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

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

Random Dozen - Lost?

Wow, the Random Dozeners hit a huge milestone last week of 92 participants. Way to go Lid! We need a cool, short nickname instead of "Random Dozeners." Anyone think of one? Anyway, this is super fun so link up with Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee and join us.

Here are your questions for this week:

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party? Again with the either or question. I'm just not that kind of girl. ahaha. Sometimes I like having peeps over. Sometimes I just want to go and enjoy.

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to. My graduation party. Pics soon.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life? Food. Really! Food in heaven won't affect the way I look. I'll be able to eat whatever I want.....and as much as I want!

4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine? The bright warm feel of it on my face. Plus, it helps me see better. I don't see as well at night.

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift? It depends on the recipient. I'm attending a bridal shower this coming weekend and want to give a personal gift from me and the hubs.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family? Definitely the house cleaning.....to give my hubby a break. That's right! He does most of the cleaning.

7. What song describes your mood today? I'll have to get back with you on this one.

8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.) Our toasting flutes.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is? Chocolate.

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?" Monday. Flying from Charlotte to St. Louis. Let's just say that it's an entire post in itself.

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop." Certain potato chips.

12. "-----" is the best motivation. Tracking my workouts. I find it really motivates me to see how much I'm actually doing each week.  

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 3:17 (NKJV) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Bring Chips!

A young boy wanted to meet God. He knew it would be a long trip to where God lived. He packed a suitcase along with a bag of potato chips and a couple cans of root beer. Off he went on his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park starring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old woman looked hungry. He offered her some chips. She gratefully accepted and smiled at him.

Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again. So he offered her a root beer. Again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never spoke a word.

As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and got up to leave. Before he had taken a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a big hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." Before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Also radiant with joy, the old woman returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before her son could respond she added, "You know, He's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Step out in faith today, This Day, and change someone's life. Have lunch with God......and bring chips.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 1:19 (NKJV) So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

Graduation, Vacation, and a Giveaway.

Can I please see a show of hands of those who are tired of hearing about graduation? Specifically, my graduation? Tomorrow. No one? Really? Oh wait. I can barely see the fingers above your shoulder. Yes. You. Way in the back. Don't be shy. Everyone is allowed to their own opinion. Honestly. I'm pretty sure my family will be glad when the event is passed and life gets back to some simile of normalcy. But for now, I'm reveling in the accomplishment of pursuing and achieving this goal. Of course, there will be photos to be shared at a later date.

How much later? Well, definitely after my vacation. That's right. I'm treating myself to a much needed vacation in this fabulous city:

Have you ever been here? Do you know this skyline? It's beautiful Charlotte, NC. I'm spending five relaxing days here. I can barely wait!

Now for the giveaway. I've been wanting a complete blog makeover for quite some time. Every chance I get, I enter giveaways for a new blog look. Well.....while I was blog hopping, I ran across a fabulous makeover giveaway. WAHMAHOLIC is giving away a free makeover. Even tho I'd love to keep it all to myself, I'm sharing with you so you too can have the chance to win. Here's the scoop:

Here’s what’s up for grabs:

Up to $100 worth of WordPress or Blogger Makeover including:

• custom header and footer
• custom background
• custom favicon
• custom navigation bar
• custom post footer (for Blogger)
• fancy post title font
• 125×125 button/badge
• personalized signature
• fancy comment section
• layout style of winner’s choice
• and anything else that will make the makeover fab  

So, click on the photo below and get all the details of how you can enter to win too:


Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by and commenting with your birthday wishes and congratulations. It was a super day and your sweet remarks make my heart smile.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 139:13-14 (New King James Version)  For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;       Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

It's a Thankful Thursday BIRTHDAY!!!!

I have been on a super high this week. My dad is visiting from Arizona. I haven't seen him in, well....too long. Over a year. That's what happens when you live over 1500 miles apart. And, if you've read my blog at all in the past few months, you know I'm graduating. In two days. TWO DAYS!!!! Plus, today is my birthday! Oh what fun.

Can you tell where my Thankful Thursday list is headed? I think it's pretty much covered. God has so richly blessed me with a wonderful husband. The Hubs has supported and encouraged me on my quest for a degree.

I'm so thankful for my family and friends who are celebrating these milestones with me. I'm also thankful for my employer and my boss. Without both of these, I would never have been afforded the opportunity or flexibility to complete the degree.

I'm also very thankful for each of you. Your sweet comments, prayers, and encouragement mean so much to me. Everyone has something to be thankful for.....today, This Day, I am rejoicing in God's grace and mercy.

If you'd like to join in with your own TT post, please visit Greg or Laurie.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

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

Random Dozen

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great! Can't. But I will have plenty to share after Saturday when I graduate with a BS in Workforce Education. That's only THREE DAYS away! Woooohoooo!!! Can you tell? I'm just a wee bit excited!

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times? One? Only one??? A flashlight. Jumper cables. Pliers. Duct tape. Screwdriver. I can fix just about anything with these! ahaha.

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar? I'm having an open house for my graduation celebration. You're welcome to stop by. :)

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood. A godly role model would have been a plus.

5. What was the last thing you broke? The cup holder in the "carpool car."

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily? Three to Five

7. Do you like to shop by catalog? I sometimes look through a catalog that was sent to me, then I buy on-line.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job? It's "his job."

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?This is a tough one. We're in our new home less than a year and we're still decorating.

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line? On-line.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Absolutely!

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? Doing the right thing.....right. 

If you'd like to join in with your own random answers, hop on over to Lid's at 2nd Cup of Coffee. Thanks for stopping by.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Who Can You Trust?

Television reality shows that feature a group of contestants make trust a central focus.  Not surprisingly, the contestants often betray one another's trust as they joust for advantage and position leading to the show's finale.  Such a me-first mentality is reflective of values often found in the world. Becoming transparent and honest with others is a risk that relationships require.

Fortunately, there is someone whose word is eminently trustworthy: God Himself. Scripture is filled with proof that God keeps His word. Indeed, trust is at the very heart of God's covenant love—first for Israel and then for the church. The Hebrew word in the Old Testament usually translated "lovingkindness" literally means "loyal love"—the kind of love that never ends. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God said that as long as the universe—the order of the stars and planets—remains in place, His promises to Israel would not fail (Jeremiah 31:35-37). There is nothing you can say or reveal to God that would cause His love for you to fail.

If you have trusted God with your eternal life, shouldn't you trust Him with the details of your earthly life as well? Let us learn to trust Him for who He is. Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 73:28 (NKJV) 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.

Monday Musings - It's Summertime!!!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Galatians 4:10 (NIV) You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!