Monday Musings - Bucket Seat

 ...or how many people can you get on one motorcycle? ahahaha
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Random Dozen - Love Like Crazy

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish? My homemade soft shell tacos/burritos. I generally use leftover meat, grate some carrots to saute with the onion and garlic, add a little of my own taco/fajita seasoning, green,  red, yellow, orange bell peppers (whatever you have on hand), a little jalapeno, then some black beans (rinsed and drained, please). Roll it all up in a warmed flour tortilla and top it with a little sour cream, salsa, and grated cheese. Sometimes, I have some sliced avocado on the side too. Don't have tortillas? Crush some tortilla chips on a plate, cover with lettuce, then top with all that stuff above. Delicious! Ummmm.....can I see a show of hands? Who's coming over for dinner? lol

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate? Homework? You were supposed to do homework? Who knew!!?!!

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings? Ashley furniture.

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches? No. I always had a packed lunch. Well, until high school. Then I used my lunch $$$ to go eat off campus with my friends.

5. Is religion a crutch? Religion....yes. Faith....no.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport? FOOTBALL!

7. Do you consider yourself rich? Beyond measure.

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

Definitely changing a flat tire. "Hello. Jim's Towing? Yes. I'm on Highway 154 at mile marker 22 with a flat tire. You can be here in ten minutes? Great. Thanks so much. See you then."

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why:
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz
D) Swing
I chose Swing dance. No gymnastics. No acrobatics. No throwing out the back. This....I could do:





10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone? "I have breast cancer."


11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics.Volunteering.

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song? Love Like Crazy by Lee Brice. "Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you; Go to work, do your best, and don't out smart your common sense; Never let your prayin' knees get lazy; and love like crazy."


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 116:1-2 (NIV)  ¹ I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. ² Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - A King's Highway

Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best.

On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway. People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold. he explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner."

The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine. I've never known such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road smoother for those who will follow." ~ Author Unknown

Am I making the path smoother for those who follow? Or, am I too busy trying to get to the end of the road to see what needs to be done along the way? What challenges do I face that need to be cleared before I move forward?  Today, This Day I am seeking God to reveal these to me. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:32 (NKJV) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Monday Musings - WICOE (Women in Charge of Everything)

WICOE
(Women In Charge Of Everything)

Is proud to announce the opening of its

 
EVENING CLASSES FOR MEN!
OPEN TO MEN ONLY
ALL ARE WELCOME

Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants

The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:

DAY ONE

HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step by step guide with slide presentation

TOILET ROLLS- DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
  Round table discussion

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practising with hamper (Pictures and graphics)

DISHES & SILVERWARE;
DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK
OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts.

REMOTE CONTROL
Losing the remote control - Help line and support groups

LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place
Instead of turning the house upside down while screaming -
Open forum

DAY TWO

EMPTY MILK CARTONS;
DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role play

HEALTH WATCH;
BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation

REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did

IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY
AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation

LIVING WITH ADULTS;
BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role playing

HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques

REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES
& CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class

GETTING OVER IT;
LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counselors available

^{You are never to old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream. Les Brown}

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Psalm 94:18-19 (NKJV) ¹⁸ If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up. ¹⁹ In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

Flashback Friday - More School Days

Continuing with the back-to-school theme. . . .

What type of extra-curricular school activities did you participate in during your school days? Clubs? Spelling bees or other contests? Cheerleader or drill team? Sports? Journalism? Choir or theater? Were there any memorable events related to those? Did you receive any awards? Were football games a big deal at your school? Did you usually attend - and was it with a group or as a date? What was Homecoming like?

 Well, for me this is the first back-to-school theme I'm participating in. Unlike others, school was not always the best of experiences for me. I was an average student. We moved the summer between 7th and 8th grade. I'm not talking across town. We moved across the state. Literally from one side to the other. I knew no one. In a town of about 1500, everyone knew everyone. Well, except me and my family.
Eighth grade is kind of a blur of just getting familiar with the area, students, routine, new home, new parent, new siblings. My dad had remarried the year before so there were lots of adjustments. Seriously. No wonder my school years are kind of a blur.
Anywhoo, I participated in sports which I love and made a couple of really good friends. One gal in particular I'm still in contact with to this day. Which sport? I'm so glad you asked. lol. I played basketball. Crazy I know. That was during a time when girls played half court. I played defense and was a good rebounder. Yep. My scrawny pencil thin legs could JUMP for that ball.
Oh....flashback!!! I had the leading role in our senior play. Now....what was the name of that play??? *sigh I don't remember. But I do remember tryouts and one of the reasons I got the part was because my voice carried so well. Just call me "big mouth." lol. Really! You could barely hear the other girl read her lines who tried out for the same part.
Yep, I dated and went to prom. I dated a boy from a different school and went to both our proms. Seriously, in a town of only 1500 people there wasn't a wide selection....if you know what I mean. My best friend and I both dated boys from another school. She's still married to that guy.
Here's a pic of the high school I attend. Nope. No photos of me. Trust me. It's better this way.

If you'd like to join in with your own flashback, post your own memories then just hop on over to Mocha with Linda's and link up. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous weekend.
I'm also linking up with this group this week. They look like a fun group.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 16:8 (NKJV) I have set the LORD always before me;  Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Random Dozen - August 18

1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food? Funnel cake!

2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? About 10 pounds. I try to let them go, but they just cling to me. Maybe it's the fair food.

3. What is your favorite gift to receive? Time.

4. When was the last time you tried something new? Sunday. I went down a 10-story spiral slide. Not even kidding. AND I'd do it again. 

5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre? Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other FAV: Mystery. Least: Chick Lit.

6.Silver or Gold? Both. It just depends on the outfit. But I wear more white gold that yellow.

7. What makes you sigh? Delicious food. 


8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are? 10 to 15 years younger. lol 


9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one? Don't mess with my family! 

10. If you had to teach something, what would it be? Cooking, baking, canning, meal planning. 


11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do? It would depend on the situation and the 3 people. I hope I would stand up for my friend. That's what a friend does.....right? 

12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love? Quality Time (See the answer to No. 3 lol)
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation

Not sure what yours is? Take the test!



Please join us with Lid over at 2nd Cup of Coffee to visit other bloggers or to link up your answers!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 1:21 (NIV) For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - The Greatest Paradox

Many things about the kingdom of God seem odd to those who are not its citizens. Kingdom citizens gain by giving, live by dying, and become great by becoming least. But perhaps the greatest oddity in the kingdom of God is when Christians find joy in pain and suffering. There is something unnatural about rejoicing in the midst of trials.

But a clarification must be made. The Bible says we are to give thanks "in everything," not "for everything." The Bible is transrational, not irrational; it represents thinking at a higher level, not a lower level. "In" the experience of trials and trouble, joy can still be found because we know that every experience has a purpose and place in God's plan for our lives. Who would not find joy in having his faith proved to be genuine? Peter writes that trials and suffering come for that very reason: to prove that the faith we cling to is the real thing (1 Peter 1:6-7). In such revelation and confirmation is found true joy.

If you are experiencing a painful moment in your life right now, you don't have to fake having joy "for" the pain. Your joy is to be in the knowledge that God is in control and your faith in Him is unshakeable.

It is the very joy of this earthly life to think that it will come to an end. Charles H. Spurgeon

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Romans 14:8 (NIV) If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Monday Musings - School Books

“Walking To School The First Day Back” by Misty Bus

“The Day the Car Pool Forgot Me” by I. Rhoda Bike

“Can't See The Chalkboard” by Sidney Backrow

“Practical Jokes I Played On The First Day Of School” by Major Crackupp

“What I Dislike About Returning To School” by Mona Lott

“Making It Through the First Week Of School” by Gladys Saturday

“Is Life Over When Summer Ends?” by Midas Welbee

“What I Love About Returning To School” by I.M. Kidding

“Will Jimmy Finally Graduate?” by I. Betty Wont

“What Happens When You Get Caught Skipping School” by U. Will Gettitt

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Friday Funnies - It is Some Kinda Hot!

This week, I'm joining Kim at Homesteader's Heart for Friday Funnies. As with most of you, the heat here has been oppressive this summer. There has been little relief and even less rain. I think this cartoon says it all!

 Have a fun....and cooler weekend. Thanks for stopping by today.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Thankful Thursday - Freedom

I had a totally different direction for my TT post until I received an email from my wonderful hubby. His compassion for and dedication to our magnificent country is admirable at the very least. First, the excerpt from his email. Then why he was so adamant about his stance.
"I would like to see the faces of those that think you can't fly the stars and stripes on a well lighted flag pole.  People hate this country and what it stands for.  I have never regretted defending this country because of the things I see around me, the men and women that put their lives on the line every day without any thought of loosing their own.  How thoughtless of those that won't respect a persons undying support for GODs country, grace, mercy and fellow man.  The flag is a symbol of those things that they hate the most and they don't like it.  Who are they?  They are the lawless, those who live without any morals, who want the US to become a country of mindless non-self supporting robots.  Sorry, but I have deep feelings for the flag and what it stands for.  I know, they didn't say he couldn't fly it, it just needed to be discreet and not so outstanding."
On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg -- probably didn't make much news back then.

Twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the Army in 1940, set out to flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield,
took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news last week was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells
among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference,"  Barfoot told The Associated Press. 
 
As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.

 Van T. Barfoot's Medal of Honor citation:
  
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano , Italy . With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machine gun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machine gun emplacement, and with his tommy gun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newlycaptured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of point blank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers." 

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Thank you each and every one who is serving and has served.....including my awesome husband.
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:45 (NIV)  I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

Return of the Random Dozen!

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried? Very recently. At something my hubby said/did to me.

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it? That would depend on where I found it. If it was at a store, I'd turn it in because the owner might be looking for it.

3. Do you volunteer anywhere? Yes, for our local Relay for Life.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it? One? just One??? Who can choose? Strawberries. Blueberries. Asparagus. Peas. Peaches. Corn. Jalapenos. Tomatoes. Bell peppers. New potatoes. Green beans. Cucumbers. Cantaloupe. Watermelon. Apples. From spring through fall. I love all the fresh produce available at the local farmer's market. How do I eat it? hand to mouth. ahahaha. Raw. Grilled. Sauteed. Steamed.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large? Small. I have a huge network of people I claim as friends. But only a handful of intimate friends.


6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? Years ago. How did that go? OK.


7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up? Shopping.

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer? Two so far.

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time? My cell phone. Really! I lived most of my life without it. 


10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far? Toy Story3.

11. Describe a perfect summer day. I really love lounging at the pool, cool drink in hand, just floating around in the water. OR I really love hopping on my motorcycle with my hubby and splittin the wind soaking up God's glorious creation. OR I really love having friends over and fellowshipping.

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far! Well. I couldn't choose between my summer trip to Charlotte to visit family and my scooter excursion. So I've included them both. lol.

Oh, and FYI.....the BIG Harley is mine! :)


If you'd like to join in with your own answers to these totally random questions, copy the questions, post your own answers, the just hop on over to Lid's @ 2nd Cup of Coffee and link up. Easy peasy.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:14 (NIV)  I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Friendship

You gave me words of kindness
tied with a ribbon of gold,
hearing them was important
to heal my heart and soul.

Your gift of words made a difference
when I was down and blue,
questioning why I bother,
doing what I do.

Life can be a challenge
sometimes it seems unfair,
but when I was tired and struggling
it helped that you were there.

What can I give you in return
your friendship is so dear,
please know if you ever need me
I will always be here.

Kind words and time are needed
by people everywhere,
when wrapped with a smile or a hug
they're a gift that says I CARE!

- Author Unknown

I'm so grateful to have reconnected with a dear friend. I so appreciate you, K.D., and welcome you with open arms back into my life.  

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV) ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Monday Musings - Amazing Golf Ball

Image via Wikipedia

A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a salesman runs up to him, and yells, "Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!"

The golfer, annoyed, says, "What is it?"

"It's a special golf ball," says the salesman. "You can never lose it!"

"Whattaya mean," scoffs the golfer, "you can never lose it? What if you hit it into the water?"

"No problem," says the salesman. "It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it."

"Well, what if you hit it into the woods?"

"Easy," says the salesman. "It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed."

"Okay," says the golfer, impressed. "But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?"

"No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark! I'm telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!"

The golfer buys it at once. "Just one question," he says to the salesman. "Where did you get it?"

"I found it."

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 149:4 (NKJV) ⁴ For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Wrecker or Builder?

THE BUILDER

I saw them tearing a building down
A team of men in my hometown.
With a heave and a ho and a yes yes yell,
they swung a beam and a sidewall fell.

And I said to the foreman, "Are these men skilled?"
"Like the ones you'd use if you had to build?"
And he laughed and said, "Oh no, indeed...
the most common labor is all I need...
for I can destroy in a day or two
what takes a builder ten years to do."

So I thought to myself as I went on my way...
Which one of these roles am I willing to play?
Am I one who is tearing down as I carelessly make my way around?
Or am I one who builds with care, in order to make the world a
little better... because I was there? ~Unknown

I pray that today, This Day, I take care in building up those around me.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 13:10 (NIV) This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Romans 15:2 (NIV)  Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

The Winner!!!!

I had every intention of posting this first thing this morning. But you know....life happens. My SIL needed someone to watch her daughter for the day, so.....me and hubby answered the call. It was tough. Swimming. Reading. Snacking. Napping. Tough I tell you! lol. The one drawback.....no internet. Hence the delay. And now.....

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for entering. Thank you CSN Stores for sponsoring.

....and the winner is:

Congratulations Candace!!! Please send me an email so I can send you the $40 gift code from CSN Stores.

Candace is a new follower who left this comment: "Hi! I'm a new follower of your blog. If I won, I think I would use it to purchase some sort of yoga/pilates equipment or maybe a kettlebell. I seriously need to get in shape. I look forward to getting to know you! Candace"

I'm looking forward to learning more about Candace too. One thing we already have in common is the desire to get in shape. Let me see a show of hands of everyone who wants to be more active. Yep. Just as I suspected. Pretty much all of us. If you don't know Candace, please hope over to her blog: Mi Chiamo Candace and say "hello" and "congratulations."

Thank you again for joining in the fun.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 1:22 (NKJV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Last Chance to Enter Giveaway!

Just hopping On to remind everyone of my fantastic giveaway from CSN Stores. You have until midnight tonight to comment on this post.

Right now....I'm off to split the wind on my scooter with my awesome husband.

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:114 (NKJV)  You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.