Two Year Blogiversary Giveaway

I can not believe that I have been blogging for two years. That just seems crazy to me. As I look back to some of my first posts compared to those of the past few months, my writing style has definitely changed. Improved. I'm more myself. Though I still find times when I sit at the key board, type out random and disjointed thoughts, delete them, and wonder why anyone would find interesting what I have to say or current events in my life. Yet, you continue to stop by and visit. You leave me encouraging comments. You hang with me. You are my friends.

So to thank you for hanging with me, I am holding a $35 CSN Gift Code giveaway plus another surprise. If you're not familiar with CSN Stores, they have tons of items from coffee tables to lighting, cookware to luggage. I mean, who wouldn't love some new luggage to travel with during the holidays; or anytime for that matter.

GIVEAWAY: Entering is simple. One, you have to be a follower. Once you are a follower just leave me a comment on this post. That's it. You're officially entered to win.

This contest ends Sunday, December 5 at midnight (CST) and is open to US entrants only. Sorry. All entries must be in by then. The winner will be announced shortly after that.

Thank you so much for sticking with me these past two years. I'm excited to see where God takes me in the future.

Peace and Joy,
SusanD

Psalm 136:1 (NIV)  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

First Sunday of Advent

Today is the first day of Advent. But what does that mean? Once site described it as this:

THE First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. The color of liturgical vestments is purple symbolizing the character of the season which is one of repentance and conversion. But unlike the season of Lent, Advent season emphasizes that we must repent for the coming of the Lord is near. The season of Advent is an opportune moment for us to prepare for the coming of Christ on Christmas and for His second coming. We must all eagerly anticipate this coming by making our hearts renewed and filled with love and goodness.


The readings in today’s liturgy urge all followers of Christ to be vigilant for we know not the time of the coming of the Lord. We must all be watchful so that when Christ comes, we will be ready to meet Him.

The First Reading reminds us that we can prepare for this by always being attentive to the word of God. By listening to God’s word, our hearts will be likened to His – a heart that has compassion and love for all. God’s heart knows no bounds and He welcomes all. We must be inclusive in our relationships and learn to acknowledge the goodness that is in other people’s hearts.


The Second Reading talks about giving up vices and exercising self-control as a way of preparing oneself for Christ’s coming. It means that if we are with Christ, we will do what is right and good and reject what is evil and untrue. It also means that we must live in the spirit of God and not in human desires. The Gospel’s message is very clear: Know what will happen when Christ comes and not focus on what the world dictates.

As we begin the season of Advent, let us focus on our internal preparations for Christmas and for the coming again of Jesus. Let us intensify our spiritual preparations lest we forget that the reason for the season is the Mystery of Incarnation of God’s Son. Let us not be distracted by the outward preparations for Christmas. May this Advent Season indeed make us ready to meet Jesus, our Lord.

Thank you for joining me in celebrating this Advent Season?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV©2010) Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Enough is Enough

That's right. I've had enough of Thanksgiving. Fall. Harvest. blah. blah. blah. It's time to bring on Christmas. New background. New posts. New music. Starting with this:



The house is decorated. The tree is up and partially decorated. Christmas music resounds throughout the house. Please join me in celebrating the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Hello, We're the Griswolds

Thanksgiving dinner was delicious. The turkey was juicy and flavorful accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, green beans, corn, and cranberry sauce. And of course rolls. So what was so "Christmas Vacation" about the dinner? The rolls. Not even kidding. But let me set the scene.

The table is brimming with food. Everything looks delicious and smells heavenly. My hubby is to my left, my daughter to my right. My SIL, niece, and "the cousin" grace the other seats at the table. We're passing food and filling plates. I ask for the rolls. The hubby starts poking fun at the shape of some of them. My SIL, who baked the rolls, explains that the cellophane stuck to the dough causing them to be misformed. Reasonable. I take my roll. It looks a little brown on the bottom and feels a little ummm hard. No biggie. A little butter or gravy will cure that. I place my thumbs on the bottom to separate the roll. My thumb implodes the roll as bread crumbs fall onto my mashed potatoes.  I get the roll open to find an outer shell with little interior. The husband looks at me and says, "Griswold Rolls." ahahahaha

For those who don't understand the reference....here the clip from the movie:


 Do you have a funny story of something that was said or done at your Thanksgiving? We'll definitely remember the "Griswold Rolls." 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Thanksgiving Alphabet

T...Turkeys, tablespreads, being together,
H...Happiness and homes to protect us from all weather,
A...Aunts and uncles, a reunion in Fall,
N...Nieces and nephews, family members all!
K...Kind-hearted kin coming over for dinner,
S...Surely you'll have fun, but you won't get thinner!
G...Gourds and pumpkins, mouths open wide.
I...Indians and Pilgrims we remember with pride.
V...Very special times-there could even be snow.
I...Imagine what it was like at Plymouth long ago.
N...Never forget how the settlers led the way,
G...Giving thanks and blessing this special day.

Author Unknown

~~~~~~~~

T is for turkey on Thanksgiving Day,
H is for "Hurry, I'm hungry!" we say.
A is for Auntie, she works and she mends,
N is for Native American friends.
K is for kitchen, the oven's on low,
S is for silverware, set in a row.
G is for Grandma, the one we love most,
I is for inside, where we're warm as toast.
V is for vegetables, eat them we try,
I is for icecream on top of the pie.
N is for never do we have enough dressing,
G is for Grandpa, who gives thanks for our blessings. 

~~~~~~~~

All in a Word

By Aileen Fisher 

T for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.
H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.
A for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.
N for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.
K for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.
S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds.
That spells ~~~THANKS---for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.

~~~~~~~~

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 95:2 (NIV) Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

Hodgepodge Thanksgiving Buffet Style

That's right, it's time to join my blog peep, Joyce From This Side of the Pond in our weekly hodgepodge of questions. Naturally, the theme this week evolves around Thanksgiving, food, and traditions. Here's what Joyce wants to know:

1. If you had known what they knew then, would you have boarded the Mayflower? Absolutely! Anyone who's reads my blog even for a short time learns quickly that I'm the adventurous type. I ride my own Harley for cryin out loud. I actually camped in the Rocky Mountains one New Year's Eve. I moved to a large metropolitan city and purposely got lost just to see if I could find my way back home.

2. How far have you traveled on a boat and how do you feel about boats in general? I've traveled up the Mississippi River, down the Ohio River, and through the lock and dam at Lake Barkley; but, I've never been on the ocean. I so want to take a cruise or cross the ocean.

3. What traditions have you kept, acquired thru marriage, and/or tossed? If you're single what are some of your family's favorite Thanksgiving traditions? Thanksgiving is about the same today as it was when I was growing up. Lots of food shared with family and friends being thankful for all the God has blessed us with.

4. What time is dinner and how many will be round your table? And what is the one side dish you cannot do without on Thanksgiving day? Because of the hubby's work schedule, we are eating early.....eleven. Then those who remain will pretty much graze the rest of the day. ahaha. My grandmother's orange salad is the one side dish that is a must at all holiday dinners. I'll get the recipe up before Christmas for you. It's a must!

Yes, I know it goes against all I believe in to ask for 'just one', but I made up for it by asking three questions here.

5. Have you ever used a fire extinguisher? Do tell.... Fire extinguisher? No. But I have set off the smoke alarms more times than I can count.

6. Tell about a situation that caused you dreadful trepidation and feet dragging, only to realize later it was a true blessing. I cannot think of one situation off the top of my head. I'll think on it and update if I come up with anything.

7. Baked, sweet, mashed, hash browned or french fried...which one's your favorite? Smashed with butter, milk, a little cream cheese, and roasted garlic. Garnished with chives.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I always start the Christmas season watching this:



Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and visit. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV, ©2010) ⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Over the River and Thru the Woods to Christmas Swapping I Go

I'm so ready for some Christmas. I've been planning my IRL Annual Cookie Exchange for months. Most everything is in place. The menu is prepared. The appetizers have been tested. The decorations are up. Well, except for the tree. That comes out today and decorated with the grand-boy this weekend.

So my blog peep, Shortmama posted that she is participating in The 12 Days of Christmas Swap. Ok, I'll bite. I'm hopped over to see what the swap is all about, and I'm joining in with Sami and Evelyns fun swap. Want to know more? Your curiosity is peeked and you want to play along? Click on the button below and get signed up! Hurry. You don't have much time. Today, November 23 at noon is the deadline.



Whether or not your participate in the fun swap, do something unexpected for someone today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Monday Musings - Turkey Talk

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a blessed week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Corinthians 1:4-5 (NIV) I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—

Hodgepodge = Mishmash

I'm joining in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by my blog peep Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

1. What is the most amazing weather you've ever seen? The hubs and I were right in the middle of a derecho in May 2009. We took shelter in the bay of a car wash. We watched huge branches whiz by as trees were bending and swaying in the 106+ mile per hour winds.

2. What is a sound or noise you love? My hubby's ringtone. I love it when he calls me. We communicate on the phone a lot. It's essential when you work different shifts and have different days off.

3. Do you like seafood? What's your favorite seafood dish? I like seafood as an entree. I don't want it with pasta or in a sauce or in soup. Generally, I'm not one of those finicky eaters who totally segregates the food on their plate; but, when it comes to anything fishy....I don't want it cooked with any of the other food I'm eating. 

4. What part of your day requires the most patience? All of it. Just sayn. lol

5. What's your favorite shade of blue? It's a toss up between sky blue and ocean blue.

6. Do people underestimate you? I'm not sure. I've never asked that question.

7. When was the last time you had butterflies in your stomach? Right before embarking on my first ever overnight motorcycle trip. That was back in July of this year.

8. Insert your own random thought here, and remember...I have a wooden spoon and I'm not afraid to use it. I have a couple of random thoughts for today. 1) Are you ready for the royal wedding? Isn't it exciting to see Prince William engaged...to a commoner? And, she's wearing the stunning sapphire ring Princess Diana wore. 2) I'm already playing Christmas music and decorating my house for Christmas. Getting the tree up is next. Yes, I know it's not even Thanksgiving. Don't even care about that. We always have the Thanksgiving meal at my SILs. Christmas is at our house. I'm just trying to get a little of the game. lol.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Before you hop over to Joyce's to read some of the other HodgePodge participants, be sure to scroll down to read yesterday's post about my weekend and check out all the pictures at my photo blog ShutterClicks.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

A Weekend in Tennessee

There are weekend excursions in the past couple months that have yet to be posted. I get busy with other posts. I get busy with life. Sometimes, I think the story is not very interesting. Other times, sorting through the photos and getting the commentary written seems a daunting task that always takes me much longer than it should.

I spent this past weekend with someone extra special to me. She and I have know each other our whole lives. Not even kidding. Our. whole. lives.

We decided to meet at a halfway point between our homes, Crossville, Tennessee. I drove five and a half hours. She drove five hours. We met in Cumberland County Tennessee. Beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Friendly folks. Beautiful scenery. Fun shops. Food was sketchy (unless you wanted fast food, which we did not). Restaurants there keep odd hours. They close early. They open late. They close on weekends. Even Saturday. Really? We finally hit the jack pot Sunday morning for our last meal in town. We were headed to a BBQ place just outside of town which, according to the restaurant guide, was open seven days a week.WRONG. We pull into an empty parking lot. Okay, maybe they aren't open yet. WRONG. I exit the car, walk up to the door, read the sign listing the hours. Next to SUN: Closed. Really?  We turn back towards town and pass a little place called Tony's Place. There are several cars parked in front of it. We decide to give it a try. So, so glad we did. It was full of an older church crowd. White haired ladies donned with hats. You just know it's gonna be good. The food was delicious and the prices reasonable.

We did a lot of sightseeing, visiting, shopping, driving, and treasure hunting. The history of this little community is quite interesting. You can get all the facts about Crossville here. This area was staunchly divided during the Civil War. They sent roughly an equal number of troops to both sides. Because of it's central location and two major roadways, this area was easily accessible and suffered rampant pillaging. By both sides and guerrillas. This monument in the center of town lists those brave men who gave their life for what they believed. Several times, there are three to five names listed from the same family. On both sides.

An oddity of the area is the minister's tree house. It's called a tree house, but it looks like a house that swallowed a tree. It's ginormous. Made completely of scrap wood. I took photos of it from several different angles. Then, we climbed up in it. There is a chapel with a pulpit sculptured from wood. A huge cross, pews, and a choir loft surround it. There was also a lone chair. Sitting in the sunlight. Waiting for it's next occupant. A discarded trunk. And precarious floors and steps. After reaching the fourth floor, we decided we were high enough.

Sunday morning greeted us with rain. Mist. Fog. It looked dismal outside but we were determined to venture out. We were not disappointed. Similarly, even in the midst of what appears to be a trial, God shows His compassion towards us. Just look at the beauty in the dreary rain. Look at the treasure in the mist.

To see other photos, go HERE to ShutterClicks my photo blog. Or click on the camera in my side bar. Thank you for stopping by and visiting. 
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:18 (NIV) Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

An Evening with the Daughter

When the daughter was in middle school, the musical CATS was aired on our local PBS station. She fell in love with it. This was not her first experience with theatrical performances. Over time, we saw many musicals, ballets, comedies, and plays.

As soon as the movie was available, I purchased it for her on VHS. She played it so much she literally wore it out. Not even kidding. So when it was available on DVD I bought that copy for her too. She purchased the musical score on CD herself.

Wednesday night, for the first time, she saw the live performance. It was so exciting. For both of us. This is their logo followed by short clips of the most popular songs from the performance. The clip is a little on the long side, but if you watch the first minute or so you will see the wonderful make up, hear the awesome score, and glimpse the spectacular choreography. Enjoy.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 57:7 (NIV)  ⁷ My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour

 Honoring our Veterans today, This Day! Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Be sure to thank a veteran for making this possible.




Peace and Joy,
Susan

Exodus 15:3 (NIV) The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.

Inaugural Wednesday Hodgepodge

Sometime last fall, Linda @ 2nd Cup of Coffee started hosting the weekly Random Dozen. She posted 12 random questions and people like me answered on our own blogs. It was fun. I played most every week. Then Lid got taard. I so understand, but I missed it. Fade to black......

Opening scene Act two....on stage walks my blog peep Joyce. She and I met through the RD.  Joyce has decided to pick up the gauntlet and host the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Similar to the RD but different. You can read all about her reasons for starting this weekly meme here. Let's get started on the very first Hodgepodge.

1. Do you think you're more like your mom or your dad? Def my dad. 

2. Do you like roller coasters? Yes. Absolutely yes! I like the new smooth roller coasters that corkscrew more than the older wooden roller coasters that jerk you around. I like the controlled scare. The speed. The dips. The turns. The adrenaline rush. I'm a thrill seeker. I ride my own Harley. lol. 

3. How did you name your blog and do you now wish you'd thought about it maybe another five minutes before you hit publish? Would you change your blog title if it were not a huge pain in the derriere? (French makes everything sound a little nicer doesn't it?) Actually, the name This Day! came from part of my prayers during a season in my life. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, only This Day! God's grace is sufficient for today, This Day! Nope, wouldn't change it.

4. What is the best wedding gift you received? Not married? Didn't get any gifts? Then what is the best wedding gift you've given? The best gift I've given is an AeroGarden for growing herbs. I'd love to have one.

5. What is the one bill you most hate to pay? The water bill. Shouldn't water be free? And, they don't supply you with a return envelope. What a bother. Now I have to find one, address it, find a stamp (I know I have one somewhere), and remember to put it in the mailbox. ugh!

6. Is the glass half full or half empty? Hmmmm. I fill the glass. I drink half of it. It's half empty, yes? ahaha. I'm an optimist and a realist. I just can't help myself.

7. What is your favorite word? Okay okay. Calm down. How about one of your favorite words? I learned this word from PW. It's a fun word. You should try it....today, This Day! lol

Foment |ˈfōˌment; fōˈment| VERB! (geez)

Instigate. Stir up. Provoke. (Usually, stir up an undesirable or violent sentiment)

“The group was notorious for fomenting political dissatisfaction.”

“Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” –Abigail Adams

Synonyms
instigate
incite
agitate
excite
urge

Not to be confused with ferment.

8. Now, this is where you insert one random thought of your own...maybe something that struck you as funny, something that recently had you scratching your head in confusion, something that annoyed you a teensy bit, something on your to do list, something you are looking forward to, whatever. As long as it is in keeping with the friendly tone we've all come to know and love on Wednesdays then we're good. Don't make me get out my wooden spoon. Honestly, I've been scratching my eyes, rubbing my eyes, not wearing my contacts today because my eyes itch, burn, water and well, they just plain hurt. What's up with that? Shouldn't allergy season be over with by now?

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. If you'd like to join in with your own mishmash, hop on over to see Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.

Peace and Joy,

Susan 

Job 37:5-6 (NIV) ⁵ God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. ⁶ He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’

Honor Our Veterans, Honor Our Flag

The auditorium is buzzing with activity and conversations. Bleachers are filled with familiar faces and home town colors. The basketball game is about to start when the emcee asks everyone to rise for our national anthem. I stand and face Old Glory with my right hand on my heart as the music begins. I mouth the words and sing them softly to myself. My heart swells with emotion. Then I notice him. He's standing several feet from me. He seems totally disinterested in the song. He still wears his hat. What's up with that? I want to purposefully walk over and snatch it off his head.

Did you know behavior towards our flag is public law? It's true. Public Law 110-181 states "all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.

Citizens of other countries present should stand at attention. All such conduct toward the flag in a moving column should be rendered at the moment the flag passes."

Veteran's Day is Thursday. Please honor our veterans by showing respect to the flag they gave so much to protect; whether it passes by in parades or is displayed at the home town ballgame.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)  “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

TSMSS - The Grace of Jesus

It's been quite some time since I last participated in Then Sings My Soul Saturday with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders. I first learned about TSMSS from my sweet blog friend Debbie at Heart Choices. If you haven't met Debbie, be sure to hop over and give her a cheery "Hello."


Point of Grace is an outstanding trio whose heart towards God is reflected in their songs. This song is no different. I've listened to it a few times on the radio. It tugs at my heart each time. Because there absolutely is nothing greater than the grace of Jesus!



Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Whether you'd like to join in with your own TSMSS tune or discover other uplifting songs, please visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.



Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:16 (NIV) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

Did You Notice?

 Just checking to see if you have noticed the "Christmas" countdown on my sidebar. Only 49 days till Christmas.


You're welcome. :)

Peace and Joy,
Susan 

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) ⁶ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Stirring the Pot - Cookbook Winner!

Back in October, I entered to win a book from my awesome blog peep Pam at Sidewalk Shoes. Pam and I have a history. Sort of. She reviews cookbooks, recipes, and wine. I try, buy, and taste many of her recommendations. For instance, last year she posted a review on The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg. Shortly after that, I went to the local bookstore to take a look at it. Let me just say, I was not disappointed. I purchased it and refer to it frequently.

Another book that Pam recommended provided me with several new canning recipes, infused oils, and herb vinegars. I'll be writing about those in another post.

All that to say.....I WON! I WON! I was so excited when Pam announced that I was the winner of What to Drink with What You Eat by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page. When it came to my door, oh my. It's a beautiful book, chocked full of pairings. Pairings of food and beverage. Whether your beverage of choice is wine or beer, tea or water, coffee or spirits. Whatever you have on hand. The first half of the book is by food. The second half of the book is by beverage. So if you had a bottle of Sangiovese that you wanted to drink or even a root beer, you could look up what would go good with it.

Here's what the cover looks like:

Thank you, Pam, for the book, your generosity, your reviews, and your recommendations. I have not once been disappointed with anything I have tried. Looking for the perfect pairing of beverage and food for your holiday gathering? Try this book.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ecclesiastes 5:18 (NIV) This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.

Exercise......

Your right. Your privilege. Your obligation. By doing this:

"If you don't vote today, I don't want to hear your opinion tomorrow."

"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have." - Thomas Jefferson

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Luke 12:42 (NKJV) And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

Monday Musings - Corn Maze

The corn maze craze is everywhere! Have you seen them? Been to any? They seem to get more complex with each passing year. 

Here's one that very few will be able to solve: 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Have a blessed week.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV) the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,