Monday, January 31, 2011

Monday Musings - The New Librarian

The new librarian decided that instead of checking out children's books by writing the names of borrowers on the book cards herself, she would have the youngsters sign their own names. She would then tell them they were signing a "contract" for returning the books on time.

Her first customer was a 2nd grader, who looked surprised to see a new librarian. He brought four books to the desk and shoved them across to the librarian, giving her his name as was the custom.

The new librarian pushed the books back, smiled, and told him to sign them out. The boy carefully printed his name on each book card and then handed them to her with a look of utter disgust. Before the new librarian could even start her speech he said scornfully, "At least that other librarian we had could write."

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

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 86:5 (NIV)  You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Project 365 Week 5

January is almost over. Hopefully, the cold and snow will go with it. Here's one picture that didn't make the cut for the weekly photos, but one I really like.

I love barns. This one caught my eye as the hubs and I were driving. Well, he was driving. I was scanning the scenery. Anywhoo, this particular barn caught my eye. Do you see it too? The cross on the roof of the barn? Look closely. I almost missed it in this drive by shooting. ahaha

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. For all of this week's pictures, please stop by my photo blog, ShutterClicks.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 20:26 (NKJV) And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Friday, January 28, 2011

Definitions by the Alphabet



I'm joining Kim at Homesteader's Heart for Friday Funnies; and Java at Never Growing Old for Follow Friday 40 and Over.

ADULT: 
A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle.  

BEAUTY PARLOR: 
A place where women curl up and dye.  
  

CHICKENS: 
The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead.  

COMMITTEE: 
A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours.  

DUST: 
Mud with the juice squeezed out.  

EGOTIST: 
Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation.  

HANDKERCHIEF: 
Cold Storage.  

INFLATION: 
Cutting money in half without damaging the paper.  

MOSQUITO: 
An insect that makes you like flies better.  

RAISIN: 
A grape with a sunburn.  

SECRET: 
Something you tell to one person at a time.  

SKELETON: 
A bunch of bones with the person scraped off.  

TOOTHACHE:  
The pain that drives you to extraction.
  

TOMORROW: 
One of the greatest labor saving devices of today.  

YAWN: 
An honest opinion openly expressed.  


And MY Personal Favorite!!
  

WRINKLES: 
Something other people have,  
Similar to my character lines.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 4:24 (NKJV) God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Go TEAM! HodgePodge


That's right. The Playoffs are over and two teams have emerged triumphant: the Greenbay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Our lovely host, Joyce From This Side of the Pond wants to know:

1. Will you watch the Super Bowl? If so who will you root for? If you are outside the USA what is the 'big deal sporting event' in your own country? Me? Watch the Super Bowl? Absolutely! Here's how big a football fan I am. The Green Bay/Chicago game is minutes from starting. My cell phone rings. It's my dad. "So, who are you betting on?" Me, "I'm not betting on anyone." Dad, "Oh come on. I know you're rooting for one of them." Me, "Yes. I think Green Bay will win. Chicago has been surprisingly good. But I think Green Bay will pull it off." The Super Bowl? I'm not a huge Steelers fan, so I'm going with Green Bay. Go PACK! Have you seen Aaron Rodgers? No? Let me help you out. This is Aaron with my friend, Abby (she's the brunette on the left). She was in Green Bay attending a meeting a couple years ago when this was taken.

2. Is ignorance bliss? I don't know about it being bliss, but in some instances you are better off not knowing everything. Case in point. My hubby works at the prison. One of my best pals is married to a police officer. There are things about their jobs we are just better off not knowing.

3. Which of the seven dwarfs are you? (and just in case your Disney is a little bit rusty, here they are-Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy) Happy!

4. When you are riding in the car with another couple how do you organize the seating? (Men up front? Women up front? Couples sit together?) And thanks to Lori at Mountain Woman at Heart for the question! Everyone go say hi to Lori. HI LORI!!!! I'd have to say that more times than not, the men are in the front.

5. What is beauty? The inner godly qualities of compassion, love, hope, nobility, integrity, faith that shine through and enrich the lives others.

6. If someone asks you to bring an appetizer or a dessert to a party in their home, which would you choose? Does a bottle of wine count? lol. No? Then I would choose a dessert.

7. What is your crowd pleasing go-to appetizer?My homemade salsa and chips.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I was updating my calendar today. I love having a busy life. I must, because I have something scheduled three nights out of five every week. I already have four different vacations planned with dates set. I have three more to get scheduled. Who else has their 2011 calendar filling up with commitments before January is over?

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. If you'd like to link up with your own answers to the HodgePodge, please visit our lovely hostess, Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Monday, January 24, 2011

A Battle is Won but the War is not Over

A sign of relief. Actually, a heavy sigh. Ahhhhhh! Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out. Breath in. Breath out. Are you breathing with me? If you are, you are also breathing with Joanne. Because today, This Day, she is breathing on her own for the first time since she was hospitalized on January 11.

When I read earlier today that she was awake. Opening her eyes. Moving her right hand. Moving her left hand. Giving a "thumbs up." Moving her toes. I was overcome with joy. I wept with gratitude. Praise the One who made it all happen.

If you don't have a clue who I'm talking about, Joanne at The Simple Wife is a beautiful child of the King. A 38 year old wife and mother who suffered a severe stroke on January 11. She is a testimony to God's grace, love, and mercy. Her family has opened their hearts and lives to the blogging community. They have kept us current with Joanne's vitals, progress, set backs, and prognosis. This family needs our prayers.

There is another family who needs our prayers. Needs a miracle from God. The Great Physician. The Healer of body and spirit. This family has not received as much attention in the blogosphere as Joanne, but their need is just as urgent. My dear blog peep, Penny's Aunt Betty is at the Cancer Treatment Center in the Chicago area. Betty has been diagnosed with an aggressive small cell cancer that has spread to her lungs, brain, kidney, and liver. I do not know what type of treatment she is receiving. What I do know is that this family needs prayer.

Please join me in lifting up these precious ones before God. Thanking Him for their healing. Praising Him that through these two, others will come to know the Lord, and that He will be honored and glorified.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NKJV)  Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

It's The Creeping Crud

And, it's creeped it's way into my house. Into me, to be more precise. My throat is scratchy. My head hurts. My body aches. I'm running a temperature. Ugh! This is day two. I'm worse today than I was yesterday.




urbandictionary.com:

creeping crud
military slang for highly contagious virii such as colds, stomach bugs, etc. that leave a person with any debilitating combination of non-stop runny nose, coughing up heavy phlegm, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme muscle weakness/pain, etc. The "creeping" part refers to the fact that it seems to make its way through ALL of the ranks eventually.


I hate being sick. Will a trip to the doctor help? I don't know, but I think I'll try to get in to see him tomorrow. I'll be back as soon as I feel better. Pray for my husband. I'm a whiny patient. And, please pray that he doesn't get it.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV)  Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Stirring the Pot - Poached Pears with Vanilla

This lovely recipe satisfies several food blog hops. Since I'm new to this game, I hope I get them right. This recipe is a prime example of the ease of cooking with Mark Bittman. His cookbook, How to Cook Everything 2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food is my new favorite. I must confess that my blog peep, Pam @ Sidewalk Shoes is the one who introduced me to this awesome cookbook. Thanks Pam! 


Let's get to the important part.....the recipe.

Poached Pears with Vanilla
Makes: 4 servings
Time: about 20 minutes, plus time to cool

Pears can be poached at any stage of ripeness, with sugar added to the cooking water making up for any lack of fully developed natural sugars. So even with an unripe pear, this becomes an impressive, light dessert.

Other fruits you can use: apples, apricots, peaches, nectarines, kumquats, or pineapple.

2 1/2 Cups Sugar
1/2 Vanilla bean, split lengthwise, or one 3-inch cinnamon stick
5 Cups Water
4 Pears

1) Combine the sugar and vanilla or cinnamon with 5 cups water in a medium saucepan (large enough to accommodate the pears) over high heat. Peel the pears leaving their stems on. Core them by digging into the blossom end with a melon baller, spoon, or paring knife.

2) Lower the pears into the boiling water and adjust the heat so that it simmers gently. Cook, turning the pears every 5 minutes or so, until they meet little resistance when prodded with a thin-bladed knife, usually from 10 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool in the liquid.

3) Transfer the pears to serving plates. (At this point, you may cover and refrigerate the pears for up to a day; bring to room temperature before serving.) Reduce the poaching liquid to a cup or less (this can also be stored for a day), then spoon a little over each pear before serving.

You can see the beautiful red pears I selected for this recipe. I did switch up the order of peeling and coring. I figured it would be easier to dig the core out before I peeled the pears. I'm so glad I did. The skin gave me a better hold on the pear. Otherwise, it would have been slickery.

Here are the tools I used for this recipe:
Pretty basic. This coring tool is a Pampered Chef product. They no longer have this exact item. But they do carry something similar. The Core & More. I use this for strawberries, tomatoes, and now, pears. If you're interested, I'm having a PC catalog show that is open through the end of the month. Your order will be shipped directly to you. Email me for details.

I'm at the "cool in the liquid" stage of this recipe. After the poaching liquid is reduced, I'll take a photo of the finished product. In the meantime, here's what they looked like when they were simmering away. You can see the vanilla bean and seed specks floating in the poaching liquid.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

This will be my entry for Make It With ...... Mondays #2 Vanilla

MakeItWithMondays

This is also my entry for Tackling Bittman Recipe Blog Hop here:

 TacklingBittman

and here:

Tackling Bittman Recipe Hop at A Moderate Life

and for the Mark Bittman Food Matters Cookbook giveaway at girlichef .

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Sunday, January 16, 2011

What do P365 and 12 Days Have in Common?

Not a stinking thing. They are two things I absolutely need to get posted today. Let me start with Project 365. We're in Week 3. You can view the pictures on my photo blog ShutterClicks.

12 Days? You may or may not remember that I participated in a swap for Christmas. Honestly, I'd be surprised if you remember, it's been so long ago. I feel horrible that I did not get the post up for this. The swap was super fun and my swap partner is an exceptional gal who I'm sure we'd be friends in real life. She's just precious.

My first duty for the swap was getting to know my swap buddy, Jen at The Best Is Yet To Come. The first thing I noticed right off? She's a girl. ahaha. I know. My powers of observation amaze even me sometimes. The second thing I noticed is that we are both foodies. We love food. Love to cook food. Love to eat food. Love to share food. I guess you could say we have a food fetish. You know. It's a thing with us.

From Jen's posts, it's easy to tell she is an excellent writer and has an outstanding sense of humor. It is also evident that she has a heart for God. I knew this swap would be tons of fun. I was not disappointed.

I had every intention of opening the gifts and taking pictures every day of the swap. Ha! That did not happen. Not even close. I did take a few pics that I'll share.

First, let me say that I loved each item Jen selected for me. It was obvious she put thought and heart into her selections. When I opened the huge box she sent, each gift was wrapped in a red napkin, held together by a gold napkin ring, and tagged with the gift number. How awesome is that? Such a clever idea. Even the gift numbers are adorable.

Here take a look for yourself. Below are a few photos of the delightful gifts:









The miniature nativity is just adorable. Hand sanitizer, body lotion, chocolate. What girl wouldn't love those? I love tea. How did Jen know that? She gave me delicious tea in single bags that I can take on my travels. A lovely "Hope" mug. Best of all, Friendship Tea she shared that is a family recipe. YUMMMM!

She also gave me recipe cards, a holder, snowflake candle holder plus candles, an adorable Santa toy bag filled with Hershey's kisses, and a delightful ornament for my tree.

Thank you, Jen for being my swap buddy. I learned so much from you. I would that we lived closer. I'd love to meet you face to face. Perhaps one day, God will arrange that for us. You never know. Thank you also, Sami at Symmetry in Motion for hosting the swap. I apologize for not posting this sooner.

If you have the time, please stop by Jen's and Sami's blogs. These sweet women have such a heart for the Lord and for sharing His love with others.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Friday, January 14, 2011

My Housecleaning Philosophy



I don't do windows because...
I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.

I don't wax floors because...
I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible ( plus they may sue me.)

I don't mind the dust bunnies because...
They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because...
I want every creature to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because...
I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous.

I don't put things away because...
My husband will never be able to find them again.

I don't do gourmet meals when I entertain because...
I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because...
I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press."

I don't stress much on anything because...
"A Type" personalities die young and I want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I'm So Over Living in a Snow Globe HodgePodge



1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to mis-use, over-use or just general uselessness and they receive over 1000 nominations. Here are the fourteen words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2011-viral, epic, fail, wow factor, a-ha moment, back story, BFF, man up, refudiate, Mama Grizzlies, The American People, facebook/google when used as verbs, I'm just sayin', and Live life to the fullest.

What word or phrase would you like to see banished from our everyday vocabulary in 2011? You can choose one from the 'official list' or you can get creative and come up with your own. I'm so over "that." You hear it all the time. Even I use it. I've been using it a lot lately. "I'm so over winter." "I'm so over cold weather." Good grief. Who isn't?

2. Do you consider opportunity something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? God presents opportunities to us. It is up to us to recognize them, accept them, and walk in them.

3. Since we're all eating healthy this month, ahem, what's included in your favorite salad? Is there dressing? Ha! Salads healthy! Bleh! Dark Chocolate! Now that's healthy. ahahaha

4. The fourth Monday in January is said to be Blue Monday...aka the most depressing day of the year. The date was calculated using many factors including weather, debt level, time since Christmas, time since we've failed at our new year resolutions, low motivation and feeling a need to take action. Do you get the blues this time of year and if so what is something you do to lift your spirits? I plan for spring. I'm working on where to move my raised vegetable garden. The veggies and herbs that will be grown this year. Where to ride my motorcycle on short overnight trips. That makes my heart happy just thinking about it.

5. Do you wear a watch? Any other everyday jewelry essentials? At home I wear no jewelry. None. Who needs a watch in the house when almost every single appliance and electronic gadget has a clock on it? But, when I leave the house? Watch, wedding ring, earrings, two necklaces. Yes. Two necklaces. It's just what I wear every day.



6. What is something useful you learned in high school? That being different really is the norm.

7. Do you use an accountant when completing and filing your income tax returns or do you attempt to muddle through all by yourself? Absolutely.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm having a Pampered Chef catalog show this month. You can place an order through my consultant's website and have the products shipped directly to you! How cool is that? I love technology. If you'd like more information about placing an order and what FREE products are being offered this month, just let me know in your comment or email me directly. You can place an order from now to the end of the month.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. If you'd like to link up with your own answers to the HodgePodge, please visit our lovely hostess, Joyce From This Side of the Pond.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV, ©2010) See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Project 365 - Week 2

I'm participating in the Project 365 again this year. I did this in 2009. It was great fun. I took the year off in 2010 to complete the requirements for my bachelor's degree.

Now I'm ready to take on the challenge again. What is the challenge? I'm so glad you asked. Take a photo each day. Post the pictures for the week on Sunday.

All my pictures are posted on my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. We'll see how I do. I want to get better with my new DSLR so I'm taking another photography class this semester. I've chosen a different instructor. I'm hoping to get challenged with assignments. We'll see. But, I don't always have my digital camera with me. I do, however, carry my Nikon Coolpix with me everywhere. So the quality of pictures will be different.

Anywho, if you'd like to see what I've been up to each week just click on the Canon 7D camera on my side bar or click here. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 9:28 (NKJV)  And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

Friday, January 7, 2011

Stirring the Pot - Tackling Bittman



My blop peep Pam at Sidewalk Shoes is hosting a recipe hop called Tackling Bittman Recipe Hop. This is my first blog hop of this type. I'm excited yet scared. Excited to try new recipes. Scared that I'll somehow mess this up.

My hubby and I were at the grocery store tonight trying to decide what to have for dinner. He chose center cut pork chops. When we got home, the first thing I did was go to the index of my new Mark Bittman cookbook How to Cook Everything 2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food. The Skillet Pork Chops Eight Ways looked like an easy method so I went for it. Here's the basic recipe:

4 shoulder or center-cut loin pork chops, about 1 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon minced garlic or 2 tablespoons minced challot, onion, or scallion
1/2 cup chicken, beef, or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon butter or more olive oil (especially if it's flavorful)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice or vinegar
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

1) Sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper. Put a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the olive oil; as soon as the first wisps of smoke rise from the oil, add the chops and turn the heat to high. Brown the chops on both sides, moving them around so they develop good color all over, no longer than 4 minutes total and preferably less.

2) Reduce the heat to medium. Add the wine and the garlic and cook, turning the chops onjce or twice, until the wine is all but evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the stock, turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, gturning the chops once or twice, until the chops are tender but not dry. When done, they will be firm to the touch, their juices will run just slightly pink, and, when you cut into them (which you should do if you're at all unsure of their doneness), the color will be rosy at first glance but quickly turn pale.

3) Transfer the chops to a platter. If the pan juices are very thin, cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced slightly. If they are scarce (unlikely), add another 1/2 cup stock or water; cook, stirring and scrapping the bottom of the pan, until the liquid is reduced slightly. Then stir in the butter or a few drops of oil over medium heat; add the lemon juice, pour over the chops, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Of the eight ways to prepare them this is what I selected: Pork Chops with Mustard. In Step 3, stir in 1 tablespoon or more of Dijon mustard with the lemon juice (some capers are good here, too, as is a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce). Finish as directed.

My variation: My hubby does not drink alcohol, so I substituted stock for the wine. I also added lemon zest and used some of my basil herb white wine vinegar.

The result? Delicious! The hubby is a fan. Here's a pic of the end result. Baked potato and pork chop with mustard sauce. Salad on the side that didn't make it into the photo.



Thank you Pam at Sidewalk Shoes for hosting this fun blog hop. If you'd like to participate, please go here and read the guidelines. Thanks for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

Pay It Forward 2011

Tuesday, Jennifer at A Beautiful Life posted the following message:

I promise to send something handmade

to the first 3 people who leave a comment here.

To be eligible, you must also post this in your blog,

offering the same thing to 3 other people.

The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it

must be sent to your 3 people *sometime* in 2011. 

How great an idea is this? I'm so excited to participate. I'm hopeful that you will all join in and share the love. Honestly, I have absolutely no idea what I will be sending out. Because if you have followed me for any length of time, you know that I don't have a crafty bone in my body. Not one! But I believe God will honor this and give me a fabulous idea.

After I see who *wins* I will give you a deadline of when to expect this beautifully handcrafted item. If I don't set a "due date," I'm afraid I'll procrastinate and forget to do it. I think this is awesome, and I don't want to mess it up.

I think this will be fun, and I hope you join in. Ready. Set. GO!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 15:2 (NKJV) Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Out with the Old, In with the New HodgePodge


As we welcome in 2011, we say goodbye to 2010. It was a good year. But it's time to move forward.

1. What three words would you use to describe 2010? Exciting. Celebratory. Over.

2. If fear were not an issue what is something you'd like to try? Skydiving. It's not so much jumping out of the plane that concerns me. It's hitting the ground. ahahaha

3. What do you add to your coffee or tea? Nothing. Nada. Zip. I drink mine straight up, thank you.

4. What historical sporting event would you like to witness? The Super Bowl. Really.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give your sixteen year old self? Don't do it.

6. Are you a planner or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants? Actually, I swing both ways. lol Surprised? I plan when to do things, but not down to the nth degree. If an opportunity presents itself, I am all about it.

7. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2011? My next adventure. Wanna come along? It's sure to be fun. In 2011, I'm hoping to travel to Tucson, AZ; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Daytona, FL; and a motorcycle trip to a place yet to be decided.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Travels to Houston, TX and Europe are on the calendar for 2012. I've never been across the pond. I'll be looking to you, Joyce, for some suggestions. 
 
Thank you for stopping by and visiting. If you'd like to join in with your own answers to these random questions, hop on over to Joyce's spot From This Side of the Pond, and link up.
 
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Micah 6:8 (NKJV) He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? 

Monday, January 3, 2011

2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team

This year, like so many others, I am going to participate in the Living Proof Ministries "Siesta Scripture Memory Team" challenge. The challenge? Commit to memory 24 scripture verses that are relevant to me. On the 1st and the 15th, you post your verse selection along with the reference and translation on the LPM blog.

Then in January 2012, I am hoping to attend the Siesta Scripture Celebration. Several of my blog peeps have done this challenge. Some of you, like me, are taking up the challenge for the first time.

For official rules on how you can participate, go here.

This is going to be a challenge in many aspects for me. Yet, I believe it is something that will strengthen my walk with Jesus.

Have you participated in this challenge previously? Did you attend the Siesta Scripture Celebration? Are you participating this year? Please let me know your thoughts and experiences. If you would like to join in go here to post your first verse.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 3:3 (NKJV)  But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Polar Bear Run 1/1/11

That's right. A polar bear run. On motorcycles. In 30 degree weather. While sleeting at times. Which just seems crazy. Yesterday it was in the 60s. There were severe thunderstorm warnings. Tornadoes nearby.Today is was cold.

God doesn't ask us to do the ordinary. He does the extraordinary while using ordinary people. That's how I felt today. The weather was extraordinary. Cold. Normally, I would not ride my Harley under such conditions. I'm a fair weather rider. I like it warm. But joining this group, wearing our Christian Motorcyclists Association colors let these people see that Christians are not sissys. We are tough. We enjoy the same things they enjoy. We just have a different motivation. A different set of standards we live by.




Today was the first of many days yet to come where God was brought glory and honor by the actions of the ordinary.

May others see the extraordinary of God in the ordinary of you today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Welcome 2011!

Photobucket
Many people resolve to do many things as the date turns from one year to another. I saw, what stops a person from making a change today, This Day? No matter what that day happens to be. March 2 or June 14 or September 22. Is one day any better than another to make changes?

This year, 2011, I resolve that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, regardless of the cost to me and without any consideration of the time involved. I resolve to do whatever I think to be my duty for the good of mankind in general regardless of the difficulties I meet.

WOW. That seems like quite a tall order. Don't you think? But really. It think it boils down to bring glory and honor to God through my words and my actions. I want to see people and their needs through the eyes of Jesus and help meet that need whenever possible. Whether it is a kind word or small act of help. Baking a meal for someone who is home bound. Reading a passage to an elderly person who has difficulty seeing. Visiting your new neighbor with a plate of cookies and a warm smile.


Lord, open my eyes to see the need and give me the tools to meet that need. In Jesus name. May your days in 2011 be blessed with opportunities to help others see the love of Jesus.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV) 18 “ Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.