We Have a Name

First, thank you so much for your name suggestions. We received many. We asked for names associated with military, motorcycles, or law enforcement. Here are the names we received:

Striker, Apache, Fat Boy, Deuce, Jericho, Howizer, Ryder, Harley, Scooter, Reuger, Cruiser, Chopper, Kevlar, Barney.....Fife, Rosco P Coultrain, and Trooper. 

Followed by: Throttle, Wolverines (because then if he runs away you can run into the street and yell "WOLVERINES" ahahaha. yes, I have warped friends), Shield, Sabre, Argos, and Cerberus.

The next batch of names we got included:

Ranger, Bandit, Chesty, Scud, Harley, Jasmine or Jazzy, Baxter, Butch, Jackson, Mike, Joe, Mack, Mavrick, Brusky, Bullet, Buster, Pumba, Razor, Rebel, Rex, Dexter, Sergeant, Dozer, Soldier, Flex, Hampton, Axle, Tank, Viper, Willow, Liberty, Justice, and Blaze.

We had fun with all the options. We narrowed it down to four but we just couldn't settle on one. Then we heard it. The name that would fit. Nobody else had this name or a name that sounded similar. Are you ready?

CHUMLEY!

Now some of you may be thinking of this guy from Pawn Stars:

Ummmm, No. We actually came up with the name from this old cartoon series:


Can I see a show of hands? Who knew we were talking about Tennessee Tuxedo? lol We bring home Chumley tomorrow. We're ready. I hope! Thanks for stopping by and visiting. What do you think of the name?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV) A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

A Roaring HodgePodge

That's right! March is roaring out like a lion, and April is strolling in like a ....ummm. Well, like a fool! lol. Or not. Anyhoo, here are this week's questions from our lovely host with the most....Joyce.

1. April rolls in at the end of this week and in celebration of that infamous date (April 1st) answer this question-What is something foolish you've done? ha! you're joking right? I started riding my own Harley in my late 40s. Doing foolish things is not new to this gal. Exactly how much time am I given for this question? We could add the time I camped out New Year's Eve....in a tent....in the Rocky Mountains. Or the time I quit a good job on a whim for an adventurous summer with friends in northern Michigan. Or the time.... I think you get the idea.

2. With April comes Easter and that classic edible treat known as Peeps...so tell me...what's your favorite way to fix/eat chicken? That wasn't what you were expecting, was it? I 'fooled' you. teehee. I definitely didn't expect that twist. I like chicken marinated and grilled. There are so many dishes it can be added to like pasta, salad, and burritos just to make a few.

3. What's the best museum you've ever visited? Or your favorite? Or the one you'd most like to visit? I'd have to say the Natural History Museum in Denver is the best one I've visited. But I really want to go to the Smithsonian.

4. You know what they say about April showers...what's your preference-a shower or a bath? Definitely prefer a shower. But a good soak with lavender bath salts is a luxury on occasion.

5. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder"...fact or fiction? Why? Fiction. It stresses the relationship. Though some separation is healthy in developing and strengthening a couple, long periods can alienate them from each other.

6. What's your favorite product made/grown in your home state/province? There are several. You knew I couldn't pick just one....right? Check out some of them who make a showing at the Illinois Products Expo. Some of them you can order from and have shipped directly to you!

17th Street BBQ - World Famous from my home town. 

Ropp Dairy - The best cheese from my travel buddy's home town. If you want to try some of their delicious cheese, they have an on-line store. I can even make recommendations. I love their cheese.

Wine - In my neck of the woods there is some excellent wine.

7. What is going on in the world today that affects you the most? The unrest in the Middle East, for a lot of reasons. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. I wanted something that would echo the "March is roaring out like a lion" and found this song........ "Like a Lion."

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Stirring the Pot - Turkey Tenderloins and Sweet Potatoes

I featured the picture of this tasty meal on my photography blog this past week and received several requests for the recipe. I aim to please.

Orange-and-Chipotle-Glazed Turkey Tenderloins

Serves 4

1/4 C orange juice

1/4 C juice from 2 limes

1/4 C packed brown sugar

1 T molasses

2 t minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

2 turkey tenderloins

1 T vegetable oil

2 T chopped fresh cilantro

salt & pepper

Stir OJ, lime juice, brown sugar, molasses, and chipotle in small bowl. Pat tenderloins dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. (I doubled the juice mixture cause my hubby likes LOTS of "sauce")

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Cook turkey until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add OJ mixture and cook, turning turkey occasionally, until turkey registers 160 degrees. 14 to 17 minutes. Transfer turkey to cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Simmer glaze until thick and syrupy, 3 to 4 minutes. Cut tenderloins crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices and arrange on platter. Stir cilantro into glaze and season with salt and pepper. Pour glaze over turkey. Serve.

My tips: 1) I doubled the juice mixture cause my hubby likes sauce. 2) Divide the leftover Chipotle Chiles and Adobo sauce in Ziploc snack bags and freeze for future use.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

In large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 pounds (about 3 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes, to boil covered by 1 inch of water. Reduce to simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 1/4 C orange juice, 1 tablespoon molasses, and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm. Serves 4.

I found this delicious meal in the Spring 2011 edition of 30-Minute Suppers by America's Test Kitchen. There are several recipes I will be trying from this seasonal magazine. Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Is this a recipe you'll try?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 128:2 (NKJV) When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.

Monday Musings - Following Orders

As we stood in formation at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, our Flight Instructor said, "All right! All you idiots fall out."

As the rest of the squad wandered away, I remained at attention.

The Instructor walked over until he was eye-to-eye with me, and then just raised a single eyebrow.

I smiled and said, "Sure was a lot of 'em, huh sir?"

Thanks for stopping by today and visiting. Have a great week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Hold up on ThreeSixFive Post - DNS Server Error

The server that hosts my photography blog is down. They are trying to fix it. I'm hoping to be back in business in the morning. Until then....good night.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

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

TSMSS - Blessing

It's been quite some time since I participated in Then Sings My Soul Saturday with Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders. But I just love this new song by Laura Story and wanted to share. Have you heard it?


Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Happy Birthday to the Original Myth Buster!

Some people only think of Harry Houdini as a magician. A mystic. An illusionist. But if you think about it, he was actually the first myth buster.

Houdini was born Erik Weisz, March 24, 1874 in Budapest, Hungary.  His family moved to the United States when he was only 4 years old.  Harry began his career performing card tricks and other simple slight of hand illusions. 

From card tricks and psychic cons he graduated to the acts that would make him famous around the world, illusion and escape.  Along with his new wife Bessie they premiered the illusion “Metamorphosis” in which Harry and his assistant Bessie would switch places in a locked cabinet.

It was also around this time that Harry would offer the princely sum of $100 dollars for anyone that could produce a set of handcuffs that he could not escape from.  As he toured from town to town he not only never paid out the $100 prize but also escaped from all manners of jail cell and locked room.  Harry you see had trained himself extensively as a locksmith and would often secret any number of picks upon himself that remained undetected as he set about his task of escaping. Below is Harry and is wife, Bessie, performing the Metamorphosis.

 His future name forever secured as  the world’s foremost escape artist, and a cunning illusionist, it was in the early 1920′s after the death of his mother that Houdini began dealing with the charlatans of the spirit world. When he felt the need to try and contact the spirit of his departed mother he contacted a number of mediums who he felt were taking advantage of his grief in order to extract large sums of money from him.  Given his extensive knowledge of slight of hand and illusion Houdini quickly saw through their parlour tricks becoming a crusading force in what he saw as “Vultures who prey on the bereaved.“ Below is Harry making hands that would be felt during a seance.

Harry even went so far as to make a pact with his wife that in the event of his passing he would attempt to make contact with her, if possible from the other side, giving her a secret code so that only she could verify the legitimacy of any attempt at contact.

In 1923 Houdini took time away from his stage show touring instead to give lectures against mediums and to promote his new book A Magician Among the Spirits. He also joined a panel formed by American Scientific Magazine which offered a cash reward for anyone who could prove the existence of genuine psychic gifts. Much like Houdini’s handcuff award this prize was never claimed.

Today Houdini’s legacy is carried on in many forms.  Magicians continue to debunk the spiritualists. One need only look to Penn and Teller, or The Amazing Randy for a rational and often entertaining look beyond the veil. Winnipeg’s own Dean Gunnarson is a rightful heir to Houdini’s escape crown performing many of the escapes that Houdini himself had performed with a modern twist. These are Harry's living heirs: Dean Gunnarson and James Randi.

So Happy Birthday Harry Houdini and thank you for proving to us that with the right tools, knowledge, and faith anything can be accomplished.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hayfever HodgePodge

Hayfever. Allergies. That's what Spring does to me. Ugh! Yet, there are so many more aspects to Spring that I love. Like. Singing birds. Blooming flowers. Budding trees. Riding motorcycles. So, let's see what Joyce has in mind:

1. Sunday was the first day of spring. So they say. Ahem.

What is your favorite outdoor springtime activity? Breathing. Yep. Actually, I'm thankful for that activity every single day. After having both lungs punctured (yep, at the same time) and allergies, breathing is a big deal! lol

2. Who would you want to come into your kitchen to cook dinner for you? I'd love to have Ina Garten cook dinner for me. She has such an engaging personality and cooks some amazing food.

3. When did you last fly a kite? It's been a couple years. Right now is definitely the best time of year to do that.

4. What topic puts you to sleep faster than anything? Computer manuals. Boring! lol

5. Which flowers do you associate with specific people, places, or events? I love peonies. They remind me of my grandmother.

6. What significant historical events took place during your elementary school days? JFK was assassinated.

7. Do you swear? Do you pseudo-swear? (You know crap, shoot, friggin'?) I don't swear. I rarely pseudo-swear.

8. Insert your own random thought here. We're getting quotes to either have the exterior of our house changed. It will either be resided or painted. It currently has aluminum siding. Plus have insulation blown in.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Monday Musings - Puppy

You read it right. The hubs and I are getting a dog. Well, actually a puppy. No. Not the cute little Yorkie I have been wanting. We're getting something bigger. A mutt.

He will look kinda like the picture. Except where this dog is tan our dog will be more dark gray. He's a "designer" breed. ahaha. Cross between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Lab.

OK...so the hubs isn't going for the "Hatchet" name I wanted for my Yorkie. (Yes, I wanted to name my Yorkie male "Hatchet" and my Yorkie female "Molly." I'm kinda warped that way.)

In my previous life when I was kidnapped by aliens, I owned a pair of Australian Shepherds. They were brother and sister. I named them Roy and Dale. I miss them. It has been over 10 years since I've had a dog.

Anywhoo, wanna help name our pup? Here's your chance. We have three or four names we kinda like, but nothing really stands out at this point.

Editors Note: For names, this pup is a male. 

Brainstorm. We're wanting something that fits "us." You know. Motorcycles. Law Enforcement. Military. Craziness. Help us out. There may be a prize if we choose Your name.

Can't wait to hear your comments about this.....and the names you come up with.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV) “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.    

Squirrel

What does this word conjure up for you? For me, the first thing I think of is the movie Up!. Have you seen it? It is a wonderful movie. There is one scene in particular where the main characters meet Dug the dog. Like most dogs, Dug is easily distracted by squirrels. Here....watch:



Perhaps you think of the furry, tree animal. They are cute. Somewhat. If you are into rodents. Which I am not. I don't like rodents. Not one bit. Especially when they want to make my home, theirs. That's what a particular squirrel has done.

The hubs and I were in the living room. Talking. We hear a noise. It's coming from upstairs. We investigate. It gets louder the higher we ascend. It's a gnawing. On wood. I go back to the main floor and retrieve a flashlight and step stool. The husband pushes back the trap door to the attic. Insulation and wood shavings drop from the opening. Yuck!

He cannot find the culprit but sees evidence of his intrusion. Tomorrow we are borrowing a couple of live traps. We are on the hunt for a squirrel. I'll keep you posted.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

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

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 23:1 (NKJV) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

A Blarney HodgePodge

1. What would you do if you found a pot of gold? Let's pretend this pot of gold is worth exactly $1500 (which would actually be more like a cup of gold at current values). Anyway, let's also pretend you have to spend it as opposed to making a donation someplace. Now tell me what you would do with that cup pot of gold? I'm really torn here. I'd love to buy some camera equipment. I could drop $1500 easy. But it would also go towards a car for the daughter. Such a dilemma.

2. Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in any way, shape, or form? I wear a little green. That's about it.

3. Have you been bitten by the Spring Cleaning bug? What spring cleaning job most needs doing at your house? What spring cleaning job are you most dreading? Not really been bitten yet. The next two questions get the same answer. The basement. Ugh.

4. lime-shamrock-sage-forest...your favorite shade of green? I'm more a sage kind of girl.

5. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." So...do you believe in luck or do you believe we make our own luck? I'd have to agree with Jefferson. The harder you work, the more opportunities are presented to you. Some people might call that luck. Ben Franklin said it best: "Diligence is the mother of good luck." Prepare. Take action. Expect positive results.

6. Monday (3/14) was Pi Day. Get it? Pi =3.14. Those math types are so clever aren't they? Since I'm not one of them tell me what's your favorite piE (the edible kind). Pie? I love pie. Pumpkin. Apple. Coconut Creme. I'm not that particular.

7. That same date (3/14) happens to be the birthdate of the late physicist Albert Einstein. I bet he knew the value of Pi. So...what do you think is more important and or valuable in life... intelligence or common sense? Wow, Joyce. You're really taxing the ol' brain. Definitely common sense. How else would you know to get out of the rain and not drown?

8. Insert your own random thought here. Sometimes, I jump into things with both feet without really thinking it through. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:12 (NKJV) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Underestimating God

Because God is infinite, we always underestimate Him. Logically speaking, it's an unavoidable inevitability. The Lord has no boundaries or barriers, no limits or restrictions. He is endless in direction and duration, in space and time. His unfathomable attributes are bottomless seas without shores. Our minds can't grasp the depths of His presence, majesty, power, glory, and grace. There's no ceiling to His love, wrath, wealth, and intelligence. Our minds are astonished with God, and we can no more fit Him into our thoughts than we could fit the ocean into a thimble.

There is no way for us to comprehend the fullness of His infinity. So it would seem logical to say: Because God is inestimable, we always underestimate Him.

Nothing is a surprise to God, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sees the past, the present, and the future in one glance. Whatever our thoughts are about the return of Christ and our eternal home with Him, the reality will be even better. We'll say with the Queen of Sheba that the half was not told.

In the midst of the street is life's river, clear as crystal and pure to behold; But not half of that's city's bright glory to mortals has ever been told. Jonathan B. Atchinson 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Chronicles 9:6 (NKJV) However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.

Monday Musings - Fishing Mirror

A fisherman from the city was out fishing on a lake in a small boat. He noticed another man in a small boat open his tackle box and take out a mirror. Being curious the man rowed over and asked, "What is the mirror for?"

"That's my secret way to catch fish," said the other man. "Shine the mirror on the top of the water. The fish notice the spot of sun on the water above and they swim to the surface. Then I just reach down and net them and pull them into the boat."

"Wow! Does that really work?"

"You bet it does."

"Would you be interested in selling that mirror? I'll give you $30 for it."

"Well, okay."

After the money was transferred, the city fisherman asked, "By the way, how many fish have you caught this week?"

"You're the sixth," he said.

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

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Peter 1:5-7 (NKJV) ⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

ThreeSixFive, Week 11

Another week has come and gone and with it a photo history. This is one that didn't make the cut for the 365 but I really like the picture. This is one of several motorcycles outside the local Harley dealership. I loved the reflection of the building in the faring, so a grabbed my point and shoot. Look closely. You can see the building in two different locations. You can also see me twice. lol.

I decided to add this photo here too. It's a different angle of the barn picture on my photo blog. 

If you'd like to see the pictures that did make the cut, please visit my photo blog, ShutterClicks. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Peter 1:4 (NKJV) by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

March Madness HodgePodge

1. The season of Lent begins on March 9th this year...do you participate and if so, in what way? Yes. I'm doing a couple different things this year. You can read about it here.

2. Traditionally pancakes are eaten on the day known as Shrove Tuesday which is the last day before Lent (March 8th this year). So....butter and syrup? Blueberry? Chocolate chip? ewww, no thanks!! What's your pleasure when it comes to eating pancakes? Hot cakes topped with peanut butter (I prefer chunky), dotted with butter (the real stuff), and warm syrup poured over all of it. YUMMMM! What? You've never had peanut butter on your pancakes or waffles? You so should. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

3. Spring is coming. (It is coming, right?) What's your favorite springtime flower and do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Two questions I know, but they're lightweights. Daffodils or jonquils. And, yes. I've been taking Allegra D for several days.

4. "Our opinion of people depends less upon what we see in them than upon what they make us see in ourselves." Author unknown. Agree or Disagree? Why? Ummm. Can I get back to you on this one? That's a little too heavy for my poor little overloaded brain at the moment. Thanks.

5. Since it's "March" and also the season of Mardi Gras....have you ever been in a parade? What's the best parade you've seen? Yep! Been in a few parades. You're surprised, I know. Our local parade is the best. Many, many marching bands with lots of floats and fire trucks. It's kind of a big deal.

6. You would jump up and down and shout for joy right now if someone told you___________? "I'm giving you $25 million. No strings attached." The number was the first random amount that popped into my head.

7. How clean is your car on the outside? Inside? Is there junk in your trunk? It was fairly clean, but not any more. Today's rain ruined that look. It didn't do much for my hair either. The trunk has a few necessities: umbrella, folding chairs, blanket, overnight bag. You know. Just in case.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I had this post ready to go. While I was editing, I clicked the undo button and it undid everything. AHHH!  Has that ever happened to you? Very frustrating.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV, ©2011) ⁹ He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

My Favorite Things Swap

I'm super excited to be participating in a swap of my favorite things over at Mamarazzi's. More details to follow!



Here's to new favorites and new friends.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 96:1 (NKJV) Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Lent

Do you celebrate Lent? I'd love to hear your take on this special season. During my growing up years, there was not a focus on Lent. Easter? Yes. Lent? No. Yet, the final days that Jesus walked this earth were filled with ministry, healing, prayer, preparation, and suffering. I have given up small things and, what I consider, big things.

Last year I wrote a post on 101 Things to do for Lent (Not just for Catholics). Perhaps there is something in that list that will peak your interest.

This year, I am doing two different things. The first is giving something up. Making a sacrifice. I want it to be intentional that each and every day during this Lenten season I am reminded of the sacrifice Christ made for me. The second action I am taking is to be a better steward. With my clothes. What??? Really? Let me explain.

I first ran across the idea from Sarah @ Life in the Parsonage. She took up a 30 for 30 challenge. Sarah got the idea from Kendi Everyday who is a master at this. The challenge is basically select 30 items of clothing from your wardrobe and only wear those items for 30 days. Tops, skirts, slacks, dresses, and shoes. I don't know about you, but I get into a rut with my clothes. So I go buy something. Not that I really need anything. I have plenty of clothes. Buying something new is just easier sometimes than trying to figure out what to wear.

So, since Lent is 40 days. I'm going to do 40 for 40. Select 40 items from my current wardrobe and only wear those items for the next 40 days. No buying any item of clothing.

Sound easy? I'm thinking, ummm, no. But I'm up for the challenge. I want to be a better steward and getting a handle on my clothing will ultimately curb my spending. Which in turn, will result in wiser purchases. Better stewardship. Yes?

The Lenten season starts tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9. I'd love to hear how you will be observing it this year. Thank you for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV) ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Monday Musings - Spring

That's right. Spring. It's just around the corner.

Yep, it's a groaner. But I thought it was funny. Hope you do too. Have a great week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 25:1 (NKJV) O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

ThreeSixFive, Week 10

Another week full with lots of pictures. This is one of the favorites from the week that didn't make the cut. This hitter is making contact with the ball. I love the action in this shot.

If you'd like to see the photos that did make the cut, please visit my photo blog, ShutterClicks. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NKJ) ⁶ “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Friday Confessional

I'm linking up with Mamarazzi again this week for her fun Friday Confessional. So....here goes:

I confess that I am still in a funk but working through it, pressing on, moving forward.

I confess that it's time for a change on my blog because there's a change happening in me.

I confess that it would be so much easier if commenters would enable their emails. Having an email enabled makes it so much easier to continue a conversation, reply to a question, respond to a comment. Please enable your email. Thank you.

I confess that after participating in a swap, I'm ready for another one. It was more fun than I ever imagined it would be. Plus, I made a fabulous new friend. Have any of you participated in a swap, you know, the gift kind not the mate kind.

I confess I've stayed up entirely too late working on this post and need to get to bed.

Want to make your own confession? Hop on over to Mamarazzi's. She'll explain how it's done. Thanks for stopping by and visiting today.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) ⁸ “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Marching into HodgePodge

1. March 2nd is Dr. Seuss's birthday so I'm wondering...do you like green eggs and ham? Okay-how about this instead...how do you like your eggs? Or don't you? I love an egg or three. Omelets. Egg sandwiches. Scrambled. Fried. Boiled. Yep. Definitely a fan.

2. Is March coming in like a lion or something less ferocious where you live? It's pretty chilly this morning but we're looking at a mild day with sunny skies and a comfortable 55.

3. Do you work better or worse under pressure? I'm so an under-the-gun achiever in some areas.

4. March Madness-are you a fan? It's college basketball in case you're wondering. And if you're outside the USA tell us-is there any sort of 'madness' taking place during March in your part of the world? I participate in a pool with the "elite 8" plus a regular pool. It's really the only time I pay any attention to the sport.

5. Under what circumstances do you do your best thinking? Listening to classical music. Crazy, no?

6. What item of clothing from your wardrobe do you wear most often? Is underwear considered wardrobe? Cause that's what I wear most often. As in every day. ahaha!

7. Do you use sarcasm? I think it's a hereditary trait. Not kidding. I get it from my daughter. ahaha. Actually, My dad uses it. I use it. My daughter does too. See hereditary.

8. Insert your own random thought here. This HodgePodge is doing double duty for me. You see, I was given this award by the lovely Stefanie @ Luvschrome.

Thank you so much Stefanie for the award. The rules? Thank the person who gave me the award. Check. Tell seven fun facts about myself. Check. I do believe the answers to the HodgePodge qualify. Then Pass the award on to 10 other versatile bloggers and let them know you did. While I appreciate the award, I do not pass them around. Not that I don't know of anyone deserving, I just don't want to leave anyone out. I think if your out there blogging regularly, you deserve an award. So here's to each of you. My blog peeps. I love you and think you are extraordinary.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 68:7 (NKJV)  O God, when You went out before Your people, When You marched through the wilderness,  Selah 

Throne Trip Tuesdays - En Route to Heaven

When evangelist Billy Graham turned 91, the Tennessean sent him some questions to answer. One involved the difficulties of aging. Graham said that the burdens of life remind us this world is not our final home. "My wife Ruth died almost two years ago," he said, "and every day I miss her very, very much. But someday soon we'll be together in Heaven--in God's presence forever, free from all the burdens of this life. If our hope is truly in Christ, we know we are only pilgrims on this earth, en route to our eternal home in Heaven. Old age should make us look forward with joy to heaven."¹

Heaven is real, Christ is coming, and we should discipline our thoughts accordingly. If we're pilgrims eager for an eternal city, we'll be happier, harder-working, more forward-thinking people on earth, whatever our age. Our permanence isn't on earth; we long for the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). So let's work till Jesus comes, then we'll be gathered home.

Alas! How we forget that we are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth; that we are journeying to our eternal home, and will soon be there! Octavius Winslow

This seems extraordinarily appropriate for me.Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

¹Q&A: Billy Graham Shares Wisdom, Tells Why He Loves Nashville" in The Tennessean, November 7, 2009, at tennessean.com/article/20091107/NEWS06/911070318&SectionCat=NEWS16, accessed November 8, 2009.