Spilling the Beans....

......on an awesome giveaway. Honestly, I kinda don't want to tell you about it because I'd like to win it myself. But that would be just plain selfish. So hop on over to Mamarazzi's at Dandelion Wishes to check out the giveaway.

Hope you win. Truly. Cause it would be totally awesome if one of my blog peeps won.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Hebrews 6:14 (NKJV) saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”

The Big C Celebration

Today, I'm celebrating the Big C. Celebrating that I no longer have it. Rejoicing that God removed it from me. Praising His wonderful name that for exactly five years today, This Day! I have been called a cancer survivor.

I'm also rejoicing that my dear friend Penny's Aunt Betty has been declared cancer free. The tumor is gone. The cancer is gone. Hallelujah!!!

Do you have something you are celebrating today? Shout it out and share it with me!!!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

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

We Want to Know Wednesday HodgePodge

1. What is something about living in this country that you value? 'This country' is whatever country you call home. Freedom. Your are absolutely free to make mistakes; but mistakes don't make you a failure.

2. What is a favorite something you own that is red, white, and/or blue? My Harley is burgundy and cream. And I'm blue when I don't get to ride it. Does that count?

Maybe my car for my something white.

3. Do you fly a flag at your house on patriotic holidays? Funny you should ask this question. The hubs and I were talking about this very topic just the other day. We haven't had a flag flying since we sold our house back in 2009. We flew a flag every day. On a huge pole. Lighted and everything. He has talked about putting up another pole, but that's as far as it has gotten. We will purchase one that attaches to our front porch. We will be flying a flag this weekend. 

4. What ingredients do you think should be included in a great picnic basket? My first thought is fried chicken. But I don't eat too many fried foods these days. So lets go with grilled chicken and pasta salad. Or perhaps just some fresh veggies and fruit: cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries. Add a little cheese. Some crackers. Wine. Ummmm. Are we in the car yet? I'm ready to go! lol

5. What is one interesting piece of trivia you know? Interesting is of course a relative term. If a prisoner cannot run faster than 3000 feet per second, he will not escape when the hubs is in the tower. Just sayn.

6. Wednesday, May 24th is National Escargot day...have you ever tried them? Eww or ooh? I've tried them and they don't make me yack. But I'd just rather not, thank you.

7. What is one thing you know for sure? Jesus loves me, this I know.

8. Insert your own random thought here. If you haven't checked out my photo blog lately, the hubs bought a new motorcycle.

I'm also participating with Mamarazzi this week in We Want to Know Wednesday.

This week's questions are from Seriously Shawn

{1} What must you do before you go to bed at night? Brush my teeth, wash my face, and pick out clothes for the next day.
{2} What is one thing you must snack on at the theater? Popcorn. Buttery, salty popcorn.
{3} Before going on vacation what must you do? Check to be sure the lights are out. Like three times.
{4} What is one thing you must do every day? Have caffeine. Hello. I'm Susan. I'm an addict. lol.
{5} Is there something you do that must be done in a particular order? Shower, make-up, hair, clothes.

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

Peace and Joy,

Susan

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

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Self Examination

Instead of saying that someone "gets cancer," cancer researchers now say that everyone "has cancer." In other words, there are always cancerous cells among the body's trillions of cells. Our health goal is to continually strengthen the body's immune system--our God-given shield of protection--so that rogue cells can be overcome and eliminated, removing their opportunity to multiply and spread.

Following the apostle Paul's practice of comparing the Body of Christ to the human body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31), we can apply the same strategy to maintain spiritual health: the spiritual body is only as healthy as its weakest part. Or, the local church is only as healthy as its weakest member. The admonition to the church at Sardis given by Jesus Christ applies: "Strengthen the things which remain." Physically and spiritually, we are on a lifelong quest to strengthen every cell of our body and every member of Christ's body.

The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God. A. W. Tozer

Make today a day of self-examination. Strengthen the Body of Christ by strengthening your walk with Him.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Revelation 3:2 (NKJV) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Project ThreeSixFive, Week 21!

I haven't posted any photos for this project in several weeks. Since I went to Chicago the first part of April to be exact. There are a few pictures from that trip on my photo blog along with this past week's clicks.

This is one of my favorites from the hotel I stayed at during my Chicago excursion. It's a tad dark, but I think that adds to the shot. Hope you enjoy it too. You can click on it to enlarge. If you'd like to see more pictures, click HERE or on the camera icon on my side bar.

Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

TSMSS - Stronger

The title to this song is very popular right now with more than one singer. But the words to this version by artist Mandesa speak comfort and hope.


I'm joining Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders for Then Sings My Soul Saturday. Visit her for more uplifting songs.

Do you have a favorite song today?

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Menagerie HodgePodge and We Want to Know Wednesday

1. What reveals more about a woman-her refrigerator or her purse? Well, let's see. 
Refrigerator because you are what you eat.

Or maybe. Purse because you carry what is valuable to you everywhere you go. 

You thought I could pick just one? Really? I didn't think so.

2. When was the last time you went to the zoo? Where? What's your favorite zoo animal? Last summer. We took the grand-boy to the St. Louis Zoo. It was a great time. A favorite zoo animal? One? Really? How bout least favorite? Snakes.   

3. What social issue fires you up? I'd rather not say specifically. I don't want to get into a debate about it. I will say that it is a hot topic that I'm sick and tired of being shoved down my throat as normalcy. There is a lot of truth to the saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. How sad that the American people are being bullied into accepting an ungodly belief by a very small majority. This small majority has not only infiltrated our elementary school system, they are trying to make it a crime to speak publicly about faith in God. Saying that it incites hate. Whew! Glad I'm not going to talk about that subject. ahahaha

4. Are you a coupon clipper? If so, are you extreme? Yes, I cut out coupons for items I buy regularly. Sadly, I usually forget about them until after they have expired.

5. What is one of your favorite souvenirs brought back from your travels? A rock. I use it as a paper weight on my desk.

6. Lemon meringue or key lime? Lemon meringue.

7. What is the most beautiful word you know in any language? I'm sorry. Please forgive me.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I'm working on my summer canning gotta do list. Strawberries are the first in season here. I'll be freezing some. Making shortcake. Perhaps some jam. Does anyone have a killer strawberry recipe to share? One that is your go to recipe?




I'm also joining in with Mamarazzi's "We Want to Know Wednesday."

The theme this week is things that will not likely happen but they MIGHT, so having an answer would be a good idea, you know...just in case.

I am all about being prepared. You. Are. Welcome.

{1} If you could choose a Super Power, what would it be? I was going to pick mind control, but I think being invisible would be much more fun and practical.

{2} What would be your first frivolous purchase if you were awarded a million dollars tomorrow? (and don't say "that's not a lot of money", it sounds pretentious) Rims for my Harley. I know.....kinda lame, but I've been wanting them for a while. I'm just not willing to bust up with the $$$$ for them.

{3} What would be the hardest current luxury for you to give up? My cell phone. It would be so hard to go back to long distance toll charges to talk with all my family and friends.

{4} If you were given a choice between being given great wisdom and great wealth, which would you choose? Definitely wisdom. With wisdom a person can make their own wealth.

{5} I you were to be stranded on a deserted island for 100 days what 5 THINGS would you pack? 

My Bible....to me, it needs no explanation

A cast iron skillet.....it bakes, fries, braises, and is easy to keep clean

A flint....gotta start a fire somehow

A hammock....sleeping off the ground is a big thing with me

An axe or machete.....gotta be able to build a shelter, forge a path, clean a fish

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

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV) For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Kids Say the Darndest Things

A fourth grade teacher gave her students a fun assignment. The students were to provide original endings to some famous sayings.Here are some examples of what the students submitted.

- The grass is always greener when you leave the sprinkler on.

- A rolling stone plays the guitar.

- The grass is always greener when you remember to water it.

- A bird in the hand is a real mess.

- No news is no newspaper.

- It's better to light one candle than to waste electricity.

- It's always darkest just before I open my eyes.

- You have nothing to fear but homework.

- If you can't stand the heat, don't start the fireplace.

- If you can't stand the heat, go swimming.

- Never put off 'til tomorrow what you should have done yesterday.

- A penny saved is nothing in the real world.

- The squeaking wheel gets annoying.

- We have nothing to fear but our principal.

- To err is human. To eat a muskrat is not.

- I think, therefore I get a headache.

- Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry, and someone yells, "Shut up!"

- Better to light a candle than to light an explosive.

- It's always darkest before 9:30 p.m.

- Early to bed and early to rise is first in the bathroom.

- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a blister.

- There is nothing new under the bed.

- The grass is always greener when you put manure on it.

- Don't count your chickens -- it takes too long.

 Has one of your children said something funny you'd like to share? I'd love to hear it.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 19:14 (NKJV) But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Monday Musings - Open Heart

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop.

The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage.

"Hey, Doc, want to take a look at this?"

The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I open its' heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?"

The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic.....

"Try doing it with the engine running."

I'm like that with God sometimes. I think I know the best way to do something. Or I take credit for a skill. I'm sure He laughs at me and shakes His head. It is my His mercy and grace that I am still breathing. What about you? Have you ever tried to help God? How did that work out for you? 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NKJV) As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

My New Occupation

I honestly feel like I have a second job. Chumley is growing and changing. He has grown from this on April 1st when we brought him home...

and this April 18th.....

to this May 3rd.

All this in ONE MONTH!!!! He weighed in at 11 pounds on his first visit to the vet. In that month he has almost doubled in weight and size. Oh my. He is training on loose leash walking, sit, down, stay (probably the hardest), and general good doggie manners. Some days are better than others, but progress is being made.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. What have you been up to?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

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

Happy Birthday!

That's right. It's my birthday today. I've grown from this:

to this:

Praise God for His handiwork, grace, and mercy! Have a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV) Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Hola HodgePodge

1. How many times in your life have you moved house? Zero. Nada. Not one time. They are too bulky and expensive to move. I prefer to leave the house where it is, just buy a new one, and move my stuff.

2. What subject would you study if you had a year to devote to it? French or Spanish. To truly learn the language a person needs to be embedded in the culture. You know....live there. I'm good with that!

3. What in this world breaks your heart? Where to begin? I'd rather not, it's just too; well it just breaks my heart.

4. What is one item that symbolizes the times in which we live? Why? Smartphones.

5. Share a favorite bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan. "It's time to pull over and change the air in your head!"  OR   Most auto accidents are caused by mechanical faults - the loose nut behind the steering wheel.

6. How do you like your spaghetti? Cooked! The pasta el dente. Topped with some fresh lemon juice and zest, capers, some grape tomatoes halved, a little olive oil, grate some fresh parm on top. YUMMM! Make my mouth water!  

7. What is one piece of advice you would give a recent, or soon to be recent, graduate? One? You're joking, right?

Borrow wisely. In these days of student debt and meager first incomes, it’s easy to rely on credit cards, but many students have no idea about financing’s true costs.

Embrace budgets. If you can avoid having a car at first, and split housing costs with a roommate, all the better, as your starting income is likely to be a puny number. “By the time you pay rent and utilities, there’s little left, and there’s no cafeteria card in the real world,” he said.

Obey God and leave the consequences to Him!

8. Insert your own random thought here. I have missed you all so much. Ever since my trip to FL, I'm so far behind I don't know when I'll catch up. Hoping to be back to regular blogging soon. I have tons to tell you!

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

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Faith in God

Faith in God by Shirley Dobson

April 25th, 2011
When Jesus cursed a fig tree and it withered, He used the occasion to teach His disciples first about faith, and then about prayer.

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:22-24)

As Andrew Murray notes in With Christ in the School of Prayer, “The power to believe a promise depends entirely, but only, on faith in the promiser. Trust in the person begets trust in his word.”
Just as our faith strengthens our prayer life, so do our prayers deepen our faith. Let us pray often, starting today, for a deeper, more powerful faith.

Praise God for His ability to move mountains; repent of any mountain of sin or distrust in your life; ask God to remove that mountain; yield to Him by doing your part to remove it.



Is there a mountain standing in your way? Trust God! He can move mountains.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 12:12 (NIV, ©2011) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.