Some Days Life

I feel so disconnected from this space lately. I haven't checked in with all my blog peeps in so long. I miss you all! Some days life has a way of sucking all your time and getting all up in your face.

I know I've mentioned to you before that I'm struggling to get my photography business off the ground. Oh my word! There are just not enough hours in the day for me right now. I'm burning the candle at both ends and searching for more wax. Not.even.kidding.

I would that I could stop by to visit each and every one of you. Give you a big hug. Chat for a few minutes. Pray together. So we could get all caught up. Instead......here's a big hug from me to you ((((((HUG)))))) and a prayer.

Until such time as He allows, I am trusting that His plan for me and my family is perfect.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV) ²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; ²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’

Summer Gotta Do!!!

I've kind of been working on my "things I want to do this summer" list. Working on it in my head. Nothing on paper. Time to change that! This is what last summer's gotta do list looked like and how I did on it.

Here are some of the activities I want to accomplish this summer.

Bike Trip with Jess (me and my buddy are heading out on our Harley's for a few days) This was on my list last summer too. We're actually leaving Saturday...as in TOMORROW!!!!

Mammoth Cave

Water Park

Go junking. Have you ever been? Yard sales. Estate auctions. I'm on the hunt for photography props.

Have a water balloon fight.

Go to the library. Read a book. That might not seem like a big deal, but believe me it is. To read a book, I have to actually sit in one spot for more than ten minutes.

Bake something original.

Enter baked goods/canned goods at local state fair.

Have a squirt gun fight

Picnic

Go to the pool every other weekend (at least)

Make s'mores.

Clean and organize my pantry, closet, dressers, life.

CANNING:

Strawberry Chipotle Jam (already made this)

Refrigerator Pickles

Zucchini Relish

Peach Jam

Tomato (some with basil. this stuff is amazing)
Salsa (definitely) Last year I made salsa from a recipe my sweet friend, Gigi @ *afterthoughts* shared. THANK YOU GIGI!!!! It is by far the best salsa I've ever had. I'm hoarding my last two jars.

Apple Pie Filling (definitely)

Something new (not sure what just yet, gonna search the canning book)

FREEZING:

Strawberries (done)

Blueberries

Raspberries

Peppers (green, red, yellow, hot)
Herbs

OTHER PRESERVING:
Last year, I also made herb vinegars and oils. My sweet blog peep, Pam @ Sidewalk Shoes made some and I followed suit. This stuff is wonderful! They add punch to ordinary meals. She has introduced me to exceptional recipes and cookbooks. THANKS PAM!!!


PHOTOGRAPHY:

I'm going to be taking more pictures. Developing my own style. Studying. Coming up with a unique name (future contest for this). Learning. 


That should keep me busy for a minute or two...don't you think? Something else I had on my list from last year was to start an exercise program. Commit to working out at least three time a week. I actually did that! I'm loving it. I even conned one of my friends into joining me. She lost 40 pounds. You can read about that HERE and see the pictures I took of her.

What are your summer plans? Going camping? Taking a vacation? Where do you/will you go? Doing a stacation?  Please share. I can't wait to read all your comments when I get back. Until then, I'll miss you all.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

30 x 5 Challenge

I and several of the Challengettes have been working together to get moving. Lidna over at 2nd Cup of Coffee started this as a two week challenge on March 26. We each pledged to get moving 30 minutes a day for 5 days each week for two weeks. Easy enough.



After that came a second challenge and Phase 2. We were still moving 30 minutes a day during the two weeks from April 14 - 28 with one major change. Cut out 100 calories a day. A little tougher, but still doable.


We took a brief break and then came Phase 3 on May 12. The goal was to keep moving and drink enough ounces water that was to equal half your weight. Really? Really, Lidna? How can you not move and drink that much water? Seriously? I feel like the Energizer Bunny! Day and night, never stopping!


On Friday, May 15, my hubby and I took a two hour drive. This is my picture of him after the third time I needed to make a pit stop. He's telling me to stop drinking so much water so we could get there before the end of the day. lol


Now, Lidna has come up with Phase 4. That's right....the saga continues. This time it's the ole switcheroo. We're to switch up our routine, change our foods, do something different so our bodies won't be able to slack with the same ole same ole routine.

Now comes the hard part for me. What to do? What to do? My workout routine is different every time. So.....I'm going to starting riding my bicycle (as weather permits). I'm also going to change my eating pattern. I currently have an oat/nut snack in the morning. I'm going to have fruit/yogurt instead. The oat/nut snack will be after workout....with water of course.



Are you up for the challenge? Stop by Lidna's and sign up today, This Day! You'll be glad you did.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 85:11 (NIV) Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

Winnings and Awards

Last week after the Storm of the Century, I celebrated my birthday, alone. Sadly, this was me....sitting in the dark that night.


Was I feeling sorry for myself? Yep, pretty much. No cards, no letters, no phone calls, no birthday dinner......*BIG SIGH*....just me trying to lift my spirits with a thankful heart that our family and friends were safe. Yet, it was a miserable six full days with no power! No internet, no TV, no news, no music......minimal contact with the outside world. Oh how I missed my blogging friends.

But my God worked through others to bless me and show me just how important I am to Him. It started with receiving this wonderful award from Laurie at Supernatural Living.


Then, the same day, Kym at bee creative honored me with this One Lovely Blog award.


Thank you, ladies for thinking my blog is interesting, uplifting, and a blessing. Thank you, also for your kind and encouraging words.

Two days later, I win a signed copy of Her Captain's Heart by Lyn Cote from Mocha with Linda in her Mother's Day Giveaway. It arrived yesterday and I can't wait to crack the cover. Thank you, Linda!


And then (nope....not finished yet!) my dear blogging friend, Robin at All Things Heart and Home, had a tutorial and give away of these lovely anklets.


She announced the winners of this fab gift which I won...on my birthday! How great is that??!!?!?! Thank you Robin! I can't wait to start wearing it. If you are crafty like Robin, these would make great gifts or stocking stuffers. That's right, it's never to early to start thinking about Christmas.

It would not be until two days after my birthday that I actually found out about all these wonderful gifts and awards. I was happy to have power restored, but I was ecstatic to have been selected, remembered, and thought fondly of by my blog peeps.

That's how God works. Behind the scenes. When we are in need, our heavenly Father is there supplying that need. Do you have a need? Take it to the throne of grace today, This Day and see what amazing and wonderful things God has for you.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 3:17-18 (NIV) ¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Thankful Thursday - 5/14/09

This is the time each week that I pause to give thanks for five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small, because God honors them all.

1. I'm so thankful to Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey for hosting TT. Each week I have the opportunity to reflect on my life and how God has blessed me. Then I visit the sites of the other participants. This gives me a peek into their lives and God's work in them. There are times when are lists are very similar. Other times, I'll look at their lists and think.....yep, I'm thankful for that too.

2. I'm also thankful for the book Sonya is giving away this week: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. My husband gave me a copy of it with a beautiful bookmark while we were dating and made it required reading. He was (and is) dedicated to the success of our relationship. This book taught me how to selflessly communicate love to him in ways that inspire confidence and lift his spirits.

3. I'm thankful that family and friends escaped the Storm of the Century unscathed and with minimal property damage.

4. I'm thankful for my friends. These gals are a ton of fun and we always have a great time together.


5. I'm thankful for my blog peeps. That's right......YOU! You brighten my day! I love reading your blogs and the comments you leave for me. You are teaching me, encouraging me, and praying for me. Your kindness and humor have brought tears to my eyes and smiles to my face. You are truly a blessing.

That's my list for the week. How has God blessed you? What are you thankful for today, This Day? Leave your comment here or link up at Sonya's.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Thankful Thursday - 5/7/09

This is the time each week where I list five things for which I am thankful. Silly or serious, big or small, God honors them all.

1. I'm thankful for my hubby. Yep, he's in the top five again this week. How can he not be? Seriously? He is so concerned about me and wanting me to be comfortable in the house we're renting. He spends hours on the internet searching the housing market to find us a house to buy. He's a blessing straight from God!

2. I'm thankful for being the BIG WINNER!!! What? You haven't heard??? Oh yes! Krystyn at Someday I'll Get There chose me for her first ever giveaway. Click HERE to read all about it and see all my goodies. Thank you, Krystyn.

3. I'm thankful for changing clothes trends. Wait.....what? Oh yes, remember a couple years ago or so when shorter/midriff length tops were the fashion. Thankfully, that trend has passed. Longer tops are in style. Y-A-Y!

4. I'm thankful to be back in church. With moving and my weekend class schedule, we missed a few Sundays. It's good to be fellowshipping and praising God in His house again.

5. I'm thankful that God's hand is on Josh and that he survived a horrific accident. No, I don't know Josh personally. He's related thru marriage to one of my dear blog peeps, Gigi. We've been praying for his complete and speedy recovery. Please join us.

That's my five. What are you thankful for today, This Day? How has God blessed your life? Your family? Your friends?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 5:16 (NIV) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

I'm a Winner!

How cool is that???!!!?!?! Krystyn at Someday I'll Get There had her first ever giveaway and I W.O.N. So what did I win? Why am I so excited? Just take a look. She made these fabulous cards. That's right.....made them. I am facinated by that fact because I have absolutely no creative talent whatsoever! And Krystyn made seven different cards for birthday, well wishes, encouragement, and of course....lovey cards. PLUS a journal (ok, she didn't make this journal but it's still awesome); which I plan to put to good use tracking my prayers. Aren't the beautiful???




Krystyn has an etsy shop where she sells her original creations. Click on the link HERE to see what's available. I'm sure she'd be happy to create something just for you!

It's wonderful how God has given each of us talents and gifts. Krystyn, Robin, Laurie, and Sara are each so blessed with artistic talent. Yet, their talents are uniquely different, just like each of them. Praise and thank God today, This Day for the unique person He made you, the talents and gifts He has blessed you with, and use them for His glory.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 12:5-9 (NIV) ⁵so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. ⁷If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Thankful Thursday - 4/30/09

This is the time each week where I list five things for which I am thankful. Silly or serious, big or small, God honors them all. :)

1. I'm thankful for all the wonder recipes I've found on my blog peeps sites. I'm definitely a Foodnetwork junkie, but I love getting recipes that you've tried, tweaked, and share.

2. I'm thankful for my blog peeps who, through their own writings, have encouraged me to live my own legacy of comfort, peace, and love in my home no matter the circumstance. A special thanks to Robin for setting such a wonderful example for all of us.

3. I'm thankful for the beautiful weather and the thousands of people God brought to Blessing of the Bikes on Sunday.

4. The amazing power of God's grace. At Blessing of the Bikes, you see grown men, donned in leathers, tattoos, scruffy beards, and biker club colors with heads bowed holding hands in prayer.

5. I'm thankful for the end of another semester. Y-I-P-P-E-E-E-E!! I turned in my final project Tuesday. Now I have about 45 days before summer semester starts. What to do? What to do?

That's my list for the week. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Count your blessings, name them one by one.....see what God has done.

Peace and Joy
Susan

Job 19:25 (NIV) I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.