What I Learned from a Cow!

Everything I need to know I learnt from a cow

1. Wake up in a happy mooo-d.

2. Don't cry over spilled milk.

3. When chewing your cud, remember: There's no fat, no 
calories, no cholesterol, and no taste!

4. The grass is green on the other side of the fence.

5. Turn the udder cheek and mooo-ve on.

6. Seize every opportunity and milk it for all its worth!

7. It's better to be seen and not herd.

8. Honor thy fodder and thy mother and all your udder relatives.

9. Never take any bull from anybody.

10. Always let them know who's the bossy.

11. Stepping on cowpies brings good luck.

12. Black and white is always an appropriate fashion statement.

13. Don't forget to cow-nt your blessings every day.

Perhaps you learned something from a cow today too. lol. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 14:8 (NKJV) ⁸ For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Do You Know What Today Is???

Today is "National Milkshake Day!" It seems there is a "national day" of just about everything. But milkshakes? Sign me up!!! If I had this beauty.....

I could whip out milkshakes in no time. Wait. Stop. Hold everything. I'm working out diligently and eating healthier. Milkshakes are not on my regular meal rotation. What about you?

Perhaps I can figure out a way to make them healthy enough to have once in a while. What is your favorite flavor? Do you make you own or go to your local fountain store?

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

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Mark 8:36 (NKJV) For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

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.

Exercise......

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

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

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

Peace and Joy,

Susan

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

My Own Randomness

An Old Farmer's Advice:

~ Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

~ Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
~ A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

~ Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
~ Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
~ Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
~ Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
~ It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
~ You cannot unsay a cruel word.
~ Every path has a few puddles.
~ When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

~ The best sermons are lived, not preached.
~ Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.
~ Don't judge folks by their relatives.
~ Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
~ Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
~ Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
~ If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

~ Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
~ The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin'.
~ Always drink upstream from the herd.
~ Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
~ Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

~ If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

Do you have an insightful sayings to share? 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Do You See Me???? PLEASE LOOK!!!!

It's bike riding season. Bikes are beginning to show up everywhere. On all roadways. Have you seen them? There are children riding their bicycles. Teenagers who aren't fortunate enough to have a driver's license or a car. Adults cycling for exercise. And Bikers! Like me. lol

As the temperature continues to rise, so will the number of cyclists on the road. Some motorized. Some personized. (ok, I made that word up. lol) Please be on the lookout for all cyclists. Motorcycles travel faster than you think. Don't try to beat one on a turn. Wait for it. Use extra caution. Lives are at stake.



I will be out on mine this weekend. Wave to me as I blow by! lol I'm splittin the wind in the Name of the LORD.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

101 Things to do for Lent (Not just for Catholics)

How's that for a title? Actually, this list is always at the ready for me when I'm looking for a direction to be the hands, feet, eyes for Jesus. Here we go:

Admit you were wrong to your parents (or your children) * Give someone a hug * Respond with compassion to people on the street * Instead of staring blankly as you walk down the street, smile * Watch "Romero" * Write a letter to a different person each day (or once a week) * Buy flowers for yourself * Read "The Return of the Prodigal Son" (by Nouwen) * Spend time with your parents * Give up chocolate, candy, or desserts * Listen to Beethoven's Symphony #9 * Volunteer at a homeless shelter * Go one day without using electricity in your house * Give up your cell phone * Write a letter each week to someone with whom you have lost contact * Apologize * Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center * Take a long, slow walk outside * Listen to Gorecki's Symphony #3 * Give up caffeine or coffee * Buy flowers for someone else * Participate in a Jewish Passover Seder meal * Don't listen to music one day a week * Sit still and do nothing for 10 minutes a day * Go to Mass (or church) once during the week * Read a book by Thomas Merton * Write a poem * Visit a grandparent * Tell people you are proud of them * Learn something new * Go one day without using running water in your house * Pick out one weakness and work to change it * Give up TV or the Internet * Ask for help * Greet five people a day who look sad * Walk in the rain * Say thank you at least once a day * Read a book to someone who can't read * Spend time with your children one-on-one * Find a dream inside yourself - and follow it * Go beyond where you are * Volunteer one hour a week * Keep a personal journal * Take an art class * Listen to Barber's Adagio for Strings * Go to Confession * Watch "Shawshank Redemption" * Clean up your language * Call someone long distance once a week * Pray the Rosary * Find something you believe in - and act on it * Spend a few minutes in the chapel each day * Give up snacks between meals * Be more patient * Be less judgmental * Work for peace in the world - and in your home * Forgive * Be non-violent with your words * Join a support group * Be hopeful * Get enough sleep * Take care of yourself physically * Clean out your closet and donate what you don't need or use * Read the Sunday Mass readings ahead of time * When you want to buy something you don't need, donate the money instead * Fast * Give up perfection * Keep a prayer journal * Cancel magazine subscriptions you don't read and donate the money * Start each day with a scripture passage * Tell someone you love them * Participate in the Stations of the Cross * Pick up litter * Say hello to people you usually ignore * Make a list of things you like about yourself * Talk to God without distraction * Do something for a stranger * Say thank you to your parents * Watch "Schindler's List" * Tell at least one joke a day * Volunteer to babysit (for free) * Give up alcohol - and donate what you would have spent * Donate blood at the Red Cross (1.800.GIVE.LIFE) * Go grocery shopping for someone who can't * Watch "The Last Days" * Thank God for something you usually take for granted * Don't watch your favorite TV show and reflect on your day (no taping it, either) * Give up your snooze button * Keep a gratitude journal * Read "The Sparrow" * Give up makeup * Use a daily Lenten reflection book * Do one thing ahead of time each week * Give up soda or fast food and donate the money you would spend on it * Listen to someone you disagree with * Watch "Jesus of Montreal" (in French w/subtitles) * Substitute healthy snacks for unhealthy ones * Give up smoking * Buy a plant and nurture its life * Sit and relax when you eat * Appreciate beauty, truth, and life wherever they are found *

Choose one (or more if you are so led) from the list and do it today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV) ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Yes, It's Disturbing

What has me upset? I'm so glad you asked. Are you familiar with the story of Morgan Harrington? She and several friends went to a Metallica concert. This concert was in October 2009. Morgan separated from her friends never to be seen from again. Until Tuesday, January 26, 2010. This is when her body was located on a farm.

Yes, that is disturbing. But that's not what has me so upset. What disturbs me more is her dad's statement. Dan Harrington, Morgan's father, issued a statement: "Morgan's mother, Gil, and I are overwhelmingly saddened by yesterday's discovery, but we are also relieved because our questions can now be answered and we can give our daughter a proper burial." "We know that because of the good life Morgan led and the love she created for everyone around her, she is now in a safer, better place."

Really? What place would that be? There is no mention of her faith. No mention of her being with Jesus. No mention that she knew Him. I'm not saying that she didn't come face-to-face with Jesus. But I find it extremely disturbing that too many people are under the misconception that: I live a "good life." I "love" others.  Surely I will be in a "safer place." How good is good enough? How much love do you extend to others to qualify you to be in a safer place?

The Bible clearly states:

There is none righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:10) That tells me that no matter how good I think I am, I am not good enough.

For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  This tells me that I can not work my way, pay my way, love my way into God's graces. I must accept His gift. But what is the gift?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Let me rephrase this one: For God so loved SusanD that He gave His only Son, Jesus so that SusanD should not perish but live forever with Him. Put your name where I inserted mine and reread that sentence.

The question that follows is: how do I accept the Gift? It is so easy. We try to make it hard, but it is easy peasy. If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) If you believe it, say it! Do it today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) ² For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Once in a Lifetime?

That's what dates like today are......once in a lifetime. Of course there was 080808, last year which is similar, but not the same. Yet, this is the last of the single digits for quite a while. 1001 years to be precise. It seems like a good day to celebrate and look forward to.

Numerologists like to use dates to tell the future or proclaim eminent danger. Some soothsayers are declaring the end of the world. These same numerologists predicted doomsday would fall on June 6 2006 say they weren't wrong, they just got their numbers upside down. 999 is far worse than 666 and we're all going to die, it appears. Yeah right....whatever.

Then there are those who make lists or goals in "9s" for the entire year. Smile at nine people every day, lose nine pounds, make nine homemade meals every month (really? only nine every month? to me that isn't enough), and my personal favorite.....memorize the Twelve Days of Christmas and when you get to Nine Ladies Dancing....break out in to a dance. hahahah Really?

Of course, there are personal goals such as quitting smoking, walking nine miles, or sending cards or notes to nine people. I like that last one. Letter writing is a lost art to the internet and cell phones. When is the last time you received a hand written note that was not in response to a gift. A "just because I'm thinking of you" note or card? I love getting them. Hand written notes say, "I love you", "you're special to me", "you're worthy."

That will be my goal. I'm going to write a brief note to at least one person today, This Day and tell them how special they are to me....and to Jesus. Won't you join me?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 143:10 (NIV) Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

The Door

God laid this message on my heart several weeks ago. Photos of doors were to be part of the message. I'm still unsure what this message is about, but God knows. So I'm going to follow His lead. There have been some false starts with it and some procrastination. The more I put it off, the less I had to write about. Even with this past weekend's adventure, I have writer's block.

It reminds me of Jonah. God gave Jonah an assignment that Jonah chose not to do. He skipped out and did his own thing instead. It didn't take long for God to get Jonah's attention and for him to realize that God meant business. Me? I've been doing my own thing with the blog and not submitting to the unction of the Holy Spirit. So....here I am today asking forgiveness for neglecting my assignment.

We all make choices....every day. Just like Jonah and I made choices to go our own way, so you have decisions to make as well. Each choice takes us through a different door. Some doors are enticing, drawing you to walk right through them. Other doors bring out the curiosity in us, attracting us by obscuring what is behind it.


Then there are the doors that you can see through clearly, know exactly what is on the other side, and walk through them with your eyes wide open.


Other doors persuade your thinking with the allure of prosperity by their beauty and ornate style.

God gives us free will to make our own choices and decisions. When we choose our own way, we move out of God's plan for our life. The selection we make can steer us away from a blessing or towards one. What door is presented to you today, This Day to walk through? Be discriminate and seek God who will satisfy your desires.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Jonah 2:7 (NIV) "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.