Oh the Joy

Do you remember this couple?

I took their engagement pictures last June. In a wheat field. The photo session was a lot of fun. They married in October. I did not take their wedding pictures. I turned down that assignment. I'm much more interested in photographing babies and children and families, and women. Weddings? Not so much.

I've known for a while that they are pregnant. It's very exciting. I am taking maternity progression pictures right now. We've done two sessions. This past week, they were able to find out the gender. So, we took some gender reveal pictures today. Several weeks ago, we discussed using small chalkboards for this shoot. It would be cute. I already had the idea pictured in my mind. But, someone was going to be disappointed. Can you tell who?

Eventually, the joy of having a little brother will replace the disappointment of not getting a little sister. Of course, there is always next time.

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

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

Comparison is the Thief of Joy!

I read these words the other day on Pinterest. They struck a nerve. I do it all the time. Compare myself. I compare myself to other photographers. Their pictures. Their websites. Their studios. Their skill.

I compare myself to other cooks. I compare myself to other runners. I compare myself to musicians (of which I am not). I compare myself to artists (of which I am not). I compare myself to crafters (of which I am not that either).

I even compare myself to you. Yep. You! If I read your blog I compare our writing styles, our families, our husbands, our children. It's craziness. I know. God has so richly blessed me with a wonderful husband, family, home, job, friends, and so much more.

Maybe if. What if. Why don't I? How do they? If only. Why can't I? I have a tendency to focus on my flaws. Not the talents or the gifts that God has so richly blessed me with. Am I the only one who does this?

No one would ever guess that I do this. Not you. Not my family. Not my IRL friends.

It's grueling. It's self-defeating. It wastes time. Precious, precious time.

I am exhausted from wasting so much precious time. I want focus on the positive and not on the negative. I want to share the talents and gifts that God has blessed me with. Share them in a way that is as unique as me. Show others their beauty through the lens. Show them that there is joy in the every day small moments. Today, This Day! I want to Choose Joy! Wise words from a wise woman. Sara Frankl. Sara could have easily allowed her confinement and disease to steal her joy. Yet, she made a choice every single day to not let comparison steal joy from her.

How can I do less? How can I choose to ignore Sara's words? By no longer allowing the thief comparison to steal my joy. Sara has gone home to be with the Lord. She continues to teach me. Thank you, Sara for Choosing Joy!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 26:4 (NKJV) ⁴ Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.

O Glorious Day!

On my way to work this morning I was greeted by this lovely sight!

Though it may not be this:

At least it's not this!

And very, very soon, it will be this:

Thank you for stopping by and visiting today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 59:16 (NIV) But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

TSMSS - Joy to the World

There are so many wonderful Christmas songs. Like this one.


Thanks for stopping by and visiting. If you'd like to listen to more wonderful, uplifting songs, or post your own, link up with Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:10 (NKJV) Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

Glory to God

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)⁶ For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Like a Child

May the message and the spirit of Christmas touch your life with peace, your heart with joy. Today, This Day, share the joy and peace of Jesus with your family and friends.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Micah 5:2 (NKJV) The Coming Messiah    ² “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me       The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Thankful Thursday - 12/17/09

It's Thankful Thursday!!! This is the day each week that I join Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey and list five things that I'm thankful for. They can be serious or silly, big or small because God honors them all. Here's my list for this week:

1. I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. He has worked endless hours on the small details to make our house a home.

2.  I'm grateful for my abnormally normal family. Sometimes we're the Griswolds and sometimes we're the Waltons. Well, maybe not to that extreme, but you know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't you?

3. I'm thankful for the gift of Jesus. He came. Thank you, Lord.

4. I'm thankful for Christmas break. I get seven work days off. Pretty sweet!

5. I'm thankful for a safe, fun, and educational trip to Las Vegas. It was a great networking conference full of so much information that it will take me months to get through it all. There was also time for fun and relaxation. Oh yeah....and the food!

Please leave me a comment and tell me what you're thankful for today, This Day. If you'd like to join in, post your own list then hop on over to Sonya's and link up. 

May the love and joy of Christ shine through you that others may know Him. Merry Christmas to all.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 1:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰ But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

The Hope of Christmas

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 2:4-6 (New King James Version) ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:  ⁶ ‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that, let Me go on. It if bothers you that the town in which yo live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because ther would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in rememberance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldires away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time. Editor's note: here's an address for you: A Recovering American Soldier; c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center; 6900 George Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... it will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know what that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day, they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary -- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know the, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, If you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I ahve told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love....and remember:

I love you!
Jesus
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One of the class presentations was making candy cane reindeer which was donated to a local nursing home. Which from the list of 10 will you do today, This Day to share the love of Jesus?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 6:35 (NKJV) And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

Celebrating Christmas

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

“Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.

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.

Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

 

The nurse took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. 

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled As he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me,  
But  I still know who she is.' 

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, True love is neither Physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything they have.  'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, But  "How to dance in the rain."  

  

This is the kind of love Jesus has for each of us. It doesn't matter what we've done, where we've been, what we have, and what we have not. This is the kind of love Jesus wants us to show to others. Is there someone near you who you can show this kind of love to today, This Day? Reach out to someone with the love of Jesus and watch the miracle.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Where's Your Joy?

It was a typical day. Up at the crack of dawn, shower, dress, quick devotion and prayer, then head out to the office by 6 a.m. After fulfilling my assigned tasks, getting my teeth cleaned, and grocery shopping, I was sitting at the traffic signal waiting to turn left. 


Do you ever have that feeling? The feeling you're being watched. That's exactly how I felt sitting in my 2004 silver extended cab Chevy truck with dual exhaust. The motor was humming yet I had this uneasy feeling. I turned my head to the right. Yes. I was being watched! He was trying desperately to get  my attention. He was practically leaning out the window. I was drawn to his big brown eyes. I couldn't help myself. I bent towards him, egging him on, then it happened. He started barking at me. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at him. 

Sometimes the joy is in the unexpected. The accidental discovery of delight in the every day. Frequently in the most astonishing places. So when you're sitting at a stop light, today, This Day, look around, you never know who's looking back.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Why am I so happy, you ask? Why is there so much joy in my heart? Well, let me just tell you: I WON! I WON! I WON! That's right peeps. I am a big winner. Let's do a little happy dance.

But what did I win, you wonder? The best prize I could ever receive. I won a free consultation for decorating my house for Christmas!!! Plus a box of Christmas ornaments to help me decorate. Thank you so very much, Teresa. Remember when I blogged about this great new website Teresa started to share her expertise for decorating for Christmas? She calls it "A Baby Changes Everything." Teresa decorates homes for Christmas for a living. That's right! She's an expert.

This is such a blessing for me because I have absolutely no decorating talent whatsoever. Sorry Teresa. But the good news is that I'm a good student and willing to learn. I'm thinkin that with Teresa's guidance, my new house will be a home brimming with the beauty of everything the season represents.

Teresa is also sharing tips with you on her new blog for FREE!! If you're interested in benefiting from her expertise, just click on the icon on my sidebar.

I love Christmas for so many reasons. One of them is that most people are very receptive to hearing about Jesus. If you could tell someone one thing about Christmas today, This Day, what would you tell them?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:29 (NKJV) ²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Joy in the Journey

I have started this post several times but just couldn't get the words to flow. Initially, I had the title as "House Update." Yet, I felt like that was all I was able to say. The offer we made was not accepted, and we continue our search for a house to buy. Thank you so much for your continued prayers in this matter.

My outlook turned from optimism to discouragement, and it has stayed there for several days. I needed to get my mind off what we didn't get and on to what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. To accomplish this changing of my thoughts, I'm concentrating on the joy of the journey and the type of place our home will be....not just for us but also for everyone who will cross the threshold.

My joy comes not from what is seen, but from what is not seen. That joy is the work God is doing behind the scenes to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives. This is a time to discover the treasure of where God is leading us. The journey is not always a pleasant one as He hones us (me and hubby) to take us to the next level, preparing us for the home and mission He has in store for us.

Our desire is to have a home that is a place of order, peace, and safety. This home will nurture and burst with light, joy, and love. Where the presence of Jesus can be felt. When you walk thru the front door, you should be able to shut the door on the chaos, hatred, cruelty, and pressure of the outside world and into the light of His presence. Our home will reflect the love and joy, peace and gladness of our Father in heaven.

What is your home like? Is it a place of order or chaos? Is it a dark, depressing place lacking the light of life that lifts souls? Is your home filled with nasty looks, hurtful words, disrespect, and dishonor? Or when others come into your home can they feel Jesus there?

Shut the door on the world today, This Day, and walk into the light of His presence. You, too, will feel the joy of the journey.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 7:11 (NKJV) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Wordless Wednesday - Earth Day 4/22/09

Psalm 119:64 (NIV) The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.

Psalm 72:19 (NKJV) And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.

Special thanks to Rick at Organized Doodles for supplying today's artwork.