Good Things

1)Last night I had to tell Jeff to stop talking, he was talking way too much.

When did the roles reverse?



2)Yesterday while singing Awesome God with the children's church the boys started a gun show when we sang "power and might". We have a big screen TV in the room and the boys were all looking in the screen at their muscles. One says, "I've been working out." (He's 6) Later he proceeds to tell me that his shirt is feeling a bit tight today around his arms and starts rubbing his biceps.

Oh brother they start early, don't they?

3)Last night Uncle Jeff was talking to niece Hayley. Usually they will talk for 15-20 minutes about this and that but not tonight. She told Uncle Jeff that she needed to let him go she didn't want to miss McKenizie's phone call. I think it hurt his feelings.

She is growing up so fast!


4)Niece Hayley is selling Girl Scout cookies. She has sold 525 boxes. Her goal is to sell 1000 boxes. Yes, that's right a 1000. If she does, she wins a trip to Galveston for a Girl Scout convention. I told her I would help her with the last 500. She said, "You're going to buy them ALL?" Uh, no I will help you sell them to other people. To which she replies, "Well if comes down to the wire will you buy the rest?" And I told her to go ask her Uncle on that one. His reply, "No. We know you can sell the rest. Aunt Susan will put on her old uniform for a good cause!"

Mom do you know where my sash is? And friends, do you want to buy some cookies?

Blessed

In May I was blessed to attend a taping of Beth Moore's series she does with Life Today. I not only was blessed by Beth but was blessed by the fellowship with 3 of my favorite ladies, my mom, Cousin Paige and sister Missy. The one session that really hit home with me was titled the "Power of Your Words."

Last night as Jeff was getting ready for work I was laying in our bedroom channel surfing. And guess what!?!? Beth Moore was on and they were showing the "Power of Your Words."

So again I was blessed by re listening to this message.

Click on these links to watch for yourself, session one, session two, session three

Oh and a quick note: to wrap up my last 30 days in my twenties, I have been spending a few nights writing in my journal praises from the last 30 years. I am choosing to use my daily prayer time these last few days in my twenties praising God for all that He has done and all that He is going to do. One day I will share with you but for now, I am going to relish this season of praise.

Enjoy the videos! You may see some familiar faces in the audience. I have seen the back of Couz's head a couple of times and the last session you see couz's face. Yoo-Hoo!

I Just Had to Write Another Post

My face was creeping me out every time I logged in so I had to send it packing.

Here we are the other night watching Charger football. Usually Meredith and I are sitting on the floor in front of the television talking about the contrast of the jersey colors with the other team. We also talk about how we would not wear spandex cargo pants ever-yet men love to wear them during the BIG GAME. And one last conversation we had this week went something like this, "The reason they are loosing is because they are cold and tired. Poor boys need a bit of coffee and to put on long sleeves. That should do the trick."


And sweet, quiet mother in law yelled "Move your A$$!" I have never laughed so hard in my whole life. I swear that is not normal language from her. She is going to get me the next time she reads this blog for even mentioning it to blog land.




I thought this picture was sweet, Hayley sitting next to Uncle Jeff watching the game. You know the game is up and down when Hayley will look up from her DS. After I took this picture her Uncle Jeff says, "Are we done with the camera yet?" So I put my camera away, like a good wife. Sigh...

Who are you routing for in the Super Bowl?

I was hoping Green Bay would go but that isn't happening so I guess I am going for Giants-there is no way I would go for the Patriots after how they treated my boys last week! And if you were a true friend to me you wouldn't either! HA!

Just kidding, go for who ever you want, just see if I invite you to my birthday party.

Which reminds me only 28 days until I turn 30! THIRTY! Yoo-HOO!!!!

Two Our Better Than One

Sweet Friends,

I prayed for you this weekend. And thanks to some creative genius on my part, was able to take a picture of myself actually praying for you guys. I'm sorry but I am very proud of this picture and also choosing to ignore the start of the Cagle double chin. Oh well, it comes at some point in all of our lives.

Moving on...

This past week has taught me that Christain community is a blessing. A real honest to goodness blessing. I am blessed by all your encouragement, phone calls, emails and by just being my friend.

My prayer for each of my friends (real and blogging) is that you would not be afraid to admit when you need a friend. There is nothing and I mean nothing wrong with saying "Help Me!"

I did that this week and God brought many of my friends to my aid; for this I am thankful.

But more than that, I have been real with God. I have woke up almost every morning the past few days asking the Lord to make Himself known to me in a powerful way this week. And He is faithful, so very faithful.

I have poured my deepest desires at the Lord's feet and I have been blessed.

This tape series has been a huge blessing. I pray you take the time to listen to the whole series. If you have an IPOD, you can download and listen in the car or while you are cleaning your house, or while you are working out. I enjoy listening to these often and will turn it on at any given moment.

I have also been blessed by reading my Bible daily. Jeff and I have started reading the One Year Chronological Bible and later discuss over dinner. Jeff and I don't normally have discussions like this, we usually are glued to Fox News during the dinner meal. But this new year we are changing all of that. We read separately and then discuss together during the meal and boy it has been a blessing.

I just wanted to say thanks for being you, for walking beside me and not against me, for loving me where I am at and encouraging me every step of the way.

So sweet friends, let me finish by saying this, be a blessing to those in your daily lives. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need. And don't be afraid to pick up the phone to check in with the friends in your life especially if God is laying them on your heart. They made need your encouragement and they may just need you to listen. Nothing wrong with just sitting and listening, truly listening, to friends in their time of need. I wonder why we always feel like we have to have all the answers? Human nature I guess. That is one I pray about constantly. To listen more than I speak.

I challenge you to go out make it a great week being a blessing to those in your daily life!

Smile You're On Candid Camera!

Much To Do About Nothing

I know, I know I said I wouldn't be back until Monday but it is not even 11 pm and hubby is sound asleep and I am doing nothing but surf the web. That's what I get when hubby picks up an unexpected shift on a Saturday afternoon. He comes home and crashes earlier than normal.

So this post if for those who also find themselves surfing the web on this Saturday night because the house is a bit too quiet.

1) My friend Wade had the greatest story happen to him in a long time. Go here to read all about it. And Wade you are my hero and since I said that, will you email me that picture? My hairdresser said she would love to see it. Yes my hairdresser and she says you are her hero too.

2) Stupid Kitty Tricks here

3) And I have been warming up my dance skills for tomorrow's big game Chargers VS Patriots.
Oh I am so nervous about that game, I have read the story of David and Goliath over and over.

For the halftime entertainment, we will have this, then we will have this, and possibly this and for the grand finale, how about this?

Okay it's official, I have no life.

Happy Saturday night.

And if you were a doll and actually went to all of these links please leave a comment because I would love to congratulate you too on having no life this lone Saturday night.

Discovering Me

1. Vintage Apron, 2. soho red door, 3. joe's" house, 4. the office, 5. 20051124 - First Snow of the Year - 1, 6. buttons, 7. Cure, 8. Hide and seek, 9. we could be friends vintage pin back button set, 10. Suitcases, 11. Gingerbreads., 12. Christmas inspiration ...

I discovered this idea on Ali Edwards website. And the last few days have found that I like vintage items and I love the color red.

After I realized that I love the color red I made a list of everything red in my life for the past 30 years.

1. I had a red little red riding hood coat made by my grandmother.
2. My grandmother made Annie's dress when I was little and I wore it often.
3. My first pair of glasses were bright red rimmed glasses.
4. My lunch box in Kindergarten was a red Strawberry Shortcake.
5. My school's colors growing up were red and white.
6. Our school mascot were the Red Cardinals.
7. My first car was a red (more maroon) Ford Taurus.
8. My favorite robe I wear around the house is red.
9. I have a red pashmina that I love.
10. I am the proud owner of a red leather jacket.

Truth is, I didn't realize how much I love red until I took this journey of self discovery through the Flick files. Fascinating, really.

Oh and one more red thing you can add to the list.

Jeff promised me that when we have a house, we will have a red door either the front door (if it looks right) or somewhere in our house probably leading to my office/craft room. Because Jeff also promised me (even if we purchase one of those portable buildings and stick me out back) that I will have a craft room and an office separate from my living room. But for now I am just happy discovering that my true, authentic favorite color is red.

That's all for me this week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Score!!!

Yesterday I was doing the weekly grocery run at my local Wally World when over the loud speakers I heard, "All Christmas Items Only 50 Cents per item!"

I thought to myself "All of it!"

And the voice over the speaker says, "That's right, all Christmas is 50 cents each located in the Lawn and Garden area. So thank you for shopping at your local Wal-Mart and go make it a great day!"

Well, you don't have to tell me twice.

A full grocery cart swing and I was on my way...after I apologized to the poor guy I almost plowed over on my hot pursuit, of course.


So I started looking through the crap stuff still waiting for a home and found these stockings. I thought it was Divine Intervention since my colors are gold and red. And since they were just 50 cents a piece I bought 4. Yes 4, why the heck not. I mean we do plan on having 2 kids so how's that for walking by faith?

After I add a little red something something they will be perfect and not look like they are heading out disco dancing.

I mean come on for 50 cents a piece I think I can do something with them. I am thinking of sewing a pretty red and gold tassel to them to cuff. What do you think?


I am open for some creative inspiration if you have any suggestions.

Happy Birthday Emaline!

Retail Therapy

I need to send out a hearty thank you to you all.

Since most of my readers are close friends and family I have received some of the sweetest phone calls, emails and comments in the last few days. You do not know how much these have lifted me up. (feel free to keep them coming they are a blessing!) Monday night after Jeff went to work I went to the local christian bookstore. My favorite spot in that store is the wall of scripture pictures. I walked around looking at each one and praying those over silently for Jeff and I. I know that may sound funny to you but there is something about seeing the scriptures hanging on the wall that brought me so much peace.

And so I bought one. This verse has been my verse all my life. It was the first verse that grabbed Jeff's heart. It has been the verse that we have relied on a daily during our waiting period. I put it in our bathroom at my sink. This way I can have a reminder every time I brush my teeth, comb my hair and put on make up that God has a plan for me. I believe that!


Another thing I did that I wasn't going to share with you but since I am being authentic this year, I will. I have thrown away all the ovulation testing supplies. This was hard but it was something that I felt the Lord telling me to do. If I am truly going to trust the Lord's timing for a baby I had to let it go. This is that one area that I have refused to let go. REFUSED. But already I have seen a wonderful change in my relationship with God. Partly because I am so scared of not being in control that I have had to pick up my Bible every minute and refer back to this passage in Hebrews 12:1-2

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.


So with that, I am fixing my eyes on Jesus, resting in His promises for me, for Jeff and for our baby (that is waiting in Heaven to come down to me.) And running that race designed especially for us.

P.S. Julie, I loved your comment and mental picture you gave me. I think the same way so it was not trite. Love you friend.

Tis So Sweet to Trust In Jesus

This is what I saw this morning on my table when I came to get my morning Cup O' Joe.

The left over remnants of Jeff's quiet time this morning.

I share this for the wives out there who struggle with waiting for you husband to grow in the Lord.

And may I be frank to you wives?

For the love of all things good, shut your mouth!

You can't change Him but God can.

Instead of nagging your husband encourage him.

When you start to get frustrated with the waiting, shut your mouth and pray for your sweet man.

Don't you dare speak down to him or to your friends and family about him. That's not right.

Just pray for him and love him right where he is at.

You will be amazed how God will change you and change your husband when you let go and trust God.

Now go pray for your husband and love your husband for the love of all things good and holy.

Oh and sit down and wait until your husband takes the lead.

I guarantee you that you will be blessed if you just wait a bit.

It Couldn't Get More Authentic Than This

Jeff and I discussed our word of the year Saturday. We usually will pick a word that we believe will define the next 365 days. Last years word: contentment. Yes, contentment. And well, you have followed our journey long enough to know that if there was one lesson learned last year it was the art of being content.



This year's word: Authentic



Webster describes it as not false or imitation; true to one's own spirit or character.


We have found that we typically answer the question, "How are you doing?" with the old standard, "I'm fine." or "I'm good." When the truth is we may not be good or fine. Even when we are doing great we stick to the "I'm fine, How are you" reply.

Why is it that we aren't able to open up to our mates, friends, family and church community during the good days and the bad. Have we, as a society in general, become too prideful to admit that we could really use a friend, mentor or a simple hug. We tend to put walls up or paint a rosy picture of how we feel or how we want our world to look from the outside looking in.


It's something that Jeff and I are going to try to change this year. We are going to try to work on removing our walls and letting others in however raw, however blessed-we choose to be authentic to each others and those around us. You see we believe that true ministry comes when we allow ourselves to get real with God, each other and the people that surround us daily.

And well, the point is, it doesn't get more authentic than yesterday.

Yesterday I started my period. Not a welcome addition when you are trying to get pregnant.
As we were leaving for church, I was a wreck. On the way to church, the song "Everlasting God" by Lincoln Brewster came on. If you have heard this you know what a wonderful song it is. But when the little girl started quoting Isaiah 40: 28-31 at the end, I lost it. That is my verse, I sing a song called Teach me Lord to Wait often that goes with that verse. Yesterday in the car, I sang it to Jeff. After singing, Jeff had a tear running down his cheek. He says God is strengthening us. He is working in me and you, we need to trust. I cried even more. We sang Blessed Be Your Name at church yesterday, I knew it was coming since I was on the praise team. I told the team before hand that I was going to loose it based on what my brother and sister in law's friends have been dealing with this past week. A two year old is not supposed to be taken away. Plus I never can sing that song without crying. We, as a team prayed for all of us who have real life issues going on right now. So what happens while standing on stage during that song? I cried. Not sweet tears, heart retching tears. Boo-hoo could have been heard through the speakers. My sweet friend next to me reached out and held me while we sang. I had to go compose myself after singing, 3 friends came with me to support me (thank you friends) I cried more. Then Jeff and I get home from church and he tells me more news. M & M our pregnant after only 5 weeks of marriage. they got pregnant on the honeymoon. I cried. I was horrible for a few minutes and sweet Jeff just sat on the bed and let me pace back and forth saying "Why God? Why!?" And then we prayed for our baby. This friends is only the second time that together we have prayed. Saturday being the first. (I know, I know we are learning to be real with each other.) Jeff and I are trusting the Lord for our timing. It has only been 90 days since we have been trying together. And I know that it will happen. God makes ever thing beautiful in His time. So yesterday, we drive over early to spend time with MIL/FIL before the big announcement. I cried in front of them. MIL held me tight. She knows how I feel, she has been there too. I held my SIL real tight yesterday and thankfully was past the crying and even had my face done up nice. No trace of the tears. She said,"I'm sorry! My heart is broken for you" And I said, "Why? I am happy for you." and I meant every word. I truly am happy for them. sad for me but happy for them. Yesterday ended with Jeff and I praising God. We truly are praising. I am being real and true when I tell you this. We are praising God.

So the word of the year is authentic. I can't hide behind the mask, I can't tell you I am okay when I am sad. Because that would be a lie. But what is truth is I have a God who has great plans for me, plans to give me a hope and a future. He has promised Sarah babies and she waited forever. I have only waited a short time. I had to wait for Jeff to take the lead. He has and is and for that I am grateful. He is a wonderful husband. A wonderful, wonderful man. I am thankful for the waiting. Truly, truly thankful.

It couldn't get more authentic than this.

Prayer Warriors Unite!

You know how in the old cartoons, I think it was Super Friends, they would unite together to fight the evil one? And say something like "Super Friends Unite!!" Well that is what I thought of when I wrote that title. And that is so not the point of this post but sometimes my mind works in crazy, crazy ways.

Missy and Gunnar and a sweet, sweet family need our prayers. Friends from their church- their two year old daughter drowned this past week and the funeral is today.

Please drop by Missy's blog and leave her a comment. I know she would really appreciate the encouragement.

Please also pray for the family in the next coming days. And please pray for G & M who will be traveling next week and the kids will be with Lynnie. Please pray for a spirit of peace to pour over Missy, not one of fear and anxiety. Please give Gunnar the right words to say tonight at the funeral.

Sometimes we just don't know why these things have to happen and it is so hard not to shake our fist at the Almighty and say "Why did you do this?!?" So when times like this come, I always pray that no matter what God be glorified.

Speechless Moments

In recent weeks, my sweet hubby has left me absolutely speechless. This has been a wonderful thing and one that I fully give God the glory.

1. While sitting in Olive Garden he tells me that he is now mentoring so and so. What?!?! You have taken on a men tee? And his reply was yes, it's time to pour into others. Well, alrighty then, pour away.

2. The other night, I was exhausted. I knew that if I talked too much I would either pick a fight or cry until I feel asleep. Neither one seemed appealing to me so I told Jeff I am going to turn off now so I don't cause a scene. He wrapped his arms around me and said, "I am so proud of you, my excellent wife." Jeff is not usually a lovey type person, so this sweet show of affection came out of the blue and left me speechless.

3. Yesterday afternoon, we were having our household "State of the Union" address. This time has been a real blessing to us and something that Jeff started a few months ago. It's 15 minutes of structured time where he shows me the #'s and where we set goals for our self spiritually and physically. By doing this, I am able to truly enjoy the the journey and trust Jeff fully to provide for our needs. I am also loving watching Jeff guide our family in such a sweet, caring way.

But in the course of our conversation, I asked Jeff what the ETA for moving is. His answer, which I choose to keep between the two of us, is not too far off in the future. It's just not right now and well, I would love for it to be NOW.

Jeff looked me straight on and said, "What changes if we have a house?"

So I started to list off a few things mostly relating to hospitality and having people into our home on a regular basis. He gently grabbed my hand and said, "Well aren't you doing that now?"

"Well yeah but it would be more."

And here is the part that left me speechless, "Susan you have a ministry right? (Yes) You and I are happy right? (Yes, of course) Then maybe what we need to be more focused on how we can serve now, today-rather than how we are going to when this comes or that comes."

Jeff then quoted our theme verse, "Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much." Luke 16:1-13

You see, friends in blog land, it's moments like this that leave me totally speechless yet forever grateful for God bringing this man into my world.

And for those of you who may be tiring of stories about how much I love Jeff, well two things I must say to you.

1) Get over it.
2) And if you could only see where we have come you too would be giving God 3 snaps in a circle!

Just A Little Behind

This little pile sits in front of my fireplace waiting for boxes that I have to go retrieve from the storage unit. I am ready for my living room/home office to get back on track.

But unfortunately, there has been no time to get this done.

especially when the piles on my desk keep growing and growing.



Jeff is off work this week, I am hoping that I can sweet talk him today into going and pulling these boxes for me so I can spend tonight getting everything put away.

He's sweet like that, he may just help me out.

But I can hear him saying now, "If you rub my feet..."

Which I hate, despise, can't pay me a million dollars to do this, I hate feet.

Not as much as Jodi, but close.

I will keep you posted.

May the force be with me!

:)

Can You Tell He Makes Me Laugh?

A Family That Rocks Together...

Stays together!

Hayley received the game ROCK BAND for Christmas. It is the same as GUITAR HERO but with vocals, drums and two guitars.

I loved the drums but I got booed off the stage so I had to switch to the guitar.

Later that night, Hayley and I were cuddling together and she said, "I think I get my singing ability from Uncle Jeff."

She actually did very well singing, Jeff did not. He just did it with style. Bad style. But Hayley thought he was very good.

I guess it's true what they say, "Fake it 'till you make it"

I told Hayley that she was much better than Jeff but I could see where she gets her stage presence from him. I hope it is many years until she realizes how bad her Uncle sings.

Need A Good Laugh?!?!?

Click here if you need a laugh today.

On a whole other note...

I must say a big YIPEE today because my contract was renewed for a whole other year today.

Our whole team has been sweating it the last few weeks.

I hadn't even told Jeff that there was a possibility of me loosing my job.

I just sat, prayed and trusted the Lord to provide.

Praise God 365 more days of working in my pajama's!

Isn't life sweet?!?

i've been inspired

Picture From Becky Higgins Blog

It's no secret that I love to scrapbook. It is a simple thing that brings me much joy.

I have been trying to get all my pictures that I have had printed for sometime in an album.

So with that thought in mind, I am taking full advantage of Recollections going out of business sale. I took my box of pictures with me to pick out matching paper. I have gone every day this week (except today) to spend the last hours getting paper and embellishments galore. And if you haven't been yet, it's great but a little sad. The staff is not their bubbly self and that makes me want to reach out and hug them or write a letter to the powers that be and say, "Your stupid."



I am taking the next couple of nights to get my layouts organized and ready for my next big crop. Whenever that will be. But I was a Girl Scout and their motto is "Be Prepared."



I even made a spreadsheet today to write out all the pages that needed to be done.



one of my new favorite people is Becky Higgins. I have always liked her work but now it has gone from total obsession. I think it was a post recently where she said if she is not in the mood to scrapbook she is either reading or organizing some area of her house. HELLO! That is so me! Becky is my BFF! (Although she has no clue who I am)



But my new BFF Becky inspired me.



She does her albums chronologically instead of by big huge events. And as I was looking through some of my old albums tonight, I asked myself, "Why I am not doing this?" It totally makes sense and it seems like it would be so much more fun to have an album for each year.



so tomorrow, I am going to take pictures of my old albums and post them on EBAY some are in very good condition but they are just so uninspiring.



So for you fellow scrapbookers out there go check out Becky's Blog today.

I promise you will be inspired too.

Oh and here is a picture of the album that I bought at Recollections for chronological stuff. It is the Kiwi Color. And do you know that this Kiwi color has always been a favorite of mine.

It was the color of my bridesmaid dresses.

The color of our wedding album.

And the color that will one day be in our kitchen, when we have a house.

So this new album will fit it rather nicely, don't you think.

Hayley Yelled "Happy New Year!" To You