Thirteen Things I Need To Get Off My Chest...Right NOW!!

I am having one of THOSE days so please allow me to vent.

1. Why does it seem that whenever you wake up refreshed and renewed you end up having a horrible day?

2. Why do I get stuck with the "busy" work? Do people not see that I am busy? I am not faking it-I AM BUSY! I don't need fill in work!

3. Why does Rosie O'Donnell get a spot on THE VIEW? And why is Elisabeth still working there?! Barbara reprimanded her for being passionate about abortion. She told her to calm down-Elisabeth said "It's very hard to calm down when we are talking about human life!" (By the way, I do not watch The View-just say this on You Tube last night and it got me all fired up!)

4. Why does it seem that the world is passing me by? I have started to pray that God would remove me from the sidelines-I am sick of being a bench warmer!

5. Why do women gossip about other people especially other women? It is mean and ugly and it hurts peoples feelings! I admit I struggle with this but have come a long way and refuse to hurt another woman feelings because of my own insecurities. That all gossip is-insecure people trying to make themselves look better. (ouch my toes hurt!)

6. Why can I not get ahead with life's everydays: laundry, cleaning, decluttering?

7. Why do I have to hold your hand when you are an adult? This is based on a call I just received from a customer-I wanted to say, "Duh!" after they asked me for the upteenth time how to price a bed. (I told you I was cranky!)

8. Why do we get stuck next to the screaming kid at the restaurant? I know now that I just posted this, my kids will be that screaming kid at a restaurant one day. Oh well!

9. Why am I in such a bad mood?

10. Why does Satan always attack me? Can't you go pick on someone else for a little while-give me a break!

11. Why do people drive so close to you in the middle of rush hour traffic?

12. Why can't people see me, realize I am having one of those days and instead of telling me to get over it-offer me a hug? Or instead of running the opposite way from me-just be a friend, give this girl a hug, better yet choclate-I need choclate!

13. Why do I have so much work to do but feel like I should just go take a nap to put myself in a better frame of mind?

If you made it all the way through-bless you! You are sweet to listen to me complain. I really am okay just fighting a little monster we like to call "Overworked!"

For more TT13-go here otherwise, have a nice day!!!

WWFM: Dancing with the Stars

I will tell you why "Dancing with the Stars" works for me. It is family friendly, fun to watch and it helps people grow beyond thier comfort zones. My favorite part is the clips from rehearsals. Especailly seeing the dancers and stars without make-up struggling to get the dance just right.

Who are your predictions for who is going to win season 3? I have my dibs on three people: Emmit Smith, Mario Lopez and Joey Lawerence. The Chicks didn't really impress me...yet. I am hoping that Harry Hamiln goes far b/c i was a big fan of Lisa last season and would hate to see him go home so quickly. And I am a huge fan of his partner, Ashley. Bless her heart she had it bad last season with Master P so I am hoping that she is rewarded for her hard work last season.

To see more WWFM go see Shannon at Rocks in My Dryers

A Great Day in the Johnson House

Click here to watch Katy's big day unfold. Uncle Jeff and I were so proud of this moment. It was an impromptu visit to see the kids and what a great day it turned out to be. When I first arrived, Katy says "I am going to ride without my training wheels today. You want to watch me?" I took pictures to chronicle her BIG DAY! She did soooooo good! I asked Missy how it felt to have her 2nd child riding bikes and she said it feels strange knowing she is old enough to ride her bike. I am proud because she is only 4 years old! Someone told Gunnar that he couldn't believe his kids ride their bikes at such a young age. Gunnar says, "They will try anything with a little encouragement!" True that, bro! True that!

Faith had a "Community Project" in school where she had to make a model of something that resembled a part of her community. Well she picked the local Sno Cone Stand! Figures she would pick that since the Johnson family is known for the many, many trips that they take to the sno cone stand in the summer. Faith was upset that Barbie was not able to have her boyfriend with her at the table but Missy did not want to put too many toys in case they were stolen while being displayed at school.



And last but not least...Elijah! He has started crawling and has also started pulling himself up. He will be walking in no time flat. He has 5 teeth and it is the cutest thing because he runs his tongue over his teeth and starts to chew. As you can see from his pictures he does not lack personality!





Okay Blogger is not letting me upload any more pictures so I will have to do another set soon. I still have more to share!

I REMEMBER 9-11

It was a gorgeous fall day, a lot like it is today. I was living in Bedford-working as a buyer for a furniture store and working part time at Chili's-still single but had been dating Jeff for 9 months. I woke up a little late b/c I did not have to be at work until 9:30 or 10 that morning. It felt great to get a few minutes of extra sleep. My alarm clock went off at 7:30-I hit snooze a few times. I was listening to KLTY our local Christian radio program-I am a firm believer in starting your day off with praise. Frank Reed stopped a song to ask us to pray for the people in the World Trade Center-the North tower had just been struck by an airplane. If you remember no one, yet was talking about this being a terrorist attack. I rose to the side of my bed and began to pray. "Lord, not sure what is going on but please protect the people in the World Trade Center." I got into the shower-began getting dressed. My mom also worked at the furniture store so I had an urgent need to get into work. Plus a co-worker of ours father was retired FBI-I knew he would know a little more details and I was curious to know what was happening. I was not scared mind you-this just seemed like a freak accident to me.

I walked into the store about the same time that the second plane hit the south tower. The image above is the scene I saw on the screen. I still have a hard time getting this one out of my head. The rest of the morning was spent glued to the television screen. In the entertainment room, surrounded by wide screen televisions we sat watching the rest of the story unfold. They started to show people falling out of the building-I guess I should say jumping out of the buildings. They showed people screaming from the top floors for someone to help them. Why the media showed us these images is still beyond me? But I am thankful-because I felt more connected to the gravity of the situation. I continued to pray for these people who were on my screen.

Then the towers fell! "Mom! Did everyone get out?!" My ex-military-son of retired FBI-gently told me that no everyone did not get out there was not any time. I cried! We closed early-or atleast I left early-not sure which just new I came home and wrote in my prayer journal. Still have it-will pull out and post my prayer.

Fast forward to a few days later-Mom and I are sitting at DFW airport about to go to a furniture market in Atlanta, GA. We were the first flight to leave DFW airport. There were only 8 of us on board, we all sat in first-class so that the weight would all be up front. Fear was in the eyes of every passenger and flight crew. The 8 of us bonded that flight. Most flights you go about your business and ignore the person next to you. For that brief time, we were the best of friends. Some had been stuck in Dallas for days and were trying to get home-Mom and I were the only ones going on business. Ended up that the show was cancelled the day we arrived so we spent the next few days touring Atlanta. Came home from our trip, Jeff picked us up at the airport and he was not happy with me for taking off. In fact, if you ask him if he likes Atlanta, GA-he says, "Hell no! That is the day I almost broke up with Susan for taking the trip so soon after 9-11."

How I have changed since 9-11:
1. I pray more for our country
2. I watch the news religiously-I was never into politics before 9-11
3. I cherish my family and the time that we get to spend together

How has it changed you? I am curious to hear your remarks

i am pink

I have just come from a weekend women's conference at Gateway Church called "Pink Impact." There is so much on my heart that I want, desire, need to share with all of you but I just can't seem to get the words to describe all that God showed me the last few days. I am awed by His power, purpose and timing.

Do you ever get those moments where you know God was directly speaking to you? Well this happened for me this weekend. I did not really think I wanted to go to this conference first of all. Since our house has been non-stop the last few weeks, I felt like I needed to take a time of rest to get back on track. I never really felt at peace about leaving my house with laundry, dishes and bags that are still waiting to be unpacked and not to mention that it just needed a good dusting and vaccuming. The conference started Thursday night. Wednesday night, I was laying in bed praying the prayer of the week "God do I go or stay home and get caught up?" Thursday morning-I woke feeling like I needed to be there. You know those moments where you feel in your gut you will miss out on something extraordinary if you don't go?!?! Well this is what I was feeling. I called my mom to tell her I was going and she said, "Good I prayed for you today to have peace about going."

Already as I begin to type out the first part of what God showed me I can feel tears coming up to the surface yet again. I am telling you it was that moving! How do I put into words everything that God showed me? Not someone else, me! You see, blog friends, family non-blog friends, everything and I mean everything that I have struggled with ALL my life was dealt with these last few days. EVERYTHING! Now I have broken free from a lot of the bondage from my past-Thank ya Jesus! (I have been reading Yada Yada Prayer Group-hence the "Thank ya Jesus" being added to my vocabulary not that it wasn't there before I just say it like Flo-read the books you will understand) But never have I dealt with the shame of my college years. Folks if you knew me in college you would not even recongize me today. If you did know me and are thinking "Well, you weren't that bad!" Then you saw Suzie Sunday School-you did not see Suzie Sinner! I was the queen of the mask! I was the queen of appearances. I wanted the church kids to think I was still acting like a church kid. I wanted the non-church kids to think that I was one of them. Although i assure I stuck out like a sore thumb-especially when i did not follow most of the lingo that went with the party lifestyle. I was not an authentic Christian. I was not allowing God to move and transform me the way that He wanted and desired for my life. Over the last 10 years, I have gone through a major rehaul. I am still a work in progress. But the last few days I have gone from acting to being the Christain leader God has called me to be.

Tune in later-I will write more but I getting to the good stuff so I need to go pray it out!
God bless!

WWFMW: Black Bean Salsa

Here is an appetizer that came from "Food that Says Welcome" by Barbara Smith, Michael W Smith's Mother

2 (10 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes w/ green chilies, drained
2 (11 oz) cans yellow sweet corn, drained
2 (15.5 oz) cans black beans, drained
1 red onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 Tablespoons olive oil
Fresh chopped cilantro
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Tortilla chips, to serve

Mix all ingredients and serve with chips
Serves 10-12

This is great for parties, football games, potluck or just to have around the house as a pre-dinner snack. Hope you enjoy!

For more great ideas visit Rocks in My Dryer-this week is a great one if you have children in school-check it out!!

Labor Day Weekend

As we were heading home from "Road Trip 2006" Jeff says, "Next weekend is Labor Day-want to go to Austin?" I didn't even have to think about it, "Yes! Let's go!" From that moment in the car, I started dreaming, thinking and my mouth was watering for one thing and one thing only...CHUY'S! I love this place! Yes, we have one in Dallas but it is not the same as being in Austin. We spent the early part of the evening at the "Bat Festival" in Austin, TX. For those of you outside the area, at dusk each night-millions of bats will fly out under Congress bridge. It's quite impressive really-you won't believe how many people came out to see the bats. Here is a picture so you can get an idea of what it looked like.





Okay back to the original post, Chuy's. My all time favorite dish is "Beef Burrito w/ Boom Boom Sauce". I love it! Mouth watering good! We get there-waited an hour for our table-no worries though we had chips and jalapeno ranch! YUM! I did not mind the wait either be/c I knew that soon I would be having a good ole' Beef Burrito with Boom Boom sauce. Miss Waitress comes to the table to take our orders, not having even looked at the menu, I say "Beef Burrito with Boom Sauce." Which she so rudely says, "We don't serve Boom-Boom Sauce at this location." WHAT?!?!?!?!

I had to SETTLE for quesadillas and was not a happy camper but did not make a big deal about it since I was with a group of people and we had just waited over an hour. Fast forward to the next evening, after traveling to Fredericksburg Jeff says, "Where would you like to eat?"

"Can we go to the Chuy's off Duval street?"

And reason # 5000 something of why I love Jeff-he said yes b/c he knew it would make me happy! Oh and we had Jenn call her friend who waits tables at this particular location to make sure they did in fact have Boom Boom Sauce.

(Please Note: Boom Boom sauce is NOT on the menu but if you order a beef burrito tell them you want the boom boom sauce most Chuy's carry it.)

Tag You're It!!

I never do this but thought I would give it a try after reading Boo-Mama's answers, funny we have a lot in common. So if you are reading this please know you are now tagged and must comment on my blog when through.

1. If you make sweet tea, do you use Luzianne, Lipton or _______ whatever your brand is?

Luzianne - only because it sounds more Texan when you say in a southern draw "Luzi-ANNNE!"

2. What brand of toilet paper do you buy, and is it the larger rolls or regular?

Costco's name brand, "Kirkland" I buy in bulk-I like to keep my toilet paper stocked under my sink out of the big wrapper in a basket. It looks nice and is easy to get to in case you run out. Hubby is very good at replacing the roll (I just thought I would send him a compliment via blog land)

3. Which brand of bath soap do you use? Is it body wash or bar style?

Body Wash-I normally use Dove but I just started using the Johnson's adult body wash and I love it-you skin is soft the whole day and you smell so clean

4. Which cereal do you buy for yourself?

Special K with Strawberries

5. What brand of dishwasher detergent do you use and is it liquid or tablets?

Again, the Costco brand, "Kirkland" I love the bulk!

6. What is your favorite fruit to eat?

Strawberries! But any fruit is fine with me except pears, never been a fan of the pear.

7. Which brand of clothes detergent do you use?

Gain with Snuggles fabric softener

8. Do you like chocolate?
Are you crazy?! Who doesn't like chocolate

9. Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Right.

10. Do you still write checks or use a debit card?

Debit card, checks are such a hassle and why would you want to waste time writing a check-that is so uncool these days!!!


Okay friends, get yours done and send back to me-no stress just fun!

Going to the Hospital

Scared you didn't I? It's not me that needs the hospital, not Jeff either-it's my poor computer. Just wanted to let blogland know since I will be out of the blog world until my computer is returned. I am praying it won't be too long since this is my main source for work.

Wish us luck!!

Thirteen Things I Did This Summer

1. Slept In-Last Semester was a rough one-it was nice being able to sleep in
2. Sunday Matinee Movies-Hubby and I went every Sunday this summer since our Sunday Bible Study was on hiatus for the summer
3. Scrapbook Weekend-The Scrapping Chicks and I went away for our bi-annual get away. It was soooo much fun!
4. Baby Showers, Baby Showers and what do you know...more baby showers- Seriously it has been insane, I went out and bought bulk presents so I could try to save more money, plus I am hoping that all these beautiful ladies will remember me when that time comes for us. Shameless I know!
5. The Patriarchs-by Beth Moore- a group of ladies in the community and myself gathered together every Tuesday morning for the bible study. We met at 6:30 am-I only missed once-it was THAT good!
6. Took Hayley, our niece to her first time at Deer Run-I feel old and it was hard not to be able to stay with her
7. July 4th Celebration-This is a Young family Tradition-it was fabulous as usual.
8. Birthday Celebrations-Hubby turned 36, Mom Bonner, my great grandmother-turned 97 and Martha, my cousin turned 13 (going on 20)all in the same week
9. Read A Bunch Of Books-I read 40 plus books this summer to challenge myself, I have too many to say which one was my favorite. I will do a TT13 one day with my favorite 13
10. Road Trip 2006-see our Road Trip Blog for the trip write up. I am still working on it so it is not fully updated.
11. Prayed- This was a growing summer for me. God changed my heart in so many ways-needless to say-I prayed many, many times day and night. The good news is-God is faithful and has seen me through
12. Taught Sunday School-Jeff and I teach the 3-4 year olds at our church once a month-it has been fun watching J with the kids
13. Enjoyed myself immenselyI hate to see the summer come to an end but as usual we lived it up as best as we could.

I just added a cool video to our Road Trip Blog to share our complete trip-feel free to check it out. After viewing this you will understand why I said in #13 that I enjoyed myself immensely!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Sexin and Shewee!

These two words, sexin and shewee are not words that show up in my blog-but they are on my cousin Paige's blog. I am looking for any excuse to add these to my blog since our house does not use such fantastic words. I guess that is one of the benefits for having little ones at your house. I am posting these words now before I do my word cloud to see if they will make mine. Now wouldn't that be funny!?! If you are looking for funny posts about kids, see Paige-you won't find these here-since I have yet to start populating the earth with my sweet hubby!

Here is the results of my word cloud...


Look what made it!!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY:TOURISTS

FOR MORE WORDLESS WEDNESDAYS SEE 5 MINUTES FOR MOM

God will see YOU through!!

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will waters become a flood to destroy life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
Genesis 9:13-16

As we were driving home from our vacation on Sunday-I saw two rainbows on two different days. I was blessed. Long ago as I was driving to my first year at ACU-my mom and I saw a rainbow in the sky. As we were driving Mom reminded me of this verse and that God would keep his promises. Years later driving home from another road trip to New Orleans (summer before hurricane) Jeff and I saw a rainbow in the sky right after we had a close encounter with a car. The other car flipped in front of us on a two lane highway but Jeff and I made it through without a scratch or dent. I cried when I saw the rainbow in the sky. Oh and the people in the other car, although it flipped and landed upright,also walked away without a scratch. God protects us!

God does keep His promises. God will see us through every storm in life. God will walk beside us, will comfort us and will provide for us when life gets to be too much. God knew we would have those days that just plain suck. God knew that we would need to be reminded after the stroms of life that He is there. That is why each time I see a rainbow in the sky, I take a moment to praise God. Because I know that God will see me through whatever storm may come.

Jeff and I have just walked through the roughest season of our marriage but God has been faithful, He has seen us through. This past week when I saw the rainbows in the sky I was thankful for the reminder that God saw us through this strom in our life and He will see us through many more. I pray today for each of you who come across this post. May you see the rainbows and know that God will see you through whatever storms may come to you.

God Bless
Susan

MOUNT RUSHMORE HERE WE COME!

 

Soon we will be hitting the open road for the 3rd annual Young family vacation. We have bought the essential road trip paraphernalia and are ready to go.

Here is the TOP 10 Essentials to Cross Country Driving!


1. Books on Tape-figure for every 8 hours in the car you need 1 book. I rented 4. Make sure you get something that you and hubby will both enjoy. Mind you we have no kids at this point, so we listen to what we choose-no Veggie Tales or Barney on this trip.

2. Magazines-I just picked up the latest Martha Stewart Living-the special Decorating Issue and I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ THIS!

3. IPOD-We have his and hers so we trade off listening to his music and mine. Great thing is I like all kinds-hubby on the other hand is a Van Halen fan all the way-so Van is what you get on his turn.

4. Yummy Snack foods that won't melt in the car- I love Trail Mix bags because you have a little sweet and you have a little salty all mixed up into one. Cheese and PB crackers and apples. We are trying NOT to eat our weight in junk so no junk in my trunk this week!

5. Water and Caffeine-This way we do not have to spend $2 at the rest stop vending machine-instead we spend $4 to last us the whole trip.

6. Igloo-got to keep your stuff cool! It's so freakin hot!

7. Camera-You never know when you may see a Kodak moment-so you best have it charged and ready to go. Last year we pulled off at Bill Clinton's Boy Hood home and took a picture. Good thing the camera was charged!

8. Battery operated light for reading- I love to read, day or night and I just may want to skim some pages at night-so you need the light at night

9. Atlas-Hubby and I are known for taking the scenic route so we have to have the map just in case we get lost. I got lost going from Winnsboro to Paris, TX and this map saved my life-not to mention it was 3 in the morning by the time I got there!

10. Rental car-Why put 4800 miles on your car?! That's crazy!

And one to grow on... LAPTOP
Starting Tuesday We will only be updating the "Road Trip" Blog so tune in there until we get back-we will update it daily! Come along for the ride-we won't care! 

Confessions of a Happy Housewife

 

I have always admired someone who can keep a clean home. I want to be that person, really I do but I am having a hard time getting motivated. We aren't dirty people just cluttered. I recently joined Flylady and started the whole process with such gusto that hubby was actually amazed with how clean our house looked. I guess you can say I fell off the wagon. It doesn't help that we live in a one bedroom apartment and my living room serves as my office. I work for Ashley Furniture and we often comment that Ashley has overtaken us! I can guarantee you that our first child will not be named Ashley. Because each time we called the child's name-there would be gnashing of teeth-somehow that does not seem right to put our child through that.

Anyways-we are about to embark on a six state tour traveling to Mount Rushmore and when I get back school starts. (I am in the process of finishing my degree!) So my motivation to get my house in gear has kicked up a notch. Already I have washed a load of laundry, emptied the dishwasher, cleaned out a little section off my desk, emptied the trash cans and will be vaccuming before the day is done. I know how much better I will feel when my house is back in order. Plus, the joy that will come from walking into my house after a long journey and see it all cleaned ready to go.
Now if that is not motivation I don't know what is!

Maybe if I get brave I will do a before and after picture of my living room, office and dining room-they are all entwined together. One day soon, 6 months to be exact, we will be in a house and hopefully this phase of my life will help me in establishing routines and what not for keeing a happy, organized home. But until that time comes I am off to clean! 

Thirteen Things that Can Always Get Me Movin!

 

1. Thriller-Micheal Jackson
My cousins had the video and it used to scare the heeby-jeebies out of me! I loved it in 13 going on 30 when Jennifer's character gets everyone to dance. Priceless

2. Jesse's Girl-Rick Springfield
This is on my "Happy" playlist on the IPOD. It always gets me moving!

3. Bootylicious-Destiny's Child
Random song I know but you just have to know me to really understand!

4. ABC-The Jackson 5
This was an all time favorite for the girls on the 3rd floor in Nelson hall!

5. Shackles-Mary Mary
During the Bible Study by Beth Moore titled "Breaking Free" this song came on my radio during a very intense moment with God and ever since, this has served as my reminder that I have been broken free and I need to praise God with dancing a jig! (Giggles)

6. Gettin' Jiggy with It-Will Smith
When this song starts your body will move just like this: Shoulders bouncing, add a little rock back and forth, and finish with side step-the for the grand finale a big spin around the room.

7. U Can't Touch This-M.C Hammer
"My My My Music Hits me So Hard Makes Me Say, "Oh My Lord!"
Try to sit still when this song is playing in the background.

8. Girls Just Want to Have Fun-Cyndi Lauper
Name a girl that didn't dance to this at the slumber parties with her best friends. Now each Christmas my cousin and I sing this for the family thanks to the Karoke machine-(Sending a shout out to you Brandy!)

9. Take a Chance on Me-Erasure
I thought I was so cool in high school because a friend of mine asked me to choreograph a dance for her officer tryout in drill team. I don't think she made it!!! Is that sad or what?!? Could it of been my dance I did for her?!? Probably OOPS! Sorry Kelly!

10. Crazy In Love-Beyonce
There is a reason I list this and here it is! This song is on my IPOD, the other day I was walking on the treadmill at our local gym. The song started and I was struting my stuff like I was a runway model or something. I laughed out loud be/c I was moving with the beat-no worries, I did not start bouncing my booty like Beyonce.

11. I am Your Boogie Man-KC and the Sunshine Band
Another high school story-It was 70's day during football season. The pep rally was in full swing... I was pulled out of the crowd to dance with my friend Ben to this song. You would of thought we had just walked out of "Saturday Night Fever." In my mind, I see us dancing very well and everyone stopping to watch us move up and down the gym floor. Just kidding, the truth is we fell all over each other b/c have you ever tried dancing in platform heels?! No THANKS, MAN! NOT COOL!

12. Dancing Queen-ABBA
My other fantasy as a kid was dancing on Soul Train, although, I don't know if this would of been a song choice for the show but for me, "I am the Dancing Queen, Young and Lean, Only 17!"

13. Don't Stop Till you Get Enough-Micheal Jackson
"OOOH!" says Michael Jackson in a high pitch voice that makes you think he is part man, part cat!

And One to Grow on...
Remember this:
Hanging Touch, Step by Step, You've Got The (Right Stuff) New Kids on the Block
"We are going to put you in a trance with the funky song, stand tough, stand tough, are you tough enough? We're ROUGH, ROUGH!" From You've Got the Right Stuff

Girls all over the world in the late 80's early 90's can all remember dancing to this with thier friends and crying into thier NKOTB pillow at night. I had a Donny and Joey crush? What about you??


For More Thursday Thirteens boogie, boogie, boogie this way! 

WWFMW: Design on A Dime

 


I have always been a big fan of the Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrell and the Ethan Allen look-yet I don't like to spend the money! I used to be a furniture buyer for a small "Mom and Pop" store and realized that all small manufactors knock off the big guys like Pottery Barn and Crate and Barell. So what I have done is develop a "Design on A Dime" notebook from pictures I have printed on the internet or from catalogs and magazines I like. So when it comes time to decorate the holidays or I get the urge to redecorate a room-I first flip through my notebook. Then I go find the look for half the price. Design on a Dime comes in when I don't buy just to buy but think it out before I purchase.

For more "What Works For Me" see Shannon @ Rocks In My Dryer 

Seeing Oppurtunities in the Middle of It All

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."~ Albert Einstein ~

I was 21-young and ambitious, maybe a little too ambitious. I wanted it all-a college degree, living out on my own, working a full time job and a full social calendar. Soon reality sunk in. I was run down, cranky and failing almost all of my classes, not to mention working every extra minute so that I could just get by. Social Life? Yeah right, I had no time. I was doing good just to get through the next day and even that was getting harder with each passing day.

I prayed. I searched. I kept falling behind. I prayed. I searched. I was blessed because God provided for my basic needs: food, clothing, shelter. Yet there was still something missing. After months of just "getting by" I gave up. I wish I could say the Lord opened my eyes and I realized I was not where the Lord wanted me and quickly got back on course. I was flying down one track and that was my own. My ideas and motives were selfish and pulling me down deeper and deeper into a bottomless pit. I kept praying but it was always for the Lord to fix the mess I made. What I didn't realize is that if I wanted this "mess" to be fixed I would have to stop moving and sit still long enough for God to unwind the tangled mess I had weaved. I was tightly wound and the untangling would take years. Ten years later I am still reaping what I sowed.

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."~ Albert Einstein ~

Take a moment and turn with me to the path I have just come from. Along this path of self destruction there are these wonderful mirages peppered through out my path when the journey becamemore than I could bare. Blessings upon blessings that I could not see in the midst of it all. I was not able to see because my focus was not on God's blessings but my life. Me. It was all about me.

"Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You." James 4:8

Oh, dear friend, my life changed when I stopped running. My life changed when I drew to the one person who could take my difficulty and make into an oppurtunity. You may find this hard to believe but one day I believe you will, oh I pray you will. Ready? What I am about to share with you is the verse that kept me moving forward and NOT giving up.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us and eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Cornthians 4:17-18

So I hope you continue your journey today realizing that God has an eternal plan that outweighs all the junk of this world. I pray that my story can be a motivator for you to stop running and draw near to God. HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!

Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side?!?!

For everytime...

...a single person looks at a married couple and thinks, "I wish I was married." The married person could be thinking, "I wish I was single."

...a young married couple without kids looks at a couple with kids and thinks, "I wish I had a child." The couple with kids could be thinking, "I wish I had thier freedom."

...a mother with a house full of teenagers may envy the woman with an empty nest, while the woman with empty nest may be longing for the days where the sounds of teenagers filled her house.

...a young exectutive may wish that it was him retiring instead of his boss, while the boss may be wishing he was starting out again like the young executive.

Just remember that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 So the next time you find yourself wondering if the grass is greener on the other side, remember that maybe someone is watching you wishing they were in your shoes!

God Bless~
Susan!

The Things You Will Endure to Save A Buck!!

My husband and I are frugal people. We love to save on the bottom line. We would rather wait to watch a movie at the local dollar theatre than see it when it first comes out like everyone else. Why? We save $10 sometimes $12 dollars, if we go on 50 cent movie night.

But last night's adventure was a little too much for me. I should of known this was going to be bad when a little boy maybe 2 almost 3 standing in line in front of us is only wearing a tee-shirt and diaper. No shoes, no shorts. And he was walking around barefoot on the nasty parking lot! Plus it was a 10 o'clock p.m movie. Now I am not a parent but I ask you parents out there in blog land, shouldn't little kids that age be in BED!!

It gets better I promise you! As we are standing in line I realize the movie we are about to see (Davinci Code) is quite long so I better empty my bladder. The bathroom was disgusting! I almost called it quits right there as I skimmed to find one stall with a toilet flushed and minimal paper on the floor and other stuff that I will not subject you to!

So the movie starts and this small family walks in during the middle of the opening scene maybe even later than that, carrying in a one year old child. At this point it is probably 10:30 at night. The baby did not want to be there. SHE CRIED THE WHOLE TIME! Finally a lady sitting behind us says, "That's it! You can't watch a movie with a crying baby in the room!" And storms out of the theatre. In her quest to get up angrily her jacket gets caught on the seat and when she yanks it free, she hits poor hubby in the head! But thankfully she went and got the police (yes they are a must at the movie theater I am afraid!) and manager who did a walk through of the theatre. But the family left before they came in since I am sure they heard this lady as she stormed out of the theatre. Next time get a babysitter or rent the movie! Or go earlier when the baby is not ready for BED!

All in all the movie was not bad-of course we watched it knowing it was pure fiction and nothing else. If you have questions whether this movie is true or not-let me say it is NOT and if you need further proof-READ YOUR BIBLE!!

God Bless-
Susan!

Step Away from the Blog!!!

I am obsessed with this blog thing! I have had a great visit of sorts with old friends today, yet until they read their comments they will not know I was there. I have many, many friends from ACU that I have lost contact with over the years. Some of them I did not even know that they know go by the title, "Mom and Dad." But today I was able to see pictures of the babies and read the latest things that have taken place in the their little portion of the world over the last few years.

As I read, the classic song by Michael W Smith began playing in my head. "Friends are Friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them." I often get sad because of location or passage of time I am unable to catch up with these friends. But one day we will have a whole eternity to catch up with each other in Heaven.

But until then I will have to settle for surfing everyone's blog. If you stopped by because of the comments I left to you. Please leave your comment so I can know you came by to my neck of the woods.

Surprisingly this blog things reminds me of living in the dorms when we would go visit someone and leave a note on the dry erase board posted to their door. Thanks to my sweet Paige my dry erase board was the cutest on the block-with it's buttons clustered all over the frame!

Thirteen Things that Make me Smile

I woke this morning feeling sick to my stomach and cranky! And it didn't help hearing the Threat level has been moved up to level RED!! (Lord, Protect us!) So this list has been complied in order to help me get out of my funk!

1. My husband's dancing! He has no rhythm and has no shame all wrapped up into one-a perfect combination for someone with no dancing skill! He will dance for me if I get cranky and each time it sends me into fits of laughter!
2. Sonic Cherry Cokes! My family teases me because they say I have Sonic Radar-I can guide you to the nearest Sonic anywhere in the USA!
3. A good quiet time with Lord! I should of put this first but I am writing as it comes to me. I love those days where you meet with the Lord and know that you have just entered into His presence. Sometimes I just sit knowing that no words can be said to Him that He does not already know-so just sitting-meditating on Him brings a smile to my face.
4. Weekend Scrapbook Retreats-I have a group of friends (who were strangers BEFORE we started scrapbooking together) we get together every six months at this small bed and breakfast. We scrapbook, talk, laugh, eat, watch chick flicks and repeat the list over and over again. We have gone twice now with one another one coming in November and I think we all have started making this a priority to get away together.
5. My nieces and nephew! My husband and I really enjoy being called the "cool aunt and uncle." We cherish these moments with our 3 girls and little nephew because one day when we have kids our priorities will be different but for today we enjoy watching them laugh and grow.
6. My nephew Elijah is 8 months old and started waving bye to me last night when I was leaving his house after a visit with the family. He also has started doing this cute little "puppy head cock" to the left when you are talking to him. It is not often but when he does it he looks so cute like "What did you say?" He also woke up from his nap and my sister-in-law passed him to me but he was not fully awake so he and I got to cuddle for a few minutes. Precious!!
7. Okay one more about the kids! Faith started 2nd grade yesterday, the night before I called her to see if she was getting ready for her first day. Here is the conversation:

"Faith what are you doing?"

"I am watching "Full House."

"You better watch tons of TV because school starts tomorrow."

"I know why do you think I am watching Full House."

Later I asked her if her friend was going to be in her class this year. They are known for NOT getting along! She said, "No she is at the new school this year." I said "Well that is an answer to prayer isn't it?" She then replies, "Oh yes it is! God does answer prayers!!!"

8. Bonus checks "Just Because" I have had two of these sent to me in my career. My boss is a wonderful lady and often times will reward me if she fills I have gone over and beyond the call of duty for her. Not many bosses do this so this does make me smile. I am so blessed to work out of my home and for such caring people!!

9. Answered prayer! My friend Chandra's son Canon needed a liver transplant. After months of praying, crying, waiting and more praying he received one. To see him laughing and smiling makes me laugh and smile. To learn more visit: Canon's website Let me warn you to carry a Kleenex and give yourself time to read all of Chandra's journals. She will inspire you!

10. Harold's Warehouse sale. This seems shallow after writing about Canon but Chandra will fully understand. Since Harold's is a favorite for her too! Great clothes for 1/4 of their regular price. It comes around once maybe twice a year so if you live in DFW area and love Harold's clothing. Sign up at the website to receive special offers via email.

11. Calls from old friends. I just received one from my friend Lauren-we have been friends since we were in 1st grade. What a way to turn my frown upside down today!

12. Football season: My husband, his dad and brother are HUGE San Diego Chargers fans! And I mean HUGE! Every Sunday they get together to watch the game and boy howdy does it get loud. My FIL is very quiet but NOT when he is watching the Chargers. I love his enthusiasm! Precious, just precious!

13. Road trips with hubby! We have just got notice that we can both take vacation so we are headed to San Diego in a few weeks to catch a pre-season game and for my husband to show me his favorite digs in San Diego. I can't wait to have that one on one time away from life as we know it!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! To see more go to: Thursday Thirteen's page

Works for Me...Kitchen Timer

This is my first 'It works for me Wednesday" post so here it goes! What works for me is my kitchen timer. Let me explain, I work at home and I have lots of people who count on me to get my work done in a timely manner. It would be easy for me to do nothing but since I enjoy working at home, I do not want to jeopardize my job in anyway. I am easily side tracked so I came up with this new system to help me stay focused.

Each day I wake up at the same time, have my daily devotional time then I get dressed first thing (make-up, clothes including shoes and hair done) then I start my work day. I try to start and end my day at the same time each day. This way I am not stuck working 24-7 just because it is in my home. From the start of my day, I set my timer for 45 minutes and during that 45 minutes I work without distraction. Then when the timer goes off, I reset it for 15 minutes and step away from the computer. During this time I start a load of laundry, check my personal email or call a friend to chat. But when the 15 minutes is done I start another 45 minutes and get back to work.

I realize some of you may be thinking this is a very rigid way to live out your day. But for me it has allowed me to do more away from my work at night. Spend time with my family, read a book or blog to all of you! Plus I have the peace of mind knowing I am getting all accomplished for my job!

If you want to read more "Works for me Wednesdays" go see Shannon at "Rocks in My Dryer"

I HATE WATERBUGS!!

I hate waterbugs a.k.a. nasty roach beasts! Recently I have two terrifying experiences with these nasty beasts and tonight's took the cake.

The first one was a few weeks back. I was watching television in my room when out of the corner of my eye I saw something fly by. "What was that?" Then all of sudden, I look down and there is this big, ugly roach like beast crawling towards me.

"EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! This was said over and over while I was drastically flapping my sheets trying to get the bug to GET OFF OF ME!!! Timidly I run out to my kitchen and grab the "Handy Dandy Bug Spray" and leap on my bed because I greatly feared being attacked by this beast. A few minutes pass by, long enough for me to relax and return my attention to the TV show. And again I see a flying object. "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it is the disgusting roach beast." But now I am armed so I start spraying like it is Lysol. (I know all about the warnings on the back of the can, please don't contact me with a list of why I should not have done this!) And instead of dying, the roach beast starts scrambling around like it is on speed or something. I was horrified! So I kept spraying. From one side of the room to the next it kept rushing around, I know it was dying but it was kind of amusing to watch. Finally it died and I became "Wonder Woman" with my broom in hand and scooped up the bug and flushed it down the toilet! Whoosh!!

On to tonight's sighting. This time it was next door at my mom's. (Yes I have already told you! We live next door! I swear one day I will give you the scoop but I must stay on topic!) I needed to borrow her step ladder to finish my closet organization closet. See last weeks 13 things for full scoop. Anyway I could not find where she put it, she was not home at the time. And don't worry I called her BEFORE I went over there. She just wasn't home!! Low and behold another waterbug was hanging out in her bathroom. I ran next door, grabbed my "Handy Dandy Bug Spray" and whisked back to save the day at her place. But this time the bug would not die! So I kept spraying! I know, I know, I read the back label I am just choosing to ignore it. Finally it landed on her bath mat but it was still squirming. So I drug the bath mat to the door to toss it outside. Whoosh! Unfortunately it did not Whoosh! It FLOPPED! Right on the tile entry way. I thought "No problem" Grab the broom and whisk it outside. I took my golf club a.k.a broom and pulled back to whack it good! It glided to a stop at the step coming into the front door. Again, I pull back...and again nothing. Finally I grab the dust pan and granny flopped it out the door. All the while saying, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!"

I am heading down to the office first thing to get them to call that exterminator that they rave about!

"In Other Words"

"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand."~ Emily Kimbrough ~

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for thier work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Lord, thank you for my friends who walks beside me through good times and in bad. Thank you for my friend who is willing to pray with me and love me instead of hurt me and judge me. Thank you for my friend who makes me laugh when I am sad and allows me to vent when I am mad. Thank you for my friend who encourages me to be a better wife, friend and follower of Jesus. Thank you for my friend that does not waste my time with meaningless gossip but will tell me what the Lord has revealed to her today and then asks what He has revealed to me. Thank you for my friend who calls me to lunch, scrapbook and a cup of coffee. Thank you for my friend who does not put down her husband when we are lunching, scrapbooking and sharing a cup of coffee but lifts up praise just because the Bible tells her so. Thank you for my friend who when they know I am having a rough day offers to pray that the next day will be better and then calls the next day to make sure that my day is much better. Thank you for my friend who before arriving to my house will stop by the local Sonic and get my favorite drink because she loves to see a smile on my face. Thank you for my friend who encourages me to keep doing the ministry I have been called to no matter what others may say. It is because of friends like these that I feel so blessed to call them "Sisters in Christ."

Thank you sweet friends, you know who you are!!

Check out more "In Other Words" @ Christain Women Online

The Storm-Part 2

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven."

Psalms 107: 29-30

Yesterday I left off with the day God changed me and showed me that He would be the one to fight for me. You may think that after this divine appointment that I would of began a life of peace and joy, knowing God was fully in control of the outcome. Friends, this was not so. The battle grew worse inside me! Spiritual Warfare perhaps??

I continued to pray day and night that God would show J and I direction. What was His plan? His reason for this season?

I solicited prayers from my women's bible study group. My prayer request each week was this, "That we would be open to the plan God had for us." But my prayer focus was always J never myself. I just knew that my way was God's way so eventually J would come on board. But God does not take kindly to us dictating to Him the plan for our lives.

During the next few weeks God began a mighty work in me. One day after weeks of being silent-J came to me willing to help me get the answers we would need to make a healthy decision for our "life altering experience". I saw this as a huge answer to prayer. We met with a "life altering expert" and the meeting did not go my way. Needless to say I was hurt, scared, angry all at the same time.

But let me rewind just a little bit. The night before the "life altering appointment" I began to read "Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh Demoss. (Ladies, this is a must READ!) This book covers a series of lies that we have been told throughout our life and then counter acts with the truth from the Word of God.

Here is the lie that I have believed all my life: "God Should Fix My Problems."

But the truth is: "Life is hard. God is more concerned about glorifying Himself and changing me than solving all my problems. God has an eternal purpose He is fulfilling in the midst of my problems." (page 59) Talk about hitting you over the head!

I sat on my floor dumbfounded and prayed, "Lord do I have the Genie in the Bottle mentality? Do I only trust you when things are going my way? Or do I trust you no matter what comes my way?"

So fast forward to after we walked out of the "life altering" office. J reaches for me and says, "Talk to me!" And I said in a not so gentle voice. "Not now, I need time to process this." When in actuality God and I were having a heart-to-heart that went something like this:

God-"Child, do you trust me?"

Me-"I want to but I..."

God-"No buts, yes or no. Do you trust me?"

Me-"Yes, I do trust you."

God- "Then let go and let me do what I have been saying I will do."

Later that afternoon, J and I had the best conversation we had in years. And guess what, we both walked away with two things, direction and a new prayer focus. So Sunday during my quiet time, Psalms 107:29-30, was the perfect verse to wrap up this last week. God has calmed the storm.

The Storm-Part 1

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107:29-32

I must admit that tonight I am at a loss for words. There is so much that I want to share but not sure where to begin. All I know is that I have a need to get some words from my heart to this page. Over the summer I have been reading a Psalms a day-today I read Psalms 107. The above is a little part of what I read today and I must admit it brought a tear to my eye.

The last few months have been a roller coaster ride for my husband and I. Many changes and decisions are being made now that we like to call, "life altering." Many times I feel one way and he feels another-we are on two different sides of the field most days, ready to duke it out. During the spring, I started to pray with a dear friend who has encouraged me to not bring my issues to J without first bringing them to God. And when I say "bringing it to God" I mean leaving it at His feet and me keeping silent in this process, while God did the work. Well if you know me, you know that silence is not my forte! Let's just say a storm was raging in my heart. At one point, I was about ready to burst. Anger would be a mild description for what I was feeling-rage would be more like it. But I knew that I could not and would not take this out on my husband-although it would of felt so good to whack him upside the head repeatedly until he saw things my way. I woke up early one morning after a night spent tossing and turning in bed. I pulled on my running shoes, tied my hair back and was off to "beat the pavement" almost literally. When I got home, there was a note on my door from my mom. (She lives next door, that is another post all together-and no it is not the reason for J and I's roller coaster ride!)

The note said, "S and J-Exodus 14:13-14, You are in God's hands-be faithful! Be hopeful! He will be your strength! Mom!

I immediately went to look up Exodus 14:13-14.

It says, "Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

I sat down at my kitchen table and wept. You see, during my run, I kept hearing a little voice inside me saying, "Lay it down! Lay it down! Be still and know that I am God! Be still and know that I am God!" Yet I did not want to listen. Exodus 14:13-14 was my confirmation that it was time to let God fight for me and for me to be still. That day changed everything for me. For the first time, I decided to let God fight for me!

To Be Continued...

Thirteen Things to Replace My Television

During the month of August, I have decided to turn off the television because of a challenge from Nancy Leigh Demoss's ministry, Reviveourhearts.com

So today I have taken a moment to compile a list of thirteen things to keep me from turning on the television.

1. Scrapbook-Avid scrapbookers always seem to be months behind so why not try to finish a few pages while I have a few minutes to spare.
2. Read a good book-I love to read. The problem is, I have become used to watching t.v and reading a good book. Talk about multi-tasking.
3. Blog-my television is off right now as I type-so when I get the urge to sit in front of the screen why not sit in front of my computer screen.
4. Take a walk-Prime Time is always my time to sit down and unwind-why not take a walk instead. God knows it would be cooler during prime time than in the middle of the day-wouldn't it?
5. Organize my closet- I could sub the time I would be sitting in front of the television doing nothing- by taking time to clean out my closet. Now wouldn't that be nice!
6. Bake-I received Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook for Christmas and there are still so many recipes that I want to try! Since I have some free time now, why not?!
7. Write a letter-when was the last time you received a letter via snail mail, just because. What a lost art letter writing has become! I am going to sit myself down and write a letter
8. Finger Paint-Why can't I do this? Yes, it's true that most adults would not choose to get dirty but why do kids get to have all the fun?!
9. Study! unfortunately I will have to start studying again at the end of August since I am working on getting my degree...Once again.
10. Barnes and Noble-take a drive to the local B & N to flip through my favorite magazines
11. Call my husband- He works nights and I can talk to him during his lunch hour which is during prime time. It's fun because it is almost like we are dating-talking over the phone about nothing important
12. Listen to the radio- My new thing is Christian talk radio- oneplace.com is the best place to listen to your favorite minister's radio shows. Try Kay Arthur, Nancy Leigh Demoss, Elizabeth George, James Dobson, Family Life Today, Beth Moore to name a few
13. Study my Bible-it is amazing the things God can show you when you turn the television off and listen to His voice
    
    Check out more Thursday Thirteens Here : http://thursdaythirteen.com
    
    
    
    
    

"In Other Words..."

"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'"~ C.S. Lewis ~

I love a good tantrum! When I was young my mom would say, "You can get happy in the same pants that you got mad in!" To that I would so very smartly reply, "Well then I will just go change my pants!"

After reading the quote for the week, I started to reflect on how I react to God's direction in my life. If it is not what I want to hear I throw a fit before God. "BUT WHY???, " I ask. I can just imagine Him answering me the way my parents used to, "Because I said so!"

There is a popular saying among churches, "There is a reason for everything!" But what if you are sick of being the reason. Does anyone understand what I am saying here?!? Why do I have to be the one always being tested? Why is it that my life is always in a holding pattern? What are you doing here Lord?

I have been studying the life of Joseph the last few weeks. Imagine having your brothers throw you into a pit to later sell you into slavery. Years later he is accused of something he did not even do and thrown into prision; when the truth is he fled from tempation. While in prision Joseph interprets two men's dreams. He says to one, "My only request is that I not be forgotten when your position is restored." Yet two full years go by before this man remembers Joseph. How do you think Joseph responded? Did he say, "Thy will be done" or did he say, "All right then, have it your way." (Story of Joseph found in Genesis 37-42)

Forgive me for putting my own spin on it for a second. I believe Joesph probably replied both ways-he was human after all. Maybe there was a lesson to be learned in his two years in prision. Just like maybe there actually is a reason for this season of my life. God has something for me to learn. If you take a look at the story of Joesph, his character did a complete 180 before the story concludes. What happened to the teenage boy with the brightly colored coat? He was not the same man that went before Pharoah years later. God transformed Him.

The next time you find yourself in a "holding cell" ask God to show you why He has brought you here. Ask Him to reveal anything in your life that is not of Him. Ask Him to remove all angerness, bitterness and hurriedness to move beyond this moment. Instead adopt an attitude of praise knowing that God will direct your paths and lead you to a higher place when He sees fit.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

1 Peter 5:6

Weekend Update

The family was in from California so we all got together for a small barbeque. We had to get a group shot of the smaller cousins unfortunatley they were not as excited as I was to get a picture. They did not want to be pulled away from the television (see picture below) so I bribed them by saying they could have dessert afterwards. It worked like a charm!
Little Gracen needed Grammie to help her-I couldn't let this photo op get away from me!

Gracen's unique style-she did not want to take off her red velvet dress (that's right-in the middle of summer) so she put her pink dress over the top and declared,

"That way you can see the red too!"

Check out her high heel shoes! I heard she went to the movies earlier that day wearing the red velvet dress with flip-flops. It takes a very confident person to pull that off!

The next day we cooked out with my brother's family! These kids LOVE pictures so they are happy to pose anytime-without bribing them with dessert. At the end of the picture-little brother started to pull his big sister's hair! They better watch out b/c he will be walking soon and coming after his sisters even more.
Little one sucking his thumb-his daddy did the same thing when he was a little boy. I guess you can say, "Like Father like Son!"

This weekend was busy but we wouldn't of traded a moment for anything.

We enjoyed spending time with our family from California and those that live close by.

We hope you had a great weekend as well! Summer is coming to a close way too quickly so we need to live it up while we can!

New Bible Reading Feature to the Blog

Bible Gateway offers this great feature for fellow bloggers and web hosters-it is an audio version of daily Bible reading a chapter a day. If you look to the right of my blog-above the picture of the "Christian Women Online" logo- you will see the speaker symbol. Click on it and you will be able to hear the Bible read by a guy with a great voice and expressive language.

The picture here is a picture of my great-grandmother's Bible I took this the other day at her house while celebrating her 97th birthday (See "Mom Turns 97"). I love to see the turned up edges and worn pages. Friends, that is what a Bible is supposed to look like. Of course the reason it looks like this is b/c she has read it daily for years each morning. It has not come from years of leaving it outside or abuse. I hope one day each of our Bibles will be a blessing for our next generation to look at-so they know that we loved and leaned on God daily!

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path!"

Psalms 119:105

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Reasons Why I love Deer Run!

In honor of my cousin Martha out at camp the last two weeks, I thought I would make my "Thursday 13" about Deer Run.

1. Pine Trees-"In the Pines, In the Pines where the sun never shines..." The smell, the cool breezes day and night, you just can't experience anything greater.

2. Starry nights-If you visit Deer Run, you must walk in the middle of the ball field at night-and take a moment to look up. It just does not get any better than than. You can't help but feel God's presence as he covers you with twinkling lights.

3. Hymn Time-30 minutes out of the day is spent singing praises to God. The best Hymn times were done during outcamping-underneath the trees-many times this was the coolest part of the day so it was refreshing-body, mind and spirit. Fellow Deer Runners: Remember singing "Lord Be There for Me" and "Someday" over and over again. I have chills just thinking about all of our voices blended harmoniously together.

4. Night games- Not be/c I am a game fanatic but because it was during night games one summer that I met my "Deer" friend Jodi. We snuck off to the woods and sat down to talk b/c neither one of us wanted to run around and get sweaty...we had to stay looking cute for the boys. After that night we were bonded for life!

5. Horses! Whatever! I hated riding horses! I always loved the counselors (who will remain nameless to protect them) that allowed us to sleep instead of ride. Most of the time we had been up all night laughing or playing pranks on the boys, so it was nice to have that hour nap.

6. Rolls of toilet paper- let me explain... one summer on staff the girls bathhouse had run out of toilet paper and it was late at night. So I took it upon myself to run down to the mess hall (dining room) to stock us up-didn't want a camper to go without. I did not have a flash light! (Young ones do not follow my example always carry a flash light at camp-esp the middle of the night) But b/c I did not have my flashlight I was able to sneak up on my two "Deer" staff friends kissing in the middle of the ball field. So I ran back to my cabin without toilet paper and when she came back to the cabin all googly eyed-I suggested she go get some more toilet paper in the mess hall-which she was happy to do b/c a certain someone had said he too we be hanging in the mess hall. Don't know if the toilet paper was ever really stocked up that night!

7. Quiet Time-15 minutes each day was taken for the whole camp to sit and spend time reading your Bible and praying to God. I think this is where I learned that I could actually sit and talk to God. I still have some of my prayer journals from that time-I prayed for patience often. Since I had the youngest cabin or the cabin filled with high maintenance 14 year old girls.

8. Crafts-"Let's get crafty!" I was craft mama whenever I was not counseling staff. I liked the younger boys cabins best. They were always making stuff out of rocks,wood and sticks. Big long sticks, were the item of choice. They would find them on the ground outside then paint them up real nice. They were so adventurous that it made me laugh! You never knew what they would come up with.

9. Sadie Hawkins Day-girls get to chase boys-need I say more!

10. Killi Creek-it's a camp thing-unless you have been there you won't understand. B/C to the untrained eye it is just dirty old water but through the eye of a Deer Runner-it has healing powers! No really, it does!

11. "Listen Freak Boy I don't need your help, I have got it all under control!" My Deer friend Seth who died of leukemia when we were sophomores in college-was always on my ball team as a camper. When it came my time to serve in a volleyball game he thought he needed to offer me advice. I could serve-just didn't want to (it was that not wanting to break a sweat thing) So one day I yelled out, "LISTEN FREAKBOY-I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP! I HAVE IT ALL UNDER CONTROL!" It stuck after that and now I am know as the girl that called everyone Freakboy!

12. Cousin Time-all my mom's cousins went to camp-all the cousin's kids went to camp and later worked on staff together. We had so much fun together. One Christmas Cousin Nancy bought us all shirts that said on the front, "You messin' with me!" then on the back, "You messin' with the whole family!"

13. Life long friends-thank you Deer Friends for all the great memories. I can't wait for all of our children to have the time together when they are all old enough to go.

Exaltation + Ego=Extravagant Humbling

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Proverbs 11:2

Pride can be a dangerous thing-it sneaks up on you when you have your guard down and if you are not careful it could destroy all that is good in your life. I just got back from my trip to "Humbleville" so I can tell you first hand that this is not a trip I wish to take again. But I am sure that if I don't let God lead me daily that I just might find myself there again.

I have just finished week 7 of my 10 week study called "The Patriarchs" with Beth Moore. Every Tuesday I am up by 5:30 a.m so that I can partake of this study with some other ladies in the community. For me to get up at 5:30 a.m willingly you know it is good. We are studying one of my favorite characters in the Bible, Joseph. Maybe the reason I like him so much is because he too had his fair share of visits to "Humbleville." My favorite part of the story though is the end-when Joseph is reunited with his brothers. Hollywood couldn't write a better ending!

Here is what I have learned:

"God's exaltation of man is never for the man himself but rather to glorify God and to edify others. Dear one, let's allow this truth to abide in our marrow: If God ever exalts on of His own with position, wealth, talents, gifts or influence. His purpose is never-not ever-human exaltation. In fact, the exalted person would be the last one the exaltation was meant to serve...Exaltation + Ego=Extravagant Humbling!" Beth Moore

I must say-I have been on my knees every since I read this phrase asking the Lord to remove any desire for me to be exalted. (Side note: For those of you who know me and just read this and thought to yourself "Man, SHE did need to hear that!" Let me ask that you turn your attention not on my failures (there are many) but re-read it with a open heart, mind and spirit.

Is there something that God is wanting to reveal to you today?

Jeff's 36th Birthday Weekend

Happy Birthday Jeff!

So we started a new tradition in our little family of two. You can celebrate your birthday 48 hours in advance if you so choose to...so that is what we did. Our hope is that when our children come down from Heaven that we will start this with them as well, maybe give some fun gift or allow them to pick the activities for 3 whole days. Since your birthday only comes once a year-why not make it special.

We started off with a small surprise party for Jeff with our friends. We went to Las Hacienda Ranch for dinner and then we went to bowl at Main Event. Our friends Todd and Holly and Brandy and Tim helped me surprise him. Poor Jeff was so cranky on the way over but it soon changed when he saw that I had put this little shin-dig together for him.

The next day, his actual birthday, we had a barbeque at his parents house. Jeff's niece Hayley and cousin Caroline organized our games for the party. Balloon toss, anyone? You have not lived unless you have seen the Cherry Clan (our family name) toss "balloons" (ziplock bags filled with water) back and forth. What a hoot!!

Thank you everyone for making this day special for my sweet husband! He has said many times today, "Thank you for my birthday!" So I know we did it right! Because like I always say, "Everyone needs to feel special on thier birthday!"

I love you Jeff!
Susan 

Mom Turns 97!

**This was posted last week in the "Blossom Times" for my Great-Grandmother's birthday - so I guess you can say this is my first published piece of writing!!**

I am proud to announce that our "Mom" Bonner known as Kitty Orene Bonner to Blossom, Texas celebrated her 97th birthday Sunday, June 9th, 2006. There were 25 in attendance out of 3 kids, 7 grandkids, 15 great-grandkids and 3 great-great grandkids. This party was standing room only! Although it offically did not start until the Ranger game was complete.

We have been blessed to have Mom in our lives for all of these years. Her laughter is contagious and her smile is a constant source of comfort to us all. Her hugs run deep and fill you with strength to keep moving forward through good times and bad. What a joy she brings to so many!

Mom, we love you and are thankful for all that you have been to us over the years-heres to you!

Susan Young

3rd Annual 4th of July Party

Another 4th of July party at the Hickman's has come and gone. This year our crowd was a little smaller since some of us our on vacations (I wish I was crusing Barcelona or walking around Disney world with my just retired husband!) But it was a traditional party as we all gathered out back to watch Hayley and Caroline's latest show-they are very talented I must say. While we chatted-we kept Doug the "Grill Master" company-boy can he grill. During this time, we discovered that Aunt Sue has had a face lift by using a breathe right stripe to hold up her eye brows. I made fun of her at first but when I came home to set up my new blog-I soon discovered that I too could use a "Breathe Right face lift" among other things. The fireworks were great as always. We were afraid that we would get rained out but thankfully the rain did not come. Although the wind picked up and my glass fell over on me and so it looked like I wet myself. I swear I did not! My mom raised me better than that!!! Sorry that the fireworks came out like they did...Jeff printed up information for me on how to photograph fireworks so I am going to have to practice for next year. Maybe I can go to Disney to get some practice! My favorite picture of all is the girl's sitting in Caroline's tree house. They are so cute and growing up way too fast. Thank you Doug, Libby and Caroline for another great 4th party. You guys know how to throw a mean barbeque!! 

Happy Easter!

Thank you Kim for this wonderful story!

I hope you all take a moment to read this wonderful story, if you don't have time don't delete just keep it and read when you have a time. It is worth the wait!!

Happy Easter friends!
Susan


Do you believe in Easter?

THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, "Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting
room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Well, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day."

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith
said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life. "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyl lis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have
passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"