My Mom Was Right, All Hell Breaks Loose After Midnight :)

The night going into Jeff's birthday, I was sleeping like a baby. Jeff was up front surfing the Internet when he heard a big bang that sounded like a gun shot.He heard the car driving by outside and heard what sounded like shots being fired. Jeff ran into the room to check on me and started saying in a loud voice. "Susan, are you okay? Are you hurt!?! Did you hear that noise?"

To which I woke from my slumber and said, "What are you talking about? What is going on? I haven't heard a thing."And he says "The window up front was shot at, I think it may be broken?"

"Really, hmm." I am still asleep, not really sure what to think.

Jeff grabs his flashlight and heads outside. "Jeff, don't go outside and get shot at."

He ignores me and heads outside. When he comes back he says, "Don't worry all is well, it was just a paint ball."

I wasn't worried, I was already back to sleep. :)

In the morning, when I went walking this is what I saw. Whoever did this had good aim because every window along the front of our apartments was shot with a paintball.

All's well now, the apartment complex has cleaned it up and thankfully no windows were broken.

Poor Jeff almost died the night of his birthday of a heart attack.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

This is a picture of Jeff (the birthday boy) trying out his skills of Karaoke for the first time.

J-

How proud I am to be your wife. You amaze me every single day with your witty remarks and your words of wisdom. My favorite one this week was when we were planning where we would stay the first night on our road trip and you said, "If we are just looking for a place to do the 3 S's then this place will work perfect." When I asked you what the 3 S's stood for I should have known not to ask b/c you said, "Shower, Shave and S----." And then there are those moments where you say something in regards to God and life in general and I am just stand there in awe of what God is doing through and in you.

When I was a little girl I prayed for my future husband often. Not too long ago, I came across the original list that I wrote and I was able to mark off everyone. Thank ya Jesus!

Here are a few from that list:

• someone to make me laugh
• someone who is good with kids
• someone who is my best friend
• someone who is good with money
• someone who loves traditions as much as me
• someone who doesn't smoke or get drunk
• someone who loves Jesus

Jeff you are a blessing to me! I am proud to be your wife and I am enjoying watching God transform you from the inside out. Here's to another year of you! May God continue to manifest His presence in your life.

I love you!

S

Let's Get Real-Can We?

I have been thinking about the words found in James 5:13-16 the last few months. I read it not too long ago and could not remember where I read that verse. Don't you hate that? Well with the help of my trusty concordance and a heap of prayer I found it two weeks ago. There are many people that I want to share this verse with, who read the blog, so for time sake, I will write it all here.


The New Living Translations says it best:

"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

I call it the getting real verse. I believe there is much power when we are able to admit that we are struggling, rejoicing or we have sinned.

Let me see if I can simplify my thoughts regarding this verse:

1. Why are we afraid to ask for help when we know we could really use it?
2. Why do we pretend we have it all together when the truth is we are falling apart?
3. Why are we afraid to let others walk along side us in our time of need?
4. Why do we sometimes find ourselves avoiding those who are hurting instead of walking along side them?
5. How can we encourage and love those walking through a rough season.

I have learned in the past two years that there is NOTHING wrong with asking for help. I have been blessed to be surrounded by friends who can see through the "I'm fine or I'm good" answer. Every time I admit that I am struggling and ask for help, God brings someone into my life to offer a word of encouragement or a phone call out of the blue to tell me they have been praying for me.

I believe that every human being has seasons of good and bad. I think that if we allowed ourselves to open up in the bad times we would find that supporting someone else in there bad times would be easier for us, less uncomfortable. I believe that God encourages us to lay down the all is well with me mask and let our true selves show through so that we can be healed. And then, in return one day we will be able to help someone else in their time of need. So let's get real peeps and quit trying to act like we are picture perfect. Isn't that what the Christian community is all about?


And can I say another thing that has been running through my head? Let's look at the life of Jesus. Jesus had 12 disciples that went with him everywhere he went. He padres so to speak. But how many people did he have when he went to pray in the garden? (Matthew 26:37) Three! And so I say this as an encouragement to those of you out there who are a little more private. You don't have to share the deepest hurts and pain with every Tom, Dick and Harry or Sally, Sue and Mary. If you are hurting, if you are rejoicing, if you are sick, if you are falling to pieces at the seams, if you are blessed in the season I pray that you have that one person or three, to pray for you in your time of need, whatever that need maybe. You know safe people that you are able to say, "Pray with me, I am desperate!" or "Rejoice with me-God has blessed me!"

And I pray, oh how I pray that in return we are able to be a person where people want to come to us in good times and bad.


Alright, that is all for now!

Rock on my friends, rock on! :)

Why I Haven't Been Blogging...

• I leave for Disney World in 5 days...I am busy packing
• I am playing on Facebook instead
• I have started turning off my computer at 8 p.m and am happy to report our electric bill went down $3 by doing so
• Project Runway started this week
• My team leaves for the Las Vegas furniture show in 3 days and I have been busy getting all the reports and spreadsheets done in a timely manner. By the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is sit in front of the computer.
• Jeff and I have been shopping at Goodwill and Thrift Town for fun logo t-shirts to wear on our trip. The other day they had a 1/2 off sale at Goodwill, I didn't buy anything but it was fun to watch the people dive for clothes and fight over furniture. What can I say, I love to be where the action is!

I will be back soon, please don't worry about us we are alive and having fun!

5 Things: Jeff's Thoughts On Pregnancy

Jeff has said a few things regarding pregnancy, raising children and newborn baby sleeping arrangements in the last few weeks that have left me feeling a little nervous about how he is going to handle when our time comes. Thankfully Jeff's family has decided that they would do me a favor and start praying without ceasing for me.

I guarantee that the following stories will make you want to do the same for me. LOL!

So in honor of Cousin Britt's birthday today...here goes nothing.

1. Brandy (Britt's mom) had a wort removed the week that Maudie first went into the hospital. Brandy came from the doctor's appointment to the hospital and was wearing a pair of flip flops. First off who doesn't wear flip flops when you are nine months pregnant and top it off the middle of summer? First thing out of Jeff's mouth after hearing she had a wort removed, "And you are wearing flip flops to a hospital?!?" Brandy laughed and says, "Cous, look at my feet!" And then he says..."S*&t! Your feet are fat! I have never seen feet that fat before." This was the first comment where we realized that Jeff is absolutely clueless to the life of a pregnant woman.

2. Maternity Wear- Jeff asks his sister, "Can you wear the same outfit the whole way time?" Which we took to believe that I was going to get one pair of maternity jeans and shirt to wear the whole nine months, every day. But it all fairness, he was talking about if you buy a pair of maternity pants will they stretch out the whole time.

3. Baby's Crib- Meredith found a crib on Craig's list that was a great deal. The lady wanted to include the babies mattress in the deal. Jeff said, "Jump on it, sister! That is a deal!" Which made us all just stop and look at him. It wasn't like the mattress was wrapped in plastic and it wasn't like she knew the family. Meredith said, "That's gross, I can buy a baby mattress for next to nothing, I think that is what I am going to do instead." And Jeff says, "It's a baby! How dirty could they be?!?" Uh, mom's out there, why don't you tell us how dirty your little pooper can be!

The following were said to Brandy Saturday night, 2 days before she gave birth to baby Britt.

4. Inducing- Jeff says, "How does that work? Do they put a little Crisco down there to slide on through?" Thankfully, Brandy died laughing and told him she would let the doctor know about the new breakthrough.

5. Feeling Huge- As you can imagine, 2 days before you are about to give birth you feel huge and like Brandy says she feels like her skin is going to tear apart. Jeff later says to me, "I don't know why she is complaining. I am bigger than she is and you don't hear me complaining." Thankfully he was only joking when he said this.

And before anyone freaks out, Jeff loves to say stuff for shock value, I guarantee he will be just fine when my turn comes. He was just trying to get a laugh and another blog post...PROMISE!

You Know It's Summer When...

You spend most of your time in the pool to beat the heat.
Jeff cuts his hair into his summer cut.
You stay out at your in-laws super late helping Hayley catch frogs.
Meet Jacob and Esau (Hayley's named them not me. I wanted Big Guy and Little Guy)
And you ring in the forth by watching a few fireworks. (I took the picture)

And Jeff took this picture... You have to click on the picture to see the fireworks. Hee! Hee!


Happy Summer everyone!

I Don't Want To Forget the Memories...

Last night I spent the night with my grandparents. I was going over to hang out with them after Jeff left for work and hubs suggested I take my toothbrush and pj's so that I didn't feel like I had to rush home.

It was a nice surprise for my grandparents...who didn't kick me out even though Jeff teased that they might.

I knew I should have brought my camera b/c there were lots of funny moments I wished I would have captured.

Oh well I will store them in words here so that I can read them again one day.

1. Watching the Rangers do well then loose horribly to the Yankee's.
2. Hearing Granny call A-Rod's new fling a slut! Yes, she said "Slut." (If you don't know who I am talking about she sang Vogue, Cherish, Holiday)
3. Bonner declaring at 8 p.m that it was watermelon time and fixing us a big ole bowl to eat. I LOVE WATERMELON!
4. Bonner said a cuss word then quickly changed it to the child friendly term. So I told him I was now 30 I have heard those words before. Then Granny said, "We still don't want him to talk that way in front of the children." I guess I will always be a child to her. :)
5. Bonner went and restocked the candy jar when he heard I was coming to visit this week. He had my favorite, Reece's peanut butter cups piled high in that jar and insisted that 9 0'clock was candy time.
6. Going to bed in my "old room". Bonner offered to tuck me in but since I was not near ready for bed at 9:30 p.m, like he was, I told him I would be just fine tucking in myself this one time. He said, "Wake us if you need us, Ding-a-ling."
7. Waking up to the smell of coffee and sausage cooking. And finding that it wasn't Granny cooking but Bonner. Bonner even made biscuits and gravy and it was delicious. Who knew he could cook so well!
8. Bonner telling me, like he did in the old days, that he couldn't sleep last night because I was snoring too loud. And I responded like I did when I was little, "That snoring was not me it was YOU!"

We had so much fun last night that we decided to make this a regular event. There is something about the familiarity of spending the night with your favorite grandparents that makes me feel as if I was a kid again. And thankfully my husband works nights so I am free to spend the night with them as often as I like.

See how sweet life can be when you live in the present moment?

Enjoying the Downtime.

Above is a picture of the newest addition to the Crazy Cagle Cousins. Isn't He sweet?

Hayley told me after camp this year, where Couz Morgan was a counselor and where a few of my cousins stopped in to visit her, she said, "You have way too many cousins. Do you all know each other?"

Thank God for blog land because let's face it that is how we all stay connected these days. So much so that Granny B often will call and say "Did so and so update the blog today?" It cracks me up every time because who knew my 75 year oldish Granny would be so hip.

I will be back soon, promise.

Posts you can look forward to:

1) Top 5 Things Jeff has said regarding new babies. Let's just say his family is praying for me without ceasing after a few of the remarks he made in the last few days.

2) June Picture Show

Great Is Thy Faithfulness...While Living in the Moment

This past week has been hard on Jeff and I. I think we both were surprised with how sad we have felt. When you consider that this Saturday was the 30 day mark of Maudie being checked into the hospital for a small case of pneumonia, you begin to realize what a whirlwind this has been for us. And it has only been a week since her funeral. It's only natural that we, the ones left behind would feel a little lost and confused.

If there is one thing I have learned from this past month; God is faithful to fulfill all His promises in due time. I guess that is one reason I broke down on Sunday while singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." (Unfortunately I was on stage) Up to this point, I hadn't really cried or felt sad for loosing Maudie. This whole time instead of feeling sad, I felt joy. Joy because Jeff and I were able to talk to her about Jesus and experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit firsthand in her life.

Yes we are sad. Yes we are hurting and rightly so. We lost our grandmother after all.

Yesterday after church, Jeff and I sat in the car and talked about the next phase of our journey. For months now I have felt nothing but peace for living in the moment. Jeff hasn't really believed that I am able to be joyful in the waiting, he has been waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't blame him because getting to this point has been filled with gut retching tears. Every time I try to explain to him that month after month I am okay, has left him wondering if what I say is true. I feel like our conversation yesterday finally made him realize that I am indeed okay with the waiting. I know that God's timing is perfect and I know that if we were to have the desires of our heart before now, we may not have been as invested in Maudie and her salvation. I praise God for knowing what is best and giving us one of the greatest memories of our life.

And so, after much discussion and prayer, Jeff is on board with being joyful in the waiting too. He promises that he will not sit and watch me like a hawk waiting for the other shoe to drop. We are going to enjoy this summer and simply live in the moment. We look forward to God blessing us in the future, but for now, at least for the next 60 days, we are just going to enjoy the time with the two of us.

Because like we sang yesterday, "All I have needed thy hand have provided. Great is thy faithfulness, O Lord to me!"

Thank you for praying for us through our journey!

Yikes!

For the last two weeks I have been looking at the Deer Run website looking for pictures of Hayley Bailey. When we went to visit her on Sunday she pulled me aside and was telling me about the little boy she wanted to catch for Sadie Hawkins day. She said, "Aunt Susan, I wanted to give him a hug the other night but chickened out." In my mind I was thinking "YOU'RE ONLY 10!" But soon realized I was the same way when I was her age so I better just go with it and not freak out. Instead I told her I was proud of her for not hugging him first, a boy should ALWAYS make the first move!

So as I am looking through the pictures today and I realized that I may have found her Sadie's date. Do you see her in the pink? Do you see her hand resting on his shoulder?

OH MY GOODNESS!

I think my niece has her first Deer Run crush!

Is that her hand or the boy next to him? I am just wanting to make sure- I would hope that chick-a-dee would have listened to me Sunday. LOL!

Edited to add: After much debate between her Aunt Susan and Uncle Jeff we have declared the hand to NOT be hers. But you can gurantee that I will take this picture and find out who her Sadie's Date was this year.

And mom, did you have to mention that story....

BIG.DEEP.BREATH.

Today I am back to catching up on life, remember this post well as you can our apartment is much worse.

Yesterday we left it all undone and went to CDR to visit our favorite little 2nd session camper.Fellow Deer Runners fully understand the blessing that a visit to camp was for us yesterday. I feel like God used that day for both Jeff and I to be able to take one big deep breath and leave our troubles behind. I am fully okay with not having my house in perfect order, it's times like this that I thank God that I able to offer myself a bit of grace.

Thanks to everyone who took time out to give us your favorite verse please feel free to keep them coming. My favorite verse given to me by a friend on the phone last week is Galatians 6:2,

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

I am closing with a video that has ministered to me this past week. I pray it blesses you too. Maudie is defiantly in better hands now.




I am off to take a BIG.DEEP.BREATH.

May you have a blessed week!

30 Days Later...

I am amazed that from the time that Maudie became our neighbor to her death today it has only been 30 days.

Three weeks ago she went into the hospital room where she later died with a bad case of pneumonia. Two weeks ago, we prayed with Maudie for her to be saved and learned that she had stage 4 lung cancer. One week ago, we were talking with the doctors about moving her to a rehab facility. And today she is dancing with the angels and swaying to the music with Pop.

What I learned from the past 30 days:
1. Prayer is a powerful tool
2. Trust your gut instincts when the Lord lays people on your heart to minister to.
3. When you get the feeling something big is about to take place get ready because it's true.
4. Building a relationship with a non-believer is one of the best ways to open the doors to talk about Jesus.
5. Cherish every moment with loved ones because you never know when it will be the last.

Moving forward...

I have a favor to ask of you. I want to put a book together for the Cherry Family and would like your help.

What is a scripture you cling to in times of mourning? What brings you comfort when you are facing a tough season in your life?

I am leaving this post up for a few days since we will obviously be busy. So please, please, please take a minute to give us a verse. I would love to knock there socks off with wonderful verses to carry them through this rough season.

In fact I will be the first to leave one. in the comments.

(Lurkers can comment too-ain't no shame in admitting you are out there!)

Maudie Is Home

Maudie has gone to be with Lord. It was a sweet moment in all of our lives, I will tell you more later. I just wanted to let you know so that you all could be in prayer for us. God has been good to us all during this time.

Thank you for praying us through this time.

Please keep jeff in your prayers, he is taking this very hard. We became very close to his grandmother during the past two years. Please pray that I would be open to letting him mourn as he needs to. Let's just say I like people around me and he, well, not so much. :)

Cardboard Testimony

Please watch the video first before reading on.

God has transformed Jeff's grandmother's life in the last two weeks. I can see God's love radiate through her even in her final days. All her life, she fought God. All her life, she chose not to follow His way. But last night after I sang "Jesus Loves Me" she said, "I wasted so many years."

What will your cardboard testimony be? When will you let God transfomr your life from the inside out? Don't waste your life chasing after those things that won't fill you. Don't wait until you are on your death bed to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. If He is speaking listen. If He is calling you, come.

Oh and the little boy with special needs shown on the video is Brandy (Jeff's cousin) college roommate's little boy. We have prayed for Thomas for almost 3 years, he wasn't supposed to live past the age of two. God had other plans for that little boy. Proof that prayer works and that we should never give up hope!

No Break-God has other plans

Jeff and I received a call today telling us to get to the hospital to say our final goodbyes to his grandmother.

We both were floored by this news since yesterday she was just fine. We were able to have a very lengthy conversation about God's love and faithfulness. We reminded Maudie that God give us strength step by step and does not expect us to walk through life on our own. Jeff prayed with her before we left and his prayer was absolutely beautiful. He left me speechless.

As we headed to the hospital, I called two of my sweet friends to give me the pep talk I needed. Thank you friends! When we pulled into the parking lot, Jeff grabs my hand and begins to pray for whatever lies ahead. Again I was floored. Jeff has defiantly become a mighty prayer warrior over the past year in our time of waiting.

And today we sat around and waited, talked to a few doctors, fed her ice chips, prayed with her, prayed for family members and passed out Kleenexes (I carry tissues at all times during moments like this) Later while the family talked things over with the doctor, I sat with Maudie and talked to her about Heaven. I am so very encouraged by her belief in God. I am sure in recent weeks I will share a few of our conversations but for now I want to cherish them myself. Tie them up with a ribbon around my heart and hold on to them tightly for a bit. God has been faithful to answer my prayers and God has been faithful to provide me with words, scripture and strength for that moment. God is faithful to meet us in our present state-praise God for that!!!

I will keep you all posted since blogging is how are sweet family stays connected.

Continue to pray, we will need it.

Oh and Maudie asked me to sing at her funeral tonight, a task I am honored to do. Tonight I sang to her her favorite bible song (as she calls them), Jesus Loves Me. Is that not the best bible song ever written? And I sang to her my favorite bible song, It Is Well with My Soul. We cried through both but praise God I got to sing those two songs seeing the sweet expression on her face while doing so.

God is good. So very, very good.

pray for the young family...maudie is not long for this world...

Taking A Break To Get Back on Track

I wanted to show you our apartment in it's truest form as a means to give you all hope. It is okay to fall off the cleaning wagon from time to time. All work with no play is a boring way to live.

I am going to take a time out from the blog so I can get back on track.

Just looking at the mess leaves me feeling a bit overwhelmed because I don't know what I should do first but I choose not to freak out.
Instead I made a list of what I wanted to accomplish, I will turn up my happy music, light a candle and set my timer so that I stay on task and do what I can in the time set aside. Step by step this mess will become a place again. And when I cross of a chore on my to do list, I will take a moment to do a happy jig since no housecleaning is complete without dancing a jig or two.

I will see you on the flip side.

He Ain't Gonna Win Don't Forget the Lyrics

Maybe you have heard the Ashlee Simpson song titled L.O.V.E. I love this song because it's just plain fun.

It must be a catchy tune because I just caught Jeff singing it.

But he was singing his version and not Ashlee's.

Instead of singing L-O, L-O, L-O, L-O V-E Jeff sings Hell-o, Hell-O, Hell-O, Hello-O Beep, Beep

Here is the video so that you can hear the real version. Jeff thinks his version is better, what do you think?

I Applaude You!

Over the last two days I have had a few conversations with young mothers who are worn out and feeling a bit overwhelmed.

If that is you, then please read on.

I wanted to let you all know that I am very, very proud of you. And even when you feel like you are failing miserably in the parenting department, you aren't. I promise! Because at the end of the day, you are able to walk back into the room and see that sweet baby face sleeping ever so gently and all the love comes rushing back. The love you feel in that brief moment is just enough to get you through one more day with you sweet tod.

I am studying the Israelites time in the desert this summer and today I read about God providing them with manna by day and quail by night. God tells them that He will give them just enough for that day and I believe the same can be true for you too. God will give you enough strength to make it through today. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Sweet friends, be encouraged today because the Lord is with you. The Lord delights in every detail of your life. (Psalms 37: 23) So commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you. (Psalms 37: 7-8, I paraphrased)

Don't give up sweet friends. You can do this-cherish these moments with your young, stubborn, hyperactive, need to discipline every five minutes child-because one day they will grow up and be older versions of what they are today (stubborn, hyperactive, need to discipline every five minutes).

I love you all and am praying for each and everyone of you today.
You Can Do IT!!!!!!

God bless your journey!
Susan

Sometimes I Get Some Strange Calls...

like today, I get a call from one of my dealers who would like to return his chairs because they smell like vomit.

Yes vomit.

I swear I have never heard that one before today.

I am now in the process of ordering a few replacement chairs to send out ASAP.

I don't think I want to know what goes on at our factory! :)

I Scared the UPS Guy!

First off, Melissa rocked the house last night on Nashville Star. She was the best hands down. She received a standing O from the judges and Jeff and Susan on the other side of the screen. If she doesn't win, I will never watch this show again. In fact, the only reason I am watching this show is because of her, I am not a Nashville Star follower. I guarantee you that I will be if Melissa gets her big break. Did you know that she tried out for AI and got booted in Hollywood? BOO! HISS! I almost gave up AI after that...I said ALMOST! So when she talks about this being the last chance for a big break, it all stems from the age rules that shows like AI enforce and the only reason that she was able to try out was because that was the year that they raised the age limit. That dear friends was the year Taylor Hicks won. Taylor Hicks, y'all!

So VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Funny story, yesterday I scared the UPS guy.

How?

Let's just say I was looking a little rough yesterday. I couldn't find my new glasses, so I was wearing my old black ones that are bent in the middle and make my nose look three times bigger than normal. I had yesterdays make up smudged under the eye since I had yet to wash my face,at 2 in the afternoon, yes a perk to working at home. My hair, which wasn't combed was on the top of my head, in a bun all disheveled. When I heard the knock on the door and the guy calls out "UPS", I hadn't yet looked in the mirror to know what I looked like. I knew it wasn't the usual UPS girl because she would have knocked and yelled out "See you later!" while leaving the box at the front door. It's a system that works well for us (she being in a hurry to meet her daily quota and I am usually on the phone with a client) and I don't mind it in the least.

But yesterday, when I heard the knock, I threw all caution to the wind and opened the door...without looking at my appearance. UPS guy was fiddling with his electronic tracker when I opened the door.

UPS guy looks up and says, "Whoa!" and steps back a bit, like he is afraid. I kid you not-cross my heart and all the other words that go with it-I am not lying. He quickly handed me the package without meeting me in the eye and ran for his truck. Again-no lie.

Afterwards, I looked in the mirror and scared myself. And since Jeff is working days this week, I made a point to find out when he was getting off work so I could dress in time for him to get home. I explained to Jeff that the reason I need to know was because the love of his life just scared Mr. UPS and didn't want to do the same to him.

He thanked me later since he too has seen the rough side of me!

Another Friend on TV

I received an email from one of my old friends at Jeff and my old church. One of the girls from the praise team is on Nashville Star and well...she ROCKS.

So everyone tune in and keep an eye on Melissa Lawson. All the votes count so please help a friend out.

God Met Us in the Hosptial Room Today

Please look at the picture below to see your new sister in Christ.

I will tell you the full story soon but my head is swimming with the events of today.

God showed up in a mighty way and for that we are thankful!

Thank you all for your prayers!

What a joy it is for Jeff and I to move ahead with the diagnosis knowing that Maudie believes that through Jesus she is saved and has forgiveness for her sins. No matter what happens now we can rest in the assurance that Maudie has been saved!

Praise you Lord!

The Diagnosis Is In

I thought I would post a picture from Maudie's birthday dinner two years ago, I like to see the people I am praying for. I guess I am a visual pray-er. :)

The diagnosis is not good. Stage 4 lung cancer, possible stomach cancer (they are running a test on that as we speak).

Please continue to keep the Cherry and Young family in your prayers, rough road ahead.

When Jeff called my cell to tell me to come home in order to head to the hospital "Miracle of the Moment" by Steven Curtis Chapman was playing in the background. When I hung up it was at the chorus,"...So breathe it in, breathe it out. Listen to your heartbeat-there's a wonder in the hear and now."

(Praise Team, I did some spritual breathing or whatever it was Mike was telling us today!)

Not sure what the coming days, weeks and months have for us but I am going to take it step by step. God will show the way.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Pray for:

• strength for all the family, that I call the "Cherry Clan"
• wisdom and unity for the 3 sisters who are making these decisions.
• open doors to minister to all family who are not believers.

To God be glorified, great things He hath done!

Love you all, my sweet peeps!

5 Shows I Watch on Cable TV

So I was going to be real cute and put up this picture of a vintage television screen to illustrate my five favorite television shows.. I googled one, clicked on the link and OH MY EYES! Pure yuckiness, I don't want to type the real world because all the freaks and geeks will come out of the woodwork when they google that word later tonight. I mean I googled "VINTAGE TELEVISION" and what I got was very, very disgusting. Blach!!! So no cute picture, I am too afraid to try again.

Today a faithful lurker---I mean reader is going over to the darkside and getting cable today. I thought it would be fun to list my 5 favorite television shows on cable so that she can start off right. Feel free to share your favorite too!

Ace of Cakes- Baker Duff does some of the most creative cakes. They are very fun to watch.
(A-this is the show that we say you look and act like the receptionist)

Dress My Nest I love decorating shows but I like Thom's approach to finding the client's individual style. If you haven't ever watched it, you should. It is very inspiring to the home decorator in me.

Jon and Kate Plus Eight- the kids are cute and the parents are very real with each other. And for your viewing pleasure I will post my all time favorite clip of little Aaden, the funny part is about 3 minutes in.




Divine Design - I know another design show but it truly is one of my favorties

Project Runway, Clean House, Flipping Out,

Okay so I couldn't limit it to 5...sue me!

Now please tell me what are you favorite shows on cable television?

The Summer Bible Study

First, thank you for praying for Maudie's health. No news yet but I will let you know as soon as we hear. I am so thankful for the peace that I feel right now in regards to Maudie. A few of Jeff's family members have relayed conversations that have taken place with her to let us know that she is on the right track. Praise God for that little insight into her heart.

Moving on for a minute...

When I was 22 years old, I did my first ever Beth Moore study. I did this by myself as a way to help me get back on track with God. At this point in my life, I was as far away from God as I have ever been. Yet, you wouldn't know it because I put on a good face when I was around many of you. But trust me, I was living far away from God. God used this Bible study to pursue me like He has never done before. Although by week 6, I quit doing the study because my guilt got the best of me. During this time in my life, God brought two families that loved me, supported me and lovingly encouraged me let go of people and situations that were keeping me from fully loving God. I praise the Lord for bringing these people alongside me in my time of need. They truly helped me grow into the woman that I am today




Now eight years later, I am redoing the new and improved study with my summer bible study friends. My life today is completely different than it was eight years ago-to God be the glory! Yesterday, the Bible Study Chicks started this study and later that day I had lunch with a 22 year old friend whose life is a mirror image of mine back in the day. I pray that my words were able to touch her somehow even though I know that she may have to walk this journey, just like I did, in order for God to truly transform her.

All I have to say is I am thankful that God has brought me out of that place. I am thankful for God healing me from the inside out. I am thankful that even when I gave up on myself, thinking I had messed up too much to ever be forgiven that God proved to me that my thinking was totally wrong. God was faithful and for that I am thankful!

Prayer Request Needed!

I have been telling Jeff lately that something big is coming, that we need to get prepared for what is about to come next. I don't know if I have mentioned this in blog land, I know I have told a few of you in person and it is all running together right now. Please forgive my forgetfulness if I sound redundant. I have not been sleeping most nights, around 3-5 a.m I am fully awake with a strong sense of urgency to pray for my family. The top of that list is Jeff's grandmother Maudie.

Two weeks ago, Maudie moved in next door as I am sure I have told you all before. Well not really next door but close enough for us to be at her front door in less than 5 minutes. The past week she has been in the hospital with pneumonia. She has been getting better but hasn't really been able to shake it. This is scary for someone in her eighties.

I received a call today from my sister in law telling me that we needed to pray, that she was calling all prayer warriors to unite. I braced myself because that is what I do when I feel like God is calling me to pray in a mighty way.

Maudie has spots on her lungs that the doctors are concerned could be cancer. We will know more tomorrow but let's pray that the spots are not cancerous. But with or without cancer, let's pray that Maudie be open to hearing the gospel.

So please join me in praying for open heart and cleared lungs.

God will be glorified no matter what through this!

Pray for strength for Jeff and I too and that when God opens a door for us to minister to her that we jump through that door strong and courageously!

Oh and one quick thing, it is not coincidence that one of my morning prayer sessions were spent writing down and memorizing scripture that deal directly with salvation. I spent most of that time highlighting and marking these scriptures. Because you know that verse, that says to be ready in and out of season to present the gospel well I couldn't help but feel like that was a good time to get my bible ready. To me, nothing else matters at this point.

Writer's Block

I have started two posts in the last hour and erased both. I am just not feeling it right now.

Some weeks I find I have many words to get out but that does not seem to be the case this week.

Right now I am enjoying the creative lull; spending time reading a few good books and spending quality time with a few good friends while counting down to the weekend, when I can spend time with J.

I will be back soon when my words start clogging up my brain because I haven't used all of them this week.

Don't cry for me Argentina!

Phew! We Made It!

(Click on the collage to enlarge picture)

It's June 1st which means Birthday month is officially over.



We celebrated a total of 7 birthdays in two weeks. Do you realize how insane that is?



And then you add in an all day Scrapbook event, Mother's Day, CDR 50th reunion, a talent show and a few baby showers it gets to be a bit hectic around here.



Or should I say we got a bit cranky around here?



Let me just be honest for a second....neither Jeff nor myself deal well with non-stop schedules.



Today I had another engagement (Sorry Couz!) and as we were leaving church Jeff says, "You know what would make my day?"



"What's that?"



"A day with just my wife for us to do what we want, when we want without rushing around."



Let me ask you, would you pass up a request like that?



Let me also mention that this is the first Sunday in many, many months without church small group. At this point, we were ready for sometime to ourselves, to do what we love to do.



Anyone want to make a guess as to what we did today? Here is a hint: it is a summer tradition.



Sunday Matinee Movie Y'all.



Today's movie: Iron Man



If you haven't seen it-you must go. We really, really loved it.



The best $8 we ever spent!

An Update

Maudie is doing better-thank you.

Continue to pray especially for her 3 daughters who are on the front lines so to speak. Pray for some plans that are in the works that I don't feel write sharing here in the blog. But know that the family would really appreciate your prayers for the next direction to take.

Also praise God, Jeff and I have a date to meet back here at 5 tonight to start date night.

Sadly this has not been a regular occurrence in our house and I am bummed because we have no good excuse except to say, we don't make the time to do it.

Now if you will excuse me I have a certain 9 year old that I am picking up and taking to breakfast this morning and then we are headed to shop for her birthday present.

Lots of pictures coming soon, promise!

prayer request

Jeff's grandmother has been admitted to the hospital today with pneumonia. Please pray that the doctors can give her the right medications to clear it up. Also pray that medicare approves her to have an electric chair so she can get around when she gets out of the hospital.

And while you are at it, pray for Jeff and I the next few days are extremely busy for us. He is going here, I am going there and we already don't see each other during the week so it is very challenging for us to stay on the same page at times like this.

Why I Have A Routine

Last night, I decided that I would go one night without straightening our apartment.
I went to bed at 11:30 but was up between the hours of 3-5.
I think I suffer from insomnia.
I skipped my daily run with Jeff and slept in.
Around 10 this morning my phone started to ring off the wall.
I was still in bed.
I jumped up to answer it all business like "This Is Susan, how can I help you?"
It was one of my co-workers...they were coming over in an hour to pick up a few pictures for one of our stores.

CRAP!!!

In the middle of showering, brushing my teeth and throwing my apartment in some sort of order I realized this is why I try to stick to a night and morning routine.

It never fails, the day or night I slack off is the day that every single one of my co-workers has to drop by with hardly any notice.


Nightly Routine:
Clean Kitchen
Start Dishwasher
Clean off Desk, Couch and Pick up misc items around the living room.
Wipe down bathroom sink, put a load of dirty clothes in washer to start in morning.
Hang up clothes in bedroom and clear off any clutter spots.
Brush teeth, wash face, quiet time.

Morning Routine:
Workout
Eat Breakfast
Unload Dishwasher
Start Laundry
Shower and Dress (sometimes make up and hair, most days I go all natural)
Drink Cup of Coffee while reading email and blogs
Start work

By doing these few things at night and in the morning, it eliminates the running around trying to collect myself when co-workers stop by.

I guess it is what I can expect when my office is inside my living room a few feet from our kitchen.

Embrace It

I have a quote that I use in my bible as a bookmark. I wrote it many, many years ago. Isn't it funny how you can tell the time frame something was written just by the style of your handwriting?

Anyway, this quote I have embraced fully in the last few years. I guess more in the last year. God is doing some mighty things behind the scenes and I am humbled, exhilirated and at peace with all that God is doing. I pray this quote blesses you as well.

"God has more for you than plans; He also has a purpose. You do not have to fear getting on a sidetrack when God is setting your course. If He is speaking, listen. If He is guiding, follow. And when you arrive at the place He has chosen, let you heart be still. He not only knows where He has taken you, He also knows what He is doing with you while He has you there."


Today the following song has been playing in my head and enlight of all that has happened in the Chapman househould this week, I thought I would post it here.

Just another reminder that living in the moment is a beautiful thing! Even if it is like the 100th time I have mentioned in the song...or some number close to that.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday

Faith,

It seems like only yesterday that you were born. We were all waiting in the hospital lobby for the nurse to come and tell us you had arrived. I knew from day one that I was going to love being your Aunt. At the time you were born, I was in college at ACU. I had pictures of you posted all through out my room so I could see your sweet face anytime I wanted. This picture is one of my favorites because I am sitting next to my favorite Uncle, Uncle Miller. We had a great time talking about all your pretty little features that day. You were such a sweet baby.

My favorite time of year came at Thanksgiving because that was the time you and your family came to Texas to visit for a week. One Thanksgiving you stayed at my roommate and my apartment in Fort Worth. Oh how I loved having you stay with me. For weeks, we were finding traces of you in our kitchen from all the cabinets you cleared out. You always made me laugh with your funny antics. (Elijah reminds me of you at that age) One of my favorite memories was when I was living in the apartment next door to Lynnie (where I still live to this day) You would run from door to door saying, "Hello! I am here!" You stayed on the trundle bed in my room before Uncle Jeff and I were married and we would stay up late watching "Cinderelly." I thought this would help you sleep, how wrong my thinking was. I ended up having to turn it off but I would promise you we would finish in the morning. The first thing out of your mouth the next morning was, "Cinderelly please!"

One summer I came to visit you and your family in Florida. We had a great time playing house and dress up. The day that I was leaving to go to the airport you wheeled in your suitcase and said, "I go with Aunt Sue Sue!" I would have brought you home in a heartbeat if your parents would let me. I realized on this trip that you had a heart for prayer. When we tucked you in at night, you would mumble, mumble, mumble with your hands clasped and eyes closed and then at the very end would yell, "A-men!" and lift us your hands in celebration. You still have the same sweet spirit when it comes to praying and don't you ever lose it!

And then nine years later! Where has the time gone?!? I told Uncle Jeff yesterday that I can't believe it has been nine years since you came into my life. Time flies when you are having fun, I guess.

Faith, you amaze me daily! I love your heart for worship. I love the way that you look out for your little brother and even your sister, even though you don't want to admit that you do. I love your adventurous spirit and how you are willing to try new things. I love the fact that you love school. I still don't know where you get your math skills. I love the fact that you are not afraid of meeting new friends. These are all qualities that will take you far in life. I can't wait to see the plans God has for you. I pray that you never loose your love for Jesus and ministering to others in need.

As you get older, remember this...Uncle Jeff and I love you dearly. We are constantly praying for you that you will never doubt the Lord's presence in your life. We are also only a phone call away if you ever need us. We love you to pieces and I am so thankful that you are my niece.

Love

Aunt Sue-Sue

Something I Need to Document

You know when God speaks you should listen. My daily bible readings have me in the middle of Psalms and mmm, mmm, mmm, God is meeting me right where I am. This to me is proof that God is full of grace because I just finished reading May 10th last night and well, today is May 22nd.

Here are a few that have been good to me over the last few days.

Psalms 8:3
"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-the moonlight and the stars, you set it place...what are mere mortals that you should care about them?"

Psalms 9:1-2
"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you I will sing praises to your name, O most High."

Psalms 9:9-10
"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed; a refuge in time of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you."

Psalms 16-the whole thing was good for me but here are two that I L-O-V-E

Psalms 16:2
"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? ...Restore the sparkle in my eyes or I will die!"

(I like the restore the sparkle in my eyes bit because who doesn't love a chick whose eyes sparkle!)

Psalms 16:11
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever."

Psalms 17:6-7
"I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways."

And we skip ahead a few Psalms...

Psalms 37: 3-5, 7-8
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your hearts desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him and He will help you."

And the one that left me speechless

Psalms 37:23
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."

And I close with what I wrote in my journal, join me in my inner sanctum. Feel privileged friends, not many are able to read the words in these pages- but you caught me in a generous, over sharing, mood.

I wrote, "I cannot fathom the idea that you, O Lord delight in every detail of our lives yet time and time again I see it happening. I guess part of me is realizing that this waiting period is not in vain. You have blessed us in the waiting!"


The point of the story is this:

1. God is faithful to us even if we fall behind a few days in our reading.
2. Don't ever underestimate the power of a journaling what you read in the Bible.



Time in the Word never returns void.

That's all for me this week, I am taking the weekend to meet up with my DEER friends for hug and howdy time.

I Didn't Feel It? Did You?

Is is just me or was this season with DWTS a little boring?

Last night I was watching the results half-heartily. I didn't care who won, I mean I knew it would be Kristi. A few weeks I didn't even watch it an episode and that is really not like me. I tend to schedule my life around that show in seasons past. This season felt a little off balanced to me.

The freestyle rounds weren't even that good, if you ask me. I did like Kristi and Mark's performance but the rest left me thinking, "Who cares!" I hate Jason's performance to "Miami!" Maybe it is because I actually hate that song.

I miss the music that usually accompanies the different performances. This year the music was more of the traditional ballroom style and I couldn't really wrap myself around that style of music. I like the fast pace music with the flashy lights or the music that we all know and love. Remember Cheryl and Drew's Paso Doble danced to Thriller? Or Julianne and Helio's Jive?
Or Julianne and Apollo's Samba?

So all this to say, I missed good music and I miss Julianne.

Here is one of my favorite free-style performances of all the seasons.

I just finished this book late last night. If you have never read the Mitford Series then you are missing out on a sweet experience. You fall in love with Father Tim from the very first adventure in the little town of Mitford. I guarantee you these books will not disappoint you.

Home to Holly Springs is the first novel that follows up the Mitford set. I have been wanting to read this for over a year but could not get my hands on it at the library. I was on a waiting list a mile long and because I am super frugal I did not go out and buy it, instead I waited patiently for my turn. Something in me knew that when it became my turn that it would be well worth the wait.

Honestly, I think God used this book to speak directly to my heart. If you know me well, then you know that I have a hard time letting go and trusting God with my future. Over this past year, the lesson God has taught me more than anything is to rest in Him and enjoy life one day at a time. And by doing this, life has taken on a much sweeter aroma. I find great pleasure in the little things that happen in our life, I relish each new day and try to make the most of the season that God has placed before me.

Here is a quote that I had to stop and read to Jeff. To set the stage, Father Tim is talking to Jessica his childhood neighbor, they both are only children but longed to have a sibling.

"I remember you always wanted a brother, and I always wanted a sister." She was pensive for a moment. "But you know what?"

"What?"

"I think th' whole point of life is to know God, and be able to accept the way things turn out."

(Home to Holly Springs, page 121)

That dear friends, sums up the way that Jeff and I are learning to view life these days. We are happy, we are content and find joy with the path that God has laid out before us.

I believe it is because we have stopped rushing His plan and enjoying the life He has given us today, in this present moment, that we are able to find true, deep seeded joy.

I am blessed, so richly blessed.

How 'bout you?

My Weekend In a Nutshell

Walking 6 miles on Saturday
attending an Upwards soccer game
Garage sale browsing
Tomato and cheese sandwiches
Fell asleep during a rented movie
taking a long nap
catching up on laundry
Dinner with family celebrating MIL
Reading a good book
Sleeping late on Sunday
Enjoying Jeff's homemade pancakes
Singing at church
Eating yummy pot roast
Laughing with good friends
coming home from church with the sunroof open and windows down
stopping to get a cold beverage at the local gas station
reading more of my latest book
falling asleep for my weekly Sunday nap
waking up super late
eating at Spring Creek-shutting the place down
enjoying the cool spring night
falling asleep super late and waking up even later on Monday morning
Now I am enjoying my morning cup of coffee and reading all the blogs

Life is sweet when you live in the moment and go with the flow instead of against it.

Happy Monday to You!

Price Is Right

I have always been a huge fan of the Price is Right. When Jeff and I were planning our honeymoon, up the coast of California, I begged for him to let us spend one day at the Price is Right studios. Sadly, he said no because he couldn't understand why anyone would want to spend a day waiting in line for tickets when you were on your honeymoon.

Um, hello I would!

Anyhoo, now that we have been married for 5 years he has realized that I do love Price Is Right. What can I say, I am my grandmother's granddaughter and we all know how much she LOVES her game shows. But I must admit, I don't watch it every day, sometimes I even go months without watching it but for some reason this week has been a Price is Right week.

well...if you graduated from ACU or went to RHCC back in the day when the youth group was SUPER cool, then you may know what I am about to say.

Mark M. (guy on the left) was on the price is right!

Sadly, I only saw the last 30 seconds of the show with him on it, so I will have to find another way since I do not have TIVO or DVR. (frugal people, we are frugal!) But praise be to the frugal man's DVR, I found out from the great Google that I can watch the full episode online by clicking here. They won't probably have today's episode until tomorrow or later in the day but you can guarantee that I am going to watch it. A reliable source told me that she heard he was hilarious when his name was called so she set her DVR to watch it.

And to keep you on my blog a little longer, here is a video of a girl making a very dumb bid last week. When I saw this I thought to myself, "Are you an idiot?" She didn't know that she had screwed up so I forgave her and started to feel sorry for her. I don't think she ever made it to the stage. Poor girl.

It's Official...I'm a Freak

My in-laws have this wonderful box of pictures in thier dining room just waiting for me to take them home and organize them. Every week, I walk past this box and I swear it says, "Sort me, organize me and file me away in a pretty little box." One day we were cleaning out the garage for the big garage sale, I decided to take it upon myself to load them in my car and will bring them back all fully sorted, in matching boxes, with labels.

Why? Because I am a freak.

Organizational Freakiness set aside, they have some great pictures.

1) My in-laws were high school sweethearts so there is many pictures from thier days in high school. There is one black and white picture of my father in law with his buddies from school and I swear it looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch add before the adds became less about showing off the clothes and more about shcwing the models without the clothes.

2) Jeff had the cutest button nose as a child, I have enjoyed wondering what our child will look like one day. I hope they have his head of hair because I was bald until the age of 2. True story. And I hope they have his sweet little button nose.

3) I love seeing pictures of Hayley as a baby. I came into her world when she was 3 so I haven't seen too many pictures of sweet Hayley Bailey as a baby. She is precious.

And now you know what I have been up to at night while Jeff is at work.

I am in organizational heaven.

And The Winners Are...

I drew the names the old fashioned way.



And as you can see the winners are...



Please send me your address to my email blessedassurances@gmail.com, Jodi I have yours so your good.

Now if you didn't win, don't be sad. As my mom used to say, "You can get happy in the same pants you got mad in!"

Or something like that.

I will do this again when I come across something fun to share.

Thanks for playing!

Sara Groves: I Saw What I Saw

This song is on the CD that I am giving away, leave your comments here if you want to be entered. You have 2 days left to try and win.

Friends, come on where are you?!? You can win too! :)

A Giveaway!

Welcome to the first ever blog giveaway here at Blessed Assurances.

I have 3 copies of the new Sara Groves CD's ready to give out.

Leave a comment if you would like to be entered into the drawing.

I will draw on Wednesday so come back then to see who wins!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post saying, "Include me!"

Tonight I am Thankful

Today was a day. Not a bad day, not a great day...just a day.

Over the last few weeks, when I have a day like this, I make myself (yes I said make myself) write down something I am thankful for in that day. Thinking on other things, always makes me happy.

Here are a few of the moments and things that made me happy.

1). During one of my moods, I was on the verge of a big meltdown. Jeff cuts me off in mid-sentence and says, "We need to dance." He then goes and pulls out my Ricky Martin CD (yes, I own a Ricky CD) from back in the day and starts dancing to this song. I have never laughed so hard in my whole life. Let's just say that Jeff does a mean running man!

(The music is still playing in the background while I type...excuse me, I need to dance.)

2). On another day, where I was feeling yucky-there was a knock on my door. My co-workers sent me a dozen roses and a box of Godiva truffles with a note telling me that I was a real blessing to the team. I quickly hid the box from Jeff and stopped to smell the roses. You will never hear me complain about my job. I am blessed. (It was admin appreciation day, not some random day-or random gift out of the blue!)

3). I have a list of friends that are regular readers to the blog. A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about feeling yuck. I received 3 calls and 4 emails from these friends telling me that they loved me and were praying for me. I love my friends.

4) Not too long ago I realized that I had a box of Godiva truffles hidden from Jeff. I sat on my bed and ate them while watching 27 Dresses. And since it was the weekend and Jeff was off work, I decided to share. One can never say that I am not a good wife!

That's all for now! Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Wednesday!

This is one of my favorite songs, I told you I like music, didn't I?!

How You Live by Point of Grace

Glory Revealed

Around this time last year, this CD found it's way into my music collection. It's not the first time that I have mentioned this CD to you all. I just can't tell you how much it has meant to me over the past year.

I was on my way to a women's retreat at church when I bought this CD. This was the first retreat without some of my sweet friends at church, I was sad because the absence was still very raw and I loved (and still love) these chicks. On top of that, my cousin's baby was in the hospital and all of us cousins were pouring out the prayers night and day for little Kanyon. No one in our family could stand to lose another baby since we had already lost Kanyon's twin sister, Jayde. My great-grandmother had recently went to be with the Lord after having her in my life for 29+ years, I felt so empty without her. Life was rough. Life was real and I was tired.

During the drive to the retreat, I started to pray. "LORD fill me with strength, fill me with joy, fill me with your love."

And then came the song. The song that soon became my anthem. The song that I have clinged to more than any song this past year. I told myself during the drive that one day, Lord willing, I would sing this song at church. At this point, I was not on the praise team but that didn't mean I had any less of a passion for singing. I worship God through song.

As you already know, this year has been rough for Jeff and I. As month after month has gone by without that sweet little plus sign, we continue to pray that God's glory be revealed. When M & M became pregnant before us, Jeff held me tight and said, "We must pray for God's glory to be revealed." When they lost the baby, we cried for God's glory to be revealed. A week ago, Meredith called and told me that she was pregnant again. She expressed her fears of losing another baby and I told her the same thing I was telling myself, "God's glory WILL be revealed." And I have prayed without ceasing that God's glory would be revealed in our life.

"Come Lord and come quickly! Do not hold out back any good thing from us."

And to God be the glory!

Praise God for Kanyon's health. Praise God for good report for the little niece or nephew growing in Meredith. And last but not least, praise God for Jeff's strength this past year-I could not have made it through month after month without him.

Praise God for His goodness, His faithfulness and His love that does not end. And praise God for His timing. You see this Sunday, on Mother's Day I will sing the song "Glory Revealed" at church. It will be a sweet time of singing the words, "Every valley will be raised, every mountain peak made low, and the ground it will be leveled and the rough places smooth....Then we will see, the Glory of the Lord, all lives will see the Glory of the Lord revealed, oh the glory of the Lord revealed!"

The only reason I mention it here in blogland is so that you will pray that I will sing without a quiver in my voice and tears choking up the words. I know it will be a blessing to many people on the same path as me this Mother's day so pray that God's glory be revealed in their lives as well.

5 Things: Websites

Welcome to the first 5 things post, where I post 5 things that I enjoy or use or read or listen to right now.

Today's Topic: 5 Websites I Love

1. Online Organizing- lots of great tips for anyone, young or old, looking to become more organized, creating a chaos free lifestyle

2. Birthday Alarm- never forget a birthday again. It's free and easy to use. You will receive a notice one week before that person's birthday letting you know that there birthday is coming soon, with just enough time to put a card in the mail if you choose.

3. Font Face- looking for the "Grease" font or maybe the "Gilligan's Island" font. All free, all great to use and easy to download. I use these for work, scrapbooking and our yearly Christmas letter.

4. Jane's Apron- this website is full of vintage inspiration, I just found it last week but have really enjoyed looking at all the pictures, aprons and decorating ideas.

5. Pottery Barn- I love this store as well as the website. I use this website for decorating inspiration. When I flip through the room views, if I see a picture I like, I save the picture to later print and put them in a folder that I have going for my decorating ideas-for you know, the day we buy a house.

Hip-Hip Hooray! My Links Are Updated

Yes, that's right I finally updated a few of my links.

I had a few errors on some and others I wanted to add, and a few got the boot since they are no longer in the blogging business. Sorry Mom, I still love you!

And if you didn't know I read your blog....SURPRISE, I have you on my links to prove it!

Let's just admit it friends and family, we ALL should join lurkers anonymous...I am so bad at commenting that I could be the President of the Lurkers club.

And let me just state my comment policy while I am at it. Comment if you want, drop a line a time or two but please don't feel obligated to say hi. I can't harp on something that even I don't even do.

Now if you are new to my blog and want to say hello then don't be scared, I love to meet new people. Or you can choose to remain a lurker, I'm fine with that.

Lurkers unite! (Just remember I am the President of the Lurker Anonymous when we charter that little diddy)

Philipians 4: 4-14

I love the way that the Message has translated Philipians 4: 4-14, may it bless you today too!

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty.

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.