My Testimony

I grew up in a Christian home with Christian roots. I was happy.
My parents divorced when I was eleven-I wasn't as happy anymore but learned to mask it.

I spent my summers at Camp Deer Run surrounded by friends and cousins-lots of cousins. I was happiest when I was at Deer Run, I learned about Jesus. I grew up in the youth group surrounded by positive Christian role models. Making the decision to be baptized was not a hard one for me, it's what you did when you were young. In my circle of friends, there was something not right with you if you didn't get baptized before you entered high school. I made the decision because it was all I knew. When I was in high school, I didn't believe in drinking, smoking or having pre-marital sex. You just didn't do that in my circle of friends. In fact, my friends were members of the church youth group. We were the leaders in our church. We were the fun, loving, good kids who always attended the retreats and signed up for every mission trip. Our parents never worried about us because they knew we were not the typical kid. I took my faith for granted.

I graduated high school and the next day headed out to Deer Run to work on staff. I looked forward to this time because I was going to be able to spend my summers laughing and playing with my friends and cousins. I later went off to college at ACU. Still wearing my mask of happiness. Truth was, I was sad, incredibly sad.

At this point in my life, I started trying to find myself. People would ask me, "Why do you believe in God?" My answer was because I just do. Although I had a strong faith and believed in God I could not answer the questions about why do you believe this and why do you believe that. I began working at Chili's. If you have ever worked in the restaurant business you know it is not cool to be a Christian, very worldly. I wanted to fit in. I had always fit in wherever I was at the time. I didn't like being the outsider. I never talked about my faith. I prayed-but it was always for God to bless me with a certain amount of tips so I could pay my electric bill or car payment. I was angry those days He didn't provide, happy when He did. I soon found myself compromising all that I grew up knowing not to do. Smoking-did that. Drinking-did that. Sex before marriage-did that. It was all so that I would not look like an outsider. Looking back, I am sad by these choices but God was there with me through it all. I could of become an alcoholic-I didn't. I could have become addicted to cigarettes-I gave that up cold turkey. I could of become pregnant and had to have been latched with God only knows who for the rest of my life-I didn't.

But God brought people in my life to be a friend to me. To stand beside me. I was still wearing my mask. I wanted everyone from my home church to believe that I was still Susan from Sunday school, when the truth was-I was anything but. I wanted my family to believe I was making it on my own financially-when I was drowning in debt. I wanted people to believe I was happy-when all I wanted to do was cry most days. I wanted people to believe I had it all together the truth was my world was falling apart.

My life came to a grinding halt in April 2001. It was a devastating time not only for me but for my family. It was through this process that I started allowing God to speak to me. I had met Jeff, my now husband who encouraged me to move beyond my past. He did not allow me to wallow in my pain-instead he and a couple from my church encouraged me to go see a counselor. This couple paid for each and every visit, they felt this strongly about helping me and moving forward. I babysat for them once a week, each time they prayed with me. I was broken and I finally realized that in order for me to move beyond my past I would need to acknowledge my failures. I would need to acknowledge that without God-I was nothing but trash. Jeff and I began the process of working towards marriage. He and I would sit with my counselor talking about our expectations and what we wanted from each other and God. We became transformed from the inside out. The mask was removed.

We became members of a church separate from my home church. It was the first time that someone sat me down and talked me through what it means to be a Christian. Some may find this odd since I grew up in the church. But never before, atleast to my knowledge, did some one clearly present the gospel to me. What it meant to be saved, why we are baptized and why it is important for us to seek and save the lost.

I learned over the years not to be ashamed of my past sins. God sent His son to die on the cross to save me. In return I am to live my life according to His Word, making the most of every opportunity. Loving others the same way that those in my life loved me-judgment free full of grace. The greatest thing about the people who God used, they spoke the truth to me in love-they strongly encouraged me to grow beyond the "junk" and live and be the person God has called me to be.

Thank you for letting me share-for more great testimonies-click here to Created For His Glory.

God Bless and May each of you remember that Jesus died for us and wants you to lay your past and present burdens at His feet. He will do the rest-just be still and know that He is God!

Continue To Pray for Canon Norman

Per Canon's Blog much prayers are still needed.

He is back on his ventilator and his white blood cell count is very high. The doctors have said there is fluid on his heart so they are watching at this point.

If anything changes I will update the post.

Pray for Carla his mom.

Teresa, the friend that is keeping us posted via Canon's blog has written the following from

Psalms 61

Hear my cry, O God;Attend to my prayer.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You.

When my heart is Overwhelmed (which I know Carla's is right now)

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Thank you Lord for providing us with blogs so we are able to get prayers out to many around the world. May you spread your word to the ends of the earth, farther than any eye can see.

Thank you Lord for all that you have done and all that you are going to do!
Susan

You Know Marriage Suits You When...

• Your Husband suggests staying in on a Friday night and you say, "Yes, lets!" without batting an eye!
• You go to the grocery store in the afternoon so you don't have to get out later for dinner-truly a quiet evening at home. I bought my own flowers and a bottle of wine. I am fine with this arrangement. I have a nice bouquet of fall flowers to look at all weekend.
• When your husband wakes up after working the night shift-hangs out in his pjs most of the night and you never once complain. In fact, you put your old, tattered pajamas with stains and holes and sit down to have this nice meal like you are dressed to the nines. Whatever happened to getting dressed to impress?
• When your husband heads off to the video store to pick out a movie and you do not offer any input, it will be nice just to be together.
• When after both of you had a long, stressful week-you can just sit and say nothing at all because the silence is much nicer than boring conversation-where you do most of the talking.
  
  
  

Prayers Needed

It's funny, you see, I prayed for God to show me His ministry for my life and well a ministry has fallen in my lap this week. It seems I am to continue a passion of mine-prayer. I have been connected either by word of mouth, the prayer chain at church and or people in my daily life to others who are in need of prayer. Most of these prayers have kept my spirit working overtime this week. Seriously, I went to bed last night praying for a dear person in my life and the first thought in my head when I woke-was for that person. I think I may of even had a dream about some of the other people on my list but I slept so soundly that I can not remember. Praise God that He hears my prayers even when I am sleeping!

So I humbly bow before His throne and lift up a few prayer requests. I will post them on my blog-feel free to comment or not, I am not in this business for the comments. I am just a simple girl striving to do the Lord's will. For now, his will is for me to pray unselfishly for others.

1. The Byron Nelson Funeral- Many of you may recognize this name-since he has an outstanding history in the game of golf. But to me he is so much more than the "Legendary Golf Pro" He was a friend-a man who always had a smile and a hug to offer me during the hug and howdy time at my home church. Who invited my mom and her boyfriend over for lunch because he felt God calling him to be a positive role model to Sam. Many people will be attend his funeral tomorrow at 1:30, I will not. I have opted to keep my niece and nephew so my sister-in-law could join my brother. I pray for the people whose lives may be greatly impacted tomorrow from the life of Byron Nelson. Not the golf pro but the man who lived a life,especially in his later years-seeking and saving the lost. Now that is how I want to be remembered.

2. My Aunt Birdy- She is lying in a hospital tonight, in a coma and they do not think she will live through the night. She was my grandmother's niece or sister-can't remember which. But she stood by us many years ago as we sat vigil in my grandmother's hospital room, waiting until Nana took her last breath. I pray peace for her family as they are replaying our story 6 years ago. I praise God that she too is a believer and will soon be reunited with my grandmother and grandfather. You know, I must admit I am a little jealous.

3. Canon Norman- I just did my nightly check in to his blog. It looks like today has not been good. He has a collapsed lung-filled with fluid. Please pray for Canon, Carla his mom and Sue his grandmother. Please visit the blog that Carla's friend is updating for her and leave a comment. Chandra always told me during her Canon's experience how much everyone's comments meant to her.

I could go on and on but I will wait to post for another day. These I believe are the most urgent-in my life at least-so please pray. If you ever need someone to pray for you, please feel free to leave a comment or email me. My email is listed in my profile.

Let me leave you with this verse.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6

Thursday Thirteen: September Wrap Up

Can you believe that September is two days from being gone? Time flies when you're having fun! So in honor of this month coming to a close-I have made a list of 13 things that took place in the Young household.

1. I went to the Dentist.

2. Pink Impact @ Gateway Church
A powerful time with God and the Chick from Down Under. Feel free to read my post about what God showed me during these few days here and here.
3. Pizza Friday-every Friday!
Jeff and I have a standing tradition with his family, affectionately called the Cherry Clan-which is his mom's and 2 aunts maiden name. They have been doing this way before I entered into the picture-even before Jeff entered into the picture-even before the sisters even married their husbands. Like I said it is a long standing tradition. If you live in Trophy Club-you are welcome to come hang out with us at Vinny's. We have our standard table and new faces always welcome.
4. Celebrated two pending births in two days.
Cousin Rachel and Cousin Maurine are expecting their first babies a week apart. They are sisters-in-law-married to brothers and friends of mine before they married into the family. It was fun getting the girls together to celebrate their impending births.
5. Charger Football-
They are 2-0 so far, our house is very proud of them. Keep up the great work guys!
6. 3 quizzes, 1 History Test-
I am in my second year of my going back to college. I feel like a fish out of water with me being almost 10 years older than my fellow classmates but I don't care really. I just want to get this college thing behind me. Funny side note: A girl asked if we needed to know the dates for the History test. It's history, of course you need to know the dates. IDIOT!
7. Haircut
I got my roots done and my hair trimmed. I am trying to grow out my hair so I can donate to "Locks of Love" It will take awhile since my hair is not even to my shoulders yet.
8. The New Season of Bible Study has begun.
I am doing a Women's Study on Titus 2 and Jeff and I are both doing 2 Samuel. Both are very interesting and convicting so far. I will keep you posted.
9. Went to Austin
We spent Labor Day with Jeff's brother Matt, the man who introduced us, at his house in Austin. We saw the bats at the Congress bridge and ate at my favorite dive, Chuy's!
10. Gunnar's Birthday
My brother celebrated his 31st birthday. It was a fun time and yes, Gunnar is his real name.
11. Kid Time
I have already written about it but we are still laughing from that night. Read the full story here.
12. Taught Sunday School
Jeff and I are on a monthly rotation to teach the 4-6 year olds. We always leave with stories that will carry us through the week. Our favorite student is Henry. He is full of mischief and love. This time it was more mischief than love. As we were playing on the playgroud-he climbed up on the little roof of this plastic house in the yard. Jeff pulled him off and then a few minutes later he was right back up there. During the lesson I was trying to get him to pay attention to the lesson, he didn't want to. In fact, he said "No way Teach!" Jeff and I laughed and let him keep it up. We have a lot to learn about parenting
13. Saving my favorite for last...Katy learning to ride her bike! My four year old niece is a star at church. I put together that video archiving her story-my brother bought the video from the website and has shared it with all the Gateway staff. Now people will walk up to her and say, "I saw you ride your bike!" And since she is shy-she ducks her head and hides behind my brother's leg. But don't let her fool you, she is loving the attention! She also had her first crash and now has a long scratch to prove she is a true cycler. She ran up to me Sunday night and says, "Look, I'm official!"

Click here if you want to see the video for the first time or watch it once again.

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. ItÂ’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!
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Pray for Canon Norman

I don't know this family-have never spoken to them or seen them in my entire life. But my Heavenly Father does and He has laid this boy named Canon and his mom, Carla on my heart. I was reading Psalms 139 today in my quiet time. I was reminded that God knows me and this family intimatley.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you becasue I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

verse 13-14

I have come to realize that you do not have to know people or their circumstances to pray for them. God will intercede for us-when we are unable to wrap our mind around all that this family is going through. I have realized that our prayers do not have to be eloquent or long winded. They can be as simple as saying, "Lord please provide all that Carla needs. Heal Canon." You do not have to sit a certain way to get your prayers heard. You can walk down the street and say your prayers. You can be sitting in a lecture and say a quick prayer or sweating it out on a treadmill and say a prayer.

Prayers-simple or deep can be heard but the important thing is that we remember to pray. Take the time today during your normal routine to lift up a prayer for Canon and Carla.

From Carla's Blog:

If you are able to help Carla in any way (no donation is toosmall), please send a check or money order to:

Canon Norman Stephens Inc.111 Center StreetLittle Rock, AR 72201

Make sure to put this information on your check:"for account of Carla Norman -custodian of Canon Norman,Account # 41459887"

God Bless you all for praying and getting the word out there for us!

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Today is my Brother's 31st birthday! I thought what better way to honor his big day than to post my favorite picture from my wedding here on my blog.

Recently I was looking back over my prayer journals and his name is interwoven in my pages. Here are a few of my prayers over the years.

I prayed for him when he moved in with my Dad. I knew I was going to miss him but I didn't realize how much. Through this time, we developed a strong friendship that has helped us get through many of the storms we have faced through the years.

I prayed for him when he started dating his wife Missy. He would spend the night at our house after most dates. He and I would sit in my room for hours-he retelling me the date, I asking him the questions that most little sisters do. "Did you kiss her?" His answer was, "NO! Not yet!" I knew from the very start that she was the one for him. I am also thankful for him picking a wife that is not only a loving, nurturing wife and mother but a loving, nurturing sister-in-law and friend to me.

I prayed for him the first time he told me he was going to be a father. "Oh Lord, here we go!" He is now the father of three precious children. Faith, Katelyn and Elijah. I love watching him run and play with each of them. I also love watching him give that "You better cut that out look." to his children. I know that look very well because both us got that look from our Dad. I am still waiting for him to whistle to get there attention. Another direct thing from Dad, it didn't matter how loud it was we knew it when we heard it.

I prayed for him when he told me he was going to be leaving his job in Florida, moving to Texas and working full time as a financial minister. They call it, "Life Stewardship" minister. I prayed for him again when he got a job offer with the church he is at now. I struggled in prayer right alongside Gunnar and Missy. It was not an easy decision-yet I believe he has made the right one. Although I will never be able to call him "Pastor Gunnar." He is not Pastor to me! He is big brother and I know all his secrets. But I will never tell you them because most of them would get me in trouble as well.

Gunnar, I am proud of the godly husband, father, son, brother, pastor and friend you have turned out to be. I am thankful for the people that God brought into your life at just the right time to help you grow in wisdom and love for Jesus Christ. Keep setting the example for the people in your life. And know whatever phase we come to next, I will be praying for you!

I LOVE YOU!

Your bratty little sister, Susan

Prayer Warriors Unite!

I have a dear friend named Chandra whose 2 year old son named Canon had a liver transplant 9 months ago. She has found another Canon who needs our prayers. Will you join us?

His name is Canon Andrew-he is four years old and from what I can tell had a heart transplant just a few days ago. Find out the full story here. You want to hear a funny side note, Canon the two year olds name is Andrew Canon. Canon the four year old is Canon Andrew! How great is that!

I am hoping that all of us who prayed for Andrew Canon could unite to also pray for Canan Andrew.
If you would like to get the full story of Andrew Canon-fill free to drop by their website http://mgmorrow.com/canon/indexcanon.shtml

They have posted some great new photos of Canon that really captures his personality. This is one of the new ones that made me laugh when I saw it.


Okay here is another one, I couldn't resist!



Now is that not the sweetest dear, to let Canon just sit there!

Please forward this to anyone and everyone you know. I want us to reach out to the Canon in Little Rock, Arkansas to let this little family know that we too stand beside them in prayer!

Five Ingredient Friday-MY FIRST ONE!

Quick and Easy Casserole-A staple in our house-great to fix if you are too lazy to throw a gourmet meal together or just in a hurry to eat!

Brown 1 lb. ground meat (I substitute ground turkey) in a skillet

Add Small Amount of Chopped Onion

Add the following:

1 can Ranch Style Beans

1 can Franco American spaghetti (traditional kind, "franco" threw me for a loop)

1 can of tomatoes (any style)

Mix all ingredients together. It is ready to eat, or put in a casserole with grated cheese on top. Bake at 350 until cheese melts.

This is very easy-but oh so good!

P.S This was given to me as wedding gift from the elders wives of the church where I grew up. Some of you who also attended this church, may have the same recipe in your wedding book!

For more great tips, visit Overwhelmed with Joy's place

Falling Into Reading Challenge

1. The Family by Karen Kingsbury
Book # 4 in another one of Karen's favorite series. This one comes out in October and I have been drumming my fingers on my table waiting, hoping, counting down the days that I can read on. I just don't understand why the publishing company just doesn't publish them sooner.


2. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught- Book 5 of the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series. I love these books-I laugh, I cry, laugh a little more and cry a little more. I also have added more praise to my prayer time.



3. The Novelist-I never heard of this writer until I looked at everyone else's "Falling Into Books" list. I am always looking for a new author to add to my list...so here goes!

4. Divine-Another Karen Kingsbury but I have not tried this one yet. I have heard from my peeps that is a great read but I am running a little slow

5. Mark of the Lion Series-My sister, Missy, bought the book for me I started to read but never finished it. I think I started reading 1-3 of #1. Anyway, my point is, since Barb at A Chelsea Morning has praised this book in her "Falling Into Reading" list and even commented on my blog on how great this series will be for me, I have decided to make this one of my fall into books.

For more "Falling Into Reading" lists, see Katrina at Callapidder Days-get inspired!

Thirteen Things I Do To Unwind

I am learning how to relax, not sweat the small stuff, take life one step at a time-this is what I have done to help me in the process!

1. Bake-I pull out my favorite comfort food cookbooks, usually sweets and bake. I have started buying the pre-made cooking dough at the grocery store. It helps me when I am really stressed! Something about the smell of cookies makes me wind down.

2. Rock a Baby- My favorite baby these days is my nephew Elijah. The other night-he fell asleep cuddled in my arms-his sweet face did me in. I teared up just thinking about how fast time has gone.

3. Read a Book-Nothing too smart though! I have to have a good, inspirational book without the thinking. I can't do too much thinking if I am trying to wind down-it will only stress me out!

4. Scrapbook-Plug my IPOD to my ears and let the pages come to life before me. I get made fun of at the crops b/c I often don't talk while I am scrapbooking. I am a big talker but NOT when I am getting scrappy. Don't know why-it's just my quirk

5. Watch a Classic Movie-I love Ginger Rodgers and Fred Estaire, I love Shirley Temple, Cary Grant, Doris Day, Rock Hudson, Alfred Hitchcock-love them. They are fun to watch and I love to see the styles of yesterday in clothing and the furniture.

6. Fill My House with Praise- A friend of mine started me on this not too long ago and I have done it ever since. Make a CD of your favorite praise and worship music-crank it up throughout your house and you will see your frown turn upside down. It's not easy being grumpy with praise in your home

7. Clean-I don't mean chore type cleaning. I mean the clean out the closet, step back and enjoy the progress type cleaning. I am working one step at a time and it is really helping me to calm down. Probably because there isn't a lot of junk laying around!

8. Blog-I love to read my friends and families blogs. I wind down at night by checking in with my friends daily

9. Workout-If I am mad or uptight-I have learned to get on that treadmill and walk it out! I also reap the benefits of watching the pounds drop away!

10. Coffee with the Chicks-I don't like to do big group coffee dates b/c it gets too complicated but I do love one-on-one conversations with my friends discussing life as we know it

11. Take a Trip to the Library- like to go when I am not in a rush and skim the ailses. I like to check out the movie section for those classic movies I was telling you about. I like to read the current magazines. I like to sit in the children's section-pull out a Dr. Seuss or Junie B and read while sitting in the bean bags!

12. Hang out with Jeff-I am saving the best ones for last. I love to just chill! Especially when we have no place we have to be. With him working nights, me working days-the weekends are our time to just kick back and hang out together. Since the week is normally a hi-how are you doing today-got to go kind of day!

13. Pray-Lately I have started praying during the good days and the bad. What a difference this has made in my life! It always puts life into perspective!

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

The Office Is HERE!

The Office-Starts Tonight!

I laughed out loud on this one!!!!

WWFM: Fall Wreaths For 1/2 the Price!

I love this time of the year when you can decorate your house for the fall. Before I make a trip to the local design store to buy that way too priced wreath-I always like to see if I can recreate one of my own-for half the price. I go to Better Homes and Gardens Online print the picture and head to my local craft store and see what I can do. The trick to saving money, go the week they have the fall foliage on sale along with the coupon they put in the paper on Sundays. FABULOUS!!!

For More What Works For Me See Shannon at Rocks for My Dryer!

Saturday Night Fun!

This Saturday marks our first time to keep all 3 of the Johnson kids. I am happy to report that Elijah did very well with us! We were afraid he would cry but that turned out not to be the case. In fact, he was all smiles!!

The night started off with Katy saying to Uncle Jeff, "Why are you fat?" I thought I was going to die laughing! Gunnar and Missy quickly exited the house because they didn't know what to say. No worries Jeff's feelings were NOT hurt. I realize I need to fill you in on why I was laughing so hard, I don't want you to think me heartless. The night before Jeff wanted me to walk on his back inorder to pop it. I have never been successful with this but he keeps asking anyway. I told him I didn't know why he thought this time would be any different. He says "Well, you have put on a few extra pounds!" So you see, when Katy said that-well I couldn't of been more proud! Paybacks always getcha!

Uncle Jeff and I have little traditions that we do with the girls when we keep them. We always make pizza and we always play beauty shop. Over the years, we have been covered with make-up, nail polish and had our hair pulled up with bows and clips. Uncle Jeff likes to act like he doesn't know what they are doing when they start putting on make-up. Which of course sends Faith and Katelyn into fits of laughter. Fortunatly since we were not at our house, we did not have thier make-up kit so we were safe.

One thing new though, Faith read to us a chapter out of "Little House in the Big Woods." These were my favorite books growing up. I still have them on my shelf and I have read them over and over again.
Jeff was full of questions! I think to see how long Faith would go without getting frustrated.

"Where are the resturants?"
"What did they do for food?"
"Who calls their dad Pa? That's a silly name!"
"What did they watch on television?"

Any question he could think of totally off course he would ask. At one point, Faith says, "Uncle Jeff, they did not have that stuff back then. Would you listen to the story now!"

Anyway, all in all it was a great night and the kids were sweet and honory as ever! Just like their Uncle Jeff and Aunt Susan (or Sue Sue as they call me!)

 

The Stranger

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home... Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words t hat burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, so metimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger.

Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?....We just call him, "TV."

**Note: This should be required reading for every household in America!

**He has a younger sister now. We call her "Computer."

i am pink-part two

I thought I would write about all of this sooner but this week, as you already know, has been one of those weeks!

Here is the main lesson that wraps up all that I learned from "Pink Impact."

I AM NOT A VICTIM ANYMORE! Don't label me "Child of Divorce" or "Child of Domestic Abuse." Don't label me "that girl that fell into temptation during college." Call me Susan, Child of God-Forgiven by God now living by Grace.

You see, we all have are "labels" that we could wear proudly. We want to use these labels to define us, control us and categorize us. Because it is easier to hold on to the victim role than to release the pain. But funny thing is, once you let go, you realize how much sweeter life can be without all the baggage. Bitterness, hurt feelings, anger take root when we refuse to to let it go. God does not want us to go through life dropping the victim card each time we feel the need to be noticed. Instead His desire is for us to live freely, abundant lives, speaking the truth in love and letting go and moving beyond yesterday.

At PINK IMPACT, Christine Caine told a story that is found in Exodus 8:1-10. Many of us have grown up hearing the story of the 10 Commandments. We can tell you each of the plagues because it was ingrained in us during Bible study. But let me see if you have noticed this part of the story. Frogs were everywhere during the 2nd plague. Frogs in the water, the toilet, the oven, the food. Frogs in the bed, closets and cupboards. Frogs were EVERYWHERE!

pharaoh goes to Moses and says "Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go." (verse 8)

Moses says, "I leave you the honor of setting the official time for me and to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile."

Pharoahs answer: "Tomorrow." (verse 10)

Now here is what Christine pointed out to us. If God is willing to take away your FROG then why are we waiting until TOMORROW to get this things removed from our lives? Why do we enjoy the victim role? If God has given us the honor of setting the official times for us to rid ourselves of our FROGS then why are we not running to His throne and laying all that stands in our way from being free from the FROGS!

Today, I am going to stand tall, raise my hands in the air and scream at the top of my lungs,

"I AM NOT A VICTIM ANYMORE!!!!!!!"
"I AM FREE TO BE ALL THAT GOD HAS CALLED ME TO BE!!!!!!"
"I CHOOSE FROM THIS DAY FORWARD, TO LIVE MY LIFE OUT LOUD-SEEKING AND SAVING THE LOST!!!!"

Maybe you would like to join me in doing the same?!?!

Don't let your FROG take over-allow God to remove them from your life. Be free, sweet friends! BE FREE!

The Office - Diversity

5 Days and Counting!

This is my favorite episode! Diversity Day was hilarious!!

The Countdown to The Office Begins

Watch this clip from "The Office" titled "Mind Control"

6 days and counting!!

I Have Been Blessed

Yesterday, was one of those days! I did not want to be cranky but it was a struggle to stay pleasant. I knew it was Satan trying to attack my spirit since I had Bible Study that night. Doesn't it always seem that way? The nights that you have a planned "Divine Appointment with God" is the days that nothing seems to go right. But a few things happened to me yesterday that helped me refocus my mood from bad to joy!

1. My mom had a huge answer to prayer in her life. She had a job interview with a local church after months of praying that the Lord would deliver her from her current work situation. I was blessed because of her joy!

2. As I was frantically driving from errand to errand yesterday-"Blessed Assurance" came on the radio. Not only is the title of my blog but the my personal love song with my Heavenly Father. Also the title of my first bible study that is still in the works. I felt such a peace about me after singing along with this song. It is almost like God knew I needed an extra measure of His love-which He gave me in the gift of song.

3. The team I work with calls me yesterday and today letting me know how much they appreciate all my effort this week. It feels good to know that people in your work world acknowledge your hard work and appreciate YOU!

4. My friend on the way to Bible study had me pull into "Krispy Kreme" and purchased me a chocolate glazed donut and then AFTER bible study I decided I deserved a Sonic Cherry Limeade. She pulls out a coupon for a free Medium Cherry Limeade and says, "Here it's on me!" She is my new best friend!

5. A fellow Blogger, which I will admit, I hold in high esteem-posted for her Thirteen Things-13 scriptures. Each one of these scriptures was another way of God affirming to me that He is my Strength and Comfort in times of trouble. I have so much enjoyed her talking about her daughters and son. Her grandbabies, her painting projects and all the other wonderful words of wisdom she shares with us. She even offered to give me a hug yesterday on my comments. So thank you Blessed Beyond Measure for inspiring me to keep my head up and reach new heights.

If you have been blessed by a fellow blogger-please visit Christian Women online. It is a new thing they have started each Friday and I think a wonderful gift to give to a fellow blogger who has touched your life!


P.S. A song that has been running in my head since this morning is "I Have Been Blessed" by Martina McBride. I thought it ironic since this was the song I woke up singing!

Happy Friday!!!!

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!!!