30 THINGS TO DO BEFORE I TURN 30!

Blogland, my "older" and more "wiser" friends have encouraged me to make a 30 things to do before I turn 30 list. Since turning 29 all of 5 days ago, I have thought long and hard about THE LIST. I have erased and added, erased again and added again many things repeatedly. All because I didn't know if it could be done or if I wanted to commit myself to getting it done in 360 days. I wanted to run a half marathon but thought better of it since we are trying for kids...could you imagine me running with a load up front? I just don't see it happening.

Please remember when reading this list that this is MY LIST, MY GOALS and some may seem a bit-let's just say strange to you but to me they all make perfect, logical sense. My friends out there may even say, "Yes, that sounds just like something Susan would do!"

So can I get a drumroll please...

1. run a 5k marathon w/out stopping (I can do this pregnant, eyes closed and running backwards...I hope or i can do it BEFORE I am prego)
2. Las Vegas Trip-maybe renew VOWS with HUBBY by ELVIS
3. Start taking Piano Lessons again...why did I quit in the first place
4. learn to knit booties!
5. finish THE WEDDING SCRAPBOOK
6. Reread: Mitford Series, Little House on the Prairie, The Ladies of the Club and Gone with the Wind
7. Read: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and some of the other classics I "read" in high school but truth is I didn't read it, I read the CLIFF NOTES
8. Organize photos that are in a box from high school, college and Camp Deer Run Days (I promise to post embarrassing pics of friends via THE BLOG)
9. take a painting class
10. get wisdom teeth pulled-YUCK but necessary
11. write a thank you note to the influential people in my life, the ones who encouraged me, stood by me and helped me move beyond my past
12. tell Jeff EVERYDAY that I LOVE HIM
13. go to Philly, Chicago or Boston (BTW: If I am pregnant this summer-the plan is for me to go to Philly to run the steps like Rocky...wouldn't that be funny!)
14. jump in a foam pit at TEXAS TUMBLERS with my favorite little buddy Amie J!
15. relearn Spanish-I used to be great at it when I worked in the restaurant but now...I can only remember cuss words
16. finish writing the "Blessed Assurance" Bible Study
17. plant a garden
18. frame Jeff's photo's from road trips-too great not to show them off
19. live in the moment
20. learn to bake bread-call me Mrs Baird's if I accomplish this
21. get a redesign to me blog (it's in the works...can't wait to do the big REVEAL)
22. continue to grow in the Lord
23. start a thankful list-one for each day from now until Feb 21st
24. get a menu plan/grocery list inventory together (just wait-you will either want one of your own or think I am completely obsessed with the organizational process)
25. scrapbook the scrapbook retreats...some of our best stuff is on those stinking retreats yet "What happens in Canton Stays in Canton or does it?!?!"
26. Raise money for the Race For the Cure!
27. buy a house
28. get the Deer Run Chicks together for a day-o-fun!
29. celebrate Jeff's birthday in our NEW HOUSE-this summer! We are already planning his big day-he will be 37 y'all...I married me an OLD MAN but I love him, wouldn't trade him
30. BECOME A MOTHER FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!

And don't you worry your pretty little head, I will keep you posted as I check them off. It may be some great blog material or atleast I seem to hope that people will think it is great blog material.

"Fireflies"

The FIRST time I heard this song, I thought about the days when I was young and I would lay under our big tree in the backyard and watch the clouds pass by in the sky. I would imagine that I would see flying bats, butterflies, bunnies hiding behind the clouds. Often times I would fall asleep to be later awoken by my brother throwing a stick or a ball or even a rock my way. But I allowed myself to dream-to use my imagination.

The SECOND time I heard this song, I made myself remember what it means to dream. Before the heartache, before the empty promises of young love-there was a little girl who dreamt of her prince charming sweeping her off her feet. I remembered the giddy feeling that comes from your first kiss or the first time that special someone held your hand in a dark movie theatre. These were special times because I was a little girl who had grown into a young woman and was learning what it meant to "be in love" the good and the bad. I just knew that one day my prince would come.

The THIRD time I heard this song, I thought of my nieces who are at the dreaming stage. They run and play and are fascinated with the world around them. They play "Princess" and "House" and dress themselves up in their various roles. They run outside and play and some days I will sit them down and point to the clouds. "Girls what do you see up there?" They will point out the bats, the butterflies and the bunnies hiding behind the clouds. They each love ladybugs and these little bugs are a treasure to find. We often have to stop and pick them up. And a real live butterfly is an extra special treat. It's in these moments that I realize that once again I have learned to dream. I have relearned what it means to "dream of fairy tales and dreamers dreams like bed sheet sails." And I am renewed by the freedom to dream my childhood dreams.

The FOURTH time I heard this song, I realized that this is the song that I want on my blog for this week. I want others to walk away from reading this with a renewal of their own childhood dreams
dreaming of fireflies and Peter Pan. So take a moment turn up the volume on the computer and enjoy the song.

"Fireflies"

Before you met me i was a fairy princess

I caught frogs and called them prince

And made myself a queen

Before you knew me i traveled 'round the world

I slept in castles and fell in love

Because i was taught to dream

I found mayonnaise bottles and poked holes on top

To capture tinker bell

They were just fireflies to the untrained eye

But i could always tell

[chorus]

I believe in fairy tales and dreamers dreams like bed sheet sails

And i believe in peter pan and miracles

And anything i can to get by

And fireflies

Before i grew up i saw you on a cloud

I could bless myself in your name and pat you on your wings

Before i grew up i heard you whisper so loud

"life is hard, and so is love, child, believe in all these things"

I found mayonnaise bottles and poked holes on top

To capture tinker bell

And they were just fireflies to the untrained eye

But i could always tell

[chorus]

Before you met me i was a fairy princess

I caught frogs and called them prince

And made myself a queen

Before you knew me i traveled 'round the world

And i slept in castles and fell in love

Because i was taught to dream

Happy Birthday To Me!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24


Lord, thank you for my life. May it bless others as I seek to serve you. Lord thank you for your faithfulness-thank you for being the one constant in an ever changing world. Thank you for loving me when I was unlovable and humbling me when I thought I deserved more love. Lord thank you for my friends and family. You have blessed me with some amazing people. Thank you for Jeff-who inspires me, exasperates me and loves me warts and all. Lord, I do not worry about the future because I know you are in the future. I do not worry about the path you have set before me because I know that you have already gone ahead and paved the way for us. Lord I pray that you continue to challenge me, continue to show me ways that could be more like you. I pray that you take each day and make it your day. Fill me with faith that is steadfast , fill me with joy that overflows and fill me with the peace that passes all understanding so I can serve you fully in the moment-not looking ahead to the next thing.
Heavenly Father, I adore you and praise you for all that you have done and all that you are going to do with my life.

In Jesus Name Amen!


(PS: While writing this post-I got interrupted by the phone. My sweet nieces, Faith and Katelyn sang Happy Birthday to me over the phone. They have the sweetest, most angelic voices. And again I ask you, "Could life get any sweeter?")

FAT TUESDAY!

Today I was talking to Jeff about our plans for tonight. We originally were going to celebrate FAT TUESDAY at Razoo's. But I soon started having flashbacks to my days at Chili's and thought better of it. And trust me after years of slinging beers and margaritas along with other concoctions for the drinking population of DFW-these are not happy memories.

"Uh, Jeff! Can we just stay home tonight?"

"Sure baby, whatever you want because it's YOUR BIRTHDAY WEEK!"

"Well great-then will you go pick up a pizza and a movie? And we can celebrate our own FAT TUESDAY!"

So I guess in a way we are celebrating FAT TUESDAY by getting FAT on slices of PIZZA!

Again I ask you, "Can life get any sweeter?!?!"

Let the Festivities Begin!

My Husband out did himself this year! Jeff is NOT the planner in the family, I am!

Jeff is NOT the LOVER O' BIRTHDAYS in the family, I am!

I believe everyone should be celebrated on their BIRTHDAY! Jeff just sees it as another day until this year....

Jeff sent E-VITE's to a few of our friends and we all met at my favorite new spot in Downtown Fort Worth. Gloria's Restaurant-home of the best bean dip, margaritas and salsa dancing. For you Fort Worth folks: It's located in the newly renovated Montgomery Ward building off of 7th street. It's my opinion that EVERYONE should go by there because not only is there a Gloria's but a Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Target, Ross and Marshalls. A girls dream spot.

As the party was breaking up I could not stop wishing everyone a Happy Birthday! I don't know why but I kept saying, "Thanks for coming! Happy Birthday!" Maybe it was my margarita talking but I have never been affected like that...EVER! Oh well, it was fun!

I am so blessed with friends and family who are willing to take time out from their kids to spend the evening celebrating little ole me. One friend had had a really, really rough week so I felt extra special that they made it that night. Another friend's husband was on a business trip but she still came all that way to say, "Happy Birthday!" God has really blessed Jeff and I with great friends and family! I cherish them always! Here is the chicks from the party, the men were on the opposite side of us holding our "luggage" or purses as they are normally called.

What a wonderful way to kick off the birthday celebration! Tonight we are off to celebrate FAT TUESDAY at Razoo's. Neither of us have ever done this but you are only 29 once so Jeff is letting me live it up! No that's not true it's just the excuse we are using to get out of the house since he is on vacation this week and I am not. Otherwise I would be staying home in my pj's getting caught up on laundry and other things that have gotten out of hand since I was sick 4 straight days last week. And tomorrow is my OFFICIAL birthday so Jeff and I will be heading to Cheesecake Factory! Could life get any better than that?!? I don't think so, I really don't think so!

A List Of Random Thoughts!

1. I am still sick, I spent Friday night layed up in bed with fever...AGAIN! I thought I was better, but I guess I was wrong. I haven't left the house since Monday-I am ready to not be sick anymore!
2. I missed out on scrappy time with my chicks last night...I was bummed.
3. I had to cancel last weeks Recollections night with sister in law b/c I was too tired from my all niter at the hospital. I NEED SOME CHICK TIME!
4. Hubby has put together a dinner party for me and a few of our friends tomorrow night to celebrate my birthday...I am looking forward to seeing someone other than Jeff and getting dressed up. Dressed Up=make-up and something other than pjs.
5. A friend told me that since I will be 29 Wednesday, I need to come up with my list. List???? Supposedly I am to come up with 30 things I want to do before I turn 30 and then make a list of 40 things I want to do before I am 40 when I turn 30. I have 365 days to get my list of 30 done and I have 10 years to get the 40 done. Whatever! Sounds fun! Be looking for a list in the next few days.
6. I just finished watching Rocky! I am desperate for new shows to watch.
7. GH has been fabulous this week, an extra special treat for a sick woman. I kept thinking, "I wonder if Paige and Meredith are watching?" Meredith was my roommate in college who got me hooked on GH. And Paige, let's just say our love for GH runs in the family. Ha! Ha!
8. Now I am Watching Rocky III, it's a marathon on TNT. I loved these movies when I was a little girl. "EYE OF THE TIGER" was my theme song-no not really. But I do use it when I am lifting weights.
9. I haven't lifted weights in over two weeks, I am going to be so sore when I start back.
10. I lost weight though due to having no appetite and drinking lots of water this week. I needed to lose a few pounds so it works for me.
11. Have you ever tried laughing when you have a cold? I laughed so hard during MY Name is Earl, The Office and Scrubs the other night that I thought I was going to pass out, I couldn't breath and I couldn't cough because I was laughing too hard. I was afraid my face turned blue!
12. Have you seen Britney Spears latest? No! Google it, I don't want to take the time to link to the picture of her skinned head. Give it up, girl! Give it up!
13. Okay I am going to lay down, stuff Kleenex's up my nose to clog it up so I don't drip! Have a happy Saturday!

God Bless Him!

I just needed to take a moment and praise my husband. He has been so sweet and supportive the last few days and deserves a post of his own.

Yesterday, Jeff was off work so he was home with me on Valentine's Day. This is not a common thing for him to be off work during the week but his schedule has changed to where he will work Thursday and Friday during the day than his normal night shift.

Unfortunately, I have been sick the last few days. And yesterday was my worst day. But Jeff took it all in stride. He ran a couple loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen and refilled my water glass. Later, he went to Sam's Club to see if he could rummage up a meal. He brought home a plate of Cajun Chicken Pasta that was pure heaven. He also had a Valentine's Day card telling me how much he loves me. Now a card on Valentine's Day is A BIG deal b/c we long ago threw out the idea of celebrating "THIS HALLMARK HOLIDAY" as Jeff dubbed it back then. Plus I would rather he save up all the romance he can muster for my birthday the following week. But this year, I got a card, dinner, clean clothes and a clean kitchen. Who can ask for more?

Today I am feeling much, much better! In fact, if I wasn't coughing the bullhorn style coughs I would consider myself fully recovered. Praise God for that, right? So I am going to work until 1, then dump all the trash, clean the sheets, fold the remaining laundry from yesterday and vacuum the house. Then I will scrub the bathroom, scrub myself (yes I am still in my pj's) and take my husband out to his favorite restaurant and possibly a movie. Why? Because I love him and he deserves a little bit of pampering today.

Thank you Jeff for spending you Sunday this week caring for our grandmothers. Thank you for spending the last few days keeping our house running smoothly while I crapped out on the couch from this nasty, nasty cold. I love you dearly!

Happy Valentine's Day or Is It?

I usually am one who loves Valentine's day-not because of what the day means but because it is the countdown to my birthday. My birthday is exactly 7 days after Valentines-the 21st. As a kid the Valentine card swaps always felt like a kick off to my BIG DAY. But today things are a little different.

I woke up this morning around 2, feeling just plain yuck. I was sick all day yesterday but I went to bed thinking the worst was over. Not so, dear friends. I took my temperature last night-102 was the high! And boy do I feel it. Now I am laying on the couch with the covers over me, my phone to the right and my laptop resting on the armrest. Because, I am still working even though I feel like a weight is on my chest and jump from being extremely hot to extremely cold.

I am going to MAKE MYSELF get up and take a shower, brush my teeth before Jeff wakes for the day. I may not be a beautiful Valentine today but I sure don't want to be a smelly one!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Isn't It Ironic?

I pray for life-my great-grandmother prayers for death?

Today as we prayed together in her desperatley bare room at the nursing home, I cried.

Here she lays praying for the Lord to take her Home and her I am praying nightly for the Lord to give me Life.

It just reminds of the verse in Ecclesiastes, "God has made EVERYTHING beautiful in His time."

That means death, life and everything in between.

Cherishing and Trusting...

The Lord is teaching me so much this week and for that I am continually grateful.

The first is to cherish. Just last week, I was complaining in my prayer time because I was tired of spinning in circles so to speak. I felt unused and bored. A friend's phone call reminded me to enjoy my mornings of reading as long as I like or just laying in bed because the covers felt too good to get up. Because as the Johnson and Johnson commercial so wisely states, "A baby changes everything."

My great grandmother's fall was a reminder that life is fragile and we should cherish where the path takes us. I cherish the moments with "Mom" because she is so precious to me. I cherish the fact that I am not in school, child free and a husband who works nights so that this past week I could clear my already almost cleared schedule to be at my great-grandmother's bedside. Wild horses couldn't pull me a way! :)

The second lesson is to trust. You see I often forget that God really does have a plan for me. I get so tired of feeling like my life is in a standstill. But each time I start this mantra I am reminded that if I would just trust Him that I would see I am exactly on the path that God has destined for me.

I believe that God used all the events of this week to teach me to trust Him and to cherish His plan for my life. So instead of looking for the "big thing" to come in order for me to serve God-I just want to serve. If for today all I am to do is serve my great grandmother by visiting her in the nursing home-then that is what I will do. One day. Lord willing if I am mom-I will serve my children. And as always, I will continue to serve my husband each and every day. But most importantly I will serve the Lord. And learn to be flexible with my plans just in case He changes my course in order to serve Him more fully.

P.S. I will post a Mom Bonner report later in the week-she is still trucking along and deserves a post all to herself!

Trying to Post Something Not Too Depressing Or Deep...

Today while staying with my great-grandmother I got mistaken for a nurse while walking the halls. Instead of correcting the "male nurse" that should know better since his desk is right outside of Mom's room I went along for the ride.

Male Nurse: "Haven't I worked with you before?"

Susan: "Maybe. Where do you think we worked together?"

(I was thinking he would say Chili's here I swear-since I have worked at the Chili's next door to the hospital.)

Male Nurse: "You worked with me at the Lewisville ER didn't you?"

Susan: "Let's see. What years were you there?"

Male Nurse: " %#%" (not sure what he says here, I was contemplating my next line)

Susan: "Nope sorry I didn't work at that ER during those years."

And then I walked away. So later when I asked for an extra set of silverware so that I could share the choclate pudding with Room 281 you should seen Male Nurses face. Priceless...

Do you think he was wondering at this point why a fellow nurse would be sharng another patients pudding?

Nah, I bet at that point he realized I was not that nurse he used to work with in the Lewisville ER.

A Bittersweet Day

I need a hug, do you? Today has been a hectic one and from what I have heard from some of my friends today the same is true for them as well. So before I tell you MY story, take a moment wrap your arms around you and squeeze real tight. That is my virtual hug sent out via blogland to anyone and everyone who may need a hug. (Jodi, Becky and mi familia that means you!)


97 years old is a long time to live ya'll. And my great grandmother (pictured here) is still ticking. She had a bit of a setback last night though. She fell out of her bed and was rushed to the hospital. She has a kidney infection and is dehydrated. But her BP is 120 over 50-that's good, real good for a 97 year old woman.

We shared a sweet moment today alone in her hospital room. I brought my Bible thinking she would want to read her favorite passage, John 17. I started to read, I couldn't make it through the first few verses without crying. I stopped looked at her and said, "Mom, this is hard for me. I don't ever read the Bible without crying." She too was crying and said, "I don't either and I just love hearing you read to me. Go on," she says. So I read John 17 and we both cried, unashamed by our tears.

When I finished we sat and discussed family members that we have been praying for in our family. I told her to quit worrying about them and trust God. Because of her example these people will be in Heaven with us one day. "I believe you are right, sweet child. I believe you are right."


Her deepest desire is to go home to the Lord. That is all she wants these days. I pray the Lord will take her home peacefully while she is sleeping. But I must admit that I will miss her when she leaves. Although it will only be for a little while since eternity will be extra sweet sharing it with Mom. But I am not putting her in the grave just yet; since I am not the one who decides when people should go. But I will enjoy the time I do have with her. The time I have to pray with her and to pray for our family and reading God's Word with her. I will cherish these moments and not wallow in my own self pity. But praise God for the 97 years she has had on this earth. Who knows she could live longer than all of us.

On a funnier side, she told the doctor tonight, "If I die I will sue you!"

The doctor said, "Good luck trying to get a someone to defend you from the grave. They don't have Yellow Book in Heaven I am afraid."

She replied back with her huge grin, "Well you lucked out there, didn't you?"


She is just too precious!

Prayer List

I know that prayer is a powerful tool. And it seems my prayer list is growing, for which I am thankful. I love to pray for others probably because I like to see how God transforms them and myself during the process. I have seen miracles-I am a miracle due to the fact that others stood in the gap for me. And I praise God for the gift of the Spirit to inteerceed for us. All that being said, let me lay a few requests in your lap as well.

1. Jeff-he is going on his first ever Men's Retreat. I am very, very proud of him. He did this all on his own signing up and all. I pray that the retreat will connect him to other men in our church and I pray that the men in our church will grow and seek God during this time. The cool thing is he is going to the place our youth group first went to when I started high school and we got a new youth minister. Those of you from youth group know what great memories are there for me.


2. Maudie- Jeff's grandmother. Continue to pray for her-I hate to admit that I do not know the latest. But from what I have heard the plan is to place her in a rehabilitation facility until she can get back on her feet again. Continue to pray for her to have a open heart for whoever God puts in her path to direct her to Him. Pray for her healing and her upcoming angioplasty.

3. Becky's Dad- Becky is my new friend who married a good friend of mine in high school. They just moved back to DFW area and we had become blogging friends before they moved. Please pray for her Dad's heart surgery. Also pray for Becky and her family as they sit and wait. Pray for the doctors to use thier gifts of healing during the surgery. Pray for Greg and the kids as they are without wife and mom.

4. Pray for Jodi- David's grandmother died today and they will be traveling to Kentucky for the weekend. Pray for little Reagan to sleep and for her to be healthy since the last trip she cathched RSV. Pray for the family as they say goodbye. Jodi said that Grandmother is having a party with angels tonight. So praise God for her leaving a legacy of faith behind.

5. Canon- my little friend Canon went to the hospital this past weekend. Not sure of his status but pray that his little body will be protected. For those of you confused-Canon is the little boy who had a liver transplant over a year ago.

6. My grandfather- please pray for him as he is recovering from lip surgery that removed his cancer spot. He is also very angry these days- this is not a side that I am used to seeing. Pray that God will transform his heart and remove the bitter root.


Thank you friends for praying. I am off to go to bed since I feel HORRIBLE today!

" A Parable" by Susan

A man lost his job unexpectedly one day. He asked the Lord to show him the job that He planned for him and began his search. Job lead after job lead led this man no where. He became angry and disconnected with Lord until one day he found a help wanted sign in the window of his local grocery store. He almost let his pride stand in the way of taking this job since this was not a job for a formal C.E.O. But knowing that money was tight and the bills piling high, he did not see any other choice.

The first day on the job was enough to drive anyone to quit. He left for home that day feeling tired and dirty. Scrubbing the warehouse floors was NOT the job he signed up for but it was the task he was given none the less.

That evening while sitting in his chair watching the 10 o'clock news, he noticed a familiar book on his side table. This book had somehow got left behind while on his quest to find the perfect job. He picked up The Bible and ran his finger over the front cover. "When was the last time he read this?" thought the man. All he could do was hang his head in shame.

"Lord I failed you. I went ahead without you taking the lead. Show me what it is you want for me. What is your plan for me and this new job?"

He opened his Bible and read the first thing that his eyes fell on.

"Whatever you do, work it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:23

The next day the man rose early because he had a renewed spirit with this new job. As he drove to the local grocery store, he prayed that God would use this job to glorify Him.

As he walked in the door, he was greeted by his new boss. "Oh, am I ever glad to see you! Our regular cashier has quit in order to take care of her sick mother and we desperately need to feel her spot. So I am going to move you up to the cashier position. Do you mind? Once you are fully trained you will receive a raise since this position pays more."

The man just smiled and said, "If that is where you need me, I will be glad to serve."

That day was the start of something great in this man's life. Because of the verse in Colossians that he had read before; he saw this as an opportunity to serve the Lord by serving the people in his line. The customers loved him, in fact it seemed that he always knew the right things to say to lift their spirits. It was refreshing too to see someone enjoy his job as he obviously did.

He was eventually promoted to manager. Although his salary never even came close to matching what he made at his old job, the man did not worry. Because all of his needs were being met, spiritually and physically. And like the end of Colossians said, "it was the Lord Christ whom He served."


I hope that this story will encourage you today. No matter what job you may have: stay at home mom, janitor, sales associate, teacher, pastor, youth minister, missionary, doctor, nurse, lawyer, retired or unemployed. Just remember Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...since it is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Go out and have a great Monday.

Baby Peyton Update...

In my prayer post on Thursday, I wrote about Baby Peyton. He was born on Wednesday and the plan was for the doctors to operate immediately on the tumor that was pushing against his aorta. The doctors decided that a c-section would be best to get this little one out so they could get to the tumor ASAP. His parents were in a state of shock but continued to pray that God would work a miracle.

Last night, I went over to my friend Alison's who has been keeping me up to date with the latest Peyton news-since Peyton's mom is her team teacher. She says to me, "Listen to the message I got from David yesterday." (David is Peyton's dad) I don't really remember the full message so let me paraphrase for you.

"Hey guys- it's David. We just got some news that I wanted to share with you. Come to find out that the tumor pushing up against the aorta is NOT a tumor but lung tissue. The doctors have already removed the tissue and from what they know Peyton will be just fine. No tumor, no cancer."

At this point of the message, I am crying. In fact, just retelling the story is making me tear up all over again. If you only knew the weeks that were spent in prayer for this little family. Alison and I have prayed and discussed that what they need is a miracle. Well blog land, Peyton received his miracle this week! Oh yes he did!

"Lord, you are the divine healer and the ultimate miracle maker. We praise you for all that you have done in little Peyton's life. We praise you for giving his parents strength and courage as they faced these last few months with so many questions and not knowing what the future will bring. Thank you Lord for using these experience to teach me that no one can plan their future-no one knows what the next day may bring. But what we can know is the words you say in Jeremiah 29:11-that you know the plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to to give us hope and a future." Lord thank you! No words can adequately describe the joy we feel."

This Post is For You Julie!

Julie, I have not been as good of friend as I wanted to be with your questions, so look what I found tonight on your blog. And scroll down, you may find a surprise for you and only you!


1. I’ve come to realize that my ex-(boyfriend) --- was part of the "Broken Road" that led me to Jeff.
2. I am listening to --- Jay Leno.
3. I talk --- way too much.
4. I love --- Thursday night TV and curling up with a good book.
5. My best friends --- are my best friends b/c they know everything about me and still love me. 6. I lost --- my wedding band-have the engagement ring but the band is long gone.
7. I hate it when people --- send me lots of forwards. (Amen, Julie!)
8. Love is --- a battlefield. (I am keeping Julie's b/c I started to sing the song and I love 13 going on 30 when Jenn dances with the 13 year old)
9. Marriage is --- fun, why did I not do it sooner.
10. Somewhere, someone is thinking --- "Love is a battlefield!"

11. I’ll always be --- Myself.
12. I have a crush on --- Rick Springfield.
13. The last time I cried was because --- watching The Extreme Home Makeover show.
14. My cell phone --- is non-existent. I refuse to use one since I am always at home. Need me-call Jeff.
15. When I wake up in the morning --- I lay in bed and wonder how long I can stay in bed before the office phone starts ringing.
16. Before I go to sleep at night --- I pray.

17. Right now I am thinking about --- Jeff. He is sick and should of called in sick and thanking God I have the bed to myself tonight.

18. Babies are --- sweet. When will it be my turn?

19. I get on MySpace --- never but have enjoyed hearing from old friends. AHEM! Julie!

20. Today I --- stayed in my PJ's (Thursdays are PJ days) read a good book and watched the snow fall

21. Tonight I will --- lay in bed reading-praying-dreaming

22. Tomorrow I will ---get a pedicure and spend the evening with my scrappy chicks while Jeff stays home and coughs up a lung. Seriously folks-he should be home-he had 100.5 fever but he says "They need me! I can't call in!" Men!!!

And Bonus Material Just for Julie!!!

1. Your current favorite song? Love is a Battlefield no just kidding, Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield

2. The best movie you saw over the holidays? Charlotte's Web-I cried

3. What's on your Tivo Season Pass list? If I had it...but we use MIL and FILS so here is what is on theirs 24, Days of Our Lives, The Office and My Name is Earl (FIL sometimes records for me), Dr. Phil, Charger Game and Hallmark Movies

4. The most unorganized part of your house? My Desk-horrible

5. Your first memory of your spouse? He sitting at the Chili's Bar I worked at, waiting on his brother who was my manager, and I said to Matt the brother/manager, "Whose that old man sitting at the bar?" Who knew the old man would end up my husband?!?!

6. The most frequent thing you get caught up doing and is a total waste of your time but fun and you do it anyways? Blogging!

7. The most predictable part of your daily routine that most people don't know? I take a shower first thing when I get out of bed otherwise it will never happen. Except Thursdays that is PJ DAY.

8. What would you do with a day off, 50 bucks, and child care provided? shop!

9. The last good, new recipe you tried? I love my Martha Stewart Baking Book so that is always good. Tune in soon b/c I have some great recipes that I feel like blog land would enjoy!

10. In 2007 I am looking forward to... buying a house and having a baby-Lord willing!

Thursday Thirteen: Prayer List

It's been awhile since I have done a Thursday Thirteen so let me indulge you with the Thirteen things on my prayer list these days.

1. Metro Church-lots of stuff going on behind the scenes at our church-Jeff and I are praying it out-we are praying for each of the members too, so those of you who read... know that we are praying for you.
2. Maudie-her surgery went well, praying she will heal and praying for her next batch of surgeries coming in a few weeks. Surgery is no fun! Also praying for the time I spend with her-may God use that for His glory.
3. Cousin Neal-he is fighting in Fallujah, wife just had a baby not too long ago. Jeff and I pray safety and protection for him and all the other soldiers fighting for OUR freedom.
4. F.I.L- praying that my Father in Law will find a job and that God will use this time to reveal His plans to FIL. Praising God for MIL's job-it's a start Lord-thank you for your provision.
5. Baby Peyton-praying the Lord will give the doctors wisdom, peace to parents. (Baby Peyton was born today via c-section @ 32 weeks. He had a tumor close to his heart that the doctors will remove surgically-the question is do they do it tomorrow or do they wait a little while.) Pray for Baby Peyton.
6. Cousin Brandy and Tim's Wedding-could this be a more exciting time?!?! We are praying for the marriage up ahead. The wedding is just a day-the marriage, well that lasts a lifetime unless you are in Hollywood and just don't even get me started on that.
7. CWO-I pray for the people that come to the Prayer Room via Christian Women Online-click the "Prayer Room" button to the right for more details. God is doing great things with that.
8. My Kids- NO! Not my kids! Your KIDS! If I teach, babysit or just love on your kids from time to time, then know I am praying for them. I could list them all but you would be here a long, long, long time. You parents know who you are and the kids do too.
9. Family members-I pray for each and everyone of my family members. I seem to be up late praying for a few of them who would probably not want me to air their dirty laundry via blog land. But I pray nonetheless. And it is a real blessing to stand in the gap for these people, a blessing indeed.
10. Jeff-I pray Psalms 112 over him daily. Wow! What a difference I have seen too. Women this is a must pray for your husbands. Men this is a good guide to live your life by. Women have Proverbs 31, Men were given Psalms 112.
11. My future children-I may not be pregnant yet but that does not keep me from praying for my babies. I imagine the day they are born and holding them in my arms and praying the blessings I have found in scripture over them. Oh what a joy that will be the first time I look on their face. Excuse me while I shed a tear. Just kidding...
12. Our house-I pray that our house will be filled with love and laughter. I pray that God will lead us to the place where we can serve Him better. He has the place mapped out for us and I pray that He close every door until we find the one HE desires.
13. I pray for you. My readers in blog land. I pray that God will fill you with love, peace and laughter. I pray that God will guide you and show you the plans He has for you. I pray that you will grasp how wide and high and deep is the love of Christ. If you ever need someone to pray-just know I am only a comment away.
    
    
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"A Shred Of Evidence"

I recently finished reading "A Shred of Evidence" by Kathy Herman. It was a Christian Suspense novel that dealt with the premise of gossip and how it affects us, especially when we draw conclusions on situations that we have overheard in passing and don't bother to get the facts straight. I became very convicted of the power of my words since the characters in this book were deeply devastated by what others were saying about them. It's a good read, I would recommend this to anyone.

In the last few days, through circumstances in my own life I have started to study the different verses in the bible that discuss GOSSIP. It's been convicting if anything else. I wrote down a few and kept them close to the telephone since that seems to be where I hurt people the most. I will share with you just one today:

"Without wood a fire goes out, without a gossip a quarrel dies down." Proverbs 26: 20

Since the majority of my reader's are women let me speak directly to you. Maybe you have had a conversation in recent days that went something like this:

"Did you hear about so and so? I can't believe that she is doing that? Why would anyone do such a thing? I just can't believe that they allow them to lead? Who do they think they are?"

Do you realize what happens once that conversation is finished? You have just transformed the other persons views. They may NEVER be able to look at the other person the same.

But words can also have the opposite affect. They can change a person's views from the negative to the positive. Your words could be the words that bring healing to the other person's life. We have all grown up hearing our parents say, "If you do not have anything nice to say than keep your mouth shut." I have come to realize that maybe Mama was right, maybe it is best for me to just keep my mouth shut. Keeping my mouth shut, keeps me from hurting others.

I know that there are some of you reading this that have been deeply hurt by what someone has said to you. Maybe my words have hurt you. And let me tell you, if I have been the one to cause you pain, then please know I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. I was reckless and not thinking before I let my tongue run ahead of my heart. I hope that after reading this post people will reevaluate the power of their words. I hope that people will get the facts from the source before they form an opinion. Do not settle for listening to others hear-say. Settle for listening to truth. And by all means, don' t be one of those people who will trust anyone or anything as hard core facts. Do the research first before you jump to any conclusions. And let's take it a step further, don't allow yourself to be apart of conversations where someone is putting down another person. It just isn't right.

One last verse before I close.

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret."

Proverbs 11:13

God Bless Your Journey!

You Probably Had to Be There To Think it Was Funny...

Jeff and I were driving down the the street and he needed to fasten his seatbelt.

He says, "Can you take the wheel?"

And of course I helped him out.

He replies, "Thank you Jesus!"

Get it. It's his new little joke from the over played Carrie Underwood song, "Jesus Take the Wheel."

I laughed even if you didn't I thought it was quite clever.

Just another reason I love my husband.

Weekend Update...

I started off my Saturday morning reading all of your blogs. I left a comment on Julie's blog telling her I would join in her question fun and I never have had a chance to post those questions. What started as a relaxing weekend ended up a little hectic.

I am going to cut to the chase...

Jeff's grandmother is in the hospital. She was complaining of chest pains. The doctor's think it is related to a huge gallstone they found during her cat scan. The other thing is she has blocking in her arteries but does not have any heart damage so they will not have to do any major heart surgery but will probably have to do angioplasty. (Spelling??)

Today she is having her gallbladder taken out and later the doctors will decide if she is well enough to handle the heart thing.

Please pray for Maude. She is not a believer but she is showing signs of questioning and wanting to know about different things she has been reading in her Bible. She told me yesterday she wanted to learn more and wished she had a good bible study to attend. I have been praying that God would open the door for she and I to do a bible study together. I think I have my answer. Now I pray that God would give us opportunity to be together one-on-one. I know God is moving-I pray that if I am supposed to be a instrument here that He would lead the way and give her an open heart.

So that is where we were all weekend. Please keep Jeff and I in your prayers as we continue to move ahead in all areas of our lives. God is doing great things in our home and in the lives of our loved ones. So for that we say, "Thank you Lord for doing all that you have promised to do."