Trying Something New

Hey Friends and Family and Blogland Readers-

Starting this weekend, I am doing something new. I am turning off the computer starting Friday at 6:00 pm and won't turn it on again until Monday at 9:00 am. I am telling you all this since many of you I talk to on a daily basis via email. Please feel free to call my cell phone or house phone during the weekend, I am just a phone call away. But I won't have access to the email on the weekends so if you need me, ring the tellie!

To some of you this may sound a bit over the top but like I think I have mentioned before I am trying to find balance in my daily life; letting go of the computer on the weekend is one of the ways I hope to obtain a bit of peace.

So with that being said, have a great weekend and I will catch you on the flip side.

Pray for me, letting go of the computer is like telling the crackhead to give up the good stuff cold turkey! No not really that bad, I just typed the first thing that popped into my head. LOL!

Maybe the next habit I need to break is thinking before I type or speak.

Slow down Susan, take it one habit at a time, don't get all carried away now.

Have a great weekend!

Song in My Head

Jeff quoted a song the other day that I just can't seem to get out of my head now.

Thanks Jeff.

Funny that he quoted this song just before we did our Fantasy Football Draft.

And now I can't seem to get it out of my head. So if you get this song stuck in your head today because of me, well, you're welcome!

Proof That God is In the Details

I have been worried about Granny the past few weeks. Her health is not good and she really needs to have someone with her to help her while my grandfather is at work. This summer sweet cousin Martha stayed over there and helped Granny with light housekeeping, laundry and meals. But more than anything, Martha was Granny's little buddy for the summer. Well, little cousin Martha went back to school this week so Granny was going to need help finding someone to stay with her.

The family has spent the past two weeks trying to locate someone by word of mouth and asking around to a few of our contacts in the area. Between my aunt, mom, brother and I we know quite a few people in the area someone was bound to show up.

Instead of worrying about it, I trusted that God was in the details of this situation, like it says in Psalms 37:23 (The New Living Translation)

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

Anytime I started to doubt, I told myself that God delights in the details of our lives!

Sunday morning I woke up praying for God to direct us to someone that would be able to provide care for my sweet Granny. I thought of one person and told God that if so and so was supposed to be that person than bring them to church on Sunday so I can ask her face to face. She didn't come.

And so I continued to pray and trust God to iron out all the details. Today I called Granny to see if she needed anything picked up at the grocery store and to see how her doctor's appointment went yesterday.

Well the doctor's appointment was good y'all, real good.

She and my aunt had made an appointment to talk to her doctor about getting her approved for home health care. The doctor said, "Whatever you need-don't worry-I will set it up."

I asked Granny what the cost would be out of pocket. And she said "None, medicare covers it."

I asked when will it get started and she said by next week hopefully.

So see, no need to worry God is still in the details.

And as my great-grandmother MOM would saying PTL! PTL!

PTL stands for PRAISE THE LORD!

See...

God is still in the details!

5 Lessons I Am Learning Theses Days

They say that you never stop learning even after you finish school. In honor of many of my favorite little friends and nieces starting school this week I compiled a list of things I am learning these days.

1. I am learning what it means to have a gentle and quiet spirit when you are not typically a quiet person.

2. I am learning how to take time out for me and say no. I recently cleared off many items on my to-do list and I feel wonderful. I will post more about this later.

3. I have learned that my husband flourishes when I encourage him rather than nag.

Side note: Have you encouraged your spouse today? If you need help try the 30 Day challenge, it will be a huge blessing I gurantee it.

4. I am learning that when I am restless on what the future holds I tend to cover up these feelings with busyness. (See #2) Instead of the go, go, go mentality I am learning-slowly learning- how to rest in God's plan and relax heart, mind, soul.

5. I am learning that life is meant to be enjoyed one step at a time. I am learning what it means to be happy and content in the moment wheter than waiting on certain things to bring me happiness.

My Theme Song

Thankful Thursday

Yesterday I did not feel thankful but when I was talking to my friend who wrote the poem below, she reminded me of something I taught her a few months back. You see, I keep a prayer journal and in it I try to write at least one thing I am thankful for from time to time. Reading my words never fails to lift my spirits on my down days. I can always fall back on my written thoughts and realize how blessed I truly am.

Here is what I am thankful for today.

1. Christan community- I don't know how people can through the ups and downs of life without fellow believers around them. What a blessing it is to have people around us who can love us, encourage us, prayer with us in every season of our lives.

2. Growth-I am thankful for the growth in my husband. I am thankful for the growth in myself. I am thankful for the growth in our marriage.

3. Grace- I am thankful for friends and family who are willing to offer me grace when I fail them. I am thankful that God's grace is bigger than my humanness.

4. The Cross- This summer while doing the study A Woman's Heart, I was reminded again of the significance of God sending His Son to die on the cross. We are blessed to have this free gift given to us.

5. His Word- I love it when I sit down to read the bible and a scripture jumps out at me that is just what I needed for that moment. It just goes to show that there is truth in the scripture that says "Gods word is living and active."

To join in with your list see Iris at String My Heart.

And God Is There Yet Again

Emotions running high, I found myself on my knees early this morning. When the phone rings and a friend from church is on the other line, I tried to act happy but the minute she asked me how I was doing I cried.

Long story short, God used this woman to minister directly to me. Later in the day I receive an email from her with an original piece of poetry. Whether or not it was written for me is unclear but the verse she used at the end is the verse that I have been resting in over the past few months. I praise God for Christian community because it never fails when you need them someone is there. I deleted the author's name just in case she wants to remain anonymous but most of you from church (past or present) should recognize the writing style of this sweet, sweet woman.

Nestled Beneath God’s Wing

If only I were there with you,
You’d know how much I care;
But ‘til I am, I’ll lift you up
And whisper in my prayer. . .

“Give her, Lord, a glimpse of You
That she might understand,
While troubles press on every side,
She’s held within Your hands.

Embraced by You, and nestled close,
She’s tucked beneath Your wing;
Seeking refuge in Your arms,
Her Protector, Lord and King.

And then, Lord, in Your small still voice
Unlike she’s ever heard,
Encourage her with promises
Revealed within Your word.

So when in times she cannot feel
Your presence by her side,
She’ll find the grace to draw upon
Through faith that You provide.”

So every day I’ll pray for you
Whether near or far apart;
Lifting you up to our Lord
While I hold you in my heart.

Psalm 91:4

Sprucing Up the Blog

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Happy Tuesday!

"Wheter you turn to the right or to the left your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying "this is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

I am praying for God to come and guide me. I am praying for the right door to be opened so that there is no doubt that this is the direction in which Jeff and I need to move ahead.

Over the past two weeks, I have been tired, run down, moody and frustrated with life as a whole. I put God on a shelf for a bit because I choose to take out my frustrations on Him. I am tired of waiting and I am tired of being told no, not yet. I have been praying for God to release us from this season of our life but have been too terrified to move ahead.

This weekend I went away for a weekend of cropping (scrapbooking for those who don't know that term), chatter and food. When I left all I wanted from this weekend was a time of rest. I wanted to get away from all the craziness surrounding my life. It has been nuts not only on the outside but on the inside as well. Let's just say that God used Friday and Saturday to draw me closer to Him. I opened my journal on Friday and was reading a few of my past entries.

A few weeks ago when Jodi called to tell me about Baby Brooklyn I hung up the phone and immediately got on my knees to pray for my sweet friend and her unborn child. After I finished praying, I pulled out my bible and came across three verses. I remember reading them thinking man these are perfect for Jodi and David's situation. And yet when I read them this weekend I thought to myself man this is perfect for Jeff and my situation.

The first is written above.

The second is Isaiah 42: 16, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not know, unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

The third is Isaiah 58:8-9, "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer, you will cry for help and he will say, "Here I am."

These verses reminded me that God is not only guiding us but He is near. It told me that when the dark days come that God will be there, He will not forsake me. And when I cry to Him for help he will answer, "Here I am."

I don't know about you but isn't that the epitome of a blessed assurance to know that God is near in good times and bad? After I read these verses, I had to just stop and praise God for His nearness. I praised God for Him faithfulness to me even though I distanced myself from Him for two weeks. I came away from this weekend with clear answers to the path that God is choosing and I am praying for the open doors so that there is no doubt in both Jeff and my mind that this is the way that we should go.

I will keep you posted.

Welcome to Procrasitnation Station

Should I be blogging right now? NO!

Instead I should be building a few catalogs, calling a few of my clients, entering an order or two, doing a few spreadsheets for the team meeting tomorrow and don't even get me started about the list of housework that is still needed to be done.

But I don't want to do any of these things and so I have turned off the box that flashes in the corner of my screen to let me know when an email is coming through and have turned off my ringer for a spell. Not to mention hiding the phone under a load of paperwork so that I wouldn't have to see the blinking light saying, "Incoming Call! Incoming Call! Incoming Call!"

And people wonder why I don't answer the phone after 6 pm or on weekends?

It has been nuts, friends! Nuts.

And the truth is I have no reason to post expect for the part where I am trying to avoid everything that looks, smells or feels like work or house work. I know I am not the only one who chooses blogging over housework and such.


Did you know that I have posted 500 posts? Yes that's right...five.hundred!

That's a lot of chatter if you ask me.

Maybe I should change the blog name to Procrastination Station. Nah! And do you want to know why I won't change the name? Well, it is truly random and not particularly spiritual so be warned. But sometimes when I comment or what not my blog name will get abbreviated and only show a portion of my full title..."Blessed Ass" So that is why I will never change my blog name.

And on that note, I close my 500Th post!

Thanks for reading 500 of these crazy things.

I realize that most are random and make no sense and aren't really all that funny be/c they fall under the you had to be there category but you came, your read and you probably never will come back again.

Oh well, can't win them all.

Now have a blessed day!

~Signed-Blessed Ass

Happy Thoughts

Life has been a little crazy lately. I have found myself being more frustrated than joyful the last few days.

In an effort to change my thought process I decided to complie a list of happy thoughts.

1. I am going away for a girls weekend in three days. I love time away with my girlfriends and I love the fact that I have a husband who encourages me to go.
2. Yesterday after being out of town the past two Sundays, our church was full of hugs and glad to see ya's when we walked in the door. I love being a part of a church that feels like an extension of my family.
3. The Olympic success-makes me proud to be American
4. Good friends who pray together in good times and bad.
5. an upcoming weekend get away with the Hubs
6. Charger football coming soon
7. Fall weather in general (I will be ready for cooler weather)
8. The new Eddie Bauer catalog came in the mail last week. I love this store!
9. Hubs and I are also finally discussing moving plans. I am almost afraid that by mentioning it I will somehow cause us to hit the pause button yet again but things are finally falling together. I continue to pray that the Lord will release us from this phase of our life.
10. When I find myself getting down on the waiting period, I turn to 1 Cor. 4:16-18 and remind myself that all that is going on right now is only temporary and working a bigger purpose that I can't see. Reminding myself of this gives me hope for tomorrow and allows me to keep pushing ahead.

8-8-08

Today is a good day. Today is the day that I look forward to every four years...the Summer Olympics

Here are the things that I look forward to:

1. Melissa singing on the opening ceremony stage...I am so proud of that girl!
2. Today Show coverage of the events.
3. Swimming
4. Diving
5. Gymnastics (I am bummed that the Hamm brothers are out, poor guys)
6. all the fun back stories that they play between events
7. Men's Basketball
8. The parade of nations.

What are you looking forward to? I could list a bunch more but I am sticking with the number 8.

Whoops!

I have been known to say the wrong word in a sentence from time to time. Most times I don't even catch it until someone processes what I just said and says, "Did you just say....?"

And usually my reply is, "Was that wrong?"

Which leads to Jeff giving me the proper word that I meant to use and explains the definition of the other word that I said incorrectly.

Well...

When we were at NASA the other day they had a flight simulator that you could ride to experience what an astronaut feels when they launch. But for the longest time I did not say it correctly nor did I catch myself saying it wrong until both hubby and his brother said, "Did you just say Flight stimulator!"

"What?! That's not correct?!"

Oh how we all laughed when I realized my mistake.

Jeff even said, "You better put THAT on the blog!"

So there you go, hope you had a good laugh at my expense!

:)

Florida Pictures

Naval Museum:


Epcot:
Nasa:
Magic Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom after the rain cleared, Matt & Meredith decided to go to Magic Kingdom instead
A Day at the Beach: Notice Jeff and Meredith's preggo picture

exhausted

We had a great time in Florida. It was a fun bonding experience for all of us and well now I am pooped and my sides hurt from laughing so hard. Truly God blessed us with a great bonding experience.

I tried to blog about the trip while on the road but I had to pay to use the internet and we never had time to blog, it was go-go-go from start to finish. We got home today at 3 in the morning. And yes, I had to work today.

I am trying hard to get pictures loaded to the Road Trip blog but I think blogger is pooped too because so far, I've got nothing.

I will try at a later time for now, I am off to bed.

Gone.

We will see you all when we get back from Disney. I may be posting a few things on the ROAD TRIP blog during the trip to let our parents know that we made it and are safe. But for this blog, well, it will be silent for the next 10 days. I don't think it has ever gone that long without a post. Oh well, who cares! I'm going to see Mickey Mouse.

See You Later Aligator!

I Love the My Early Morning Walks

Yesterday on my morning run, I brought along my small camera so you could meet a few of my running buddies. Say hello to all my little friends.

This duck was playing a game of hide and seek with me. I won.


This duck was splashing in the puddle, unfortunatley my small camera is very slow so you only get to see him walking off after he finished.


I like to think that these two ducks are my cheering squad. They stand at the road and cheer me on when I start running, "Go Susan Go!"


There is also a small family that I had the pleasure of walking cross the road in a single file line today. Unfortunatley my small camera was at the house so I didn't get a picture.

And now I am off to eat a slice of Jeff's chocolate fudge birthday cake. One of the benefits of running is you can have a slice of cake and not feel guilty for it. Now two or three slices is a whole other story. :)

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! :)