Blessings, Suzanne

"And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Colossians 1:20 Two twigs making a cross for me to see today!  What a blessing! Thank you Lord, for the reminder! Day#181 He's always there Blessings, Suzanne

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." Matthew 7:1 Otis and Bingo are Abby's dumbo rats that she got for Christmas (the only thing on her list). I for one am just not a fan of the tails, but in a short time they won me over. I don't even notice their tails now. They have the cutest personalities and are the smartest little things I have ever seen. Yes, rats.  Abby said "Mommy, people have them all wrong, they judge and they don't know anything about them." She has trained them to spin around for a treat and they completed (over and over) a very detailed obstacle course tonight, all by themselves, after just a few practices..haha.  Hmmm, as I think on this from a spiritual perspective I am very convicted. How quick am I to judge someone before I really get to know them? Do I sometimes automatically count them out because they look and think differently than I ? Am I missing out on a God-given friendship or relationship because I can't see past...

"Be gracious to me, God according to Your faithful love; according to Your abunda nt compassion, blot out my rebellion. Psalm 51:1 I would like to share the devotional reading from Beth Moore's book "Breaking Free: Day by Day" for today. It is on a subject that I pray about...every..single..day! OBEDIENCE. My prayer is that my life be lived out of obedience to the Lord rather than obedience to my flesh. It's a daily, hourly, minute by minute prayer at times. I miss it all together alot. Other times, when I kno.w the answered prayer is ONLY the result of my obedience (no one else's..me, myself and I), it overwhelms me with the faithfulness and presence of God. It usually, almost never, makes sense. It is ALWAYS worth it, though it doesn't feel that way at the time.  June 28 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 "Allow me to str...

" May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 Luke trying out the new selfie stick I had a Friday date night with Luke to see the new movie "Inside Out."   We grabbed a quick dinner at Arby's, headed to the theater and bought a large box of popcorn, coke and sweet tarts!  The movie was really cute, Luke thoroughly enjoyed it and has been quoting some parts today:) He was laughing at everything "sadness" said..haha! I got a text from him around lunchtime planning what he thought would be fun to do..honored that he wanted to spend it with me. I must confess that he did invite the whole fam and Abby opted out so she and Jeff had time together as well. Luke, it is still so hard for me to believe that you are twelve and going into seventh grade..yikes!! I had a great time at...The Edge:)  Day#179 Time travels fast ...

"The sacrifices of God are a broken   spirit.  A broken and contrite heart, these O God,  You will not despise."  Psalm 51:7 Day#177 It matters Blessings, Suzanne

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 Although life seems to be going in all different directions... I am thankful. Yesterday when someone asked how things were going, I began talking of the house situation. Yet her words made me stop, thank her and change my view. She said "oh yea, when I lost my house , I had to live in four different places." She lost her house and all her belongings in a tornado.  Our conversation was cut short but I looked her straight in the eye and told her thank you for sharing.  I needed to hear her story.  I woke up yesterday thinking about making a gratitude list, Her story was my confirmation.  I made the list, and it's no surprise that today was a terrific day. God is getting this house in order! What about you? Need some redirection..start by looking God has given you to be thankful for! In everything, Give thanks!  Day#176 Praise...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 This verse was sent via email to me today, at just the right moment.  His word is alive. His word never fails. His word is truth. Day#175 His Rest Blessings, Suzanne

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 My grandmother, Memaw Gray always said she was  a travelin' gypsy Gray because she loved to travel and stay and visit with friends and family. Well, I guess we are kinda following in those footsteps as the gypsy Moore's..haha! We are at my parent's nest tonight, dogs and all. Mixing it up a bit!  We still haven't found our house yet. The search is constant, the  wait is on but God is still God and He has a plan. Thank you all who are so sweetly asking and praying.  It is well. With my soul.  Day#174 Appreciate each day Blessings, Suzanne

Time and time again, as I come to a rough spot, I reflect back on the strength the Lord gave me during my cancer treatments to gain perspective.  I find that once I read a journal or two, I am strengthened even more to face any battle. This one blessed me tonight. I hope it will meet you where you are as well. CaringBridge Journal March 6, 2009 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12 Hey there! I come to you today with a heart as big as my body, so full of the Holy Spirit I just must share his precious oil of goodness as it overflows from my heart. Yes, I do feel like myself, free of pain and discomfort, joyful and most of all full of hope. It dawned on me yesterday, oh, this day is truly evidence of the "hope"  we don't see, I will feel like my old/new self again, I will comfortably drive a car and take my children to the craft store (not a reg...

"As a father has compassion on this children,  so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13 Dad and I at the beach 2013 Pop and I at the Lake 2014 Abby and Jeff Spring Break 2015 Luke and Jeff Spring Break 2015 Happy Father's Day to these fellows!!! Day#172 Celebrate the heart of the Father Blessings, Suzanne

"Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:5 "As you do not know what is the way of the wind (spirit), Or how the bones grow in the womb of her child, So you do not know the works of God who makes all things." Ecclesiastes 11:5 Day#171 He knows Blessings, Suzanne

"We can make our plans but the LORD determines our steps." Psalm 16:9 Abby and I in the Eno When Abby asked  me to climb up in her "eno" (for those that don't know it's a hammock) with her, I hesitated.....for all of two seconds and crawled in!!! And I stayed there for the next thirty minutes, putting off my evening walk. It's been such a great week, every afternoon has been an adventure,  but this girl is tired! Happy it's Friday... It's been two weeks since we closed on our house and we have not found another house yet. I know that it will all work out in the Lord's timing. He determines our steps. It is not at all how I had planned, but that is what faith is all about. Trusting God to do what we cannot do for ourselves. I praise Him for our new house. He determines our steps.  Day#170 Praise for our new house Blessings, Suzanne

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 Ruby, Luke and I feeding the ducks Abby and Russ checking out the turtles Spencer fishing Our new friend asking for a cheerio Day#169 Catch and Release Blessings, Suzanne

Boston is having a great summer! Hope you are.... " A man finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word!" Proverbs 15:23 Day#168 Love a timely word Blessings, Suzanne

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust, Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You." Psalm 143:8 Thanks to Nonna for taking the whole team to Spring Valley Beach today! Day#167 Pure Fun! Blessings, Suzanne

"The Lord will complete that which concerns me, Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands." Psalm 138:8 These boots were made for walkin'... in the creek.. on a hot summer day! I love that my car was full of messy,  muddy boots and nets and  tadpoles and five happy kids!  Life gets kinda muddy sometimes but it's amazing  what water does to clean up the tests and trials!  Cleansing water yes, Living water, a must! "Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;  to me those have always been the  two most beautiful words  in the English language." -Henry James Day#166 Don't be a stick in the mud Blessings, Suzanne

Always in awe in of the reminder...the cross "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus,  through which the world has been crucified to me,  and I to the world." Galatians 6:14 Day#165 Straight Ahead Blessings, Suzanne

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter. And your lips with shouting." Job 8:21 The gang is altogether and we are just like the Brady Bunch, all packed in one house...smile! Our summer usually starts when the Bradley's come to town from Charlotte and we all spend a week at the lake.... but this year the lakehouse is under reno, and both of us are in house transition. So, Nonna and Pop's house will be hoppin' with lots of activity and laughter this week!  Three dogs and six kids running around. It feels like summer now.  Thank you, Lord for the sounds of these voices, all mixed together,having so much fun.  Day#164 Make the most of childhood memories Blessings, Suzanne

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 When I began on this path, to write a post each day, I did not realize each day God would give me a reminder. I write these posts for me, if nothing else to keep myself accountable to the Lord first and then to others. Always with scripture and usually with parts of my daily life. It's kind of a scrapbook that one day Abby and Luke will have to share with their family.  As I typed out this list, I am reminded of how important it is to review these more frequently and keep incorporating small changes. And to move on with life as the Lord would have me to live it... Life more abundantly in Christ Jesus! He is my life. I only want what He wants and I can only find that out by knowing Him, reading and knowing what His word says and taking it to heart. With that there will always be misunderstanding, persecution and even suffering from those not where you are. We are all on individual p...

  "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26 #163 Live Blessings, Suzanne

" If my people, who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14   Every birthday is special but this one for this "one"...smile...So happy to celebrate Mom's birthday tonight (her birthday was Monday)! She has made a full recovery from various health issues and is back at work at her beloved SEC! So very thankful! Luke made name cards...had to get a picture of mine! Make a wish, Bren, on your coconut cake....we all love you! Thanks to all of you have prayed her through this year and all who continue to ask about her! All glory to God for her healing and for this time of celebration. Day#161 God heals Blessings, Suzanne P.S. The verse tonight is one of  Mom's favorites..

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold." Proverbs 3:13-14 Our first game of scrabble...  I thought it would be a fun game to do together umm, when I bought it about three christmas's ago! Day#160 Games are  good:) Blessings, Suzanne

" By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?" Matthew 7:16 Luke is settled in... Summer is underway and there's a little of this going on...(or alot:)) but that face, well kinda makes this Mom melt. The Apple. There it is. Just last week we had a major catastrophe and it was out of commission for a day. It was like the world had ended. When I got home from work and we were talking through it (after it and he had recovered), I said "don't you see how we can waste a whole day being upset over something we have no control over." His response "yea,and I just ended up with a bad headache." "Sometimes we are unable to let things go as we should, it takes us surrendering to God and asking him to take away our frustration or disappointment.It is usually not right then but as we continue to pray and find direction in God's word, peace and instruction comes."  In His Timi...

"I have set the Lord always before me:  because he is at my right hand,  I shall not be moved."  Psalm 16:8 Day#158 Treasure a good night's sleep Blessings, Suzanne

"Cast your cares on Him,  for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Day#157 Greater is He Blessings, Suzanne

"Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than birds!" Luke 12:24 Boston laying outside the kids room when I left for work This picture of Boston pretty much sums up what I feel like  and what I plan to do all weekend.... R.E.S.T.!!!!! We closed on our Gentilly Drive house  and signed it over  to a new family to enjoy this morning!   Wow, I had no idea how exhausting it is to sell a house  (or atleast I forgot, it's been thirteen years).   We are staying with the Moore's,  who have graciously taken us into their nest  and all our things are in storage. I am going to coast a few weeks and  then begin anew on the house hunt as I know that the Lord has a plan. Have a great weekend! Day#156 Endings and Beginnings Blessings, Suzanne

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep  moving forward."  -Martin Luther King Jr. Day#155 Keep Moving Forward Blessings, Suzanne

" Be on your guard, stand firm in teh faith, be men of courage, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13 From Nonna's Beautiful Backyard Garden As a young girl I can remember making huge bouquets of flowers from blue hydrangeas at my grandmother's house (Mamaw Townsend). She had a bush on the side of the house and I would pick them and put them in vases and also pretend they were decorations for mud pies (remember, Brooke?)...oh to have those summers back in her back yard. With her big garden, strawberry patch and crab apple tree, there was always fresh fruit and vegetables to eat and splashes of summer colors! These beauties are in Nonna's garden and they sparked all this nostalgia today.. Abby and Luke have been having some summer backyard fun at Pop and Nonna's just like I used to at my grandparents house! Summer is all about making memories..can't wait to see what this one has ahead..smile! Thank you for the blessing of summertime, freetime, fami...

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and hen in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." Matthew 13:44 As I was packing the last things up tonight, I found this treasure under the bed.. the Welcome Home poster from the hospital after my double mastectomy in 2009. I think I love it more now. That big heart with wings says Jesus all over it. Messages from my dear ones. God gives us so many hidden treasures and  finding this one tonight felt like a hug from the Holy Spirit..smile! Day#153 You can't save everything but you have to save certain things Blessings, Suzanne

Fun on the lake last weekend (while we packed:)) "You rule the swelling of the sea;  When its waves rise,  You shall still them." Psalm 89:9 Day#152 Let the Lord still the waves Blessings, Suzanne