Blessings, Suzanne

"Lord, I love the house where you dwell, the place where your glory resides." Psalm 26:8 Kitchen Wall that's coming down! Before Walls have so many purposes in our homes.  They make boundaries. They separate one room from another. They give privacy. They are place to hang our pictures and display treasures.  They house electrical wiring and essentials internally that are needed for external use. However, there are some walls that can come down! And that's exactly what is going to take place with the one you see above that is between the kitchen and den. There's a plan in place, but details not completely worked out.  Kitchen Before Here is the opposite side of the kitchen that will also get a new look! I adore the window.... Kitchen Eating Area Before The eating area and three more windows overlooking some great Bradford pear trees in the backyard..smile, so peaceful!  This is the wall we plan to put the double-oven and stov...

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 This right here, folks, sealed the deal on this house...atleast for Abby! Her own personal, built-in kennels for the dogs and Daisy (our rabbit). We have plans to finish the basement down the road but for now, it's her little slice of heaven. It resembles a pet store down there. And Luke has a perfect circle to ride his longboard around and around! Jeff has his workbench down there. So, the basement is a hit! It's also a storage unit for the neverending boxes that will eventually get unpacked!  The previous owner said he had five cars in there at one time, so that gives you an idea of the space. One day we can add a den, bedroom and bathroom. For now, my peeps are happy and we are prioritizing our list:)) Having a basement was one of our main reasons for the move...this one has a ton of possibilities..what a blessing! Day#213 He knows the desires of our heart Bles...

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 Luke's/Guest Bathroom Before Where do we start? I am thinking about beginning in here..Luke's/guest bathroom. Luke loves the shower door and is elated over the soap dispenser. Really he is. He could care less what the walls look like or if it's outdated, I am digging his simplicity. On the other hand, it is the only bath on the main floor so I gotta, just gotta, get it shaped up! It's nice to have a starting point, to know "what first" (there's plenty to choose from at this point but we mainly are loving getting settled in). So stay tuned.  Hall entrance to Luke's/Guest Bath Before As with my walk with the Lord. When my life seems to be in need of some renovation and change, maybe some updating and cleaning up (in several areas), I don't know where to start. Do you ever feel like that? I am always amazed when I, once again, surr...

"I know that my redeemer lives,  and that in the end  he will stand on the earth." Job 19:25 Day#211 He lives Blessings, Suzanne

"Worship the Lord your God, and the blessing will be on your food and water."  Exodus 23:25 When we first began looking at houses I made a mental "wish list" and oddly enough a pantry was at the top of my list. I feel like I spend most of my time at home in the kitchen and I have not had one in either of our other two houses. Soooo, I got my wish.... Are you ready for me to open the pantry door? Kitchen Pantry Before And there ya go! They took the chips but with a little paint,possibly new shelves and some cute organizers this will be perfect! It's got great potential..smile!  Cooking for my family is one of the things I so enjoy, can't wait to get back to it and stocking the pantry with their favorites!! Speaking of stocking up, don't forget to fill your heart with the word of God, it is the food for your soul! Read it, memorize it, store it up and use it daily to help you with all of life's ins and outs! It's more than ...

Master Bedroom "LORD, you establish peace for us;  all that we have accomplished  you have done for us." Isaiah 26:12 Day#209 Sweet Sleep Blessings, Suzanne

"...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 Here are a few more snapshots of the new house, from the back. I love the deck and can. not. wait to sit out there in the morning. This picture was taken at the inspection. Lots of possibilities. I can hardly move a muscle...exhausted!! And if you looked at this house tonight, I would say it's a holy mess! Only by the grace and favor of God are we here (holy) and boxes and furniture everywhere (a mess)!!  It will be fun sharing the journey with you. I hope that you have had a wonderful Saturday! Day#208 Home sweet  Home Blessings, Suzanne

" Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24 It's official...we closed on our new house today!  The movers come in the morning!  So thankful for the sweet family that lived here before us,  it has been a great experience working with them! Big day tomorrow...lots of work to do! Praise God for our new beginning...... Day#207 He makes all things new Blessings, Suzanne

" Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." Matthew 6:19 It's about time to clean this out and put all of it in our new house! As I loaded a few boxes in my car tonight, one being labeled "junk drawer", I thought to myself...stuff is so overrated! It sure has been simple to have only our clothes and necessities the past two months. When you have more stuff, there's more to take care of...just a little perspective before I move a house out of storage..haha! One thing I know for sure, hold it loosely.  "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 Day#206 Store up treasures in heaven Blessings, Suzanne

"The second is this:'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31 Boston is ready to see his new house and meet the neighbors! Not so sure they are ready for him! He's a roamer, even with his collar, he sometimes will just take the short term pain to get out the yard! A little rebellious, but very sweet. This past Christmas he went missing for a few minutes and came into the driveway with a brand new bag of bones in his mouth, tail wagging, not one bit of worry. He also is known for eating any morsel of food off the counter, but usually it is things like a whole cake or loaf of bread, why fool with morsels..haha! As he gets older, he sleeps later, he is more calm, needs more attention and consistently, he is always glad to see us. He gives us a warm welcome whether we have been gone ten minutes or ten days. Therefore, I am always glad to see him, he radiates love, it's just his nature. I thought about ...

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle,  But victory rests with the Lord." Proverbs 21:31 Mom and Dad, snow of 1992, Rock Mountain Lakes, Coleman Drive This is my parents, in front of our house in Rock Mountain Lakes...where I lived from second grade until my sophomore year of college. Look at those windows....  Criss Cross.  When I showed Mom the picture and asked her if she remembered them, she didn't. Dad and Stephen didn't either. Not sure what all the connections are but it made our new house seem a little sweeter, knowing this history I have with these windows. I was just talking today about how I have to be in a room with a window most of the time (atleast I prefer to). I am a little claustraphobic by nature. I love light, especially sunlight that comes through a window. I already have the perfect spot picked out in the new house for my morning quiet time with the Lord and my coffee. Looking out the front window. Criss Cross. ...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding but acknowledge him in all your ways and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:-5-6 Taking a walk yesterday was non-negotiable. It was hot, I had limited time, but I was determined. Right after lunch, I put on the coolest thing I had, and headed out the door. I had just got going good when I heard footsteps behind me and panting. Oh no. Yep. My dog, Boston had made his way up the street without his shock collar and without a leash. So I walked him back home and STARTED OVER. I was a little further down the street and I see the kids coming straight for me on the golf cart. Abby says "You know it's about to really start raining so don't go far." I should have listened or got on the golf cart with them. Instead I made the choice to go on down that big hill, enjoying the sunshine...slowing getting covered over by black clouds. I got almost to the bottom of the hill whe...

"And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace." John 1:16 This has been one of my best days yet! All because of Jesus! "For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Colossians 1:19-20 What a blessing! Day#202 Sweet Sundays 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 Abby, Townsend, Walker and Luke September 2014 Birthdays are always special in my book! I wanted to wish Walker a very happy birthday today...he is turning six!!! This cute picture is from last year when we celebrated his birthday pirate style:)  Love from Birmingham sent your way today, Walker!! Christmas 2014 Day#201 Every day is a gift Blessings, Suzanne

" Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 Abby and I getting ready for work..we match! As a young girl I can remember always loving to play like I was a secretary in an office. Dad was in sales so he always had lots of papers and would let me have some of his old files to use  in "my office." He laughs and says I always said "I was paying my bills." If I only knew at that age what paying bills actually entailed..haha! Fast forward a few years, being thirteen and loving more than anything to keep the babies in the church nursery, I started a babysitting business. Mom was producing the church bulletin at that time, so she was a wiz at helping me put a flier together. We used some cut outs and a copier (no stock photos then). She drove me around our huge neighborhood in her Chrysler Cordova and I ...

"To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD  comes the proper answer of the tongue."  Proverbs 16:1 School starts in less than a month..really? ? Day#198 Enjoying the low key schedule this summer Blessings, Suzanne

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 It was a scorching hot day here in Birmingham! If I would have been close to a lake I think I would have been tempted to jump in, heels and all! I settled for a cold, peach smoothie around three o'clock and it was extra refreshing! The little things. I hadn't even planned on one today, but realized at 2:45 that I had not had lunch yet. I remembered I had a voucher for a free smoothie  that Mom gave me and I just happened to be within a mile of the place. Coincidence? I think not. Thank you, Lord.  God's provision is always on time. God's provision is always the best option. God's provision comes when you are at your lowest as well as at your highest. God's provision does not have to make sense to us. God's provision is to bring Him glory.God's provision is there for those who believe. "For God so loved the world that He...

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 Mom and Dad's Porch "He did not waver in unbelief at God's promise,  but was strengthened in his faith  and gave glory to God." Romans 4:20 Day#196 Sitting still Blessings, Suzanne

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7 "Be the change you wish to see in the world" Mahatma Gandhi Day#195 The mirror reflects where change can start Blessings, Suzanne

" All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace." Isaiah 54:13 Mae's first year at Florida College 2015 We drove down to Lake Martin in Alex City, Alabama today to drop Luke off at camp for a week! He has been looking so forward to it. We managed to get the last two available beds beside each other, I hope they sleep! These two cousins are six days apart and have such a neat bond! They pretty much don't know anyone else is around when they are together! I love that they will be studying the word and worshiping together this week as well. The theme verse is my life verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not your own understanding but acknowledge him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 When I told Luke that I was excited that they were using my favorite verse his reply was "every verse is your favorite." True. "But this is the one that I have to go back to o...

"Now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:3 Packing this guy for camp,,,,Belle is going to miss him this week! Florida College Camp Bound with cousins tomorrow! Third year in a row:) Hope you are having a great weekend! Day#193 The time you have waited on is finally here (Luke) Blessigs, Suzanne

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perserverance." 2 Thessolonians 3:5 Sharing another piece of Abby's art from her sketchbook.... The Love Bird. Day#192 Standing on the promises of God Blessings, Suzanne

"For we are God's fellow workers, you are God's field, you are God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9 October 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Month  I met a fellow breast cancer warrior today at a lunch for work..I spotted her when she walked in the room. I waited until I heard several of them talking about about hair growth, that was my cue to jump in the conversation.  I looked her in the eyes (that was so important to me when I was bald) and told her I was six years out and another lady Immediately said "oh we can have hair that long in six years, huh? So there was warrior two and then another walked up talking about  her experience and how she loved wearing hats and scarves, no wigs for her..number three. Sweet unity that comes through life's trials.  My new friend said she had just finished chemo..yahhh for her... and her doctor was in the same group as mine. She talked of how tired she had been. (Totally get it, like no tired you have ever been!)...

"The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:26 "Where there is faith, there is love;  Where there is love, there is peace;  Where there is  peace there is God;  And where there is God, there is no need."  -Leo Tolstoy Day#190 Serenity  Blessings,  Suzanne

"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" Romans 10:9 Baby Dedication at Sardis 1973 We took a stroll down memory lane. It was time to tackle the big drawer of pictures at Mom and Dad's house and begin to sort them. As we thumbed through piles of picture, each one had a memory, a time that was captured in just that moment. I was reminded of how simple life is when you are a child.  I love this picture of my baby dedication in 1973. Of course, I don't remember it. However, I remember my parent's memory and story they have told me through the years about this special day. I was the first baby to be dedicated in the new church. Those smiles on Mom, Dad and Stephen's faces (and my baby face)...being dedicated to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ..fills my heart and makes me smile as I write. Forty-two years later, I smile as that baby girl did because He is MY LO...

"Now, no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 Day#188  Father. Son. Holy Spirit. Blessings, Suzanne

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 Tiffany and I, July 4, 2015 My fearless captain, that makes me laugh until I cry and calls me Jackie-O:) Our last ride on the wave runner was a true memory maker..one minute we were enjoying the waves, the next we were under water! And Tiffany says I popped up out of the water with my big black sunglasses and pearl earrings on and said "What happened?" She laughed and said "I don't know Jackie-O" hahaha! So that's the big joke and here we are today (dry, not wet, we stayed above water!). Feeling rested, refreshed and relaxed, I am ready for a new week! I hope that you are too!  Thank you Lord, for this weekend! Amen. Day#187 Keep Laughing Blessings, Suzanne

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, an where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 Luke jumping from the top deck, not showing off at all:) God Bless America! Nick, Abby and Luke... Three peas in pods, I mean enos! And I am reading like there is no tomorrow! Proverbs 3, Your Best Yes by Lisa Turquest and Magazines galore! For the first time in over a month...peace..clarity...excitement about finding our new home. More to come on that soon! God has taught me so much through this house sale/buying process.  Things I could not have known or grown in any other way.  Hmm, I have said that before. Had to go through it.  That's how I know it is all Him. It has to be. I want it to be.  Where the spirit of the Lord is there is,  there is freedom. FREE IN CHRIST JESUS! Happy fourth of July! Day#186 Stay free Blessings, Suzanne

“Whether 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 It's been such a nice day at the lake, rain and all!  Late sleeping,  book reading, good eating,  nap taking, firework watching day.... I so needed this!  I hope you have a wonderful fourth of July  weekend!  Enjoy! Day#185 Water is so peaceful Blessings, Suzanne

                                        "They shall be my people, and I will be their God." Jeremiah 3:38 Day#183 Simplicity Blessings, Suzanne PS This post is from my phone, no wifi...

" He made the moon for the seasons; The sun knows the place of its setting." Psalm 104:19 Did you see the red moon last night? The picture did not capture the color... it was breathtaking! Only God, our Maker, could do that! Day#182 Be amazed at His wonder Blessings, Suzanne