Blessings, Suzanne

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16 White Cross on the dining room wall under wallpaper There was one piece of yellow wallpaper dangling on the dining room wall. It's actually been like that since we looked at the house. For some reason yesterday, I gave it a yank and was surprised at how easily it came down. Which led me to pulling down  another and another. But I stopped. As I was writing my post last night, I turned around and that's when I noticed it..... The White Cross. Most would see sheet rock with paint (and yes it's a little lopsided but so is our sin), but for me it was a reminder...It's all about the cross. This earthly life is about the cross. Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe. Not to ever be taken lightly. It stops me in my fast pace life and is and reminds me  to be more about sharing the gospel than the latest news and ha...

“The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. 6 and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.”  Isaiah 33:5-6 Front Room-Temporary Office Before So if you wonder where I am writing or working lately, it's right here at this little secretary. In the front room of the house, off the foyer. Not one thing fancy, organized or permanent about it. One word...functional. The front room is functional right now. It's temporary in every sense of the word. We haven't quite figured out what furniture works in this house. I think I have basically moved everything into the attic and have this picture of going up there to "shop" once we get some of the renovations done. It's so unlike me to not be chomping at the bit, punch list and all to get started! Yet, I find more enjoyment out of these little pockets of time that I can do a l...

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 Candace and I Urban Purpose 5k 2015 Two Saturdays in a row in my TherapySouth "get up" and go! This week... Urban Purpose 5k and Crossfit Challenge!  We absolutely love sponsoring this event! Urban Purpose "Caring for the Poor and Broken in Birmingham".  Check out their ministry and website at www.urbanpurpose.org . It was so much fun to be with family..my work family, my church family and... my cousin, Candace (pictured above). She and her husband own Crossfit Trussville and it's been so amazing to see this sweet girl grow up since Jeff and I started dating twenty years ago..smile! Scott, Kristin, Wes, Lindsey, Sandy, Nikki and I 2015 And here's my work family (a few not pictured, sorry)...I ran this route last year..wow..way to go guys!!I s...

"He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge." Proverbs 14:26 Pop's Birthday Dinner 2015 The happiest of birthday's to our Pop!   We love you! Day#244 So glad it's Friday Blessings, Suzanne

" Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them and I will praise the Lord . This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous shall enter." Psalm 119:19 Nashville Zoo 2013 We went to Nashville during Spring Break, back in 2013, for the SEC basketball tournament. The kids and I decided to venture out one of the days and visit the Zoo. When buying our tickets, I went ahead and purchased the tokens for the train. It's what we do at the Birmingham Zoo, so I just assumed I was on top of my game and covering all the activities! We were having the best time....and then we saw it. A small circular track and the tiniest little train you have ever seen. I am surprised it did not say three years old and younger! We could not stop laughing. But.....we HAD tokens...soooo, we stood in line, and they rode it.. around and around the track. It's a picture that still makes us laugh every time we see it so thought I would share! Isn't that the w...

"You have also given me the shield of Your salvation. And Your right hand upholds me. And Your gentleness makes me great." Psalm 18:35 While I really wanted to be sitting here, enjoying this crisp cool weather.... I made the decision to finish taking down the border in Luke's room..and I talked him into letting me paint it soon:) I am pinning ideas in my mind as we speak..haha.  Stay tuned... Day#241 A little bit each day Blessings, Suzanne

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 Magnet made by Luke 2015 He just handed it to me and said " I want you to have this." The four of us were walking to our car, after church and this priceless gift was placed... right in my hand. By my own son, who too, had walked THROUGH the battle with me. He is twelve now and that was six and half years ago. Their Sunday school assignment was to write down something that God had shown himself mighty in your life. Speechless.  There is so much to love about this simple piece of an index card. It's written in red, reminding me of the blood of Jesus that he shed for us all on the cross. The red square jewel, four corners, four of us who endured, each dealing with it in our way, but still connected. The words. I can't even...  "Healed my Mom through cancer." Healed. Past tense.  Thr...

"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 Boston and Katie Halloween 2010 It's been about a year since our little Katie (sixteen year old yorkie) left us. I have thought  about her so much lately and really miss that four pound firecracker! She was fiesty until the end and though I am glad she is no longer suffering, I wish she were here, at the new house, with us. As I was cleaning off the pictures on my phone (umm, five years later, yea I know)...I came across this sweet picture. Pictures are worth a thousand words and I am about to spend that much getting all of mine printed..haha! It's time. I am doing the things I have put off forever. It's time. I am back to where I started...doing one thing today that I have been putting off! How about you? "The Lord will complete that which concerns me, Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;  Do not fo...

"Reproof is more effective for a wise man  than a hundred blows on a fool." Proverbs 17:10 Reproof: an expression of blame or disapproval; reprimand Day#240 Truth  Blessings, Suzanne

"Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;  all your waves and breakers have swept over me." Psalm 42:7 Day#237 Deep water requires you know how to swim Blessings, Suzanne

"He is the radiance of His glory,  the exact expression of His nature,  and He sustains all things  by His powerful word." Hebrews 1:3 Day#236 Radiance Blessings, Suzanne

"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."  2 Timothy 4:2 Our Bathroom Before Here's a little glimpse of where I get ready these days.. and where I get ready for bed...smile! Our Bathroom Before It's quite cozy upstairs! We will update this bath way on down the road! But are we ready to preach the word in and out of season as it says in 2 Timothy? How do you get ready?  Day#235 Be ready Blessings, Suzanne

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron." Isaiah 45:2 Luke, Harley and I doing English homework While Luke and I were doing homework tonight, we had a little helper! He stayed there the whole time. Notice I said "we." Yep. School is back in session. I really do not remember having this much to do when I was this age. But then again, I don't remember what I did yesterday either..haha...so I am sure I forgot!  And as Luke and I  were here doing vocabulary words, Abby was also going over her calendar and showing me all she had created, how she organized it, color coded it and use a ton of adorable washi tape (love it.) We are beginning to get into a routine and accept, I guess, that it really has happened.......... Summer has ended and it's time get busy! Thank you, Lord for this time together today and for making the rough parts of our day smooth.  Day#234 You have...

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love." Hosea 11:4 "I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." -Martin Luther Day#232 Handing all things over.... Blessings, Suzanne

" Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Psalm 119:18 Den Fireplace Before The den is the room on the other side of the wall..... that is going to come a tumbling down!! Kitchen Other side of Wall Before We plan to open up part of the staircase as well and rework the fireplace...add an antique mantle, pull off the wood facing and paint the brick. I love the windows on each side which could maybe be turned into doors out to the deck if we want to make that change later (when we screen that in..the list goes on and on..haha). Den Before The blue paint color is over grasscloth, thinking more neutral color but keeping the grasscloth for texture. Some wood blinds and panels for the windows. Oh, and when the wall comes down, the plan is to lay hardwoods throughout den and kitchen, so removing the carpet. Den Before To be honest, writing this all out helps me to brainstorm about different options. Feel free to throw some ideas a...

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Taylor and Abby after church 2015 Treasured Times... Saturday nights, Sunday mornings... and cheese biscuits just for you girls! GROW.CHANGE.SHINE. IN HIM. Day#230 Friends make life sweeter Blessings, Suzanne P.S. Let me know if you want my easy cheese bisquick, I mean biscuit recipe..my kids fav:))

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 Steelers first game 2015 Football season kicked off for The Steelers today with a double header. It's Luke's seventh season playing flag football...and Jeff is one of the coaches again this year which makes him very happy! The team played great today! And I love being on the sidelines.... After the games, I headed over to my parents, to grab more of our treasures that are stored in their attic. Yes, I am still moving stuff. All of our pictures and artwork were at their house among more Christmas decorations, etc. After a nice visit and a yummy lunch, I left with a car full of stuff and came home to unload. Jeff and Luke had been by his parent's and picked up more stuff there. It's all coming together..at a very slow pace. I heard the chainsaw again at one point and we were all out...

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Day#228 In His Light Blessings, Suzanne

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Luke (12) 7th, Abby (15) 10th First Day of School It's the First Day of School... Luke 7th Abby 10th The reports I got were good...I will so take it!! GROW.CHANGE.SHINE. Day#227 A new canvas Blessings, Suzanne

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Picture taken on the way back from Six Flags last Friday 2015 Looking ahead to the next school year...a sophomore and a seventh grader? What?? I am much more relaxed this year, knowing they have one year under their belt in High School and Middle School already. (They were fine last year, it was I who was a total wreck;/).  Our summer has been anything but typical and yet time marches on!  My prayer is that they grow and change and shine the light the Lord has given them both.  What an honor to be walking along side them in this season of life! Wishing you all a great school year filled with cherished memories.  Every day is gift.  GROW. CHANGE. SHINE. #226 Love big Blessings, Suzanne

"The law of the Lord is perfect,  converting the soul (restoring);  The testimony of the Lord is sure,  making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7 Upstairs Nook Before This is our little nook as you come up the stairs to the master bedroom. It has been full of boxes until tonight...And hey, Jeff put up artwork, beat me to it! The popcorn celing has to go, a light color and hopefully we can fit two chairs and  a small table there. The door goes to a small section of the attic (more on that soon). Doorway to Bedroom from Nook Before  The door way to our bedroom. Eventually we will put hardwoods throughout upstairs...maybe when we open up the stairs? And can't wait to get the fireplace painted. Did I tell you there was popcorn walls, please let me know if you have ever seen that. Guess it does add texture, but like I said I like my popcorn at the movies, not on ceilings and walls:) Stairs Nook Before Stairs coming up from the hallways.. ...

"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38 Let's hear it for the girls! Abby, Sloan and Sophia..the soon to be sophomores! Oh my! They had a great time on the seadoo all weekend and staying up way later than I (and sleeping later). Such a fun way to end the last weekend of summer.... And Boston took it easy too..with his lifejacket on (hahaha)  as the girls were laying out  on the inner tube!  The weather was wonderful, the boys were there too (no pics)  they surfed and skiied...smile! Look at this view! We love Smith Lake! What a blessing! Day#224 So much to be thankful for Blessings, Suzanne

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me;  yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 23:42 Day #223 Soaking up the last summer days Blessings, Suzanne

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Enjoying somee time on the water which was Abby's last summer request... Guess Six Flags wore me out.. Forgot to pack my computer! Haven't needed wanted it except to write this post! Hmm, phone works okay but can't figure out how to post  a picture..oh well! I hope you are having a fabulous Saturday! It's been so njce in the sunshine..read, doze off, read, repeat.. Smile! Day #222 Get Your Vitamin D Blessings,  Suzanne

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 Six Flags was on Luke's summer bucket list and we made it there today! We got rained out yesterday but today turned out great..cool enough, sunshine and NO LINES!!! He and Nick braved most of the rollercoasters and Tiffany and I chatted it up in the shadiest place we could find, at each stop. Gotham City and Monster Plantation (mine too..haha) were his favs today. We did ride a few, but most of all just enjoyed seeing the boys having so much fun! What a blessing! Day#221 End of Summer Fun Blessings, Suzanne

6 years REMISSION Cancer Free "In Everything Give Thanks" 1 Thessolonians 5:18 This is in Abby's cute new room Note the butterflies all around me! Hey Friends, With all the hoopla in the moving process, I never posted my six year shot (or took one..haha) after getting my clear report in April. My oncology checkup just happened to be the same day we put the house on the market and if you have been following along, you know the rollercoaster from there! I vowed to the Lord to never, ever take it lightly, His faithfulness, His Glory and my life changing experience with Him through having breast cancer. It's only part of my story, but it was a big part of our family's story, for quite sometime, as I recovered! Last night, I started treading down the road of "hows" and feeling overwhelmed about "the big move" and all the fixing up ahead... I quickly looked back and found this post. It gave me such comfort, right before I closed my eyes for a g...

"My son, pay attention to my wisdom,  turn your ear to my words of insight." Proverbs 5:1 Day#219 Little by Little  Blessings, Suzanne

"Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth." Proverbs 4:5 Abby's Bathroom Before Abby's bedroom is the original Master bedroom to the house and with that she scored a pretty nice bathroom and closet! I love the cabinets, the wallpaper of course will be changed or removed. Abby's bathroom Before More built-in cabinets next to the shower...  Abby's bathroom Before I am thinking our fall is going to be booked with projects..paint party anyone?  I am all for popcorn with my movies or even football...but not a fan of it on every. single. ceiling. Lot's of scraping ceilings in our future. I am getting revved up to fix up...but then, like tonight, I get distracted sitting on the deck...what a nice distraction. I had my first full walk around the new neighborhood and even cooked some dinner for the fam. A few more boxes unpacked as I watched a little of the Country Music Festival on TV......

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 Guest Room Before Day#217 Company is always welcome Blessings, Suzanne

"..discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you" Proverbs 2:11 Dining Room with our Table Before Dining Room Before (Balloon Shade original to house:) I have always enjoyed entertaining..holidays, birthdays, grilling out, dinner together, whatever! I took a little hiatus from that, and before I knew it, realized I had barely had anyone over to our home in about five years. Granted I was getting back on my feet some of those, but once I began opening the house up again, I remembered how much I missed it. And isn't it true that your'e is never cleaner than when you are having company? The new dining room is big enough for our farmhouse table and I have already claimed a spot for Abby and Luke's baby portraits on each side of the buffet (have always wanted to put those in the dining room but didn't have room at other house). Oh,  and the new buffet, yes, the one that used to be our bedroom dresser and was a nightmare. Haha. It'...

" Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares" Proverbs 1:20 Backyard Before Welcome to our backyard jungle! Abby and I started with clippers and Jeff came to the rescue with the big guns..the chainsaw! We have a long way to go, but we made a good start today! Driveway/Backyard Before The space under the deck (in the shade) is great place for relaxing! Daisy had some play time in her pen out there today..she is the white shadow standing up and looking out:) I mainly just took the big limbs to the road but enjoyed the sunshine and took breaks inside to cool off. Well, not really breaks because I was unpacking every chance I got! And for the record I sang "Welcome to the jungle" by Guns n Roses, all day, just because! Abby and Luke laughed even though they were familiar with the song! I hope that you had a wonderful Saturday! Day #215 Clear out the overgrown areas Blessings, Suzanne