Blessings, Suzanne

When I got my computer out to write my post tonight, I felt like there was one already written. It took me about one minute to find this one and I knew exactly what the Lord was saying to me. The same thing He told six years ago..."don't take it lightly, remember what's important." It was a whopping crazy Monday. One of those days that you think "can one more thing go wrong today?" Most of the stuff I thought  went wrong was very trivial, not a big deal. It got handled and life moved on. I moved on. I realized that I was taking my day and myself to seriously. When I finally made it home, I asked Luke if he would like spaghetti for dinner. For some reason his words hit my heart .... "yea, that sounds nice." Odd for him to say, but it put my attitude in a new direction. It was nice. We had dinner and talked and did our advent devotion.  I thank God for the gentle reminder today. It is only because of Him that I keep sharing my story of His Hope to re...

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Christmas 2015 Christmas...the decorating has only just begun! Both of our  little elves had other plans on their social agendas today so Jeff and I put up the tree. Well, the first one atleast..smile! We are starting our Advent devotional tomorrow... what about you, have you started getting ready to celebrate the Christmas season? Day #338 My favorite time of year Blessings,  Suzanne

"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 or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 TV, couch, desk for computer, eno, darts and scoreboard..all they need:) Today is the perfect day to show some "before" pictures of the basement..smile..it is Iron Bowl Saturday in the South, you know!! Alabama and Auburn kickoff soon and though the rest of the house looks like a demo crew has come through, the basement looks just like the set for the TV show "That 70's Show". It is unfinished but it is not unused! Abby's Animal Haven..rabbit, turtles,etc and Harley's day pin Craft Area...hoping to get it organized so we can wrap gifts and do projects here Tool Area..perhaps the most organized place in the house right now Abby's Parking Place adjacent to mine One of the reasons I wanted to move was to add a basement. I grew up with a ho...

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." Job 8:21 Thanksgiving 2015 We celebrated our Thanksgiving at my parents today... and managed to rally the troops for a family photo op! Luke, Townsend, Abby and Walker 2015 The cousins had so much fun together!  It was a beautiful afternoon, to sit on the front porch  with coffee (and apple pie) and talk, laugh and tell stories.  What a blessing! I hope that you had a fantastic Friday! Day#336 Enjoy the holiday season Blessings, Suzanne

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves,  but our sufficiency is from God." 2 Corinthians 3:5 Thanksgiving 2015 Happy Thanksgiving! We had a very simple day, a simple celebration and enjoyed our first Thanksgiving in our new house. Everyone slept late. Jeff and I took Boston on a morning walk. I painted some and hung pictures. Abby worked outside and had a friend over. Jeff and Luke put together the trampoline (an all day project). And we sat down to eat our Thanksgiving meal around 6:00 pm. We decided to make smores in the backyard for dessert. Finished our evening off with a game of Darts in the basement! So not the traditional Thanksgiving for us but it was wonderful! I am thankful for each one of you, who take the time to read my little ole blog. It continues to be my prayer to be a vessel and write from the heart, what the Lord is doing in our lives.  P.S. I had to laugh at my poor little Turkey on the...

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and  the knowledge  of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 November 2015 Wishing you and yours  Thankful Blessings! Day#334 In all things, Give thanks Blessings, Suzanne

Anytime I ask the question "How Lord?" this scripture comes to mind... "...'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit',  says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 4:6 Day#333 Mighty Counselor is HE Blessings, Suzanne

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Psalm 42:1 Some time ago I started trying to replace a bad habit of saying "O my Lord" or "Oh my gosh" and yes "Oh my God" with "Oh dear".  I never meant it disrespectfully, umm, and being a little dramatic here, I've said it quite often.  So, while in Target Saturday this cute little sign, went straight in my basket, the second I saw it! As a reminder. To not take the Lord's name in vain. Remove and replace. All habits require the same process. And the next time you tell me something exciting or shocking I hope you hear....Oh dear! For His Name's Sake. He deserves the honor.  Day#332 Ask God to remove and replace habits  Blessings, Suzanne

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 Guest Room Painted 2015 Okay, finally...a room is this house has fresh paint! I really cannot believe we have been in this house almost four months and I have not broken out a paint brush yet. It's time to get bedrooms in order! I chose the color "Summer Gray" maybe because I liked that my maiden name was in it or that it looks light and bright?? The trim will have to be done after work tomorrow, Abby and I took a detour today and worked on cleaning her room. Little by little this week, I have found myself ready to begin the work:) Guest Room Painted 2015  And don't forget about the ceilings that are smooth as can be, no more popcorn.  Guest Room Before 2015 It was so nice to have the windows open while I painted, a little chilly but nothing a mug of hot chocolate can't...

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3 Day#331 Trees of Righteousness Blessings, Suzanne

"This is what love for God is:  to keep His commands.  Now His commands are not a burden." 1 John 5:3 Thank you Lord for your love, mercy and grace. May we obey your word in all we say and do. Help us to be more and more like you. Amen. Thanks for stopping by... Have the best weekend! Day#330 His love never fails Blessings, Suzanne

"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 Megan and I at the Trussville Chamber of Commerce Lunch 2015 Sometimes your worlds collide. My "collision" today landed me at a work lunch with my longtime bestie, Megan. I got an early morning call asking if I could go, on short notice, to the Trussville Chamber of Commerce lunch. Funny thing is, I was so excited to have something planned for me (I plan at work, plan at home...planned out!) On the way there, I called Megan to see if by chance she might be there today. "Ummm, yes, I am at the front door." Music to my ears. What a treat to see her and catch up. She's a breath of fresh air that always fills my need for good old friendship love!!Of course, she knew everyone there, so that was a plus. Work and friends. I love it when they...

"The Lord will guide you always... you will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11 Jeff, Abby, Boston and Clover, 2015 (Boston's Birthday) I had some company tonight when I sat down to write:)  They were kind enough to let me snap a shot, missing Mr. Luke who was downstairs. Wow, was it a rainy, wet day here in Birmingham! Do you remember what it was like as a kid to kick your way through the water puddles? I did a little kicking, not so much by choice but to get to my destination. After a while I had to laugh because my pants legs were drenched and my hair was "flat as a flitter" as my Mom likes to say. One man passed me and exclaimed from under his umbrella "you think it's gonna rain?" I just smiled and said "Yes, we might as well sing in it." Thank the Lord he didn't take me up on it!  We have to have rain. Every day can't be all sunshine and blue skies. So what do we do when it rains? We cling to shelte...

Luke and I were talking tonight and I started telling him the story about the little boy in this post from three years ago. "Just call on Jesus Name." This was a great reminder for me tonight, I hope it will be for you as well! I needed to "recall." (original post, December 30, 2012). "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope." Lamentations 3:21 Part 2: Sixth Grade Mission Trip July 23, 2012- July27, 2012 Abby with one of her bus buddies Day 4 I have just read my handwritten journal to Abby and we both agreed that I should just type it as is..however, let me set the scene for you. The children live in an apartment complex that is about thirty minutes from the camp. Every day our kids ride the charter buses over there to pick them up and to take them home. They are assigned buddies so they have time to share with them and just make a connection. And most of us girls got a braid while riding and singing songs on the bus!  ...

"Lord, You will establish peace for us,  for You have also done all our work for us." Isaiah 26:12 I hope you had a good Monday!  Apparently Boston did,  he's worn out..kinda agree with him:) Been a treasured  day..what a blessing! Day#325 Resting In Him Blessings, Suzanne

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8 1992 Suz, Lisa, Rachel and Wes (Jeff behind camera) In memory of Wes Riggins One you can never forget, loved by many  and...alot of fun, never a dull moment with him! He will surely be missed. We all have our favorite memories of Wes... Tonight I took a walk when we got back from the funeral. I started thinking about him teaching me how to cook one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten.  Skillet Seared Salmon with Garlic Cream Sauce with Grit Palletes.  He was living with Jeff at the time and boy could  he make a mess in the kitchen! I think he somehow convinced me to clean the kitchen though...smile!  I still have the recipe written down that he gave me.  Our family will be having that dish this week. I have not made it in years. I pray a special prayer this evening for ...

" Now acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace;  Thereby good will come to you." Job 22:21 Day#323 Grow where you are Blessings, Suzanne

"How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension." Psalm 147:5 The update is there's really not much to update...yet! I guess I can post "coming soon." Because it is. All about the timing. We are getting adjusted to the new school year and until now haven't really had much time to move forward with the plans. Living here for several months has been helpful to get a feel for what changes we want to make first. As I have said, this house is full of possibilities, maybe a few too many right now, which makes it feel a wee bit   very overwhelming!However, I am thankful. It feels like a blank canvas! Normally, I am all over a new project. I think this go round, I will leave it to the experts...smile:) I will happily post pictures of the progress. We will likely begin after the holidays. I have so many of you ask how it's coming and my blanket response has been "we're in, that's about it....

"When the Spirit of truth comes.  He will guide you into all truth." John 16:12 Tweet from Living Proof Live, Beth Moore This tweet from Beth Moore got written down on an envelope in my car and read for days last week. It seems we are all offended by something or another, all. the. time. Myself included. It robs me of time, energy and substance that could be used in a much more positive and godly way. Why do I get so offended and disappointed so easily? Tears, tearing words and a terrible attitude are sure to follow. I have made an idol out of disappointment. I put people on pedestals they can't possibly uphold to, they are human. What does one do with an idol? Surrender it immediately! I serve only One God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the way, the truth and the life! Thank you Lord Jesus, I surrender all.  Thank God for His mercy. The verse in Hebrews 12:1 comes to my mind "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud ...

"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you,  that God is light,  and in Him there is no darkness at all." 1 John 1:5 Day#320 God is light Blessings, Suzanne

"But now says, the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you ; I have called you by your name; You are mine." Isaiah 43:11 My very muted picture of my birthday cardinal 2015 On Friday, the big day, my forty-third birthday, that yes, I am still talking about way past due, I was given a very special gift that I failed to mention. Perhaps it was the best one because it was God-given, in every sense of the word. Took my breath away. I had just dropped Abby off at school and realized I needed to run back by the house aka my office, to pick up something I forgot. I pushed the garage door opener and as I was about to pull in...I slammed on the brakes, put it in park and quietly opened the car door. Only God could do this for me. I had to capture this gift in a picture. A Red Cardinal.  Sitting right there on our back fence as if to say "Happy Birthday." Always a reminder that God is with me...

"And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Isaiah 61:4 Day#317 Rebuilding, Raising up, Repairing Blessings, Suzanne

"Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Exodus 4:17 Who let the dogs out? These guys got left out of the birthday post  and of course, they were happy to pose! Day#316 Dogs..man's best friend Blessings, Suzanne

Roses while you're living "You turned my lament into dancing; You removed my sackcloth  and clothed me with gladness" Psalm 30:11 "Freedom becomes our reality when we yield to the authority of God" -Beth Moore Day#315 A Pink kinda Birthday:) Blessings, Suzanne

"Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work." John 4:34 Give me another birthday and I will run with it! Well, not literally, I will walk this year, running is so last year (haha). My big goal then was to run a 5k..did and done. This year it's been more about living day to day. THROUGH the storms, the sunshine, the cold, the hot and not getting stuck, but moving on through, at the pace the Lord has designed. Not my design. Not the design of others. His design.  I have known what it must feel like (key words "must feel like", meaning not for sure) to be dying. This year, I feel like I know what it is like to be... LIVING!! ... I have had a very happy birthday! I walked into a decorated den and my chair were so sweetly decorated with banners, streamers and signs. I am loving the new PJ's that they got me (and I picked out, even better:)) Luke stayed up late and made me brownies which are ...

"A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you,  so you must love one another." John 13"34 Birthday Eve Lunch with Shelley and thanks for the beautiful mums wrapped in burlap, my favorite! 2015 Give people flowers while they are living. I have always loved that saying. I am pretty sure that my Mom's mother passed that down to her and she to me. I may not be saying exactly the way she did, but the meaning is the same.  Treasure life. Treasure those around you in this very day, it is all we are promised. Give them flowers while you can, time is of the essence, not to be take for granted.  I personally love to give people flowers. They represent life. Beauty and grace. I dream of having a wildflower garden to cut from and share bouquets with others for any occasion or no occasion. The meaning of this quote is obviously not just about physical flowers but about giving of ourselves, our time, taking a minute to make that phone call, ...

"For I the LORD do not change: therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." Malachi 3:6 Can you see the orange butterfly within the flowers?  I chased him around a garden outside of a business today, trying to get a picture.  Yellow butterflies have been my favorite but this orange one today gave me a sense of change.  So many changes. Yet the Lord changes not.  What a blessing! Day#312 Thankful for all our changes Blessings, Suzanne