Blessings, Suzanne

"It is by His great mercy that we have been born again. Because God raised Jesus Christ from the Dead." 1 Peter 1:3 "As the hands of Jesus opened for the nail, the doors of heaven opened for you." -Max Lucado Day 102  Today's Verse... "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by HIS wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24 Blessings, Suzanne

Restored .Grateful Heart..2018  It's been a long time since we traveled down south to the beach for Spring break and there's one little detail I forgot about...the traffic! Yikes! It added about three hours to our trip going and coming. It was not as excruciating going as it was coming back and yet we all made it, without much grumbling might I add. I did notice that on the way I felt weighed down, not very chatty, and just longed for a nap or to listen to an uplifting podcast on my phone. I was in dire need of a vacation. A break. Time away to replenish. Unplug. Rest. Not plan a single thing. Read, lay in the sun (and lots of wind..smile) and of course spend time with my people! Oh, and guess what? It happened. Absolute best vacation. True vacation. Not a trip, a vacation. Driving back I felt lighter, calmer and ready to get back home and back to life again! Home sweet home. I said yesterday that I was going to include some thoughts that I had on "freedom from fear...

June 2009 Fort Morgan This is a repost of a Caringbridge journal entry I wrote after a family beach trip to Fort Morgan in 2009. Nine years later we were back at the same place and I couldn't help but recall the freedom I felt on that trip. This morning while having my quiet time and coffee with the Lord, I realized that this trip also gave me the same gift. Freedom from fear. I will post my thoughts on that tomorrow, so look for part two..smile! As for today, once again I give God glory for the testimony of healing..physically, spiritually emotionally, He is good and always faithful! June 20, 2009 Caringbridge Journal:  It’s late morning because we all slept late. We didn’t get to the condo until after midnight so there is little time for me to have an elaborate coffee and quiet time with the Lord.    After reading some verses in Isaiah and time in prayer, I could no longer prolong the excitement of “suiting up” and hitting the beach. I decided to wear my black and...

"They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name in the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!" John 12:13  Can you imagine the scene in John 12, Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead and days later he had drawn a crowd  as He came into Jerusalem. The word Hosanna is an expression of adoration, praise or joy. The  crowd was throwing down palm branches and yelling "Hosanna" in great excitement as Jesus came in on a donkey. The Pharisees were lurking behind telling Jesus to make the people calm them down. I mean how dare they worship and get that excited over the King of Kings! The very one they were worshipping would be the one they crucified on the cross days later. The one who humbly took their place, paid the price for their sin, died and rose again three days later. To me, the hardest part of the resurrection is...

Unbelievably Beautiful! Thank God for His painted skies.. for His plans and His purposes... How Beautiful! Day 98 Today's Verse: "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 Blessings, Suzanne

Day 97...Today’s memory verse.. Call Him Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 Blessings, Suzanne

Day 96 Today's Verse... "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God." 1 John 3:1 Blessings, Suzanne

I was standing at the kitchen sink, as I do about twenty-five times a day (smile) and looked out the window and saw the red cardinal. Always makes me smile because for years cardinals have been an ongoing sign from God, that give me reassurance that He is with me and is taking care of "things." You know the "things" of life that try and steal our joy, distract our minds, and get us thinking that we gotta figure it all out. All the while taking our minds off the One who does have it all figured out. Our Maker, Deliverer, Healer, Peacemaker, Sustainer, Savior and Lord, Jesus. It also reminded me to always look for Him in every situation. Though I may not have full understanding, this side of heaven, I do have reassurance that He is with me. He is for me. He has a way of turning things completely around in a way that you, and others (key point) will KNOW that He is God. It is He that moves the mountains of life. He that makes the valleys low and the rough places smo...

There is nothing like celebrating a birthday with someone you love.. and get to catch up with the whole family... reminsce about the good ole days...smile!  Look at this sweet amigo who turned eight years old today....Happy Birthday, Aidan!  So happy I could be a part of your special day..love you big!  Hope you all have a blessed, fun weekend! Celebrate friends and family! Keep your eyes on Jesus! Day 95 Today's Verse... "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross." Hebrews 12:2 Blessings, Suzanne

"In your presence is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11 "One filled with Joy preaches without preaching." -Mother Teresa "Comparison is the thief of Joy." -Theodore Roosevelt "The Joy of the Lord is my strength." Nehemiah 8:10 "Joy is a decision, a really brave one,  about how you are going to respond to life." -/Wess Stafford Day 94 Today's Verse.. "For unto 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 Joyful Blessings, Suzanne

We had some threat of storms this week and some parts of Alabama were hit hard with damage from strong winds, tornadoes and baseball size hail. So on Monday, as the TV kept flashing the map of our state in red with warning I began making preparations. The schools dismissed early. Phones were charged. Candles out. Generator ready. Plans to spend the evening in the basement if needed. Dinner was cooked early. But.....I kept looking outside at the sun.....just a shining...blue skies? Confusing. I kept saying "the calm before the storm." Well. Besides some rain and wind, the storm took a different turn and missed us all together. I am thankful that we were prepared and safe. My prayers go out to all those dealing with loss and damage that God give them comfort and peace and restoration. You just never know what will happen when a storm cloud forms. Much like the storm clouds in life. There is always a threat of storms, the word of God says "I told you these things, so th...

Day 92 Today's Verse.... "Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 Blessings, Suzanne

Our little green friend from Grand Cayman, Summer 2017 Happy St Patrick's Day! Day 91 Today's Verse.. " "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you "do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:3 Blessings, Suzanne

What are you up to this weekend? My plan is to finally organize after all the decluttering that has taken place! When you keep only what you need, love and what is useful, you have more room, less choices and actually experience contentment and joy! It's that simple. Thank God for His contentment and joy that comes from a decluttered mind, an organized plan to spend time with Him every day, keeping only activities He ordains on the calendar and having time to spend with those He puts in our path.  It's that simple. That's my plan...and lots of coffee in my PJ's tomorrow!  Day 90 Today's Verse... "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever." Romans 11:36  Blessings, Suzanne

I simply looked up and saw an angel in the sky "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them." Psalm 34:7 "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 Day 89 Today's verse... "For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous, you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:12 Blessings, Suzanne

Happy Twentieth, Jeff! Thanks for making the day special! Day 88 Todays's Verse... "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by HIS wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24 Blessings, Suzanne

Have you ever noticed that most of what we go through in life is a process? I don't think I ever truly understood it until I had cancer. I knew God had healed me but I knew that I would have to go through a process. Though there are many instant healings, many I have seen with my own eyes,  much of the time it's a process. Whether physical, emotional or spiritual, it takes time, ups and downs, continual trust in the Lord and many changes to go through a process. And there are lessons along the way that you just couldn't have experienced any other way. The word process means "a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end." Yep. Key word....series! Like a whole series, not just an episode, a series. Basically, one step builds on another and another and ..you get my drift. It's seems long, it seems hard and it seems impossible. There really are no short cuts in a process "season of life". The risk is too great and the stake...

A Blessed Sunday... Always my favorite day! It's not about us, It's about the Cross, Jesus! Day 86 Today's verse.. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 Blessings, Suzanne

Hope your weekend is bright! Don't forget to spring forward your clock! Blessings, Suzanne Day 85 Today's Verse.. "Choose today who you will serve." Joshua 24:15

9 year check up  How about my outfit today...atleast the hospital gowns were cute and the blue tape matched! My nine year oncology check-up was today and it was the first time I really didn't give it much thought. I got in and out quick, got a good report from Dr. Bondly and was on my way! Don't think I didn't thank the good Lord as I walked out of there and said a prayer for all those I left there. Check-ups never, ever cease to bring back memories of times in the desert and the process of healing from cancer. They also are a blessed reminder of  sweet memories of love, support, and strength by more people than I can count! Life can change in a minute. I pray that you put on the armor of God, read His word, study it and pray...it's the insurance you need when a battle comes. He is with you, always in the batlle and fighting on our behalf. One of my favorite verses is "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14 Be still and Kno...

  While I was working yesterday, I parked the car and just happened to catch a glimpse of this beautiful bird flying right into the tree in front of me. However, it was hard to see where he went after he landed. He was quite hidden for a minute so I snapped another picture once I could visibly see him..or her..but let's just say him for now..lol!  He blended right in to the colors of the tree. If I had not seen him fly in I never would have known he was there. He sat there on the branch a minute and then he was off and so was I. A brief encounter with a bird. But atleast it made me stop. It made me take in a little refreshing taste of the beauty God has created for me in that moment. Encounters don't have to big. But that sure got my attention and beckoned me to just stop and enjoy, to live looking for God in all things. Even amidst going about my day. Stop, look and listen. It's important. He's always there, always present, always giving us a chance to find Him,...

A new season is around the corner! I can hardly wait for Spring (the temperatures in Alabama have been teasing us lately) and all that is planned. New season. New beginnings. New places. New blooms! God has great plans, for hope and a future....His ways are Higher, His ways are better! Hurry Spring, we're ready for you!  Stay Tuned.... Day 82 Today's verse....  "He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." Luke 11:28 Blessings, Suzanne

Survivor's Day 2010 It was one of those days. Glory to Glory to Glory. Almost hour to hour, I would have a moment of victory then a moment of resistance. Back and forth it went all day long. Only one thing consistent...the Lord's mighty hand, carrying me from one place to another. To see who He had planned this very day, to talk to who He had planned his very day, to pray for and with who He planned this very day. And reminding me of the power, His power and His authority that live within me. I made a decision to trust Him. We have to choose. My life verse is P roverbs 3:5-6 "Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight". Leaning not to my own understanding is that part the should be in bold letters (underlined and highlighted..lol)! You see, I have a Lord, I need not be my own. He knows me, He loves me, He has forgiven me, He will make my paths straight, I must...

Grand Cayman August 2017 Dreaming of  A Vacation....  Day 80 Today's Verse "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12 Blessings, Suzanne

What a beautiful day! Day 79 Today's verse... "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Blessings, Suzanne

I am loving the new picture I found at Hobby Lobby to go in the kitchen! I have looked and looked for something since the remodel and just not found it until now...so happy! And what a beautiful reminder.... "SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART"  JEREMIAH 29:13 The whole verse says " You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." There is no maybe here, this is a definite...when we seek Him with all our heart we WILL find Him. The twenty-ninth chapter of Jeremiah has always been one of my favorites because of the hope it gives, hope for the future. In the message Bible verse eleven says "I know what I am doing. I have all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Someone needs to hear that right now. Someone needs to let those words sink deep into your soul. No matter what it looks like, no matter what it feels like...God knows what He is doing. That is hope. That is our futur...

Boston When you have  as many animals as we do, it's truly never a dull moment. For the most part that is good, except when Boston decided to eat the "egg in a hole" that I made Jeff for breakfast right off the counter this morning. ..Or this one decides to sit on the computer and hold the keys down when I got ready to write... Clover Or while decluttering in the attic, Harley found one of Luke's old toys to play with and got it stuck on his head..he's a lil bit crazy anyway and this is just not a good look for him..lol! Harley We have many more at the zoo but it is way too many to list...Abby is the main zookeeper and we just follow her lead! Turtles, geckos, bearded dragon, rats, rabbit...yes...it feel's like Noah's Ark some days but it's home..smile! We love all God's creatures... (no snakes though ,that is where I draw the line). What about you...any pets you want to tell me about, I would love to see pictures!  Blessings,  ...