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Welcome to Susan's Sayings! Blog Archive Dates read from the bottom up. Today's Saying is: Happy New Year! No plan for me tonight except stay home with family. Renee will be babysitting and she is happy about the $ she will be making! I have been thinking about the resolutions I want to make this year. I want to make sure I keep my life prioritized that means putting God first and then my family. It means I need to be more organized with my time and my home, my job. I will ask God to help me here, because left to myself, I can't do it. I also need to exercise and watch my diet and believe I need lots of prayers because my will power is weak. A lot has happened to me this past year and I thank God for all He has done for me. I thank Him for the friends I have made here on the net. I thank God for what He planned for the future. So I leave you with this "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you, And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.: Jeremiah 29:11-13! Hugs Oh I have just added a new adoption call I Love Raggedies! My son just came home from a date and I could tell right away he was not happy. This is the girl he thought he would marry. They met when he was 16 and she was 14. They only saw her at church and at our homes until she was 16. Then she could only date him mostly in group situations. In her Sr year he gave her a promise ring. Then about 1/2 year ago she broke up with him. She said she loved him, but she needed some space. He was so sad but it made his walk with God even stronger. So they have done some casual dating and he seemed happy on Christmas. He said he didn't want the things of the world like she wants to experience. I told him that maybe God had other plans for him. God's ways are not his ways. My son loves this girl, but maybe God has another girl in mind for Him. I told him that God knows the plans He has for him, plans to prosper him and give him a future and a hope. His hope has to be in God and not a girl. I know it is hard for him. My friend Doralee gave us something to think about. What are the boulders in our life that keep us from Jesus. I told my son that I am the biggest obstacle. It is so easy to blame others, but we have the choice to either put God first or not. Please keep my son in prayer for him to accept God's will in his life. I love my son and hate to see him hurt. Denise, whether our child is 2 or 22, they are so dear to us. Thank you Lord for my family and friends. Now on the lighter side, we went to see the movies with our friends to see 2 weeks with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant and it was great. Tomorrow we see Lord of the Rings with the kids. I better get to sleep now so I won't be sleepy at church. And it will be raining so we have to get up earlier.Hugs! Hi friends! I am on vacation and had planned to update, clean up my web page files. But I am having problem with my file editor and it is frustrating me. Yesterday I saved most of my pages and html files to a cd. I plan to do this for my other sites too. I have most of them on various disks, but I want them to be on cd to be more organized. One of my resolutions is to get more organized! I am going to the movies today with my friends from our marriage group. Well just coming here has calmed me Hugs! Hi friends! I am enjoying my vacation by just relaxing. I have been able to work over at my family Christmas site and have added 4 new pages. I even added a 3rd page of gingerbread recipes. Our family had a great Christmas stuffing ourselves with tamales at my husbands parents and then stuffing ourselves at my sisters with prime rib and ham and the works! Wow I know I have added a few pounds from all the goodies. My parents are doing very well with their real estate business so they gave each of us a grandfather clock. They wanted us to have something nice to remember them by and that can become a family heirloom. Our family has been truly blessed. I am even more blessed that the love of our family has grown stronger over the years and we know it is our God who blesses us with all of it!
To God be the glory!! Today my message is very simple. Jesus is the Reason for the Season. The love of famuly and friends is the best gift we can give and does not cost anything. God gave us the priceless gift of His son one Christmas morning so long ago. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whomever believes in Him shall not perish bit have everlasting life. John 3:16
May you and your families have a blessed Christmas. Hugs. Susan Today was my day to deliver presents in Orange County. As I was getting ready, I thought is how I would go see grandparents and I was sad for a few seconds cause I miss them so much. They are all in heaven now. There is joy knowing I will see them someday as they were all saved. I got to visit my friend Anita and her daughter Natalie who is my Goddaughter. We have lunch and talked about middle age problems. This is so weird "cause we have known each other since 1970-hight school. Now we have college age kids! I made several other visits and then a stop to get my meds and trade cars with my son. Tomorrow I will visit in Riverside and get my last minute goodies. Then it is off to the Christmas Eve service and then to my inlaws for tamales.
Thanks for the gift Khaver! Church was just great today! All the members of the praise team were set up in choir fashion singing Christmas Carols. The curtains were drawn and announcements were made. Then about 7 kids stepped and then another one. They were acting out A Charlie brown Christmas. It was just like the Christmas special on tv with Linus and his blanket, Lucy, pigpen, and Charlie brown dressed in his sweater. They even had a little tree they displayed. And then Linus told the Christmas story "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Luke 2:10-12 Well at the end they started singing and then the curtain opened and they were joined by all the children singing. It was wonderful. Then the lights went on and the Nativity procession of kids went on stage and there was more singing. It was great. The pastors message was great to. To sum it up he walked about how the Wise Men still seek Him to this day. No matter what our country might say and do, God will prevail and Jesus is the greatest gift to those who believe in Him! Blessings and Hugs, Susan After I woke up from a good 9 hours of sleep I thanked God for the rest and the day ahead of me. Today I met my friends for lunch at the Black Angus. We met there last year and had such a nice time catching up. Then we went to Alice's house for tea and we exchanged gifts. Then we left to go shopping at Macy's. We decided that now that are shopping was done for other's we needed something for ourselves. Thankfully the stores are already having great sales and we all saved $ hitting the sales. We all work and so it is nice to treat ourselves to clothes we can use for work or going out. My friends Alice and Olivia are very special to me. They along with my friends Joanie and Cynthia played a big part in helping me get through a rough time a few years ago. I am so thankful to God for all the friends He has blessed me with since I started going back to church 10 years ago. And then God has also blessed me with my friends on the net. Thank you Lord! Everyone have a great Sonday! This is a cute siggy I got from K& K Premade Customs. I am officially on vacation now. Yea!!! It has been a long week of getting up at 5am and driving by myself. After work I went shopping and found a gift for my mom and son. I am almost done! Tomorrow I will be having lunch with my friends. So I am off to color my hair! Have a great weekend! Hugs Today I drove to my friend Doralee's home and got to meet my friend Denise and her family. Kristen is so cute and very talkative for a new 2 year old. Doralee's 4 year old twins are also very cute and it was nice to see little ones being excited over simple things. I felt to relaced there and it was as if I had already met Denise before. Then we got to talk to our frined Sue. It was such a nice visit. I missed Bible study, but I will get the tape. It was worth it to meet my friends at this very blessed time of the year. My kids just came back from Bible study and are raising the kitchen so I am off now. The Lord is good! Hugs and blessings. Yesterday it was storming so I stayed off the computer and wrapped presents. Today at work we had our Christmas party. Instead of bringing food this year, we went out. We rented a limo and it took us to Newport Beach Bay and we ate at the Paddle Wheel House. It was fun! Our director and manager joined the retail staff and our director toasted to us. Some one said it was not good to toast with water, but we laughed and toasted anyways.It was fun because we all got real dressed up for this. It was special because it's nice to relax and enjoy the holiday with each other. Our department has been collecting gifts for a family of 4 kids. We have been busy wrapping presents the past few days. We do this every year at the Post Office. Departments and sections all adopt a whole family and provide a complete Christmas dinner and extra food, clothing and gifts of toys and bikes. The Post office takes it's old computers, upgrades them and gives them to the families. Then employees volunteer their time to provide a party for the families that includes Santa ana Mrs Claus and "postal elves" It is a great time of giving.I work part time and I am thankful for my job. God has blessed me with so much. God bless you my friends! Hugs!
I have had a busy few days. Saturday was our married group Christmas party and exchange. I had several errands with to do that day. But I made time to visit my cousin Joanie. We exchanged some gifts and had coffee and talked about the latest news in our lives. Then I went to pick up some home made tortillas that my friend Linda from church made. Then I went and picked up some Tamales from Valerie. So that was on the menu along with beans that my husband made and sopa that I made and salsa that my husband made. These recipes can be found at my recipe pages. Our evening was so nice and we had a great time. Church was great too. Pastor finised the Song of Solomon, the love chapter in the Bible. I did some shopping and now I am home
eating leftovers.I have been reading Christmas devotions and they are such a blessing during this busy time! I love Christmas! We put out our Nativity on the deck upstarirs for all our neighbors to see. Jesus is the reason for the season! He keeps my life straight and reminds me to keep my priorities straight. My time with God is bery important and the best gift I can give myself!Oh I got so this from Connie. thanks!
I had a busy day at work and a stressful call with workman's comp. But after work I went shopping to get the 6 year old whose name I chose at church. I got her a cute pair of pants and a top to go with it. I found a pair of Winnie the Pooh tennis shoes and some hair ties. And then there was the Barbie doll with lots of purses. Now this was good for my heart. My kids have no idea what it is like to go without. So I showed my daughter what I had purchased. I found a few more things to add to the box. But the best thing is a little plastic water globe that has the Nativity. After all that is why we celebrate Christmas! I found my package from Mary's Candle Cottage. I ordered these cute gingerbread grubbies for my siblings. They smell so good and look to cute to burn! She also included a mulberry candle which smells soooo good! Thanks Mary!God bless you all!! Yesterday I worked on my Christmas cards and got some done. I have been feeling extra tired and I took a 4 hour nap yesterday. What I need to do is exercise! But first it was to hot and now it is cold! Our tile is finally coming in tomorrow so we have been busy moving things around. I have dining room chairs in my bedroom along with large storage boxes. Each kid has a living room chair in their room. So now the entry and living room are clear.
This was all suppose to happen in August, but the tile got held up in the embargo here in So. Calif. We are cramped but we are surviving! Well I am off to bed now. Thanks for the card Julie! God bless you all!
Yesterday I went to 2 Christmas parties and both were lots if fun. I met with a few friends from work at Vera's house and we had a nice potluck and then we did a craft. Later we went to our Greeters party with friends from church and there was more great food and a white elephant exchange. Today after church our family went out for lunch. Then Renee and I did some craft shopping and yes Tammy I got a few more snowmen! It was such a beautiful day, around 74 degrees. So I decided to cut back all my rose bush's for the winter. I did not wear gloves and pricked myself several times. I had to wash my hands with alcohol afterwards. Then I took Reina for a walk and she thinks she is a boy dog having to pee every few trees! I cleaned out a closet and organized a few more things. Then I finally sat down to watch tv with hubby and daughter. I tried to work on Christmas cards but could not focus. Well hopefully I will get them done tomorrow! I thank God for all I accomplished. Now to go spend some time with Him. Blessings! Oh and thanks for the award Mary!
Well Christmas is just 19 days away according to my daughter. She gave me her wish list today and I laughed. No cell phone and no personal phone line. So she went and redid her list. Andrew gave me his and he has left a present for me on the piano. Because we are redoing our floors we are not putting up our big tree. All the decorations are here in the family room and it is crowded but cozy. I just finished making green chilli chicken enchiladas for a Christmas party I am going to at 11:00am with friends from work. I will be teaching the craft too. Then at 6pm we have a party to go to for the greeters of our church. So see what I mean by busy. Then Sunday I have to finish an order of ginger bread air freshners. The plate and air freshners are listed on my craft page. Oh I got a gift today from my Secret Pal and I don't know when I am suppose to open it. Well I better go now. I need to clean up my desk and then go to bed. Thankfully I did my quiet time with God this morning! God bless!
I am here with my husband just relaxing. We just finished a candy apple that we got when were at Knotts. I am content to be. But there was a time not to long ago that I was not. I didn't want to spend much time with my hubby and my moods were going all over. But with counseling and medication, I am a lot more calmer. I can see the positive and all the blessings that God has given me. The one thing that always kept me together is my realtionship with God. Knowing that I am His child was the thing that kept me going. I also thank God for the friends he brought into my life that loved and accepted me through the ups and downs. And now I can be there for them. That is what love is. It is being there for one another, being a light to each other.
Yes things are bright! Thank you Jesus! God bless!
I received this buddy from Tammy today, thanks Tammy! We love snowmen! Because we are remodeling, I can't put them all up so I have them in the family room and they make me smile. My husband and I are listening to a PBS special on the 40 top R & B(Mowton) songs. Wow so many of these were popular when we were in jr high. Makes us feel old and young all at once. The kids are at youth and we are just relaxing with the fireplace on. Did I mention we got a new tv today! Our early Christmas present for the family.
Well I am off to sit nect to my hubby. God bless!
Tonight was our annual women's Christmas event. I know that our house is decorated, I have started my Christmas shopping, and the Christms music has been playing. But today was a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. We had around 100 ladies there tonight all dressed in Christmas outfits. Each women received a litle pin of a a baby wrapped in burlap with a halo. This is to remind us that this is why we celebrate CHRISTmas...for the birth of Jesus Christ. All the tables were decorated so nicely and there was tons of food since it was a potluck. We sang carols before we ate. Then after we ate we had our ornament exchange. Then my cousin Joanie shared about her family tradition of Christmas. First she celebrates Hannukah, the Jewish tradition of the festival of lights. Then she shared about the birth of Jesus about the Mexican tradtion of La Posada celebrated from Christmas for 4 days to celebrate when the wisemen presented the gifts to Jesus. Next, Stephanie did a re-enactment of mother Mary speaking a prayer to her newborn Jesus. Then Pastor Melody got up and asked us what gift did we want to give to Jesus? What is it that we are being called to do for Jesus. Or what is something we have to give up for Him? We ended by singing another carol and then it was done.
I was really blessed tonight. Blessed to have so many friends. Blessed to be involved with women's ministry for the past 9 years. Blessed to see the love between so many women. Remember the Reason of the Season and you will be blessed too! God bless you!
Today my hubby and I went to Knotts Berry Farm for a great chicken dinner and a fun time of Christmas shopping. Every year Knotts holds a holiday Craft Faire in the one part of the park. We had so much fun sharing memories and laughing. Back in 1993 both my cousin Joanie and I were both lonely and needed a special friend. She was in an abusive marriage and I was dealing with so many issues that were starting to surface. Well God put us together and we have been best friends since. We have both grown a lot and we both facilitate our women's recovery groups. God is so great in meeting our needs in the way He knows is best. He knows what friends to send us and they are treasured friends for life!
It is pouring ourside right now but we need the rain here in So. CA, especially with the fires. The fireplace is crackling and my husband and I are relaxing. We dropped our 3 kids off the church office this morning and they are in San Diego for a youth convention. After having a nice breakfast, my hubby and I went TV shopping. So now we will have a 36 inch screen where the whole tv can relax in front of. It is our family Christmas present a little early! Of course my computer is next to it so I don't miss a thing when I have to get something done. when my older son moves out, I will make that room an office. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday with my whole family! We all held hands as we prayed for our meal. There was 24 of us. Then we all took pictures. I hope to post some here soon. Hug
I really do have lots to be thankful for! My family room is all decorated now. Since our house is under renovations(no flooring)it is the only room we can decprate. It is cozy in here! I am reading the Power of the Praying Women right now and God is really speaking to me. I just finished the part about the many names of God. It has showed me to pray in a different more intimate way. One of those names is Provider. God does meet our needs. It may not be the way we expect, or in our time, but He is faithful. God bless you! Hugs
Though only having 4 hours of sleep, I felt fine at church today. Today my husband were greeters and there were lots of people at church.
The message was presented a little bit different today and it was very special.
After the praise and worship, and announcements, the light were turned down an the pastor was sitting down on a high stool. He was going to take a break on his regular series on marriage to talk about Thanksgiving. He desribed how he spend Thanksgiving with his family and all the food. He said how lucky we are to have such abundance in our nation. But the greater blessing is understanding true Thanksgiving. That is being able to really thank God for all things. But the best thing is that because of Jesus death, we have Grace.
Grace, God's Riches at Christ's Expense. It is the gift we receive when we believe even though we do not deserve it. Pastor used the story of the Prodigal son to paint a picture for us. He mentioned 4 key things about grace. First, it exposes our pride. God's grace covers all. When we don't understand God's grace, we are unforgiving, and unhappy. Second, grace forgives all who come to Him. You see sin is sin and there is no levels. Pastor mentioned two sins of the prodigal, the sin of independence and the sin of indulgence. The prodigal sqaundered his inheritance and thought only of hisself. Third, Grace
loved beyond comprehension. We don't understand how a murderer like Jeffry Dalmer can go to heaven. Well God does because man see's the outside and God sees the heart. Finally, Grace will never be reduced, cheapened or lessoned. God is a God of restoration nad redemption. Wow what a great message. It was followed by communion. God is good Hugs! Oh and you can read about the prodigal son in the book of Luke, Chp 15.
Last night I went to bed early and I slept for 12 hours!!! I guess because the week was busy and I had a stressful day at work Friday. Then today I took my daughter for a haircut and style. Then I went back to the craft show for a few more things I had seen. My daughter decided to sleep in the back of the van. Remember this is the van I sleep in in the mornings and the bench seat is padded with quilts and there is a pillow and blanket. Then we were off to get her a new curling iron. But first I had to get a gingerbread latte at Starbucks! So then it was off to Walmart and we end up getting lots of things of course. I got the cutes flannel pj's that have Eeyore building snowmen! We stopped at Mervyns and did some more shopping. Renne picked out a Christmas gift for her dad and then some pjs for herself. I got some snowman earings. Then we got home and she unloaded the many packages. I packed up all the Harvest things so we could decorate Sunday. Finally I got to check my email and found an award from Jana thank! Then I changed this blog over after all that!!! Have a Happy Sonday! Hugs, Hi friends, Another workd for thinking about. I am thinking about how I want to decorate this blog. I am thinking about how much decorating I will do in this house since we are still semi-packed, waiting for the tile that is still sitting on a ship somewhere. I am thinking about the gifts I have bought and the ones I still need to get. I thinking about what God has taught me over this past year. I am thinking that I need more time to do all the things I want to do. Well I better get to bed before I overwork this tired out brain.Hugs, Today's Saying is: Homemade gifts are special. Hi friends, I love to give and receive homemade gifts, especially at the holdiays.(Thanks Julie) I am currently making 6 gingerbread air freshners for my cousin who is giving them as gifts. I will be giving some away also. I love to craft when I have the time. I especially like to go to craft shows and see all the unique crafts. I am thankful to God for giving me this creative side were I can express the country girl in me! God bless you!
Today's Saying is: God is a cosntant force in our lives. Hi friends, I just got back from our Women's fellowship. I went up to welcome the ladies and give announcements and was just so happy to see all the women that were there. Earlier in the day I had that twinge of nerves when I was thinking about going up. So I set my bath and talked to the Lord and then he put this thought in my head and I just relaxed, even laughed a little and then it was like He was telling me to share it. So when I was up
was asking the women if they liked the "fall weather", everyone laughed because it was almost 90 today! I asked how many of them had packed up the summer stuff and pulled out the winter clothes like me and they nodded in agreement. I was telling them that I didn't want the weather to be hot 'cause then I would have to dig out the shorts and shave my legs and they all started laughing. But then I got serious and said that our California seasons are always changing like the seasons in our life and that is expected. But what doesn't change, what remains a constant is God's love for us. After I prayed I introduced Melissa and we tunred down the lights and had an awesome time of praise and worship. When that was all done we had pumpkin pie and enjoyed a time of fellowship. God is good! God bless you! Today's Saying is: Thoughtfulness builds a bridge of understanding between two caring hearts. Today's Saying is: A teenage daughter is expensive! I am a little frazzled right now after shopping with my daughter and her friend. You know when she says I need razors and then in goes the shaving cream, the hair stuff and then a little candy, chips, soda and so on. Then of course I had to get my hair color.Yes she is expensive, but she is worth it!I am thankful for so many things. Thankful that I can still remember what it was like to be a teen. Thankful for my family and friends and our good health. Thankful that we can go spend an evening with friends for diiner and pray for our marriages. Thankful that we can talk about our beliefs on the net. I am blessed! Have A happy Sonday! Hugs Today's Saying is: To learn is to grow! I am so excited right now. A few of my friends and I have been discussing something from the Bible and everyone is sharing. And the thing we agreed is that we all belong to the our Father in heaven. You know when there is a in your heart and soul to push you to grow. So though part of me is going through early mentalpause, my soul is still learing and growing. Have a great weekend! God bless you!
Today's Saying is: There is a time of transition. Hi Friends. I am sitting here thinking about my day. I got all settled in my van this morning and was just thanking God for the comfort of an old van to have quiet time. After work I went to the Sugar Plum craft festival at the Orange Country Fairgrounds. There were so many fall and Christmas decorations and I bought a few new items. So now I have scarcrows and snowmen sitting side by side on my computer as I transition from fall to Christmas. Life is full of transitions. Right now I am in transition both in my physical life and in my spiritual life. During this transition I am preparing for my final destination in Heaven. God bless you! Today's Saying is: Be prepared for any weather! Hi friends! From Thursday through Saturday we had cold weather and rain. A few days ealier I had planned to meet up with my friend Doralee. But we didn't think it was safe to drive in the storm. So instead, I packed my summer clothes, washed my winter clothes but decided to leave one pair of shorts out. Today it was almost 90 here where I live in So Califonia. Back East the weather changed and caused tornados that took many lives. That is the way of life. It can change one day to the next. Luckily because of meterologist-weathermen, we can get a fore warning and get prepared. Sometimes preparation can save time and truoble. Sometimes it doesn't matter what we do, things can change to the unexpected. My life has been like that and there is only one sure thing I am prepared for. going to heaven. The predicitions come from the Bible. The Chief Meterologist has forewarned us. Everyday I know that things can change in the blink of an eye. One moment I will be here and the next I will be in heaven. Are you ready? God bless you, Susan Today's Saying is: A productive day is satisfying! Hi friends! I didn't have to work today and I enjoyed my day off. I got the extra sleep I needed and got to read my devotions, Bible and my Mentalpasue book. I got to chat with my friend Sue and take a bubble bath. I organized my sock drawer, winter clothes washed and hung up and got to do some sewing. I have to make the most of my time the rest of the week so I can work on my crafts to complete an order of 6 gingerbread air freshners. I am thankful to have had the day off in honor of Vetrans Day. God bless you. Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: A busy day can challenge my mind Hi friends! I am sitting here thinking about the past two days and how busy I have been and yet I am not tired. I am thankful that my husband had been off and getting his rest. Thankful that I could go shopping with my daughter. She ran into her two close friends at the mall and then I ran into my two close friends. Later we went to our friend house so Renee could attend one party and then we were off to another party. She is only 13, but these are all kids from church and parents are there. Thankful that my hubby was content to have a quiet house all to himself and relax with our dog Reina on his lap. Today was another busy day. Church in itself was fun. Pastor is on a series on dating and marriage. The past few weeks while discussing dating/courting, he has been telling the parents to leave the kids in Sunday school. Today he was reading out of the Song of Solomon in the Bibile. It is known as the love chapter in regards to marriage. He spoke on how sex, yes sex is a gift that God gave a married couple to enjoy. I won't go into details, but lets say there was lots of amens by men and women! My 2 sons were in there(21, 19) and we have already discussed this. Now I am 47 and hubby 48 and and no sex does not end in the 40's like many kids think. I know that some of you might be thinking that oh my gosh she is talking about sex, but I am not saying anything wrong. I want to remember this day and thank God that there is such openess/honesty in our church. I want my kids to go into their marriages undetstanding this wonderful gift that God gave us. I want my kids to know that communication and honesty are important factors in marriage. Time goes to fast. many of you have young kids and think oh it is a long ways off. But kids mature so much faster now days and we can't wait long to tell them things that parents need to tell their kids in love. May God bless you, Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: Saving special memories is worth the time Hi friends! I have been scanning pictures the last few days of my most recent activities. Today I aslo redid my Hawaii pictures at my family site. It takes lots of time as many of you know, but it is the worth the time. It has been raining since yetserday afternoon pretty steadily. The fireplace has been on and my autumn candles have burning. My husband and I have enjoyed a total day of relaxation. The only thing we did was make homemade chicken soup which was great for today. Bye now. God bless you! Hugs, Susan 
Today's Saying is: Ask for the Blessings "And Jabez on the God of Israel "Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me. and that You would keep me from evil, that I amy not cause pain! And God granted him what he requested." 1 Chronicles 4:10,NKJV Hi friends, as some of you know, I am a multi book reader I just finished reading the Prayer Of Jabez for Women by Darlene Wilkerson. She gave a women's perspective to her husband's book The Prayer of Jabez There was one thing she mentioned toward the end of the book that just made me say "That is me!" She said there was a lady that had a new situation at work that caused her to fear and doubt herself. So the lady went straight to the bathroom, closed the door and recited a few verses and then prayed to the Lord. She then was filled with a sense of peace and calm. I thought wow, there are others who meet God in the bathroom! You know God wants us to meet Him anywhere and in all situations. He wants to bless us, comfort us, meet our needs. He wants us to call out to Him and meet Him. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Count your Blessings Count your blessings instead of your crosses, Count you gains instead of your losses. Count your joys instead of your woes, Count your friends instead of your foes. Count your courage instead of your fears, Count your laughs instead of your tears. Count your full years instead of your lean, Count your kind deeds instead of your mean. Count you health instead of your wealth, Count on God instead of yourself. Author unknown sent to me by email. Today's Saying is: It's good to be home! 
Hi friends, I had another great weekend away with a couple of friends, Kelli and Debbie. Kelli's sister in law has a cabin in Running Springs which is close to Big Bear CA. I guess we were at 6000 ft high and Big Bear City is close to 8000. Anyways, we had a great time of fellowship. Each of us did or own individual studies during our quiet time. We did a lot of eating and lots of shopping. We also did a craft-deocpauging a clear plate with fall leaves and a scripture verse. Sunday we visited running Spring Community Church. They sang about 8 songs, all of which we knew. The Scripture Reference was Luke 22:14-23 This is the highlights of the message. Jesus has a burning desire to know us. Jesus has something special for us.We have something special for Jesus. It is bringing ourselves to Jesus just as we are. Jesus has a burning desire to love us. That is why He died for us. He suffered for us because we are worth it. Jesus finished the race for us and He wants us to finish the race for Him. He wants us to serve Him by serving others. Jesus was an ultimate example of being a servant. He wants us to be in church Hebrews 6:10-11 What are we doing draw us closer to the Lord? Are we reaching out to others. What are we doing for Him? Is He the driving force in our life. Is He the burning desire of our heart? What is our prayer to Him? (Break in me anyting that resist your Will). We also had Communion=eucharist Giving thanks to God for His sacrifice. We will someday break bread with Jesus in heaven, our eternal home. Today as I was leaving work I was thiking about heaven and the Lord. Today I was also sharing with my friend Tammy about our mutual longing to be with God. Our spirits long for that eternal home. But we know that it is all in God's timing. I had fun this weekend while I was gone, but I had a reassuing peace as I was headed home. That is what it will be like for us someday when we are on our way home and we will say "It is good to be Home!" Hugs and blessings, Susan Today's Saying is: A Fun Family Night makes good memories! 
Well our church Harvest night was a success. We had lots of fun watching the kids enjoy a safe night in cute costumes. This year my husband helped and we brought our dog Reina and she did very well. All our kids were there too. Our van one of two best decorated cars again. I got all my harvest flowers and garden sings and decorations and my Scarecrows and fixed them all up. It was fun to watch my husband fix things up and really so serious about it! We had a battery operated pumpkin and I put the saying listed below on a piece of wood above the pumpkin. May you filled with the Light and love of God! Hugs and blessings. Susan Today's Saying is: Let your light shine for Jesus! Our church will be holding a Harvest trunk or treat tomorrow and my husband I have volunteered to host our car. We even plan to take our dog Reina who will have a leopard cape on to match her collar and leash. We will be doing this as a community outreach to provide a safe alternative to Halloween. I plan to decorate with my fall scarecrows and decorations. One of my scarecrows will be holding a sign that has today's saying on it. I will leave you with this: A woman was asked by a co-worker, "What is it like to be a Christian?" The co-worker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see." "Let you light so shine before men, that they may see yuor good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Happy Harvest and God bless you! Susan
Today's Saying is: Bless the Harvest! That is the saying that one of my scarecrows is holding that sits on top of my computer hutch. When I see that sign it makes me think how blessed I have been this season. my kids are all healthy. My husband and I had great time together on our weekend together at Lake Arrowhead. There was no snow, just sunny cool fall weather. The cottage we stayed in was wonderful and I plan to do a web page with the pictures I took. We even got to see the Angels games, way to go Angels! During my quiet time up there I just thanked God that He was with us all through the past year that was a hard one for my husband and myself. But that time only confirmed out committment to each other and now we are enjoying the harvest of the year. We both enjoyed our time together and talked about how God was working in us as we were in a new season of our marriage. We really enjoyed the beauty of the surroundings that God was showing as well as the many things we are blessed with. I am lucky my husband likes to shop and we visited a Thomas Kinkaid Gallery and an Angel Wings store. It made me think of my friend AngelonWings. The teddy bears reminded me of all my friends that like Teddy Bears and then there was the birdhouses that reminded me of other friends. My husband was very patient as we shopped and I talked about my many friends on the net. I sould go on and on about this great weekend but I can't hear. BUt one things I know... God is good! I want to thank those of you who had us in prayer this weekend. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Happy Birthday to my hubby! I just finished making him home made tacos and rice. My daughter helped me and my son made the beans. This is what my hubby asked for because we have been going out a lot for birthdays. It is cold today for So California, in fact is raining as we speak. Tomorrow my hubby and I are going to the mountains and now there might even be snow! I thank God for my family, for the abundance that we have, and that we are all Christian who love the Lord. I am also thankful for all my friends in my life including you on the net! Hugs and God bless you! Susan
Today's Saying is: Our lives would contain greater peace if we spoke all the good we know of another; rather than the bad. It is so easy to focus on the negative and remember the bad things. But there is lots of peace when we can let go of those things and be filled with Gods peace. Lots of times we feel neglected because we feel our needs are not being met. Well people are not perfect and they an never meet all our needs. But God can. "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:5 This verse really stood out as I read it today in The Power of a Praying Women by Stormie Omartian. Every morning I am thanking God for all the things He blesses me with. I know I have so much to learn, but that is okay with me. God bless you! Susan
Today's Saying is: Listen to your body! Today I came home from work and went straight to bed. I had been feeling tired all day today. Normally I would check my emails, but not today. As I am working on my priorities, and as I get older, I realize I have to take care of me. God has been showing me so much lately. I really enjoy my quiet time in the morning with God now that I get up so early. But I am a night person and that is when I like to blog hop. When I get the rest I need I find that I am less stressed. I know my family appreciates that :)Well I am going to get ready for Bible study. Everyone have a great day! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Working together is a blessing! Today my husband and boys painted our bathroom. We had a painter that finished 3/4 and then left! Well we have never been burned like that before and it was creating a lot of tension. So we decided to move on and the boys said they would finish. I am so proud of them and my hubby! My daughter and I went and bought sub sandwiches for the boys and hamburgers for my hubby. Now we are relaxing and watching the Angel game. I have the tv next to the computer so I am here with them. Tomorrow they will paint some more trim. I am at work this week while my husband is off so that is why they are painting. I would help, but I have a shoulder injury. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Marriage Counseling after 28 Years! Today my husbamd and I had to take an assesment at our marriage counseling appointment. There are things we need to work on like better communication skills. We both know we are committed to each other and we do love each other. We need a major tune up in some areas and there is no room for wondering what would people think. I am so blessed that we go to a church that has a great couseling program. I am blessed that my husband wants to go. I am blessed to be an example to others who are afraid to admit there are problems. I am blessed to see God working in our lives! Hugs, Susan Oh my adoption cottage is open at Cottage Garden Adoptions
Today's Saying is: It's just a game. Well as of now the Angels are not winning. But it is just a game and one of the California teams will win and that is great! But then not all things are a game. Today I went to our leadership meeting at church and some big decisions were made! We have decided to step out in faith and trust in God to provide the means for our future church. We bought the land 2 years ago at $750,000 and we paid that off but now for the rest $4.6 million. Remember we are talking about So. California here. But as I mentioned to some friends, we have a vision of having a preschool and a youth center and someday a school. I would love to be a teacher there. Well God will lead us. Oh, the meeting ended after 2 hours so we could go and watch the World Series. Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Make the most of your time. Life is moving way to fast and we need to make the most of our time!I know the Lord is showing me that I need to keep my priorities in order. That means spending time with Him every day. He is also reminding me to spend time with my family. So tonight we will all be home watching the Angel game together. And God is telling me to take care of myself. To be content in Him, to trust in Him, and be filled with His love. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Go Angels Well tomorrow is game number 1! We live about 20 minutes from Angel Stadium but we will be watching it on tv. The past few days at work have been busy. We have been putting stamps on special edition cachets for the game. 10,000 of them that will have a specail World Series cancellation on them. There is a lot of excitement,but Jesus is my World Series All Star! Well I am off to watch Providence with my hubby! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Learning is still fun! I just came back from Bible study and we started a new book called Hebrews. Pastor Jim gave us background before starting. I love history but it can be so hard to remember facts. But this is one thing I will remember. The Bible was written by over 40 authors, over 1500 years and in 3 languages. God talks to us in many different ways. The more I learnm the more I want to learn. Its nice to still feel excited about learning, even now as my memory goes out here and there with this premenopuse thing! Well just wanted to share my excitement. Remember God is talking to us. Are we listening? Hugs and blessings! Susan 
Today's Saying is: Mentoring is a way of life. I am very fotunate to be a board member of our Women's ministry. I have been blessed to lead the group a few times and I have learned so many things. Our ministry is really growing and we have really encouraged women to get involved. Now we have some women that are taking on a new ministry. As we have mentored them, they want to mentor younger women. So they will be reaching out to the 18-25 year group; those in between the youth group and the young adult groups. There is a need for these women to be taken under the wings of women who have been there and guide them through the rough young adult world where there is so much temptation. What a blessing to reach out to these women. It is these young women that will the future leaders and servants in women's ministry. Praise God! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Be Kind to Yourself! I just finised my devotion time out in my little patio. I am reading A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado. The chapter I was reading is on being kind. Max gives wonderful word pictures to make his point. Not just a point, but a lesson that makes you think and really inspires you. Max syas that kindness is doing something nice for someone jut because without expecting anything else. Iti s easy to do kind things for people we know, but what about the person we don't know or don't like? Then is remeinded me that Jesus is kind to us, so why can't we be kind to ourselves??? We can be really tough on ourselves for many reasons. Yet God knows everything about us and still loves us! Love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Rest is good! It's a nice fall day here in So California. We are watching the Angel game and just relaxing. Earlier I was reading from my Prayer of Jabez book for Women. I was slo reading a book on natural hormones for the PMS group I am faciltating. The book really stresses that it is so important that women get the rest they need. Doing to much depletes our hormones and throws our whole system out of wack. The Bibe also says it is also important to rest in the Lord. To be still and meditate on Him and be spiritually refeshed. So take the time to get plenty of rest! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Take time to reflect on your blessings. I thank the Lord for another week of life. I am so blessed that my family knows the Lord. My kids are in the next room watching Shreck. They are not little. They are 21, 19 and 13 and yet they are content to just relax at home and that is a blessing! I am blessed to know my hubby is a good dad and husband. My house is upside down during the remodel, but I am blessed to have a home. My parents are well, my family healthy and happy. Things can go up and down, but God's love is constant and that is the greatest blessing! Everyone have a nice weekend! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: There is Joy when the lights go on again! I am feeling a lot of peace at the moment. My husband and I have been working on our relationship more and we are planning a get away to the mountain s in a few weeks. I am listening to my body and getting more rest now. I am reading several things at the moment along with my Bible. But what is real exciting is when I hear something on the radio, and read something in the Bible and then read something else, I know God is talking to me. And today while I was reading Max Lucado's new book A Love Worth Giving a light went on my head. Max was talking about patience and understanding and how God has so much for us and how we are suppose to do the same. I khow I have read and heard lots of things about it, but a light just went on and with a new understadning and I just felt a joy, peace and excitement all at once! It has been a long day and I am off to bed, but I just had to share how I was feeling. Hugs and God bless you! Susan
Today's Saying is: Everyone needs a quiet place. As I mentioned a few reads ago, I found a garden shelf and decorated it and my patio. So today I took a basket out there and sat down and read my Max Lucado devotion. Then I just sat there and enjoyed the peace and talked to God. I finally put up a windchime and I love to hear the sound as the breeze passes by. I plan to go out there everyday when I can. I need that quiet time because life is so busy and I need to just "be still". God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Hard work is satisfying when you see yor results pay off Hi friends! I spend a few hours working in my walkway garden. I got some weeding done, and moved some rocks around and put up more fall decorations on my new garden shelf. Renia my doxie sat inside her puppy playpen as I worked and she was enjoying the sun until I turned on the sprinklers. Then she wanted up, just like a baby! So I put her in the house where she curled up on my reading chair and fell asleep. I went back out and cleaned up. So now I am ready to go soak in a hot bubblebath! My mind is satisfied with what I did, but my body is not to happy! 
Today's Saying is: So many things I want to do...so little time! Hi friends! Well I want to thank all who prayed for me regarding the PMS group. Things went great and I am really excited to see a need met. Today after work, I went to the Sugar Plum Craft festival. So many beautiful crafts and I had set aside some money for this very occasion.. I spent 2 hours there in no hurry 'cause my hubby had to work overtime. So after putting several things in my basket, and then going in circles and putting things back, I made my selections. I got a couple of snowmen and a package to make black bean and rice soup. I found a really cute yard sign that says "Fall Blessings" on it. But then I saw something I had been wanting for a long time, but it was either too big, or to expensive. A garden workbench, just the right size and price. I plan to take a picture of it when I have it all decorated. So now I want to work in the garden and decorate and work on my crafts and read my books and play on this computer! God is so good! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: I Will Remember You" That is one of my favorite songs and Amy sang it last night. She said it reminded her of someone special who touched her life and that person had passed on over 10 years ago. But that person still had a place in her heart that she could take with her because of her memories. The concert was so good! We got to Anaheim Vineyard at 4pm and got in line for a long wait. They didn't let us in until 6 and we got pretty good seats. The concert opend up with Fernando Ortega who is on tour with Amy. Then Amy came out and the house rocked. She sang around 18 songs, many of the old ones and a few from her new CD called Legacy that has mostly hymns. Her huband Vince Gil was a part of the band and even sang a couple of his own songs. She spent lots of time talking in bwtween songs and sharing about her life. She made me laugh when she seemed to lose her thought for a second and then said something like, you know what having a baby at 40 does to you?" I have problems remembering a lot now! One litte barefoot girl joined her on stage to "help" her sing El Shaddai. We left as she sang her last song around 11:15pm to beat the traffic. I just saw on TV that Amy and Vince will be on channel 10 PST on Primetime Thursday. I plan to watch that. Tomorrow I will be busy getting ready for the class on PMS. Today after work I took a 3 hour nap before going to Bible study which was great! God bless you! Hugs, Susan 
Today's Saying is: Share your heart wtih your friends." I just came back from a Heartwarming party. I had a nice time with friends sharing about the class that will start on Thursday. We enjoyed snacks like chocolate chip cookies and popcorn apple jucie. Fall is here and so in a new season. It's good to relax after a busy day. I had went to work, went to marriage counseling and had my hair cut and it is just Monday! Tomorrow is the Amy Grant concert that my husband and I are going to and I am really looking forward to our date night. I have a full schedule this week, but I know I can get through it. I also need to remember that my husband is my friend. That may seem odd to say, but it has been a rough year for us and we forget to have fun sometimes. So tomorrow is our day and I plan to share my heart-my love with him. Hugs to all of too! Susan
Today's Saying is: Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 I just came back from a planning meeting with my friend Karyn. She will be helping me to facilitate my group on PMS, perimenopause and depression that begins this Thursday. Today they announced at church that I was leading that group and then it hit me..."Lord can I really do this?!" And then God gave me that verse. My mind is going in all kinds of directions as to all the information I want to present in the group. But over and over again I need to rely on God. That can be hard because I am a controller by nature. I am comfortable when things go my way. But my way is not God's way. That takes on the next issue-trust(told you my mind is all over.) Like my freind Doralee, I also have trust issues. God knows that and He is calling me to trust in Him, in ALL things. That is where I need to grow. So when I tell God I am afraid, He says to trust in Him. When I tell Him I don't know how, He tells me to trust in Him, He will equip me. My friend Kacy said that God was scrapping the muck off her and it hurt. Wow I know that feeling. But we grow from it. The Bible says"..knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3,4. My emotions are all over right now, but I can't rely on them, I must rely on the truth of the Word. So many verses are coming to my head right now. Again I leave asking that you would keep me in prayer this week. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 That is one of my favorite verses and my daughters favorite verse too. It doesn't mean I am perfect or anything-far from it. It means I have to depend on God's strength to do many things. For instance, I have so much responsibility on my shoulders at work now that my supervisor retired. . She trained me over the past few years to handle one of her programs for"such a time as this"! And the best advise she gave me was "You can do it because God will give you the strength and knowledge. I was very happy to receive two more awards today. Again I am just the hands. Every day when I write here, I asked the Lord "What is is that you want me to share?" God is teaching me so many things and He wants me to share them. We are all so special in His eyes because He loves us! God bless you! Susan
Today's Saying is: Bring in the harvest The weather is finally cooling down and the leaves are showing the beginning of the fall color change. But the signs of the hot dry summer are still evident. So today my family worked out in the yard. We pulled up dried plants and weeds, and the grass got mowed and edged. I changed the flowers in the planter boxes upstairs to fall plants. I brought out the fall garden signs, wreaths and wall hangings. I still have to dig out my fall birdhouses. I like to change my decor to match the seasons. I want to say welcome autumn! Well that is what God does in out lives throughout the seasons of our lives. The dry, dead parts have to be removed. He uses different things like His Word to feed us as we prepare for this new season. But mostly He wants to remind us that we are to share is love with others. Just like a nice garden looks inviting to the people that see it, so do we when we are doing God's will and sharing His bountiful love that is everlasting. And someday. God will bring in the harvest of His believers. God bless you! Susan Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: 
This is my memory verse this week. A few of my friends and I are trying to learn 1 verse a week. So far, so good! I plan to go to Bible study in awhile. I don't really feel well, but my spiritual self wants to be fed even though my physical self says don't go. I will go lay down for awhile and see how I feel. Regardless of how I feel, every day is a blessings. Hugs, Susan 
Today's Saying is:"You say it's autumn?!" The calendar might say it is autumn, but here in So. California, it has been HOT! Over 103 where I live. There are several fires burning around 25 miles away and the smoke has come out this way. Counds have come in and we sure need the rain. I pray that people are safe and that God gives strength to the firefighters that are working in this heat. Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is:"Girls just want to have fun!" I just got back from "Fall back into fellowship", our Women's Ministry monthly event. We have been on break for a couple of months and tonight we opened up with bunco. There is no fall here yet, being over 100 today! But the ladies did come out to have fun and there were many new women. Though we board and committee members do a lot to prepare for an event like this, we are just so happy to see how God brings women together. So many women long to make friends. Besides the games there was tons of goodies to eat and of course out Pastor had to grabbed a few home made chocolate chip cookies in between his men's group. There was enough to give to the kids in childcare too. Well I am off to bed now, tired but well pleased. Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is:"I Love my family!" Today was my dad's 69th birthday. The whole family got together at my parents home to celebrate. It was so nice to be with my parents and siblings and the rest of the family. A year ago this July, my dad suffered a mild heart attack and had to have a triple bypass. It really made us realize how precious life is. Then my mom broke her hip a few months later, and we took turns being with her.They are both doing well in their own real estate business. Though are lives are busy we try to get together for holidays, graduations and birthdays like today. Life has been up and down for me but the love for my family-the love of our family keeps growing stronger through the years. We all can thank our Heavenly Father who has kept us together to share His love with each other. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is:"Take your time. Listen to what is inside of you. Making something from scratch is fun. Find pleasure in in." Lucy Swindol This saying is just so appropiate since I am in the crafting mood. I have been gathering my supplies over the past few days and I am ready for my first project. I will be decopauging a plate with a harvest theme. My daughter will be doing her own with a leopard theme. At the same time I will share a verse with her that went along with the saying.."I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts." Exodus 31:3. That was a new verse for me! I think I will add it to my craft page. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: "Love is free, and yet it require much compassion, mercy, kindness and grace." It has been a long week for me and yet I made it. Work has been so busy lately and I try to read my devotions every day at breaktime. The saying above was one that touched me. It made me realize that though love is free, it still is a choice. You have to put into it. My Pastor of counseling said that we have to five 100% of ourselves, and we know how hard it is to do that. Yet our heart yearns to be loved and so it is well worth the investment. It is something that money can't buy. And to end I want to say thanks to all of you who have supported me with your prayers and comments. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: There are blesings in a peace offering! As I mentioned before, I am on this emotional rollercoster. It has been hard on me and hard on my poor hubby, not to mention that he has had his own issues. We have changed a lot in 28 years. I mean I was 17 when I met him and now I am 47!!! Last night we decided to just sit and talk about lots of things, Well for me it was lots of crying. You see, for most of my marriage-life I would not cry. I could not cry. I had hidden my emotions so well to be "strong" that it was something very hard for me to express. But the past few years, I have leraned that I have these emotions that God gave me and I have to express them. But I don't have much balance yet. So imagine how hard it has been on hubby to see his "in control wife" lose it. And the one thing that has helped me through this is my relationship with God. He wants to be there for me, but I haven't learned to give it all over to Him. Last night my husband and I agreed that we both have to put God first while He helps us through this stage of our life. Remember, for better for worse and God willing for better. I am as honest as I can be here because for so long I was afraid to admit any kind of failure for fear that I would not be liked. But I have nothing to lose by being honest about what is going on. Well after work we went out to dinner and then my husband really surprised me by buying me tickets to the Amy Grant concert coming up Oct. 1st. We are going together and I am really looking forward to our date. Thank God for peace offerings! And one more thing, please keep us in your prayers! Thanks! God bless! Susan
Today's Saying is: PMS...pure mean stuff! Well that can be me at times with this pms that is also kicked up a notch with being perimenopausal! Its funny, but somtimes we have to be the one to go through something and then be the one to "teach others." A few months ago I mentioned to our Pastor of Counseling and our Director of Women's Recovery groups that we needed a speaker on pms and depression. So it was decided that once we got the speaker, we would need a follow up group and guess who is leading that group..me! So lets back up about 20 some years. I got married 28 years ago. I graduated from college 25 years ago. I wanted to work in counseling and in the medical field. Plans changed when I could not have a baby when I wanted one. So meanwhile I took more classes and read every book I could find on the women's cycle so I could get pregnant. I had a degree that mean very little to me because my desire to have a baby was #1. That placed me at planned parenthood taking a pregnancy test. Thinking I had some medical background, they let me know they had an opening as counselor. Wow. the pay sounded great and in a field that was very exciting. But I could not work in a place where I would have to discuss abortion. It wasn't for me who so much wanted a baby After 3 miscarriages, I was eventually blessed with 3 kids! Praise God! So now back to the present. The Lord has placed me in a situation to use what I have learned to serve Him now, in His time and despite the ups and downs of my emotional and physical rollercoaster life. He needed someone that could finally admit that she is human and just like everyone else. Soemone that could relate and understand. So I can say PMS, Praise my Savior!" Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up."James 4:10 Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Take time to share your talents. With the harvest time close at hand, the crafter in me has a mind full of ideas! So today I took my daughter to some craft stores. I talked to her about talents and how we are all good at something. I found a Raggedy doll holding a gingerbread doll. I will have to take a picture of her. My daughter found some sort of leopard print fuzzy thing and I let her have it. I told her I wanted to teach her how to embroider. She loves stars, so she will start with that. Afterwards I got a carmel mocha frapuchino at Starbucks and then we got her a smoothie at Dairy Queen. My daughter is 13. She is growing more independet every day. So I have to take the opportunity to spend with her, teach her and encourage her while I can. Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Those who sow words of kindness reap the joys of love and friendship I just love this saying and I have a beautiful garden of friends! Have a nice weekend! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: Oh no, not PMS! I just came back from an information night on PMS. Most women know what that is. So many women deal with it. Men have a hard time understanding, but we women know. So a few years ago my friend Stephanie and I talked about this house we would like our church to build. It is described at the a web page calledThe PMS House It is a place of support with a tocuh of humor. I know that for many of us, we get our support from our friends on the net and that is a blessing! Hugs, Susan
Today's Saying is: "One Nation Under God!" That's whats written on my shirt I wore to Bible study tonight. Well it actually was prayer and worship night. We prayed for so many things tonight- Lord heal our land. We prayed for all those affected by 9/11. We prayed that people could look beyond the color of skin and remember about brotherly love. We have to remember that though it's through "evil" people that we are being attacked, they are just what we can see. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers and powers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual forces in the spiritual realm." Ephesians 6:12. So what is our weapon...prayer. It is hard to explain how I feel when I sing to my God who loves all of us. It is such sweet music in my ears to hear a room of believers praising God. We live in a nation that still allows it. Seek Him while He may be found. God bless America! Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: "Open the eyes of my Heart Lord!" This saying is a song that I really like. I was thinking tonight about a meeting I was at. We sat there discussing our plans for our Women's Ministry. We just touched on a few main topics. We talked about how important communication is and reaching out to others. We talked about integrity, honesty and accountability. Past failures don't hold us back. They make us grow. So what does this have to do with the song? It all begins in our hearts. Good and bad come from our heart-minds. I pray that we can look to God for the good and learn from the bad. God does take a bad situation and turn it into good. We grieve for those lost on 9/11/2001. But there is a lot of good that came from it. We are a stronger nation with more patriotic pride than ever before. More people have turned to God for comfort and to each other. Everyone one will honor this day in their own way. I plan to spend time in pray that God will open our eyes and hearts to His everlasting love for us. Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: "You are never to old for a nap!" I came home from work today, checked my messages, grabbed by dog Reina and went upstairs. I was so tired from such a busy week, I needed a nap to recuperate! There was a time I would just push myself to be super woman. But now I try to listen to my body. Just like my physical body needs to get rest, my spiritual soul needs rest. I do that by spending quiet time, reading my Bible, usually the Pslams. I also listen to worship music.
Well I am off to bed now. Everyone have a great week! Oh question, does anyone know where this blinkie Today's Saying is: "Friends are Life Enhancers!" Yesterday and today I had a chance to spend time with friends. Our Marriage Group met yesterday. We went on our annual outing to the beach for dinner and then desert on the boardwalk. We meet once a month and get together, usually at each other's home. Then today after church, 6 of my friends drove to Temeucla Old Town for lunch and shopping. We are so lucky to be able to hold hands in a public place and pray. We are so lucky to be able to encorage one another in our daily walk and to be able to have fun and laugh together. We are so lucky to have friends on the net to share with. Friends truly do enhance our lives! Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: "True friendships last a lifetime!" Today I had lunch with my friend Anita. Our friendship is older than some of you young women- 32 years. We met in high school. She over heard me talking to another girl about a boy. She asked me if this boy had a brother because she liked the boys brother. Anyways, we did a lot that summer. I can still remember listening to 45's on a turntable. If you don't know what that is, email me:) She informed me that she had gone back to college. It seems like only yesterday we were both so happy having been accepted to UCI. We had such big plans, both of us being the first generation going to a four year university. Today we talked about our kids and their college choices, her daughter at Loma Linda Univ. and my Andrew at Cal Baptist Univ. We also talked about the hormonal ups and downs of our premenopause state and dealing with the young teens we still have. The time went to fast. But we both agreed that we did not feel our age. God willing we will have a lot more lunches together, the rest of our life! Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: "There is a calm wind before the storm" This evening my husband and I sat out on the deck enjoying the still coolness, watching the clouds move in. It has been humid all day and only a few drops of rain have appeared. But the weather says the storm will be arriving. We sat there talking about the things we need to do around our house. Our painter flaked out on us after completing 3/4 of the job. It has caused lots of tension. But tonight we decided to work as a team and plan what we need to do. We have some peace about the decisions we made. We were able to just be still and see the big picture, not all the little problems that we make big. There will always be storms in our lives. God is showing us to look to Him and trust Him. That is the big picture to believe in! Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: "Look what the wind blew in" The clouds are rolling in and rain is on its way. Yea! Sunday was 108 here and it seemed it would never go away. Because of the winds, a tropical srom is coming in and the weather has cooled. So we took advantage of the cool weather to work in the yard. The whole family was out there doing something. I was out there racking leaves. Not the autumn falling leave, but the burnt to a crisp dried leaves. Things are looking good in our yard again. It made me think about how God-the wind can change the weather in our life. Just when things are so hot and we wonder how we can manage, the temperature changes because of Him. Our family was working together because we took the opportunity to enjoy how the wind had blessed us. Hugs, Susan
I was thinking about the changing of seasons these past few days. The weather can be so nice and then we get a heat spell and this time it was hot! 108 on Saturday. So today when I found thiss verse, I was thinking that my marriage has been like that lately as we move from one season to the next in our marriage. You know, when it gets hot as in problems, I want to get out of the heat. But the lesson at church was telling us that we need to go through heat when we are being refined. God allows it because it molds us into better people. Ouch it hurts. As I thought about it, I realized, I may get hot, but I know I love my hubby. My kids might do things that burn me, but I love them and I know they all love me. Hugs, Susan I
I had lunch today with my friend Cynthia today. She use to live right by me and we use to do everything together. We go to the same church so we get to see each other every Sunday. But seeing each other and spending quality time is not the same thing. But our friendship is important so have to make time.
I am really blessed to have so many friends in my life, the ones I can see and all my friends I have made on the net. I also changed my index page to fall with Donna's new fall graphics. God bless you! 12:20am We just had a 4.6 earthquake from the town next to us. Ca shake and bake. It was strong. My chandalier swinging, my computer chair moving! Hugs, Susan I went to a craft show at a friends house and had a nice lunch. Then I picked up my daughter and we went shopping at the mall. Penny's is having a holiday sale and Renee got underwear and jeans. I got 2 pairs of pants for work. I spent a lot and everything was on sale. I only have one daughter and I remember what is is like to be teen and want to look nice. I have been working on the
WINGS site. That site is the Women's newsletter on the net for our church. So now I am off to sign blogs.
Hugs,
Well the 3 day weekend is almost here and the summer is almost over. Like many of you aI am tired of hot weather and here in So. California, it can be hot until October! I want fall to be here so I just changed my Whats New Page I don't have many things planned except to relax and work on my pages and go to a craft party and church. I amy garden if I want, but then I might not. Life is to busy not to relax and enjoy it.Hugs,
Today's Saying is: The Lord knows the right amount of sunshine and showers that are needed to produce a harvest within you." Roy Lessin We have been experiencing the sunshine and the showers over the past several months of our life. Besides all the growing we have been doing, there has also been some pruning. This is how we grow. What is put into us then is given out to be used by others to help them grow. This can happen in so many ways. I have been blessed to see this happen with the blog. So as we change our sites and blogs over to reflect the harvest, think about what God has been doing in your life. May the harvest be bountiful! Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: It is the pleasures in life that keep you going. There are so many things that give me pleasure. I love to listen to music and I love to read! We all have things that we just have to make time for. When we don't, we feel like we are missing something. But I also know that time is precious to me. And I am learning to keep my priorites in better better order. So when I listen to music, it is praise and worship music. I try to read my Bible and other books like those listed in this blog. I use to be so busy always doing things for others. But for me to be helpful with others, I have to feed my mind and soul and it gives me pleasuret keeps me going. Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: "You have a God who hears you." by Max Lucado I am reading His book called Traveling Light.It's just what I need right now. This part really hit me..."If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need." I just have to remember that no matter what my body or mind says, I have to keep following the Shepherd! I was reading this verse in the book. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3/NIV' Then I came home and that is the same verse on the verse of today! That is what God wants me to know. I have to keep my trust in Him. Thanks for your prayers. Hugs, Susan I just love rainbows and Andee was so nice to make me a linkie to share with you. It's on the upper top left if you want it. Thanks so much Andee for brightening my day! Hugs, Susan Oh and I just got this cute bee attitude adoption from my friend Michelle! You will find it on the left about in the middle. Thanks Michelle for giving me some joy!Hugs, Susan Today's Saying is: 
How many of us can feel like everything is just great one day and then totally down the next? Well that is me yesterday and today. At work on my break I read this verse "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,...let your mind dwell
on these things. Philippians 4:8" Then I found that same verse in my email in Moments Together for Couples. Then my friend Tammy sent me something to read that made me think some more. Feelings are so up and down and as I get older, they seem to really throw me for a loop. Maybe it's this pre-menopause thing that is just having a party with my emotions or maybe it's me and my stubborn pride that gets the best of me. Either way. I have to give it to God. I have to depend on Him for my source of strength and remember that His love is constant. His strength will restore me and His love will break down the wall of pride and hurt. Of course your prayers will help! God bless you! Hugs, Susan
I just came back a short while ago after being gone for 13 hours. We had the nicest time today on our day trip to Mexico. Everything was so nice. I am thankful I live in the USA. I am thankful that I have a wonederful church family to have fun with. I am thankful that we can pray on a bus for a safe trip or in the restaurant and not be ashamed. I am thankful for my part time job that allowed me to buy a few souvenirs. I am thankful that I could sit down and enjoy two great meals with friend. I am thankful that I have great kids that I trust at home. I am thankful my husband signed us up to go because there was a time he did not want to go to church social functions. I am thankful that I can have a nice hot bath now and sleep in a comfortable bed. Thank you God and God bless my friends! Hugs, Susan Tomorrow my husband and I are going with church freinds to a day trip to Mexico. We have rented two buses that are filled. There will be games and prizes and singing and movies. We will go there to shop and eat and the place we are going to is known for their great lobster dinners. I am so blessed to go to a church that knows how to enjoy life. An activity is planned once a month to foster clean, fun fellowship. I may not post tomorrow so everyone have a blessed weekend! Hugs, Susan I have decided that I want to learn a Bible verse each week. I choose this verse: "for by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8. I have been doing a study on grace and I decided this was the verse I had to memorize. Well I had seen this blinkie and K & K Premade Customs and was thinking about getting it. Today a few of my friends and I went to check out a conference enter in the mountains owned by Calavary Chapel. While on the tour, I noticed that one of the meeting rooms was called Grace and that same verse was posted outside the room. That was my confirmation I needed to go back and get the blinkie. Grace is undeserved, unmerrited favor from God. A gift, a blessing! Hugs, Susan I started a new book today called Traveling Light by Max Lucado. The first chapter gave a comical yet serious picture of the emotional baggage we carry thoughout life. Then he shared the 23rd Psalm. I am looking forward to reading tomorrow morning. So the question I pose is what baggage are you carrying? Hugs, Susan I thought this adoption said it all for me. Long ago I realized that I could spend all my time cleaning and then be too tired for other things more important. So I do what has to be done and then work a little each day to maintain. If if doesn't get done, oh well it will still be there for the next day. Life is to short. It is a matter of prioritizing and for me, accepting less than perfect because perfect does not exist in anything except the Lord. I chose to put Him first. My family comes next amd I make time for me too! Hugs, Susan When I first saw this quote, I thought how I love sunsets. That beautiful pinkish purplish color. And yes when there have been cloudy skies and the sun breaks though as it is setting, it look beautiful.
It made me thing that life is just like that. We can have storms and things seem so bleak and dark. But as those storms pass, we can see the color of life come back. Yes there was darkness for awhile, but as the Sun made its presence, the hope of a bright outlook is always there. Hugs, Susan
Today I went to the crafters store. Every year I make air freshner angels, some to sell and some for gifts. I plan to make gingerbread dolls to. I like to make my friends gifts. But it takes time to put the things together. But the ideas are in my head and I am ready to start crafting.
If you read my entry from a few days ago, I spoke of plates. I plan to make some of those too! Gifts from the heart! Hugs, Susan
Today I went to our ladies tea. It is the first tea in 9 years that I was not involved in. I could just rest and take it all in. Our guest speaker's main topic was on joy. Joy that comes from the Lord. When we surrender to Him, we can then accept the blessings He has for us. It is our decisions, our attitudes that set the pace for those around us. We can let life's circumstances disappoint us, or we can learn from them. Gloria has 2 handicapped adult childlen. She said that God makes no mistakes for all our precious in His sight. It was her kids that led her to the Lord and her ability to trust in Him has allowed her to find joy in life. The message gave me lots to think and pray about! Hugs, Susan I just love to read! But sometimes I have to re-read to really let the information to sink in. Kind of hard when it is something I don't want to hear, but need to hear. So I will be reading the Power of the Praying Wife -again! We can't change anybody but ourselves. We can chagne how we react, how we confront, how to be more kind, how to enjoy life! God bless you and have a nice weekend! Hugs, Susan I went to a craft class the other night. The project was
to decopauge a clear plage. We had to cut out pictures and glue them to the back of the plate. It was a slow process,but the more I worked on it, the more I delighted in what was happening.If I messed up, no problem. The wet glue allowed me to change the postion. There was a scripture verse that was centered in the middle of the plate. When I was almost done, I turned the plate around and what a nice surpirise to see what was a picture in my head, now on the plate. There were a few wrinkles and a few off places, but that added to the character of the plate. Every lady had her own unique plate.Well imagine how our Father in heaven sees us. He knows each and every piece of us and still delights in children, "for we are ferafully and wonderfully made!" Ps 139
Today I had lunch with my parents and I had a great time! But there was a time not to long ago that I didn't really enjoy being in their company. It was because I never felt good enough in their eyes. My child like mind could easily remember the wrongs, but not the good things. Things were especially distant between my mom and I. Then as I began experiencing the ups and downs of motherhood, I began to see things in a differnet light. And once I started going to church and getting involved in our women's support group, I learned lots of things about me that I had to see though the eyes of an adult and not as a child. Thank God He showed me many things that let me let go of the past and it began when my grandma died. I wrote a long letter to my mom to let her know how much I loved her. Well that was 7 years ago and things are really great today. I love my parents and I love being with them when I can. Now I feel like a little girl and woman that knows she is loved by her parents and I thank God for that! By the way, they gave me a beautiful diamond ring for my birhtday. They said "something pretty for their little girl!" But it is their love that means the world to me! Hugs, Susan
Today I thank God for another year of life! My family took me to the Claim Jumper for dinner and we had a very nice time! I am not ashamed to say I am 47 today! Many of you were born when I was graduating! I sure don't feel like it except for a few aches and pains that remind me. Thank God for hair color and good skin. There are so many things I am thankful for, my relationship with Jesus, my family my friends, my priveledge to have a computer and know how to use it and more! God bless you, Hugs, Susan Today was a busy day. We went to a wedding of our friends Deb and Cliff's son Chip to Gladys. Some of you may know Deb and "Amblessed" online. It is so weird to watch our kids grow up from young teens to getting married! But we can thank God for the lives of every generation! Hugs, Susan
Today was just a busy day and there was a 40th birthday party we had been invited to. As we have gotten older, my husband and I have enjoyed staying in on Friday nights. But we will always be"getting older". So we went to the party and had a great time. The felowship and food was great!We are so blessed to have friends that remember us when celebrating life! Hugs, Susan Today I went to see my Family Dr for a follow up appointment. I checked in early and thought I would have to wait. But they let me come in early and the Dr also saw me early. I was so hot from being on the freeway 1 1/2 hours with no air conditioning and near 100 heat. It felt great in the cool office. But my Dr. was cold and she asked if she could lower the temperature. She then came and took my hand and said she would take some of my heat I was experiencing and her hands were nice and cool. So we started talking and I asked her if she was a Christian and she said yes. So then I started talking about several things and I felt so safe with her. She has been my Dr. for several years and she is a very booked Dr. But we talked for 30 minutes and even laughed together. At the end she gave me a good hug and said not to let the little things get me down, but to focus on the blessing and God above. I left with a prescription, but it was that hug that was the best medicine that I could have received. Hugs, Susan I have met so many wonderful people in my life and the internet has widened the doors even more. Just doing this blog has been a blessing in so many ways. Most of us enjoy collecting the blinkies to decorate our pages. And how blessed we are to have friends that can make these for us. Of course I have several that were made by Lisa and some by request. Then tonight when I came back from Bible study I found this I was emailing my friend my thoughts on the Christmas tea for this year. Evey year it gets bigger and more fancy and costly too. We are having our "spring tea" in August this year-"summer tea" and so things are kind of close together. I have been involved with every tea since going to my church(1993) So I suggested we go back to a simpler way, potluck instead of catering, speakers from our own women, instead of guest speaker and simple Chirstmas songs. The only thing to remain the same is the ornament exchange. Don't get me wrong, we are not giving up the fancier things, we are just making it simple for all of us this year. Yes taking the kids to the amusement park is fun for all and memories have been made. But sometimes just pulling your child in your lap and singing to them and kissing them will still make a memory in their heart. Simple and intimate. Hugs, Susan When I sat down I put a cd on that I got while I was on Hawaii. It immediately made me think of the wonderful time I had while I was in Hawaii a couple of years ago. I had gone for a Women's Christian convention with my cousin and sister. My husband had been asking me about going to Hawaii for years, but I was too afraid to go on a plane. I had only been on 2 short flights and I thought, ok I will go because the Lord will be with me.
Ok back to the music. One of the songs is called Tag, You're It! The chorus says "Tag, You're It! Go change your generation! Tag, You're It! What a mighty revelation! I don't quit, and I don't miss. I tagged you for such a time as this. Tag, You're It! Get up and make a difference! Well isn't that we are doing? God bless you! Susan
Hawaii Hello! Earlier in the day, I thought, what should I use for today's saying? I had been busy working on my webpage when I got this clear message, "Be Still". So I went upstairs to the deck with my tray that has one of my Bibles, a devotional and a journal. I thought, ok be still and I turned to Psalms 46:10. I read it and just prayed. I started to rock in my chair and again I heard be still. So I did and I had a nice quiet time. Then I picked up my devotional and the passage was about worry. One line said, "we were created to live abundant lives in our minds, bodies and spirit". Then in a box next to the paragraph was the "saying". Funny thing is, I ran across that same saying this week at work in my government date planner! Wow, was God trying to tell me something yes! And all because I took the time to "be still". Hugs, Susan
Today I had 101 things I wanted to do and that meant sleeping in. My kids and I had breakfast and then we all set about doing the chores that we needed to get done. My daughter knew it was payday and she asked for a new shirt. So even though I had things to do and not so much money to spend, we did go shopping at Mervyns. Now if any of you have a teen, you know what that is like. My daughter is 13 and "just has to have.... So I told her I would let her pick out 1 shirt. Of course she went straight to jeans. But she doesn't need another pair and it will be hot here until September. So she found 2 tops that we both liked an I got them for her. Then she just wanted to "look" at Millers Outpost. Well we left there with another shirt and a pair of shorts, both on sale. I thought, "I only have one daughter and I should enjoy this time we have together. Time goes by so fast and once it is gone, it is gone." So I justed thanked God that I could take her shopping and that it was actually a nice outing and she did thank me. We think that just the big events make good memories, but sometimes the little things are just as important to be treasured in our hearts forever! Hugs, Susan
Music has always been a big part of my life I grew up in church where there was lots of singing. The children's church was always moving. There were so many songs that had movement to go along like, "I Ill Make You Fishters of Men" But when I went to the big church, it was just the opposite. We were very still and just held the books and followed along, but some of those songs are still there in my mind and they mean more know than before. I also grew up in the early days of American Bandstand and Mowtown-the 60's and the beach party shows and there was lots of singing and dancing.! Okay, two worlds, but a common theme of music. Music touches the soul and the words that go with the music are etched in our minds for a life time. For example, trying to learn a few verses from the Bible took practice, but the songs that have the Bible verse are learned so much more quickly. And even if you hear just the music, no words, your mind is transported back to a certain place in your mind where that song was played. Music lifts my spirit up when I am down. There is so much great music I love to worship the Lord with. What have I learned from all this; experience it as if you were still a child, with pure enjoyment. Hugs, Susan
By nature, I am a planner. I like to know where I am going.
Sometimes it is a good thing, to be able to see a plan from the first step to the completion. But the problem is that in the real world that we live in, things happen that can disrupt well laid out plans.Let me give you an example. For several years we have planned to paint our house, inside out. We finally got the money and hired a painter that was reccomended to us. But after a couple weeks, the guy shopped coming and the house was about 75% complete.
Meanwhile the boys are pulling out the flooring because we also plan to tile the downstairs. I am trying my best to keep this house organized.
My daughter's playhouse is now a storage house and filled from top to bottom with storage boxes. Needeless to say, I am not happy with what has happened.
My husband says the guy is busy and for me to have patience. Patience is at the bottom of my Fruits of the Spirit.So as I was laying downthis morning and praying, this verse came to me. I thought, "ok Lord, what is it you are trying to treach me?" Patience, trust in God, not man. "Ok Lord" I said, give me the strength to get me by day to day. Basically I was giving over a situation I can't control to the One who can.God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Hi Friends! For many of us, life is moving so fast, we feel overwhelmed. There are so many things that need to be done. Sometimes things go well, and other times they don't. The hard thing is to keep a positive look at the whole picture. I am a perfectionist in "recovery." If things aren't the way I think they should be, I am out of sorts. And if I don't look up to the positive, the many blessings that God has shown me, it is very easy to get down with the negative. The sayings I come up with our first for me and then I share it with you. May you look up to God and thank Him for all the blessings and then things won't look so bad. Also, God does not expect us to be perfect. He does want us to trust Him, God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Hi there! If you have spent any time at my site you know that I am always trying to provide words of encouragement or inspirational items. I have made so many friends on the net and feel really blessed to have done so. So the private person I once was now shares from the heart. I know many of us take so many things for granted, but as I get older, I realize that life is precious and time moves to fast. So if I can touch one person, then I am happy I can do so. God bless you! Hugs, Susan
Hi there! As you can see I am persistant! I couldn't go to sleep until this was done to my satisfaction and yes I am a recovering perfectionist! That's what allows me to maintain 3 websites and do the Newsletter for church. 2:30pm. Well I am really enjoying this whole thing. I like when I learn something new. Life has been so busy lately and I need time just to relax
We are doing some major work in our house right now. Painting in and out and then tile all downstairs. Thank God I have 2 strong sons who are taking out the old carpet as I speak.My daughter should be home from school right now and she runs up stairs. Either to keep me from seeing how much makeup she is wearing, or trying to get out of chores. Remember when you were 13?
Hi there! I am finally getting to do a blog. This is more like a journal of what's going on in my life.I could not figure out the FTP thing and so I decided I can do my own journaling.I want to thank God for giving me the ability to do "all things". I want to thank Him for my family and friends. Hugs, Susan |
comes from? Hugs, Susan
I was just so happy to receive it! And she even asked Andrea for help because it was something we had discussed about memories from my dating days with my husband. So thank you ladies and all the ladies that have been gifted by a talent from God above and share it with others out of their heart and love! God bless you! Hugs, Susan
