Christmas Day~2008

The kids just left a little while ago. Zack, Bonnie and the boys came up for Christmas Eve. We had a wonderful family time together, lots of food... We made Almond Roca and ate way too much food. :) Benjamin still loves to play Chef, and Samuel loves life, chips and Capri Sun. William is one of the most beautiful babies, of course all the babies in our family are beautiful. Life is good, God is great and I am looking forward to the New Year!

The Year Has Flown By...

It's hard to believe October and November came and went. We have been so blessed this year. I love my Grandchildren and am so grateful for my family. This year was difficult during the Thanksgiving holiday, the first year without my Mom. Thanksgiving was always her holiday, it was all about family, food and what matters most. We met Zack, Bonnie and the boys at Anthony's Fish Grotto for a untraditional Thanksgiving meal. Manny and I have taken some fun trips this year to San Diego and Dana Point. Work is great, I am so blessed to have a calling, as well as a job. Each day I thank God for who He is and what he is doing in my life.

Tooth Fairy Update

I just got a email that Benjamin lost another tooth today.
The Tooth Fairy is going to need a raise or a second job! :)

The Tooth Fairy Returns

Last week Zack told me Benjamin lost another tooth, but Zack told him the Tooth Fairy was on vacation! (I believe she will be returning next Friday,the same day I will be in San Diego)
Can you believe that? I can...

Last year when Ben first started losing his teeth I told him how his Dad asked the Tooth Fairy for $39.00 when he was little. So, with a little encouragement from his Dad he asked the Tooth Fairy for more money. The Tooth Fairy was very generous and mailed him $9.75 which happens to be 39 quarters :). Now the Tooth Fairy has a reputation to keep... hmmm... I hope she hasn't been hit too hard during this recession!

Here is a couple of emails between Ben and I concerning the most recent events.

Dear Benjamin,
I've been thinking about you and wondering have you lost any teeth lately. Remember when the tooth fairy sent you a letter last year. What was in the box? I couldn't remember,was it $2.00 in quarters? I think that is right, $2.00 or maybe $3.00.

Love, Grandma Sue


Dear Grandma Sue,
I got $9.75 from the Tooth Fairy last year. Now I am in second grade! I miss you. I can't wait until next week. I lost my top tooth. I do not talk funny.

Love,
Benjamin


Dear Benjamin,
Now I remember you asked the Tooth Fairy for 39 quarters
just like your Dad, except he asked for $39.00, he wanted
to be a rich little boy:).

Love,
Grandma Sue
Love you from here to the moon and back!


I'm still waiting for his reply. Some how I think the Tooth Fairy will be visiting this week. :)
Life is good!

The Mystery Map

Well, here it is, Benjamin's mystery map to find the San Diego Wild Animal Park. I can't wait until this weekend, we are going to have so much fun at the beach and searching for wild animals! :)
Dear Grandma,

Here is my map. Mom and dad helped me.

Love,
Benjamin

(you have to click on the map to see how he wrote his name, it's so cute he wrote it on a piece of paper and scanned it into the computer)




Benjamin,
You and your parents are so smart! I think with this map we can find the wild animals! Make sure you are ready to go on Saturday, Manny and I will come and stay at the beach cottage Friday night. Tell Samuel to go to bed early Friday night so we can get up early and search for the wild animals.
Love you from here to the moon and back!

Grandma Sue

A Higher Level Of Trust

This week I have been following the political scene and the financial market. I am amazed how we can all see the same thing, but see it completely differently. I was talking to a friend the other day and we shared what we thought was happening in the world. We both determined that we must be in tune with what God is saying during these unpredictable days.

As times get tougher and it appears we are in a recession I have come to believe my faith must remain in God and Him alone. I can not trust men for their wisdom, I must go to God's Word for instruction.

Last week I was talking to Pastor Terry about how God has been so faithful to my family. It is so important that we learn to listen to God's voice and obey it in order to experience blessing and peace. However, when we trust in people and earthly wisdom we are dismayed and disappointed.

One of the most important lessons I have learned in the last several years is that God's ways don't always make sense to me. It doesn't really matter if it makes sense, the only thing that matters is that I do what He wants me to do.
I think I am learning not question "why" so much and just do it because he told me to. It sounds so simple, but for some reason we want to do things our way. It's kind of like when we tell our kids to make their bed when they get up in the morning, and everyday we remind them. Then one day we look into their room and the bed is made. Wow, we are filled with joy because they finally got it!

I wonder if that is how God feel about us, finally they get it! :)
I know the Lord desires the best for His kids and so often we do what we want instead of what he has instructed us to do. Just think of the joy we can bring to His heart by walking in trust and obedience...Selah

I am going to look for opportunities to share with others the peace and blessing that comes when we follow after the Lord and listen to his voice.

My Favorite Pirates

This is a picture from the day we panned for gold and pretended to be pirates. I had the dirt, gold and arrow heads from my trip to New Mexico. Ben is rolling up the roll of paper towels that Samuel dropped down the hill. (he thought it was fun to watch it unroll... almost the entire roll!) Benjamin being the responsible big brother helped Samuel roll it back up, while Samuel drank his juice. :)

The Tooth Fairy

When Zack was little the tooth fairy came to visit. Unfortunately, the tooth fairy also visited his friends house. His friend's tooth fairy left more money than ours....
So the next time Zack lost a tooth he decide to ask the tooth fairy for more money.He wrote a note that said "please give me $39.00."

Last year when Ben lost his first tooth I told him he should ask the tooth fairy for $39.00. I thought it would be funny... little did I know I could end up sending $39.00 in the mail from the tooth fairy. Fortunately for me, we were able to negotiate.

I LOVE MY BOYS!!!

When I think of my Grandchildren I am filled with many emotions. Benjamin is the oldest and the one who won my heart first. Ever since he was a newborn he has had a special place in my heart. I sent a note to the boys this week to say "I love you." This is the email Benjamin sent to me yesterday. It really brightened my day when I saw it was from him. He is such a gift from God to this world, his heart is so full of compassion for others. I remember the first email he sent to Manny. We were in Madera for the weekend and he was a year old. I put him on my lap and he tapped on the keyboard. I translated the note for Manny, saying "Ben says goodnight." :) It made Manny laugh thinking of Ben typing a note on the computer. I miss those days at my parents house when we would gather the Johnson clan together. I hope the "cousins" will have a place to gather together and make memories the way Zack and his cousins did.

Here is Ben's email and mine in return, I will continue posting them as we correspond.:) This should be fun and interesting....
Who knows maybe I'll get one from Samuel....of course that may be a picture of Thomas the Train with a number one on it:).



Dear grandma Sue,


I miss you. Samuel misses you too. Have a GOOD time! I can`t wait until you see William. My dad misses you a lot. I love you.


Love,


Benjamin.


Dear Benjamin,
I have been thinking about you and Samuel every day. We are going to have so much fun at the beach in a couple of weeks. Maybe, we can go on a mystery trip, you never know what what we may find. Isn't there a Wild Animal Park close to your house? How would you like to find some wild animals? Think about it, maybe you and your parents can make a mystery map for us to follow and we will go on an adventure together. Let me know if this sounds like fun to you and Samuel.
I love you, from here to the moon and back!

Grandma Sue

P.S. Manny wants to go on a mystery trip too, we can take your parents and William if they want to go with us, it's going to be a lot of fun!

(This picture is Ben and Samuel playing with the planes Manny got for them at the hobby store.) And he thinks I spoil them....hmmm......

Standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona!

I finally found the picture of us in Arizona. It was so exciting to see her expression when we stood on the corner. This was one of the highlights of our road trip to New Mexico! I have to say spending time with my Mom was one of the best gifts life could offer! I really miss her....

Mom's Adventure!

I just came across this picture of my precious Mom that was taken last summer. Just shortly before she got really sick she decided we should take a take a road trip. She had purchased a piece of property in Candy Kitchen, New Mexico. It is the most amazing place out in the middle of the boonies!

My brother Brad met me in Arizona and we traveled from there together. It was a LONG trip. My Mom really was not up to traveling but she wanted to stand on the corner of Winslow,Arizona and see the Grand Canyon once before she died.

The reason she purchased the piece of property was so she would have a legacy. She wanted generations to come to know she was here:).
There is a road that separates her property from the Zuni Reservation. We have named it "Chottie's Road", that was her nickname as a child.

We did stop at the corner of Winslow, Arizona and she did see the Grand Canyon! Of course Brad almost died pushing her wheelchair up the hills:).

It was the biggest adventure of a life time! We were actually crazy to take this frail 80 year old woman on a trip like this, but it was her idea:).
We spent time at the Ice Caves and enjoying the Indian culture. We laughed and cried together during a freak storm when her electric wheelchair turned it's self on when the lightning hit our R.V.

We went on a treasure hunt and discovered gold and arrowheads laying on the ground.:)
The three of us enjoyed being together dreaming of how we would build a house for all of us to sleep in when we came to visit our little piece of paradise.
Unfortunately, that would be the only trip she would make as her health deteriorated quickly after that trip.

When I look at her picture I remember the joy she had dreaming of her family having a place to meet and spend time together.
She may not be here to experience that dream, but she is with all those who had gone before her enjoying her new place of paradise.
A place where we will a meet again! I look forward to that day of reunion!

Manny and Susan In Maui~Aloha!

This was one of the best vacations we have ever had.

Zack and Baby William, Our Miracle!

I am so proud of my son!
He's been in the Marines for several years.
Zack and Bonnie are wonderful parents to Benjamin, Samuel and William!

Samuel My Love Bug

Samuel is the funniest boy! It's all about him! :) He really is different than Benjamin, "Mine" is one of his favorite words. However, he is very generous with his hugs and kisses! I love that boy!

Embracing A New Season Of Life!

Last night I was watching the news and they were discussing the two candidates running for President. Of course, what is on the minds of many Americans right now is this financial crisis we are in with our economy. I began wondering what makes people decide on which person they think would make the best leader for our country? Some think experience, some think charisma, some need the promises that are made to make their lives easier.

I have struggled during this election because I vote considering biblical principles. Does this candidate have the same values as I do? Do they believe every life is of value? Can they stay on a budget like I have to in order to balance my checking account? Or do they make promises just to get a vote? What happens when we as taxpayers don't want the government to spend our money on something we believe to be morally wrong?
That is when I pray that every person would be aware of why they are voting for this person to be the leader of our nation.

I called Manny's Dad to talk to him after the news was over. I asked him what he thought about the current world events. He answered me with faith and conviction, "it is a sign of the returning of Christ". Well, when you put it like that it sounded so simple.:)

After I hung up the phone I thought of what Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 12:22. "Do not worry about your life,what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the raven: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"

With that thought in mind everything comes into perspective. If I truly believe that God cares for my every need, whom shall I fear?
When Noah was in the Ark he was protected from the crashing waves of the flood. In the same way if I stay under the protection of God's wings I am safe no matter what happens around me.
I am confident that as children of God we must seek the Lord for direction. We must set our hearts and eyes on Him alone.
My prayer today is, I will have eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying. I know if I listen for His voice He will direct my path.

There are so many areas of my life that God is revealing a need for change. I desire to be complete in Him and know His will and purpose in my life.

I count it pure joy to be in this new season of my life, a season of change, a season to become more like Christ in every aspect of my life. Selah!

Finding Treasure In My Family

It's Saturday morning and I am the only one up early. Even the cat is sound asleep soaking in the sun on the windowsill. It has been a busy week, and it's good to be home. We had dinner with Manny's parents last night in Pasadena. I love being with them. His Mom is such a sweet and godly woman. His Dad, well he is the best! In many ways he has become more of a father to me than a father-in-law. Their lives reflect the goodness and grace of God.
One of the funniest things is when we first met he would call me Kathy. Manny's sister Olivia had a childhood friend and I guess I reminded him of her. Now when I call him I say "It's me Kathy", he laughs and says in that cute Cuban accent "Oh, Susan don't try and confuse me". (it actually sounds like Soosaan when he says my name)

When Manny and I decided to get married he asked me to meet his family. I was a little nervous the first time I went to their house. After a few minutes with them I knew that this would be my family too. It has been such a joy to be a part of this "Rodriguez Clan". After spending a few holiday dinners with them I kept waiting for something to go wrong. I knew they couldn't always be this nice to one another. I was wrong, his family are the most loving Christian people I have ever met.

Manny's parents are my parents now, I get to experience being loved and greeted with a hug each and every time I see them. I'm not one for being the center of attention, in fact I feel much more comfortable standing in a crowd. But they always make me feel like royalty when I enter their house. It's a strange feeling because I didn't grow up with that. As the only girl in the family of five kids I was just one in a crowd, there wasn't room for a drama queen in our house. :)

I am so thankful for all of God's blessings in my life! Each and everyday I wake up asking the Lord to show me His will for my life. I desire to be in a place that God can use me, mold me and change me to be the woman that carries his glory. A woman to bring honor to my King, a woman with a servants heart that sees the world as He does.
That is my prayer today, that I would always walk with integrity and purpose.

Politics and Family

I've been following the Presidential race, Manny calls me a political junkie. I have always loved politics!

My Dad and I used to sit at his coffee table head to head and discuss religion, politics, women's rights and how great America is. We would drive my Mom crazy because we could talk for hours.I can remember her shaking her head as she walked down the hall saying "I'll be in my room when you two are done." At the end of the evening we would say goodnight, agreeing to disagree on many subjects. Early the next morning I would get up and my Dad would be sitting at his table with a cup of coffee smiling at me. He would give me this look that said "are you ready to finish our conversation?" I would say "Good Morning Sunshine" and he would answer "Good Morning Glory". This was our routine ever time I went to visit my parents.

When I think back on those wonderful times I realize how much I miss my parents. They were incredible people,they always loved me unconditionally. Sometimes I wish I could pick up the phone and hear their voices one more time. Then I consider the joy I will have when I see them in heaven for eternity.

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see God's mercy and grace in my Father's life.
I grew up in a home full of turmoil and strife. (that is one reason I refuse to let strife rule in my life)
My Dad was a violent alcoholic from the time I was a child until I turned 20. Everything changed when I took Zack over to my parents and my Dad was drunk. At that very moment I made a decision that would change our family forever. I told my Dad he would not see Zack again until he got sober. He cried and told me how much he loved us, I cried as well. I told him I grew up watching you as a drunk and Zack was not going to remember his Grandfather like that.
I went home so sad, but I knew I had a responsibility to raise Zack different than the was I was raised.I couldn't sleep all night, I felt horrible.
The next morning my Mom called me and asked me to come to the house. I went over to see what she wanted. I thought she was going to tell me to talk to my Dad.
To my surprise my Dad was standing in the driveway getting ready to leave. He said he was going to get help, and he admitted himself into a rehab hospital. He never took another drink after that day.

When my Dad was sick he gave me the best gift of all. He gave me away at my wedding, and nine days later he died. The week before he died the hospice Pastor told him to see all of his kids and bless them. He reached out with his right hand on my head and said "I've already blessed you haven't I honey."
I cried, he had no idea how much he had blessed me.
It reminded me of the tradition in the Old Testament how the Father would place his right hand on his child's head to bless him.
I am so grateful that my parents loved God and are enjoying the gift of eternal life.

Connecting With Others

I just received a message from Bonnie and Zack with good news about baby William. He is recovering well from his latest surgery. I am so thankful for this sweet baby boy. Of all the things in life being a Grandma is one of the most enjoyable. I wish I had more time to spend with my family, maybe someday...:)

My brother Bill called me today, it's so nice to hear from him. Family is so important to me, especially since both of my parents died. As the only girl I always depended on my parents, now I feel as though I have switched that emotional connection to my older brothers.

Today I went to get my hair done at a new Salon. As Michelle was cutting my hair she asked me what kind of job I had, I told her about my job at the Preschool. After a little while she said it is so nice to hear someone talk about their work in a positive light. She told me so many people come in telling her how they hate their jobs.
I told her that my job was more than "just" a job, it is a calling. I also told her working with the children and their families is so rewarding! In fact, I shared with her how sometimes the Moms will come in and tell us we have the best preschool in the area. They tell us it is because the teachers are so loving and they feel welcomed every time they walk in the door.

I had a good time talking to her,I told her about my family, work and a few funny stories of my life. She shared with me quite a bit about herself and her boyfriend. She is such a lovely young lady, she had tattoo's down her arm, her hair was a combination of colors with purple at the ends. :) We hit it off so well, I can't wait to go back again. When I left the Salon I thought of how quick we are to judge others. There was a time I would have looked at her and wondered why would she pierce her lip and color her hair like that? Today was different, I looked at her and saw a beautiful woman with a tender heart. I wonder if that is how Jesus felt when He met the woman at the well? Many had judged her, but not Him. He saw the potential in her life, the potential to change the world for the better. I hope that my life can do that...

Life Is Good!

Well, it's Sunday morning and I'm up early.I have this alarm clock in my head that says "time to get up", even when my body says "not yet". :)

I made a cup of coffee and looked outside, it's a beautiful morning! I thought of all of the sunrises I would have missed if I had slept in.

It's September and the weather is beginning to change. I love the cool mornings when the wind is blowing. The view from our house is incredible, I can see the sun rise from my back porch. So I sit and drink my coffee and start to wake up in the peace and quiet of the desert.

As I sit here, just me and the cat. (We are the only early birds around here.) :)
I consider all the grace God has shown to me.
My life is so full of peace and contentment,and it hasn't always been like that.

In fact, yesterday Manny and I were driving through Whittier where I grew up. I pointed out the club my Dad worked at when I was a kid, and the Liquor Store where he was the Manager for several years. I told Manny the story of how my Dad was robbed and the man locked him in the freezer. As I passed by the street signs, memories flooded my brain. I recognized streets by my Grandma Goldie's house.

It was then that I realized how events and circumstances shape and mold us. There were people and places that I have not thought of in over 30 years. However, as soon as I was back in the "old" neighborhood I remembered them with clarity.

Now I sit with coffee cup in hand enjoying a quiet and peaceful morning. Gone are the days of fear, tears and sadness that filled my world. The peace of God has replaced them with love, contentment, and joy.

I count my blessings daily, starting with the love of my life Manny. I am so blessed to have a husband like him, words can not describe what he means to me.

We were at Dana Point and there was this older couple climbing on the rocks. The husband helped his bride of at least 50 years find a place to sit down. He made sure she was comfortable and took her picture. The look in her eyes when she smiled at him was one of the most endearing things I have ever seen. Her eyes spoke of deep love, respect, and passion. I offered to take their picture together, and in the back of my mind I thought this could be a special memory for them.

At the end of the day as we drove back to our hotel I felt such peace and contentment. I realized I have that kind of marriage with Manny. We love one another, respect each other, and try to put the needs of the other before our own. I can only hope that more couples will experience this in their lives!

When life gets busy, and I long for the crashing of waves and sitting by the shore, I will remember this moment of reflection with a thankful heart.

Faith Is What We Can Not See!

After several days of prayer William had his open heart surgery. It was a huge success! I am so thankful because I had come to a place where I really believed God was the ultimate healer. However, I also acknowledged William had the best heart surgeon we could ask for.I prayed that God would work through the team of Doctors and Nurses but it is God that ultimately heals. In fact, just after William went in for his seven hour surgery another family came out crying because their baby didn't make it. My son and his wife were so sad for this family but continued to pray for their son.

I am amazed at the gifts and talents each of us have. For some they have the skill in a operating room to save lives. For others we have the ability to share the love of Christ and give them hope for eternity with God. What ever our gift or talent we need to be used daily, keeping our eyes wide open looking for an opportunity to help those around us.

All three of my Grandsons are so unique, Benjamin, the sweet soul is the first born. He can make me laugh because he is sooooo goofy! He has always been kind and tender hearted. I remember when he would come to our house as a toddler and I would give him fruit snacks. I would deliberately ask him "Can I have one?" I didn't really intend to eat his snack I just wanted to see if he would share. He never hesitated and he would always give me one or two, he was never selfish.

I took Ben on Thomas The Train in Perris. On the way over there I told him it was a real train. He said "Grama, Thomas is pretend." I continued during the hour drive to tell him how we were going to ride a real train. He continued to try and help me so I wouldn't be disappointed when we saw a toy train. (because he knew some things are pretend and some things are real.) We arrived and joined our friend Miracle and her parents. As we waited for the train Ben knew Thomas was a toy. When the train pulled up and he saw Thomas' face on the front he looked at me and said "Oh Grama, I never knew Thomas was a real train." As we climbed aboard Ben rubbed the seat and sat with a shocked looked on his face as we traveled down the track on a real train.

Recently Ben reminded me about our train ride last year. I told him I was going to take Samuel, he said he thought that would be a good idea because he was old enough now. I asked Ben should I take just Samuel or would he like to go? He looked at me and said " I'll go so I can show Samuel that Thomas is real." :) I realized that this had made a huge impact on Ben and he wanted to see Samuel when he found out Thomas is a real train. I found it funny because the Children's Hospital William is at has a train for the kids to play on. Each time we walk pass it Samuel points to it and says "Grama it's not real it's pretend." I can't wait to see Samuel and Benjamin's face when the train pulls up! ALL ABOARD!!! CHOO CHOO!!...as Samuel would say! :)

The Woman Of Doubt

A woman came into the school office the other day. She wanted information on enrolling her daughter in our Christian School. She was upfront, she said with a voice of authority "I want you to be honest with me, what can I expect, are you going to punish my child for not knowing the Bible Stories?" She continued telling me that she was not interested in religion, she was not interested in coming to church every time the doors were opened... she went on and on for several minutes. When she was done I said "We intend to love your child, to teach her about God, and how He loves her." She continued telling me how she did not want her child to be picked on because she comes from a "non religious" family. Before I showed her around I told her what to expect from our school. I told her we believe it is a parent responsibility to teach and train their children about God. We are here to assist the families, but the ultimate responsibility is given to the parents. I told her we would teach her child Bible Stories, Bible Verses and how God wants us to treat others. After I told her that I asked her if she would have a problem with that because if she opposes "religion" it may be a problem later down the road as her child's faith grows and she begins to learn about God. She looked surprised at my straight forwardness. (actually I was surprised at myself as well)
She decided to take a tour of our school, when we were finished she thanked me and left. I kept thinking maybe I was to straightforward? But I really believed what I was telling her so I pushed it out of my mind and went back to work.
Later that day on our way home I told Manny about how she had so many questions of how we would handle different situations. I also felt uncomfortable of how I handle the situation because I had just received a call about William's heart surgery. (You really have to be "UP" when you give a tour of the school, I was anything but "UP"! ) Manny does what he does best by reassuring me that I was led by the Lord to say what I said. The next day I went to work and really thought this woman would not return. The phone rang and she was on the other end, she asked for me. (Oh, no you're in trouble the devil whispered in my ear:). Then the most amazing thing happened, she said thank you for taking the time to talk with me. She continued by saying how she appreciated the honesty and she was going to enroll her daughter because of our conversation. I was shocked! She even told me she thought it would be a good idea to start reading the Bible Stories to her daughter so she would be more familiar with them. After I hung up the phone I wanted to cry. It is God that brings the families to us and all we need to do is tell them what we believe without watering down the truth. She came a woman of doubt and left a woman of faith.

Bepunzel Is Rescued From Her Tower

Several years ago I was a Director for a Christian preschool. There was a little girl that attended our school, she called herself Bepunzel. (She couldn't pronounce Rapunzel) Everyday Laura would show up for school and as her Mom opened the door of her truck she would say "I'm sorry Laura could not come to school today, but Bepunzel is here." It became part of our morning routine to welcome Bepunzel, costume and all.:) During that time I had just started seeing Manny (my sweet husband). I would tell him about Bepunzel. We would laugh about her and how her mom had come to grips with the fact it was easier to announce her arrival than to make "Laura" come to school.

I had room mates at that time and my room was upstairs. In the evening I would talk to Manny on the phone, sometimes I would fall off the bed laughing at one of his jokes. As I sat up in my tower I would pray that someone would come and rescue me. In the next year my friendship with Manny grew into great respect and blossomed into a love I didn't see coming. In fact we were on a missions trip in Mexico when I fell in love with this incredible man who loved God and desired His best for his life.

Last night I was going through a box of old papers when I came across a stack of old emails. These were emails between Manny and myself from the beginning of our friendship. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I read the things we wrote to each other. We both desired God's best and did not want to forfeit His blessings in our lives by following our own wishes and desires.

During the transition between being friends and falling in love he started referring to me as Bepunzel. At first it was funny, then I started realizing how Laura felt. I wanted to be Bepunzel, rescued from from dark tower of loneliness.

As I read through that stack of email I realized God had sent Manny to do just that. I was reminded of how God was there when we changed from "enjoying each other's company" to wanting to spend our entire lives together.

We are older than some, but we have a life of love, respect and companionship that many could only hope for. I am so thankful I kept those emails to remind myself of the great love God has for me, to give me such a wonderful husband. Bepunzel lives happily ever after.....

Life is A Gift

The older I get the more I recognize life for the gift it is. I have come to believe my faith in God is vital to my survival in this roller coaster we call "life". My family is extremely important to me. I hold them closer to my heart when I acknowledge life on this earth is as a vapor, here today and gone tomorrow. I don't live in dread or without hope as some do, but with my eyes open to the fact that God is in control of all things. My son and his wife had another baby boy. He is precious to all of us. When I went to see him in the hospital I realized how important life is. He has some heart issues and is dependent on the Doctors and Nurses for his survival. (However, God is the ultimate Healer.)We are the same, we are dependent on God our Father to care for us. Each day we live we should be aware of His provision and care. We are like sheep in need of a shepherd, without one we will lose our way. This week as my friends have prayed for William, we thanked God for working through the hospital staff. We also know it is God who heals. My faith has grown stronger when I listen to the words of faith spoken on William's behalf. I have also been reminded that God is Sovereign, faithful, and loving. Too often when critical times come we blame God for what we can not control or fix. I have had enough experience in life to come to grips that I am not in control:)

God Knows Who You Are

Yesterday, I was waiting to get my oil changed. I was the first customer to arrive in the parking lot. Since I was early I sat in my car drinking my cup of coffee. At first I was thinking to myself this is crazy getting here so early. Soon my view changed, I started watching the people go by. I saw young and old going to the bank across the street. Some were in a hurry, they didn't turn off their car and park it, they just pulled up next to the curb to stop and jumped out to get their cash. Others were in no hurry, they pulled up to the bank and sat for several minutes. Some of the young guys were driving their pick up trucks, and a old guy was driving his sports car. A lady walked down the street, she looked tanned from the summer heat. She was carry a bag of groceries. Not much later a homeless man walked by the bank pointing his finger at someone (invisible to me) who was irritating him. Another man walked by looking tired, he was carrying a large trash bag with his empty cans from the night before. He stopped at every trash can along his path to see if anyone had left him any more. A young couple in their matching t-shirts and shorts jogged down the street. As I sat in my car I couldn't help being amazed at all the different types of people that were out. Each of us unaware of those around us and yet God knows where each of us is at every moment of the day and night. He knows our thoughts and feelings, He knows the length of our days. Later in the morning Manny called me to say my friend was trying to reach me. It was Mary, she had news about the death of a friend. At first I couldn't reach her, and I kept wondering who could have died? Finally, she called back, I couldn't believe what she was telling me. Our friend Judy, a Pastor's wife had been killed in a head on collision. Evidently her and Frank were on their way to a conference where he was to be a speaker. Another car came over the hill and she was killed instantly. How tragic for us, to lose such a good friend. Frank said he was jealous because she got to see Jesus first, that
is the kind of people they are. I have been emotional about her death, she was one person that was full of wisdom. She only gave good advice to those around her and always extended grace to those of us that needed it most.:) Her family and church will miss her and this world has lost one of the kindness women I ever ever met. I remember a note she wrote to me to encourage me to continue on during the darkest days of my life. In that note she reminded me that God had a special plan for my life and not to give up. My heart is sad to know she is gone, but my soul rejoices that I will see her again. I want to live each day as if it could be my last and to love those around me and bring hope to those who have none. Selah

When World's Collide

Today I walked into the office and saw a friend from many years ago. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was Zoe Ann talking to Betty,(Usually I have a problem remembering names) as I greeted her she smiled at me. It was one of those horrible moments when you should remember the person but you are trying to rack your brain so you don't look like you don't know them:). Fortunately, it was Zoe that was trying to place me. I could read her mind, she was thinking "I know her, but where do I know her from?" So Betty tried to rescue her by saying "you know Susan?" There was still a look on Zoe's face of "I should know her... "maybe she is one of my former students from the college?". Finally, I said "Zoe, it's me Sue!". With a look of relief on her face and a rush of memory... "Oh, why didn't you say Sue? Since when did you start going by Susan?" I laughed! We talked for quite awhile and she reminded me of days I wanted to forget. After several minutes she encouraged me. She said that I looked so much happier than the last time we saw each other. She brought back the memory of the pain and hurt of my divorce and the sad days of the past. But then, she reminded me that with God we have for a bright future. Just because life doesn't go as planned doesn't mean it can't get better. When I left the office I still felt the sadness of the mistakes of my past, but the assurance of God's grace and mercy that has flooded my life. I also I thought about the friends in days gone by that walked through my darkest hours with me. During my lunch I went outside and called one of them to thank them for being there for me when I needed them.

Make Each Day Count

I love to write down the thoughts in my head because later on I wonder what was I thinking? LOL Actually, Life takes so many twists and turns sometimes it is hard to keep track of what is going on. I find as I journal my thoughts and feelings I get a clearer picture of reality. Through out the years I have written letters to loved ones that tell them how I feel about them. I get a real sense of pleasure when I take a thought and turn it into something on paper.

Recently my Mother passed away and I found some pieces of paper that I had written my love and appreciation to her. It caused me to reflect how I can show others my love and concern for them. In some little way I want to brighten up their day. It also reminded me that it doesn't have to be a card from Hallmark but it can be scribbled on a piece of paper laying around the house.

My Mom had kept journals for years, in fact on her birthday and special occasions I would give her one as a gift. As I was going through her belongings I read of few of her thoughts. It reminded me how friends and loved ones had been close to her. It also showed the selfishness of us as human beings. She had written during the difficult times of life when people said hurtful things to her and made her cry.

I walked way from her house that day considering my actions in a new light. How would my friends and loved ones write about me? Would they write about the funny things I said, the jokes I tried to tell but couldn't remember the ending? Or would they write about the foolish things that came out of my mouth during a heated discussion about politics or religion?

Hopefully, I have many years in this life to live a life that would cause those around me to remember me as a woman that loved God, stood for integrity, loved my family and my country! That is how I remember my Mom. She was the most gracious woman I have ever known. In all the years of good and bad times she always loved me unconditionally. In the last weeks of her life she showed so much grace to all those around her I can only hope to follow her example in the way I live out my life.

(This is a picture of the last time she came to our house. We had such a wonderful week of working in the yard, visiting with the kids and just enjoying being together! This picture shows her in one of her funny moments!)