Please pray

For my friend Anne today. She has a dr.s appointment tommorow. Pray that she hears good news! Dear Lord, YOU are the almighty healer. I pray that you bring healing to my friend Anne. Bathe her in your healing waters Lord.Replenish her strength. Rain drops of comfort upon her. Be with her. Let her feel your love, your gentleness, your peace and comfort. Let her feel YOUR strength, let her feel YOU!
In your Son's name, I pray. Amen!

The Ilyiad and the Strip District!

I had such a blast today with Lauren! We both decided that we are city girls. I love the city and so does Lauren! We both love culture and art and creativity! We love being surrounded by people and we love new experiences.
We saw the Ilyiad at a beautiful theater today. It was a play done in the traditional Greek style. It was sooo good!! I loved it!
Then we went to the strip district and walked around and had lunch. We ate at a little place called the Enrico Biscotti company
enricobiscotti.com
They were voted one of the top ten bakeries in the country by the food network! That was AWESOME to check them out because I soon am going to be opening a bakery in New Wilmington! I came back with a lot of ideas!!! Joe and I are going to have to take a field trip to spend more time learning from the masters!!
We also checked out The Macaroni Company, Whollys fish market, Mon Aimee Chocolat store and a sweet little five and dime store that Lauren loved!! We stopped and had coffee at a little cafe' and sat outside and drank our coffee and ate chocoate! Oh we also stopped at Pittsburgh Popcorn company.. YUM!!!
My stomach hurts from eating so much junk food. But it was wonderful to get ideas for our restaurant.
Lauren and I had so much fun being together. We snuggled and cuddled and held hands and walked around and just enjoyed each other's company. We needed that bonding time together! I am so grateful!
Now...tonight, I have to go and pick Ally's dress up and have her final fitting. Then Joe and I are going to get some cheese and wine and watch the Steeler game together!
Tommorow we both work, but afterwards we're taking the girls to Boardman so Ally can spend her birthday money, and then we are taking them out to our favorite Wing place 3WS, where wings are 1/2 price! Busy week ahead, but more fun then usual is planned! I hope you have a great week too dear reader! Live life to the fullest! Love God, Love others and Love yourselves! Susan

"Always be the best, the bravest, and hold your head up high above the others. Never disgrace the generations of your fathers." -The Illiad

Lauren and I are going to see The Iliad in Pittsburgh today! We are then going to the strip district for lunch! Woohooo! I love the Theater!!!!! I love being with Lauren!!!!!


There can be no doubt that Homer’s epic story of Achilles and the Trojan War is one of the greatest works in world literature. The Iliad has had a profound influence on every generation since it was first performed by ancient Greek bards in the Mediterranean over 2500 years ago. Described by The New York Times as “A performance of staggering power,” the Aquila Theatre Company’s production of Homer’s Iliad creates a “stunning, stirring, and memorable” theatrical experience.

Joy..Joy..Joy

I've got the wonderful love of my blessed redeemer way down in the depths of my heart.

where?

way down in the depths of my heart..

way down in the depths of my heart.

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.. down in my heart to stay!

I am joyful : )

Have you ever wondered....?

Why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety one?
Crime doesn’t pay … does that mean my job is a crime?
Do prison buses have emergency exits?
How come you can kill a deer and put it up on your wall, but it’s illegal to keep one as a pet?
If a bouncer gets drunk, who throws him out?
What happens to an 18-hour bra after 18 hours?
If an escalator breaks down, does it become stairs?
If a guy that was about to die in the electric chair had a heart attack, should they save him?
Why does the Easter Bunny carry eggs? Rabbits don’t lay eggs.
Why isn’t pink called light red?
How can something be “new” and “improved”? If it’s new, what was it improving on?
Was the pole vault accidentally discovered by a clumsy javelin thrower?
In some books, why do they have blank pages at the very end?
What happened to the first 6 UPs?
Why is an electrical outlet called an outlet when you plug things into it? Shouldn’t it be called an inlet

Scarves!

I bought four different scarves for the fall and winter season!This one is from the Gap! I have never worn scarves before, but this year I'm crazy about them! Do you like to wear scarves? Have you bought any yet? They're hot!!

Daniel and other things

I've been studying Daniel in my Bible lately. You know what is amazing to me? I've read the Bible continuously once, then I read it again..not just reading it but studying it..and I've read different books, chapters, sections, verses many, many times...Every time I read the Bible, God speaks to me, or shows me something new, or I see something in a different way.. A light bulb turns on..a paradigm shift...looking at the words from a different angle! You know what I mean? It's soooooo awesome!
Well I've been reading Daniel and talking about it with some different friends. I feel like God has me reading Daniel to show me something. I feel my Holy Spirit guiding me there. Daniel was such a faithful God follower. He stood up for his beliefs when he was all alone, and even facing death, he would not bow down to any other Gods. Something struck me while I was reading Daniel. There is going to be a judgement day. We are all going to stand in front of Christ, and we are going to be held accountable for our lives, what we did here on Earth. God lets us have that free will..he doesn't make us be a certain way..worship Him..do good..etc. It's our choice! I want Jesus to be proud of me, when I stand before Him! I want to bring people closer to Christ! I want to change the world! I want to do good! I soooo want to do good! I want to make a difference in people's lives.
When I open this new restaurant, I want to touch people's lives! Not only do I want to bring good food to a community, I want to bring good times, family moments and memories. I want to be able to talk to my customers and show them Jesus inside of me! I want to love on them. Show them encouragement and love! I LOVE PEOPLE!!! I love to make people feel good! I love to show respect and thoughtfulness and kindness! I want to make people smile! I want to hug them and show them how important they are! I want to give..to give back, all that Jesus has done for me and has given me! Oh Lord, I pray that you allow me to spread your love as much as I can!
Lord please don't ever stop showing my heart, that life and love is all about YOU and don't ever let me forget that YOU are first and most important! Guide me, teach me, give me wisdom, grow me, fill my heart with your love so I can give it away!
Thank you Lord for everything!! I love you so much!!!
Yesterday a woman came into my restaurant with her two daughters. She must have cancer, because she was wearing a wig, and she didn't look healthy. I know of this woman. Last year, her thirty year old son died of a heart attack. I could see it in her. She looked beaten. She loooked so sad.
I treated her with as much kindness and respect as I could. But I should have paid for her lunch. I didn't think of it at the time..it wasn't until later in the day...Dang..I could have brought her just a little bit of happiness. Dang.. Lord help me to see those little things that I can do..to bring people happiness. Don't let me miss opportunities! There are so many opportunities!

This explains what's going on with the economic crisis..

Did you know?

It took twelve years for Leonardo DaVinci to paint The Mona Lisa's lips?



It's true!

Happy Birthday Alexandra Nicole!

My Ally girl turned seventeen yesterday! Ally is so very sweet and kind and compassionate and caring. She is friendly and happy and has a wonderful personality! She is funny and smart and loving! I am so proud of you Alexandra Nicole! You shine! XOXOXO Mom

A busy tuesday..

Today was a fantastic day but I must admit I am exhausted! First let me tell you that I had an AMAZING morning meeting with my mastermind group! My friend Anne is such a joy to be around. She is intelligent and honest and witty and such a great, great leader! She has organized this group, and she does a wonderful job leading us. Anne, if you read this..it is such a pleasure to know you. I look forward to getting to know you even better!. I can see into your heart which is so giving and loving and tender! You care about people! *big hug*
I met Wendy Farmerie the owner of Silk Road Fair Trade Market, and Terri Patterson from Flowers on the Vine in New Wilmington! I can't wait to get to know these women better and to work with them!
After our meeting, Joe and I met at the Tavern and took measurements. That was fun visioning what we are going to do once it's ours! We then went out to breakfast and talked about our future!!
Next I picked the girls up from school.. I took them to Steamers for a little girl's afternoon out. We had fun laughing and talking together!
Then I had a jr. women's club meeting! Woah! That is going to be interesting! They fundraise for a huge event in March called A Night at the Races! I'm really excited about being a part of this group, but also a little concerned about being a part of this group! I will be so immersed in the Tavern, and taking care of my girls, how will I have time for anything else? I will have to pray and think more about this!
I do love meeting new people though! I think it will be good for me to be involved!
That's all for tonight! *yawn* Tommorow is Ally's birthday! She is seventeen! I can barely believe it!

A life lesson today...

I love the Lord so much! Today, I was listening on my ipod, to sermon's by my favorite pastor in the whole world..Perry Noble. He has been doing a series from Exodus.. It's midnight now what? Today his sermon was about how bad things can happen to good people..even Christians *gasp*..but we need to keep praising God and trusting Him. He talked about Paul who had been following God with his whole life, who got put in prison and was severely beaten and held in stocks. Paul sang hymns to God while he was in prison, probably hurting so badly...
It made me cry. God is so good. I often want to quit and give up so easily if something isn't going right.. but we have to trust God and to keep going and keep praising God as we're going. God didn't say our lives would be easy..as a matter of fact, most of the leaders in the Bible had a really difficult life while they were following God.
Last night, I got mad at Joe. I was feeling neglected and needed some affection and he said he had too much on his mind to give it to me. My first thoughts are.. "I want a new husband." honestly.. that's how I think. I want out of this marriage..it's too difficult! It's not fair. I don't get treated as well as I should by my husband. I deserve more! I want somebody who will give me more!
I slammed our bedroom door and went into our spare bedroom. Joe came in about 10 minutes later and said, "Sue, come to bed. Let me love you." He said, "Sue, we're a team. The only way we're going to get through this journey we are embarking on, is to be a team together. We can't get broken..we've got to stay strong..together."
I came to bed and he loved me. But..you see.. I didn't see what he was saying..I didn't get it, until I heard Perry's sermon today. Until I heard it from God too.
Even through tough times..you've got to stay comitted! I've got to stay comitted! Divorce is not an option! Do you know what I'm saying here? Divorce has become so easy..it's an easy way out. It's hard to stick it out..to fight...to stay commited. But God wants us to. We made that comittment before God! We made a vow! Through tough times ..good and BAD. and there will be bad in all marriages.
We're a team. God brought us together. We are so much stronger as a team.
I PRAISE YOU LORD FOR MY HUSBAND AND MY FAMILY!
SUSAN
You can listen to the sermon here
www.newspring.cc

Crush

Busy Week Ahead!

I have an extra busy week scheduled. Tommorow I have two appointments, laundry to do, shopping and planning for Ally's birthday, and tons of errands!
Tuesday I have a mastermind meeting in the morning and Joe and I meet with our real estate agent and also have inspections sceduled at the Tavern. I have a jr. women's club meeting in the evening.
Wednesday, Decorate for Ally's birthday,pick up the cake and balloons etc..then work (training a new busperson/hostess), and Ally's birthday.
Thursday work (training another new busperson/hostess) Pick up Ally's homecoming dress that has been altered
Friday (Emily is off, so I work an extra shift
Saturday Working a 10 hour shift, training new employees, and Ally's teenager birthday party at our house in the evening.
Sunday is my Sabbath. : )

My new Mastermind group!

This Tuesday morning, I will become part of a new mastermind group from New Wilmington! Three other women business owners, along with myself will meet together for the very first time! I am so very enthusiastic to begin this new endeavor. I have been reading the book "Think and Grow Rich" By Napolean Hill and in the book he describes what a mastermind group is.


There is synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that participants bring to a Mastermind Group. The beauty of Mastermind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect and compassion. Mastermind participants act as catalysts for growth, devil’s advocates and supportive colleagues.
The concept of the Mastermind Group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his timeless classic, "Think And Grow Rich" he wrote about the Mastermind principle as:

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

He continues ...

"No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind."
In a Mastermind Group, the agenda belongs to the group, and each person’s participation is key. Your peers give you feedback, help you brainstorm new possibilities, and set up accountability structures that keep you focused and on track. You will create a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move the group to new heights.
You'll gain tremendous insights, which can improve your business and personal life. Your Mastermind Group is like having a objective board of directors.

Friday night lights!

The whole gang is going to see the Greyhounds play tommorow night! We are becoming a true blue and gold family! It feels so wonderful! The girls are meeting their new friends at the game and I'm going to meet my old friends. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!

Bake Sale in Volant this weekend!

Our family is having a bake sale this Saturday on the Patio of the Neshannock Creek Inn Restaurant! We are going to try to raise some money to open up our little gift shop in the Tavern! The girls and I made banana nut bread, pumpkin bread, pumpkin/chocolate chip bread, harvest bread, pumpkin harvest cookies, apple pie squares, and turtle brownies. Joe is going to make Kentucky pie and some pumpkin pies! A few friends of ours are making some baked goods too! Hopefully tommorow, I'll have time to make some pumpkin shaped sugar cookies and one other item..maybe some kind of berry pie!?! Lauren's going to sell these baked goods, along with apple cider and coffee! Please pray that we have a good turn out. If you're in the mood for any baked goods come and see us!!!

I loved this video!!!! Cat's are so darn cute!

When God's people pray..

Amazing things can happen!


So.. please pray for three people that have been on my mind lately. Brenda..who is sick with a head cold. Anne, who had surgery this week. Pray for her healing and comfort. Pray for Dave who is a friend of mine who has been battling cancer.

Father God,
You are so wonderful! I love you so much and I praise your name Father! I come to you as your child and ask you for healing for three friends of mine. I ask you to bring them comfort in their times of weakness. Please Lord, take care of Dave and his family. Please help them Lord. They are going to need you Father!
Thanks for your prayers friends! If you need prayer send any requests my way... God hears our prayers! Susan

The sidewalk artist!

He's amazing!!! All of these are drawings on a sidewalk! A FLAT SURFACE!!

Joseph Edward and Susan Loretta are celebrating..

years together.
Happy Anniversary Joseph Edward! I love you. Susan

Lovin this song today..

Try a fun website

This is a fun web site if you're feeling artsy : )
www.thisissand.com

"What lies behind us, and what lies before
us are small matters compared
to what lies within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is 43

My 43rd Birthday!

Awwwwww...my friends,
I had the most beautiful day today that a woman could ever desire! Thank you my family and my friends for your love! You shower me with love, and it makes my heart swollen! I am so deeply content right now and overflowing with that love! *sigh*

My birthday blessings started yesterday. I got a beautiful card from my mom and sister. I went to work and my friends honored me with gifts and cards and homemade cookies! I came home to find the beautiful roses on my doorstep to top of a great day yesterday!
....Then..this morning, I woke up to hear my daughter Ally cleaning my house for me! She made coffee, lit candles and put on some soft music before she came to my room and woke me up! I got up and she had decorated our dining room (The same tradition that I do for everyone's birthday) and sat on the table a BEAUTIFUL basket filled with things that I love.
She thought of this idea, and shopped and paid for it completely on her own! She was so excited to make things special for me!! I have to share with you the card that she got me.. the words she wrote touched my soul and of course it made me cry!!!

This is what the card said:
Happy Birthday mom. I'll always count on your love

You loved me through all of my ages and stages, the silly, the awkward the difficult too. You counseled a little, listened a lot, let me decide for myself what to do.
you helped me develop a confident spirit by helping but letting me find my own way. Thanks for your faith in me, thanks for the love, and for being the mom I still count on today.

Then she wrote...

Dear mom, I read this card and thought it was PERFECT! I couldn't ask for any better mom in the world! You treat me, Lauren and Dad so good and now it's your turn to feel the love! Happy Birthday Mom! I love you so much! Ally!

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Can you see why my heart is so pumped up!!??!!! My daughter is 16 and we have the most beautiful relationship! awwwww *sigh* Blessed!!!1


Then... Lauren my 15 year old made me a GORGEOUS card being the artist that she is!
She drew a beautiful picture for me and wrote, "Happy Birthday mom! I love you so much! I hope your birthday is extra special!" Love Lauren


Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww! But then.... If that isn't awesome enough..she gave me 43 dollars out of her savings account!
I KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She is so generous and giving and loving! I am so blessed...so very very blessed!
I am bragging I know..but I just can't help it! They really are that wonderful! My girls and I are the very best of friends. We are FAMILY!!!

Then Joe gave me a card filled with money and he made us all a delicious breakfast and cleaned up too!!!!! My best friend from high school called to wish me a happy birthday and we made plans to celebrate this week! Then...

We all got showered and headed to boardman so I could spend my birthday cash! I bought some new clothes and a coat and a few more autumn scented candles! Remember how I wrote that I was missing fun in my life! Well today..we had fun! We were sooo silly today! We took lots of funny pictures and laughed and acted silly at the mall! We just had a great time!! We had my birthday dinner at Outback Steakhouse (Even though we just ate there last week, I waited the girls to have a good steak dinner!)and then we came home! On my doorstep was a gift to one of my dearest friends Karen Jameson! She bought me a beautiful sign that says, "DREAM: Let your dreams set the direction in your life" and also a beautiful journal! She knows my loves!
So..as you can see I've had the most fantastic birthday! I am smiling so big right now I can barely contain it!





And this is how we are ending the day.... finally getting to drink that champagne that Joe bought..*wink* Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!

Is there anything missing in your life?

Do you know what it is? I know what is missing in my life. I tell Joe all the time what is missing. He agrees. We know what is missing, but we don't do anything about it. I don't know if we can. No that is not true..I know that we can change it. But we don't. Why don't we? I don't know. I try but it never seems to work out. Want to know what's missing in my life? FUN. I don't have enough fun. Joe and I rarely do fun things together. For example, Joe bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate our loan getting approved. He bought it last Tuesday. We've wanted to open it every single night this week. Every night, we've been too tired to even have a glass of champagne together. We both work very hard. When we are not working we are spending time with our girls, working around the house, doing errands. The only fun thing we do is go out to eat occasionally and to be honest, that's not really fun. Joe tries to go golfing once a week. It is his fun or relaxation. I go out with my girlfriends. I do a lot of social activities, but we as a family don't have a lot of fun. You know that saying, about when you die, you are not going to say. "Oh I wish I would have worked harder.." We know that is true.. Joe and I spend too much time working and it's only going to get worse. I don't mind working..actually that's become our life. Now we say.. "Oh we will work hard for the next ten years and then we'll retire and have fun with our kids and grandkids..." HA! I know how that usually turns out....

I want to have fun now. I want to laugh and enjoy life more. I don't want it to be too late.