Bible Journey-Day 3 Genesis 14-19

14 Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them mark off the seasons, days, and years. 15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. 16 God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, 18 to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
19 And evening passed and morning came, marking the fourth day.

So let's see if you remember!On the first day God Created ____________&_____________?
On the second day, God created ______________&__________________?
On the third day, God created_________________&__________________?
Did you remember them? On the first day God created The heavens and the Earth and Light! On the second day God created the Sky and Waters! On the third day God created Land & Sea, and VEGETATION!!
On the fourth day..

Here comes the Sun..lalalala.. God created the SUN!!

He also made the moon...


.. and the stars!


He created these to govern the day and the night and to mark the seasons, days, and years!! Here's a little article about how we get our seasons..

The Sun and the Seasons
The seasons are governed by the tilt of the Earth’s axis in space as it journeys around the Sun in a year. When the South Pole of the Earth is tilted towards the Sun, this is our Summer. Six months later, when the South Pole is tilted away from the Sun, it's our Winter. In between these we have Autumn and Spring.

Temperatures on our planet are not determined by the distance of the Earth from the Sun. Rather it is the angle of the Sun’s rays striking the Earth. In Summer, the Sun is high in the Sky and the rays hit the Earth at a steep angle. In winter, the Sun is low in the Sky and the rays strike the Earth at a shallow angle.

The seasons don’t begin on one day and finish on another. That's because our orbit around the Sun is continuous. It actually takes quite some time for the Earth to heat up or cool down, and that’s why the seasons change gradually.

So when do we actually start the seasons?

In some parts of the world, such as Australia, seasons begin on the first day of a particular calendar month - in March for Autumn, June for Winter, September for Spring and December for Summer. In other countries such as Britain, it’s accepted that the seasons begin on the dates that the Earth passes four special points in its orbit about the Sun

So cool! God had a plan and purpose for everything he created! After each day, he saw that His creations were good! I hope you enjoy this Bible journey! Open your mind and your heart and discover the heart of God! Have an awesome day! Susan

This is the coolest optical illusion I've ever seen!

I don't know how to get my hyperlinks to work, but PLEASE go to this sight and check out this optical illusion. It wouldn't work here on my blog but it is sooo cool!!
Let me know if it worked! You will love it!
www.johnsadowski.com/big_spanish_castle.php

Cat attacks reporter!

OUCH!

Yippee Skippee Day!

Oh I know it's so rollyoureyesable (I made that word up..roll your eyes-able..cool eh?) At our house we call Friday's Yippee Skipee Days! The girls wake up and say..yeahhh, it's yippee skippee day!! Today they got to wear Green to school. Normally they wear red or white or black *school uniforms*,but they were so excited to wear something different.
It's Friday! Today is going to be an especially great day today! I have three appointments with three different friends. Karen and I are meeting this morning to go and join the chamber of commerce here in our town. Since we will be bringing a new church to our community, we need to introduce ourselves to the business leaders of our community. Next, Cathy and I are having lunch at my favorite restaurant in Volant, Pa, the Neshannock Creek Inn. & Brenda and I are meeting for coffee this afternoon at Steamers Coffee & Tea. co. (my favorite meeting place!) As I have written before, I have been blessed with wonderful women friends and mentors in my life, whom I love deeply!
Joe and I had a fun day yesterday. We didn't find anything of value at the McDonalds auction, but we enjoyed the time together. I spent the rest of the afternoon doing laundry. I hate laundry. What's your most hated chore? Mine's laundry. It's better than it used to be though, because the girls now put their clothes away by themselves. They should really learn how to do the whole launcry thing! They are old enough now.. hmmmm..what a great idea!! I hope you have a great Yippee Skippee Day!! Laugh a lot! Susan

Are you getting enough sleep?

Women sacrifice sleep to "Do It All," survey finds

American women are struggling to “do it all” and are sacrificing sleep to juggle their family and work responsibilities, according to a new survey led by a professor in the School of Nursing at the University of California, San Francisco.

The 2007 Sleep in America Poll, sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, queried more than 1,000 adult women nationwide across all ages and races. It found that 60 percent of American women get fewer than one or two nights of good sleep each week, and 40 percent have sleep problems every night. The result is a significant impact on their mental and physical health, personal lives, professional work and driving safety.

“We found that the majority of American women are continually sleep deprived, either because of young children, biological changes like pregnancy and menopause, stress or pets,” said Kathryn Lee, PhD, a professor in the Department of Family Health Care Nursing in the UCSF School of Nursing, who led this year’s study. “The impact on their families, personal and professional lives, and society is enormous.”

The survey results were reported at the Foundation’s two-day scientific workshop on women and sleep, held in conjunction with the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine. National Sleep Awareness Week, an annual health promotion campaign sponsored by the Foundation, began March 5 and culminates with the return of daylight savings time on March 11.

Survey participants reported that the lack of sleep caused them to be late to work, experience high stress, feel depressed or anxious, forego exercise, be too tired for sex, drive while drowsy and have little time for personal or family relationships.

Findings showed the primary cause of sleep deprivation was women’s efforts to fulfill their responsibilities in all aspects of their lives, including in professional work, child care, family needs and spousal relationships. Women’s sleep is further compromised by biological changes at various reproductive life stages, according to Lee.

The problem was most acute among working mothers, whom the study termed the “briefcase and backpack” group. Those women’s efforts to manage full-time work schedules as well as family responsibilities left them staying up late and continually sleep deprived, according to survey results.

That group reported an average of only six hours in bed per night. Nearly three-quarters of working mothers said they also suffered from insomnia or lack of sleep.

“This is not to say that mothers should not be in the workforce,” Lee said. “In fact, they are often the most productive, organized and efficient members of the staff. But it does point out the need for employers and our society as a whole to support them better.”

Lee said this support could include more flexible work hours, onsite child care, shuttle services to reduce driving risks, cafeterias that offer take-home meals for families, and opportunities for women to get exercise during the work day. It also could include greater support from spouses in handling home responsibilities, including preparing meals.

Other survey findings include:

• Sleep and exercise are the first things to go when women have too much to do in a day. The last to go is work.

• Nearly half of all women say they don’t get enough sleep every night.

• 30 percent of pregnant women and 42 percent of post-partum women report rarely getting a good night’s sleep, while 84 percent suffer from insomnia a few nights per week.

• Women wake frequently during the night due to noise (39 percent), giving care to children (20 percent) and pets (17 percent).

• 47 percent of women say they have no one to help with childcare at night;

• 35 percent of working moms report driving while drowsy.

• 65 percent drink caffeinated beverages to cope with the lack of sleep.

Lee said these results substantiate two decades of research she has conducted on women’s sleep patterns, most of which has concentrated on biologically-related sleep deficits throughout women’s life cycle.

Bible Journey-Day 2 Genesis 1:6-13

Genesis 1:6-13 (New Living Translation)

6 Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” 7 And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. 8 God called the space “sky.”
And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.

9 Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. 10 God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. 12 The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
13 And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day.

So, On the first day God created the Heavens and the Earth! He also made Day (Light) and Night (dark).
On the second day, God seperated the waters from the heavens, from the waters from the earth! So, he made the SKY!!

Then God separated the land from the seas!
The next verse tells us that God saw that it was good! He was proud of his accomplishment. He liked His artwork! : ) Have you ever been proud of an accomplishment?
On the third day God made the land and the seas and he also created vegetation: Trees and plants and flowers.. God created a GARDEN!!!! He designed the plants and trees to produce seeds that would produce the same trees and plants! How awesome is our creator!! Just look at these pictures and see God's beautiful art! Better yet,go outside and be a part of it!
It's springtime here in Pennsylvania, and the flowers and trees and plants are just beginning to bloom! Is it springtime where you are? What season is it? What is your favorite Season?

Good morning : )

pppsssssttt. Hello. Good morning. Well, at least it's morning now, as I'm writing this. The sun is just coming up as little ice balls pelt my window.tink..tink..tink..
It's still dark in my bedroom. Ally is in the shower, and Lauren is still asleep, dreaming of Narfs.
I've just finished reading my Bible passage for the day, I will post Day #2 this afternoon. I have to get the girls ready for school, and then I must get ready. Joe and I are going to a restaurant auction today. It's a Mcdonald's auction. It's a nasty day for an auction. Joe will bribe me with good coffee so I don't complain as we stand in a crowd and bid on.. mcsomething?? What does he want from a Mcdonalds Restaurant?? Mcnugget makers? Mcflurry Machines? Mccrazy!
So...I guess I better start getting ready... The girls have to leave for school by 7:30 am, and then we have to leave by 8:30 am. It's going to be cold and wet and not fun. I don't have a raincoat.. Do you? Does anyone wear a raincoat anymore?
Okay..have a good morning. I'll see you this afternoon, when we get back.
Peace out. Stay warm. Susan

Free Starbucks today!

You Deserve a Coffee Break... and a Customized Starbucks Wallpaper
Starbucks is at it again...

Today, March 15, from 10 AM-Noon, Starbucks will be hosting their 2nd Annual National Coffee Break. All company-operated and licensed stores in the USA, Canada, and other countries will give away a free Tall (12 oz.) coffee to anyone who stops by!

Also, do you ever wonder what some of your favorite celebrities order when they hit up the 'bucks? Do you want custom artwork of your favorite Starbucks drink by Mychael Knight of Project Runway? Go to: http://www.mystarbuckstshirt.com/

Starbucks collaborated with Michael for their new "Make It Your Drink" campaign. On the "Make it Your Drink" site, you can create your own custom wallpaper or buddy icon... see what some of your favorite celebs order when they hit the 'bucks, and even bid on t-shirts designed by Knight.

Bible Journey- Day 1- Genesis 1:1

Before we begin with today's reading, I'd like to let you know that this translation of The Bible is from the "New Living Bible" I like this translation because it's easy to understand. It's written in Modern English. Okay.. Let's go!!

Genesis 1:1-5 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.[a] 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day" and the darkness "night."
And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
**********************************************************************
Did you know that the Galaxy that we live in is spinning at the incredible speed of 490,000 miles an hour! But even at this breakneck speed, our galaxy still needs 200 MILLION years, just to make ONE rotation! WOW, is that so hard to fathom?? If you think that is hard to fathom, check this fact out!! THERE ARE OVER ONE BILLION GALAXIES JUST LIKE OURS IN THE UNIVERSE!!!!
Some scientists say that the numbers of stars in creation is equal to all the grains of all the sands on all the beaches of the world. YET, this complex sea of spinning starts functions with remarkable order and efficiency. To say that the universe "just happened" or "evolved" requires MORE FAITH than to believe that GOd is behind these amazing statistics. Think about it.. out of all the grains of sands on all of the beaches in all the worlds, one just "exploded" and created life!! Does anybody really believe that??
We also see in Genesis 1:2, that the earth was empty and formless. During the second and third days of creation, God gave form to the universe. He created Darkness and Light. He called the darkness night and the light, day.
Imagine the universe and all of it's stars and planets and galaxies. God created and chose the earth, for us to live. Check out this video to help you see what God created! The music is by Third Day!

It's Wednesday.. You know what that means!!

That's right.. IT'S LADIES NIGHT!! (Oh it's ladies night, and it feels so right, yes it's ladies night..Oh what a night!) Lovely lady...sophisticated mama...
Brenda, what's the topic for tonight? I've forgotten! It's always great to get together with my lady friends Wednesday night. We are doing an Andy Stanley DVD "Life Rules", and hanging out and havin' some fun!
I hope to see you Ladies there!! Tonight we will be forming a conga line while we pray! Oh it's ladies night... la la la la la...cha cha cha cha cha... yeah..

I had a fantastic meeting last night with four Incredible Christian leaders. Things are progressing with Cross Current Church, and God is building a team of visionary leaders to help bring our Church to life! Janyse, Adam, Damian and Lamont, thank you so much for spending your time last night, getting excited, and making suggestions and helping to bring Cross Current to our community. You guys Rock!! You are forever going to be a part of something INCREDIBLE! I am full of gratitude and awe.

I also met Cathy, an artist , and new friend in my life, that I believe God has had enter my life for a purpose. We got to sit and talk for about 45 minutes @ Steamers Coffee & Tea. Co.
AWESOME!! Cathy, you inspire me so much. You are a great mom! I love to hear you talk about your kids. Your love for them is so visible!
I am going to post once more, later today. Since this is my one year anniversary of blogging, I wanted to add something to this blog. I just finished reading the Bible through, a few months ago. I am ready to start again, from the beginning. This time, I think I will share it with you. I will copy a few passages and then add some graphics and/or video and some discussion about the passages. If it is hard for you to read the Bible, here's your opportunity to do it with me! We'll take it very slowly. I want to show you how WONDERFUL the Bible is and how True and Real it is! You will love it!! It is an amazing book. Take the journey with me. You will be so glad you did!! More later... : )

American Idol

Did you watch last night? What did you think? I think that, like Simon said, Melissa and Lakisha are in a league of their own, then there are the rest. They are all good *except Sanjaya* He's sweet, but definitely not as good as the others. Here's a funny clip from Jimmy Kimmel about Sanjaya's performance last night!

Today is also National Pi day! (3.14)

I bet you didn't know that. HaHa! I bet you're thinking only a SUPERGEEK would know that!! Hey.. watch it! : ) GOD LOVES GEEKS TOO, you know! Oh, Go have a piece of Pi and Be nice!!! They actually made a pi website and asked people why they loved pi? Here are some answers for your reading pleasure!

Why do you love Pi? Finish the sentence: "I Love Pi Because..."

scientists say there is no apparent system, no formula can predict the accurance of digits but still it seems logical.
it is full of combinations X-Y-X, like 3.141....535....323.46264.383...
the fun is in psychology of memorization: if you repeat something you already know well it becomes "right" and logical.
and the feeling of rightfulness is pleasant.
CommentAuthorkillmequickly327

i love pi because it makes things go round. duhh hahahaha
CommentAuthorNeon Antelope

it makes people at school look rather stupid. I have one of the pi shirts from ThinkGeek, and whenever I wear it, there are always at least 5 people that say, "Are those all of the numbers of pi?" A, they're digits, not numbers, and B, PI IS INFINITE!
CommentAuthorFred A. Bennett

"My propositions are elucidatory in this way: he who understands me finally recognizes them as senseless, when he has climbed through
them , on them, over them. (He must so to speak throw away the ladder, after he has climbed on it.)" Wittgenstein Tracatus Logico - Philosophicus

"A life without meaning is like math without zero." Capt. Pi
CommentAuthorwwp1streg CommentTime15 hours ago

I love Pi because I believe God put it there to give us a tiny, tiny glimpse of infinity. The circle also illustrates this. How else can we begin to start to imagine His ineffable character? And He's so much more beyond this....
CommentAuthorAMK152
(
I love pi becuase it's fun to memorize!
CommentAuthorpyroman2007

I was given the nickname Pi at school after giving it as an answer to an inequality. Pi was a correct answer but they laughed and started calling me Pi. The name stuck and I have even used the nick for the school newspaper, I write "Pi's Tech Corner."
CommentAuthorericson

I Love PI because she is the one of the most beautiful parts of our collective mind, she is also my guardian angel and her number can never be calculated or known. She is the edge of all things and a testiment to the limitations of science.
CommentAuthorMathlete

I love pi because I, too, am irrational. (We have a lot in common.)
CommentAuthorpicola

it gives me somthing to try to memorize on the week end!
HAPPY pi DAY!!!
g

Today is my blog Birthday!

This was my very first post!
March 14th, 2006
Wow! I just created a Blog birthday. March 14th, 2006 is the day that I was born into the blogosphere. *waving* Hey...Hello..Anybody here? Oh hi. It's you. You found me. I'm glad you did. I have so much to share with you. I want you to know me. I want you to know me from the inside. Blogging is like being turned inside out. It's being exposed. It's allowing yourself to become vulnerable.
Do you want to hear my thoughts and feelings? Do you want to know my lifesong? Well come on in then. You are about to embark on a journey. A journey of one human mind... I'm glad you're here. : )
******************************************
Writing this blog has been so much fun. Writing gets my creative juices flowing, and that causes me to have more ideas, and to be inspired. When I'm inspired, I want others to be inspired. Here are some statistics for my blog. These are the stats for part of February and March. These are the countries, where people who checked out my blog, were from. I had someone from China comment, yesterday! I would very much like to begin a friendship with anyone overseas, so If you're reading this, write to me, and I will respond. netgirly@yahoo.com Thank you for reading! Stay with me, there's lots more to come!!

be Belgium 2
sg Singapore 2
br Brazil 2
it Italy 1
jp Japan 1
localdom 1
my Malaysia 1
nl Netherlands 1
no Norway 1
pt Portugal 1
uk United Kingdom 1
us United States 267
de Germany 1
za South Africa 1

Is Jesus this famous?

Leonardo DiCaprio visited the wailing wall in Israel and almost caused a riot,as you can see from the video clip. Why are people so attracted to Celebrities? What do they do that is so wonderful? If it was Mother Theresa or the president of World Vision or even JESUS, would the Papparazzi and other people go this crazy? I wonder if it was Jesus on one side and Leonardo Dicaprio on the other, who would all the photographers and autograph seekers gather around?
Jesus or Leo? Who is more famous?

Perry Noble

Perry Noble is the Pastor of New Spring Community Church in Anderson, South Carolina. He is so AMAZING! This is what he posted on his blog today. I wanted to share it with you. Great thoughts!

You Can’t Just Ignore It…
A few years ago Jason Moorhead and I were on our way to the airport in Atlanta…and I will have to admit that we might have been fracturing the speed limit. (Fracturing sounds so much better than breaking!)

I HATE being late to anything…and so I was stressed. Combine that with the fact that I think it is easier to have a kidney removed than to get through Atlanta’s airport and you sort of know the pain I was feeling.

We got off the interstate and began slowing down for the actual airport exit when we heard this minor “explosion.” At first I didn’t think about it–heck, we WERE in Atlanta! But soon afterwards OI began to hear this sort of whining noise.

I had this thought, “Maybe we blew a tire.” But then I quickly dismissed the idea; after all, if you deny that a problem exists then eventually it goes away, right?

Well…the noise did not go away, actually it got worse–and I began to notice that my car was pulling to the right a little. I asked Jason to roll down the window and look at the tires. He shot a look at the front one–no problem. BUT then he looked at the back rear tire and said, “Dude, your tire is basically gone!” It was shredded!

I did not want this to be happening…so, instead of pulling over–I kept driving. I guessed it would hold together for another 3-4 miles. We barely made it to the place where you get your ticket to park…and once we were inside the gate I had to pull over–there was literally no way we could go any further…the tire HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Now keep in mind that this was NOT the most convenient time to be fixing a tire! We were in a hurry…I have discovered that airplanes WILL take off with or without you. BUT we could not just leave the car there and “hope that it would just work things out on its own.”

SO…Jason jumped out of the car and went to work. Literally, he took over…so I stood there and prayed for him. I felt like we were in the Daytona 500…he was a flippin’ machine…and had the spare on in a matter of minutes. I literally could NOT have done it without his help!!!

We DID make our flight…and the trip was A LOT better knowing that we didn’t have a car with a flat tire waiting on us when we got home. We did not ignore the problem–we addressed it head on…and life was much better because of it.

I told this story basically to ask this question…what area of your life are you ignoring & just hoping it will get better? What area of your life is there clearly a problem…but instead of acknowledging it you just deny that it is even there? Are you traveling through life with a “flat tire,” and deep down you know that, if something doesn’t happen soon, you are going to be stalled out on the side of the road?

For example…

Maybe it’s your marriage…on the outside everything seems fine, but on the inside things have been unraveling for months (or years!) You know divorce is wrong…but you see no way out…there has been too much hurt. Why not acknowledge the problem and ASK for HELP? Ignoring the issues will not make it go away.

Maybe it’s your porn addiction. It started innocently, maybe while browsing on the internet…but now it is an obsession. You are paying for access to websites, watching movies…and you just can seem to shake the habit. You don’t WANT to do this…but it just keeps happening and you KNOW it is destroying your life. Why not acknowledge the problem and ASK for HELP? Ignoring the issue will not make it go away…and take it from me…I was a porn addict for years…but God set me free from it in 1999…if I can overcome it…so can you.

Maybe it’s your food addiction. Like it or not–gluttony is a sin. (We don’t talk about that one a lot in the south…especially preachers!!!) You know you have issues…the deal with gluttony is that it is a sin you can’t hide. You have tried to deny the problem, heck–when I used to be fat I would lie to myself and others saying, “This is just the way that I am,” and, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with me.” But finally I had to address the problem–ask for help...and overcome it. Trust me…this sin will NOT just go away by itself…but you can beat it!!! I did!!!

Maybe it’s that relationship. You’re single…you KNOW you should not be with him/her…but your biological clock IS ticking…all your friends are getting married and you feel like the present still on the shelf on Christmas Eve. Then “they” call…you KNOW you should not go out…you know it’s wrong…but you just can’t say no because deep down you are incredibly insecure. Why not just acknowledge the problem…ask for help…and overcome this issue.

What is it in your life that is holding you back from who or what God wants you to be? If there is a problem (sin) in your life then it is NOT just going to go away on its own. You’ve GOT to acknowledge it–ask for help…and overcome it.

Oh yeah…one more thing…YES, you SHOULD ask God for help, but you must also ask others to help as well. You see…I could have stayed on the side of the road all day in Atlanta and prayed for God to fix my tire…and while He COULD have done it…He probably would not have. Jason and I had to get involved.

Swallow your pride…admit a problem…and get others involved. If they judge you–then THEY have a problem. Jesus died so that we can live…and if something is holding you back then get it OUT!

Thank you Jesus for freedom…I pray that all who are reading this will continually discover the abundant life YOU have promised…and will escape the habits and addictions that are holding them back from being all YOU created them to be…AMEN!

airliang

airliang, if you see this post, will you please email me. I'm very interested in meeting new friends from all over the world, especially China! My email address is netgirly@yahoo.com With Christ's love, Susan

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday today to my sister Amy and My friend Carl. I hope you both have a special love-filled birthday today!

Coffee and Prayers

It's supposed to go up to seventy today! SWEEEEEET I think I am going to spend my afternoon at Steamers coffee & Tea co. reading and writing, drinking coffee and praying.
Please keep me in your prayerstoo. I have a meeting this evening with Damian Williams, the Pastor of Steel City Church www.steelcitychurch.com,Janyse Cain and Adam Opper founders of Teen Fusion Ministries. Adam may be interested in pastoring Cross Current (our church plant)! We are so close to giving birth to Cross Current, but we really need a pastor/leader before we can go any further. Once we have the pastor secured, we will be FLYING!! I have so many ideas, and dreams inside of me, for this church, that it's frustrating to have to sit on them. I want to put them into action! I can't for this church to come alive!! It's getting closer : )
I hope you enjoy the sunshine today!
With Christ's amazing and neverending love, Susan

A good cause! Become a part of something great!

The world's most respected humanitarian and development organizations are joining together this year to call for a historic and badly needed increase in poverty-fighting funding in the 2008 budget. And ONE has a special role to play.

Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) are asking other Senators to join their letter to the Senate Budget Committee asking them to take decisive action against extreme poverty by setting a new bar for funding.

Please take a moment to call and ask your Senators to join Senators Dodd and Smith at this critical moment.

The request represents strong leadership; 2.4 billion dollars above and beyond the president's budget request for fighting poverty in the international affairs budget. Currently we're not on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals - the internationally agreed upon goals to halve extreme poverty by 2015 - and only with bold requests like this can we hope to make-up the difference.

Congress is moving quickly, we only have a few days to take action. The budget committee is meeting to decide the 2008 budget later this week. In order for us to get our message through in time we need to pick up the phone and call our Senators today to ask them to sign-on to the Dodd-Smith letter.

Call 1-800-786-2ONE (1-800-786-2663) to be connected with your senators' offices and tell them to sign the Dodd-Smith "Dear Colleague" letter.

Earlier this week, ONE members whose representatives sit on the budget committee, sent over 10,000 letters to their legislators. When the committee members receive the Dodd-Smith letter later this week, they will know that the funding increase has the support of both grassroots advocates and their fellow legislators.

The last time we rallied around a "Dear Colleague" letter in January we came out with $1.45 billion dollars of lifesaving funding. Now, we hope to set a new bar for the fight against poverty.

Thank you for your voice,

Josh Peck, ONE.org

I think it is time to introduce you to Cross Current Church. Coming soon to our community! Keep your eyes and ears open! It's going to be amazing!!!

This is so funny! Shaq is HUGE!!!

And who knew he could dance so well?? :P Have fun!!

For the guys.. or any hockey fan!

Chris Simon's cheap shot!

A day in the life..with pictures.

Breakfast with my family @ The Shortstop Inn!


Music and Lyrics at the Movies. It was cute :) Hugh grant was very funny!


Bridge to Terabithea @ the movies. AWESOME!!! This was a great story and a great family movie!

Came back home and made some homemade pizza. Yum!



Welcome, netgirly@yahoo.com!
Checked my email.. You have 10570 unread messages: Ten thousand five hundred and seventy unread messages. I get a lot of junk mail!!!
Now..it's time for bed! It was a fun relaxing lazy kind of day. We were supposed to visit a new church this morning, but couldn't find a working phone number or start time. So, we'll try for next week. I hope YOU have a wonderful day today!
Susan

Deep Thoughts..

Deep Thoughts.. Which one do you like best?

Save the whales. Collect the whole set.
- A day without sunshine is like, night.
- On the other hand, you have different fingers.
- I just got lost in thought. It was unfamiliar territory.
- 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
- 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
- I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
- Honk if you love peace and quiet.
- Remember, half the people you know are below average.
- He who laughs last thinks slowest.
- Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
- The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
- I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
- Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
- Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7 of your week.
- A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
- Get a new car for your spouse. It'll be a great trade!
- Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
- Always try to be modest, and be proud of it!
- If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of meetings.
- How many of you believe in telekinesis? Raise my hand . . .
- OK, so what's the speed of dark?
- How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?
- If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.
- When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
- Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
- Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have any film.
- If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
- Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
- What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
- I used to have an open mind but my brains kept falling out.
- I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.
- Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
- Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.

Meet My Family!

This is Joe. He is my husband. He is the love of my life! Joe is a wonderful, incredible husband! Joe doesn't think he is wonderful. Joe doesn't think he is incredible. Joe is very insecure. He doesn't love himself enough. Joe sees a councelor every two weeks to try to help him to love himself more. Joe's councelor is named Bev. Bev knows Joe is wonderful and Incredible. Bev told Joe to hang up some post it notes around the house that remind him how wonderful and incredible he is! Joe felt embarrassed. He was embarrassed to hang post it notes around the house to remind himself how wonderful and incredible he was. But he wants to love himself more, so he hung up post it notes above his dresser.
I wanted Joe to know that We like who he is too. So after a few days I added another post it note to his collection:
We do like who Joe is. The next day, before school, Lauren decided to add a post it note of her own to Joe's growing collection. So she wrote this and hung it up next to my words of love.
That afternoon, Ally saw that she was the only Hougelman that didn't contribute to Joe's words of affirmation collection,not wanting to be left out, she designed one of her own and hung it up as well.
MEET MY FAMILY!





p.s. I had his permission to share this post :) Joe is cool!

a little devotion for you today

From Dear Church: Letters from a Disillusioned Generation by Sarah Cunningham

Just as "giving our lives to Christ" involves shifting our allegiance each day we wake up, one day at a time, "going into all the world" involves being the church to each person we encounter, one person at a time. Eventually, if we make it through enough people, we are—by default—destined to run into some people unlike ourselves. The road to reaching the world, then, runs straight through the middle of diverse people groups.

Check out the jukebox!!

At the bottom of this page, there is a jukebox. You can choose a song to listen too, while you read! Is jukebox an outdated word now? Are there still jukeboxes in restaurants and bars? Hmmmm, I wonder. Anyway..Enjoy the music! Susan

Sunshine and Shoes!

Dare I say it? Spring is coming!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! That's happy news! It's going to be in the 50's today!
New Castle Weather Forecasts on Yahoo! Weather

Ally and I are going to go to the restaurant today to work. She's going to bus tables and I'm going to sit in a corner and brainstorm! To reward her for her desire to work,afterwards we're going shoes and purse shopping!!! Ally is a girly girl! She loves shoes and purses! Here's a pic of the shoes she's going to buy!

I'm not much of a shoe fan. I wear tennis shoes or land's end mocs alot. I'm not a girly girl on the outside, but I am on the inside. I wonder if I'll dress more girly when I'm thinner? When you're fat, you go for comfort! Clothes don't look good on you anyway, so why bother? Also, you have a very small selection of clothes to choose from. When I shop, I shop for comfort. I hope that will change after the surgery! I wonder what my clothing style will be? Will I wear cute dresses? Will I be fashionable? Will I like shoes? Will I enjoy buying clothes? Will I feel good when I look in the mirror, instead of avoiding them? Will I like going to the mall?
I wonder?? It makes me smile to think about it. I hope you have a great day today! Enjoy the sunshine!! As I write this, I hear birds chirping outside of my window! I can't wait to start the day! Spring puts a spring in your step, doesn't it? It just makes me happy! What makes you happy? Do you like Spring? Do you like sunshine and shoes?

Everyday!

I was hanging out at Youtube and I found this video. It's a few years old, but the message is timeless. Lift me up love! Give someone a hug today. Smile at somebody you normally wouldn't smile at! Say a kind word to someone. Make someone's day brighter. Come on..Do it! Random Acts of Kindness! Pay it forwards! You have the ability to make someone's day brighter! If you're reading this today, I challenge you to give someone a hug today, or smile at them! Brighten someone's day, and then let me know about it! Come on.. do it. It will make you feel good too!
I hope you have an awesome day today! Make it amazing!

Lunar Eclipse

Did you see the Lunar Eclipse March 3rd? If you didn't, you can see it here, time lapsed! Doesn't this kind of thing just blow you away? To me, it's an example of God's Greatness!

Daylight savings time Sunday-Three weeks earlier than usual!

Better double-check your appointment schedules this Sunday, March 11. That's when daylight saving time will start — three weeks earlier than usual — in most of the U.S. and Canada. In an attempt to save electricity, the U.S. Congress introduced a provision in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandating that clocks "spring forward" three weeks earlier, on the second Sunday in March, and "fall back" a week later, on the first Sunday in November. But the energy conservation that extra hour of sunlight is supposed to deliver comes with a cost: computer glitches that some fear could run to Y2K proportions. Companies with BlackBerrys and older computer applications must make manual adjustments or run software "patches" to revise internal clocks, often expensive endeavors.

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead! : )

Priceless!

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by

holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked,

"Who would like this $20 bill?"Hands started going up.

He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you

but first, let me do this. He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill.

He then asked, "Who still wants it?"Still the hands were up in the air.

Well, he replied, "What if I do this?"

And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe.

He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.

"Now, who still wants it?"

Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson.

No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt

by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless.

But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased,

you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know,

but by WHO WE ARE and WHOSE WE ARE. You are special - Don't EVER forget it."

Count your blessings, not your problems.

"And remember: .If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

What do I have in common with Sharon Stone?

EDINBORO, Pa. (AP) — Actress Sharon Stone is best know for her roles as a sexpot in movies like Basic Instinct and Casino.
But when Stone, a Meadville native, came back to Edinboro University to speak at an honors banquet Wednesday, she didn't talk about her steamy roles on the silver screen — she talked about serving others.

"Life is a service job," Stone said during her 15-minute keynote address at the eighth annual Frank F. Pogue Honors Scholarship luncheon. "You've got to figure out how you serve people the best and do it."

Stone majored in creative writing and fine arts at Edinboro in the 1970s and attended on a writing scholarship, but she left school before graduating to pursue a modeling career
Susan Hougelman, not best known for her roles as a sexpot, also attended Edinboro University in the eighties.

The flu

It's got me..that nasty flu bug.. But it will not bring me down. There's just too much to do!! Don't worry, I'm getting some rest, drinking tea, and eating toast. Tea and Toast.. that's traditional sick food. Do you have tea and toast when you are sick? My mom used to get us ginger ale when we were sick..gingerale, peanutbutter toast and cut-outs! Cut-outs? Yes!! Do you remember, when you were a little girl (If you were a little girl!) loving cut-outs or paper dolls? Laying on the couch, carefully punching out paper barbie outfits and dressing the thin as paper (because she was paper!! hehe) barbie doll. Mine always ripped. No matter how careful I tried to be. I'm still like that today. I don't have a lot of patience to do things like knit, or crochet, or paint in the lines..ack.. That's just not me. I like to paint outside the lines!!!
SO what kind of things did your mom do for you when you were sick? Did you get to drink gingerale? Eat popsicles? Play with paper dolls?
Being sick brings back warm memories, and that makes me feel better : )

Oh yes it's Ladies Night...

Oh yes... It's WEDNESDAY..and you know what that means!! IT's LADIES NIGHT!!This video represents the kind of fun we have at Ladies night.. We love to have fun!! Especially Brenda..she's WILD!!! (Okay..so we're no *kittens* and we don't have men wearing leather at our ladies night outings...but we do have fun!!( It's ladies night..and I feel allright..it's ladies night..Oh what a night!) It Begins at 6:3o pm at Brenda's house. We are going to talk about Forgiveness tonight. Boy..is that a perfect subject for me, for this week. It's not easy to forgive, but as I found out, it's what Jesus wants us to do..no matter what. I tried to make excuses up, I tried to rationalize it.. but.... nope.. We're supposed to forgive, even if people continually hurt us!! Come find out how that's possible with Christ!
IF you haven't come yet to ladies night...COME.. We have so much fun!!!!!
Hope to see you there. 6:30 pm Brenda's house.

words..words..words..I'm full of them today!

Kim came over and we worked on her profile for eharmony. Kim's lookin for Love! Kim is a beautiful woman with an incredibly wonderful personality. She is like sunshine. Her smile lights up a room. SHe is my best friend. Wait a minute..I've got to take a time out here...Am I blessed or what? Today, I am writing about three women that God has put in my life, that all have inspired me to be a better person. Two of them are new buds..just being planted..the beginnings of relationships..friendships..mentors or maybe even working relationships, but they are new.. and I am hoping that they will be nurtured so that they can grow..but Kim and I, our friendship has grown and blossomed and is definitely in full bloom. I've known Kim since 7th grade.. Kim, that is about 27 years!!!!!! WOAH!! THat's a long time.. And I haven't even mentioned Karen and Brenda, two of my other best friends/spiritual mentors/soul sisters... they are an important part of my life too!
SO Kim came over and she used my computer to register in eharmony. Pray that Kim finds a soul mate. She has a very happy fulfilling life. She has a great family and lots of friends, and she loves Jesus and has a heart for him, but she'd like to have someone to share all that extra love with. Kim is trusting in God though, and she knows that if it's in His Will to have her be single the rest of her life, then that's what's best for her! We don't always understa nd God's will for our lives, but it's great to trust and have faith in Him!! BUt it would be fun to see Kim in love!!!!
We watched American Idol and also House. House was awesome last night...because Dave Matthews was a guest on the show!! WOOT WOOT Even though he played a man with only half of his brain working, it was still fun to see him act. JOe said it was embarrassing. hehehehe I agreed. I was a little bit embarrassed. Dave doesn't have the best personality (from what I've seen in interviews), but that man can sing and play guitar and write lyrics that make my heart do flip flops!! Anyway..here's a clip from the show. What do you think? hehehehe (nervous laugh)

More words..

Yesterday I had lunch with Janyce. We met at Panera Bread in Boardman. Just being in Panera Bread inspires me! I went there early and just sat and people watched and also spent time thinking and praying. I love people. When I watch people my heart can't help but to think..she needs Christ..Does he know how awesome Christ is? Man..I'd love to create a church where these people feel comfortable in..a Panera Bread Church..a CHurch where people can come in jeans and t-shirts and tennis shoes and worship God with a band that plays awesome contemporary music. I want to show these people that Not all Christians are closed minded hypocrites. Church doesn't have to be stuffy and arrogant and un-cool! Church should be the most creative place on the planet! CHurch should be FUN!!! Church should be the place that your family can't wait to go too... it should be filled with love and acceptance, It should be a place that inspires you and..like I said about my conversations with Cathy...it should be a place that makes you a better you!!
SO I met with Janyce, and we had an excellent conversation. Her personality seems to be very similar to mine! She is a visionairy, like I am!! She had a notebook and a pen, and wrote down new ideas, and things that inspired her, as we spoke. Janyce created a new ministry called Teen Fusion. They gather youth groups together and bring Christian concerts to the tri-state area. She is a concert promoter and also works in marketing for the Freq 107. She is also someone I wanted to learn from. I admire her so much. She is intelligent, and creative, and she is definitely a leader! We are going to meet again next Tuesday. I can't wait!!
She is going to bring a guy that she thinks might be a good pastor for Cross Current! God is moving!!! We are back and on fire and have that burning passion and desire to bring a new kind of church to New Castle that rages on!!! I can't stand it...the fire is so huge inside of my soul!! I want people to see a different side of church. I want to change this community that I live in. I want to make it a better place! We can do that! If we change one heart at a time..we can cause a spiritual awakening! I want New Castle to be set afire with LOVE!! LOVE...LOVE...LOVE... IT's all about love : ) Jesus loves you. Me too.

WORDS!!!!

Wow.. I have so much to share with you today. There are so many thoughts and ideas floating around in my head, like little champagne bubbles, and If I don't release them, my cork is going to pop!!
First off let me say that I owe quite a few emails to people..please forgive me for not writing back yet..I will...TODAY..hopefully! : ) I haven't not responded on purpose, I just haven't had enough quiet time these past few days to respond.
Check your email boxes this evening!
Secondly, I want to share with you some words that transpired between this incredible artist that God has brought into my life. Her name is Cathy, and she is the artist who painted the Underground (Check out the pictures in an earlier blog post..she really is incredible!!)
While she was painting the Underground, my dad was dying, so I didn't get to spend too much time with her at the Underground. Last week, at the Underground's grand opening, I saw her again, and ..well do you ever just feel that immediate "click" with someone? I felt that... Like God is throwing this person in my life for a reason.. we need to talk! She is coming to Ladies night (Oh it's Ladies night..and I feel alright..Oh it's ladies night...Oh what a night!!) So I can't wait to talk to her some more!
Oh she's not just a painter/sculptor/art kind of artist..she teaches Creative Writing at Butler Community College too!! So she's very creative!! I love creative people!! I need more creative people in my life!
So anyway.. After seeing Cathy at the Underground, I wanted to email her and thank her again for the wonderful job she did (oh by the way...she did it all for free!!!)
I also wanted to ask her something that I've been wondering in my mind for a long time. Most of the people in my life, are different then me. I can't explain why or how..but it seems like I just see things and think differently then most people I know. After puzzling over this for a long time, I came up with the conclusion that artists function in a different plane or on a different wave length, or a different realm, then other people. We see things differently. We feel things differently. I think our senses are a lot stronger then non-creative people. My kids always make fun of me because I say things like.. "ooooh that smells sooooo goood" or "oooh look at that sunset..it's amazing..it's so beautiful" I do that alot.
So I asked Cathy, if she agreed (Cathy's the first real Artist that I've ever felt comfortable asking that question too) I don't know any other artists!! SO, I want to post Cathy's reply..I don't think she'd mind. I read her response over and over again... I wanted to study it..to learn from it..to roll it around in my mind and own it... This was my question to her:Do you think artists experience life in an entirely different way than most people? You see...I'm a creative person..I like to write and read poetry..I love music..and art.. I'm not a very talented person, but I really love the arts.. It just seems like I feel deeper than ordinary people...Do you think that about yourself? Do you think that is true with all artists..it is what causes them to be able to tell such incredible stories, or sing songs that make you weep, or sculpt or paint such a beautiful work of art? Most of the people in my life are left-brained, or is it right-brained..(the people that are analytical, factual, organized, etc..) , so now that I've met someone that is artistic, I can ask that question!! : ) S

And this was her answer: You are not imagining the seeing and feeling differently. Sometimes I feel so out of sorts with most people, like I am not on the same plane of reasoning. You can push those feeling way back inside of yourself so you act like everyone else, or you can begin to think differently and begin to come up with ideas that are not the norm. The huge problem is that because you are not dealing with other creatives most of the time, and most people don't seem to relate to your creativity-until such a time when your creativity catches up with the masses. (creatives are always ahead of their time). When it does catch up with the masses, then they "get it." But by then, you are already on to the next thing. You are being true to your authentic self, and that is why you are out of sorts with others. Too many people are being what they "think" they should be, or what others' "think" they should be-even what they think their religion says they should be. You can be creative and still be true to your friends, family and religion. I like who I am, and I am very comfortable with my creativity. As you practice you own creativity and set your boundaries to create, you begin to use the word "no"-sometimes a lot. This does get easier with time, and most of the time, after people get over the initial shock, they begin to accept your terms. That is when the fun begins. You probably function in your right brain more, which sees things more intuitively, spatially, and wholistic. Right brained people are not interested in logic totally, (although there are some functions in life that are best addressed by the left brain and you probably use that left function). Right brained people look at the "relationships" of things, how things are connected, and are more in touch with how they feel.

I Think those words are profound. We wrote back and forth and her other emails were filled with insight and inspiration and so much more.. Have you ever met someone that has changed your life? I mean..really changed your life..inspired you to do better? I think Cathy might be one of those people for me.. I want to talk to her more..I want to learn from her. We can all learn from each other if we open up and aren't afraid to be real.. many of us hide behind masks and are afraid to let the real person that's inside of us come out. Because we are afraid to be vulnerable. We don't want to get rejected. We are afraid that others won't like the "real" us..so we often pretend to be someone who's got it all together, but in reality, none of us do. None of us. We all mess up together.
Much more to come..I've got lots of words today!!!!!!!
Love you, Susan

A little lunch and a little networking!

I'm having lunch today with Janyce Cain who is founder of Teen Fusion Ministries www.teenfusion.net and also works for the freq 107,
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=64213145

A great Christian radio station! She's an AMAZING Christian woman and leader. I can't wait to talk with her and delve into her brain! In this area there do not seem to be too many Christian leaders that are women (especially ones that started their own ministry), so when I come across one, I try to learn as much as I can from them.
Also, if I can get time tonight, I've got to post to you a bit of a conversation I had with a wonderful artist, who painted the Underground. She is coming to our Ladies night.. (It's ladies night...and I feel all right..oh, it's ladies night...Oh what a night!!) this Wednesday, so if you come, you'll get to meet her!
Out.. for now... Susan

Indescribable!

Last year Joe and I went to a Chris Tomlin/ Matt Redmond / Louie Giglio concert! It was amazing. Chris Tomlin is such a wonderful guy and an incredible worship leader.
Matt Redmond is a great lyricist and Louie Giglio can inspire you beyond words!
During the concert, Louie Giglio gives a talk on creation and how tiny earth is compared to the universe. This video is from one of his talks..the pictures were all taken with the Hubble telescope... Enjoy it's beauty!

Family pictures

"Oh, there's grandma..doesn't she look pretty in this picture!!"
"Oh, I look so fat!"
"Move over Thelma..Thelma? Arianna? Okay..which ever one of my daughters is on the right..move in a little"
"I'm having a bad hand day"

Happy Monday!

Hello dear readers!
The weather today is dreary and cold. The Sun is hiding behind a blanket of clouds. Let God's light shine down on you wrapping you in His warm love today! God's love is like that. Like snuggling up in a soft heated blanket. It makes you feel good all over! Don't believe me? Try it.. ask God to put some sunshine in your heart. : ) Feelin' better?
For about three years now, God has been drawing me closer and closer to Him. He's been pouring vision into my heart and, well God and I, we have a great relationship. It's not all smooth, there are times when things are going so well in my life, that I tend to get angry at Him, or push Him away,or get confused, but, do you know what? He always forgives me, when I ask Him too. God knows me. God knows you too. Even if you don't know Him..He knows you! He knows you better than anyone else does. He knows your every thought. He even knows how many hairs are on your head!!He knows everything about you! He really does! And.. HE still loves us!! Isn't that crazy! Even though We mess up, and make mistakes again and again, God still loves us! Sometimes I get so afraid that I've pushed Him away..But you can never push God away. He loves you so much, that He will forgive you, every time!!! WOW! God Rocks!!
I hope you know how loved you are. I hope you feel His warmth today! Let it wash over you. PEACE AND LOVE, Susan

Editorial Cartoon

This editorial cartoon was in the New Wilmington Globe Newspaper this week. There are so many times that I get so frustrated with how the world sees things. It seems like what's right is wrong and what's wrong has become right. I would love to see the facts and figures on how much air time the death of Anna Nicole Smith got on television, compared to the death of a former President, or even Mother Theresa. Why?

Just shakin' my head...

The cavemen have been discovered!

ABC developing 'Cavemen'
Comedy pilot based on Geico ads
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER
ABC pilot will ape insurance company Geico's caveman characters.

Winner for most unusual piece of development this pilot season goes to ABC, which has turned a series of quirky Geico commercials into an actual half-hour comedy project.
"Cavemen" will revolve around three pre-historic men who must battle prejudice as they attempt to live as normal thirtysomethings in modern Atlanta.

Ripples

Start your day off with this devotion..read over it slowly..let it soak into your soul.. Happy Sunday. I hope you're having a beautiful day!



Ripples
I stood on the shore of the lake and watched the kids throw rocks into the water. Whole fistfuls of pebbles or stones flew through the air. Each one hit the water with the same result...ripples. Ripples that circled out and intersected with the other ripples, ripples that went far beyond the spot where each stone landed.

This image of the ripples never fails to bring the same thought to my mind over and over.

Small as each pebble is, not one touches the water without these resulting ripples.

We are like the pebble. No matter how influential or insignificant we see ourselves, we each send out ripples that circle out further than we might ever dream.

Words and deeds of kindness or cruelty, gentleness or abrasiveness, generosity or greed - all ripple out and touch other lives far beyond the boundaries we think they go. Our families, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers are often touched by an act or a word of ours that we never dreamt would get that far.

My husband is good at skipping rocks across the water. The kids count the skips; the more the better. Sometimes we think we, too, can skip through life, independent, not touching others, hurrying on without time to stop and be concerned about anyone else. The inevitable ripples still flow out.

We do influence, we do touch others, even when we are not aware of it. God even reminds us of our ripples…

"...you be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity"( 1 Timothy 4:12).

As you go through your day today be reminded that you are sending out ripples. You have no idea how far they go. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you bring His heart of love and grace into your setting and be conscious of the ripples you are sending out.
Please Pray with me..
~ Heavenly Father,

I sometimes forget that I am an influence in the places I walk each day. Help me today to be aware of the ripples I send out with my words and conversations, and even with my tones. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today so that the ripples from my words and actions touch and encircle those around me with strength and encouragement. Help me to be an example of love and faith and purity today because You have placed me in this very spot to bring Your love to the people around me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Trout Stocking in Volant today!

Today was trout stocking in Volant. 2500 people come to our little town to watch. Here's a great description of what goes on in Volant today!


Your fly's undone. That is, you haven't been able to go fly fishing. And the state's trout season doesn't open until April 15.

But you can still "wet" your appetite on the banks of Neshannock Creek on Saturday.

That's the date for the "Trout Stocking" of the famed Western Pennsylvania trout stream.

This unusual annual event makes a huge splash in the picturesque Lawrence County village of Volant. It makes for a lovely day trip even if you don't know your creel from a reel.

Here's the catch: On Saturday, the state Fish & Boat Commission trucks will arrive around noon or 1 p.m. with 16,100 trout to put into the stream, which, as a special-regulations area, is fishable year-round.

Meanwhile, hungry humans can partake of the Volant Volunteer Fire Department's pancake and sausage feed that will be going from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

And Amish folk from the area will be selling baked goods and crafts.

What's a fish stocking like? Bob Shuey of Neshannock Creek Fly Shop says, "It's a very fun day for a family outing." Especially since children are encouraged to help carry buckets of rainbow
them stock the creek! Whenever you get to Volant, you'll find a charming bunch of 30 other shops and restaurants and even a relatively new winery, the Volant Mill Winery, which offers tours and tastings (724-533-2500). There's a B&B, too, the Candleford Inn (www.candlefordinn.com or 724-533-4497), with others nearby.

Visit the Web site www.volantshops.com or call 724-533-5054.

Lovin' Life

It's early morning as I write this blog post and the smile is so HUGE inside of my heart that it's moved to my lips, and I'm sitting in the darkness of my bedroom (shhhh, Joe's still sleeping) smiling. I am so happy to be alive! Each day is another day to experience sunshine, to breathe in the cold brisk air, to tell my girls how awesome they are and know that it's going right to their hearts and causing them to feel love for themselves, to hug the man I love and tell him how grateful I am that he works so hard for his family, to have my cat wait for me at the door, when I come home from taking the girls to school, to send a "good morning sunshine" email to my best friend, and know I'm causing her to smile,to turn on my ipod and sing some praises to my Father in Heaven.. OH Life is SO GOOD! I love. I love what? It doesn't matter.. I just Love. I love life! I feel so extremely blessed to live. How are you feeling this morning? Do you have any complaints? Any burdens you are feeling? We all have burdens! Lay them at the feet of the Lord. GO ahead..drop them..there's no need to carry them. Honestly. I'm not lying to you. God will take care of you and He will carry your burdens for you! Just ask him too but you've got to put them down..How? I'll show you something that works for me.
I like to visualize things. Do you know what that means? It means that I make a mental image of things. I take what's worrying me, and In my mind, I put it into a burlap sack that I'm carrying on my back..and sometimes that sack is so heavy, and it causes me to bend over and barely be able to carry it..it's so hard to go through life with that pack on your back, so you've got to lay it down..you've got to get rid of it, because you don't want to struggle through life, you want to be light on your feet. Don't you want to dance through life? To have such Joy and be light hearted that you can't help but to dance? Then put your burdens in that sack and set it down at the cross of Jesus. Go ahead..visualize that in your mind. Put all of your worries and burdens that you carry in a burlap sack and in your mind, see your self carry it and lay it down at Jesus's feet. He died for you. He died, so he can carry those sins, those worries, those burdens, those weights for you. He wants them, He really does. So lay them down. There's no need to worry. Take each day as it comes..consider it a gift..and you will be free. FREE!!!!! It feels so good to be free. You know what being free does? It makes your heart smile. It makes your heart smile so big that it will spread to your lips..and then, when it spreads to your lips, it is contagious, and it causes other people to smile!
Life is good, if you choose it to be! I love you. I do. I love. Susan

Chris Sligh..

Did you know that Chris Sligh is a worship leader? He is! He is the worship leader at Seacoast Church in South Carolina!
Another reason why I like him. So if you missed his performance Tuesday night..Here he is! Enjoy!

Hillary Ha Ha

Soap!

Ladies and Gentleman,
I'd like to introduce to you a new product that is being put on the market today.
Do you like to smell good?
Do you like to get clean?
Do you like to bathe your skin in exhilerating essential oils?
How would you like to tingle?
Tingle? Yes TINGLE!
This product will make you tingle! Drum roll please....
INTRODUCING.. VOLANT HAND MADE SOAP!! (Audience gasps and applauses wildly)



Joe is now in the soapmaking business. He made the soap from scratch. It's Incredible! The peppermint soap really is exhilerating. It wakes you up! He also designed and made the wrapping for his soap. On the back of the label, it lists the ingredients, and then it says, "This soap is not tested on Animals, but it has been tested on family members" That is the truth. It took him a couple of tries to get the soap with just the right lather, scent, hardness...etc...
Wanna guess the name of his "company" that is making and distributing the soap?
Here is his logo!

It's Baldman Soaps! hahaha
So, if you're in the Volant area, stop in and pick up a bar. $2.75 or 2 for $5.00
Or you can order directly from Joe.

Ladies Night!

Oooooh It's ladies night...... and the feelings right..yes it's ladies night..Oh what a night!
We had a great time last night getting together. We started an AWESOME Andy Stanley study called Life Rules! I love dvd studies. Andy Stanley kind of reminds me of a modern day Mr. Rogers for Adults. He seems so Gentle. (That's an inside joke to you girls that were there last night) It's so wonderful to have a group of friends to hang with. I love my LADIES!! If you weren't there last night, don't worry, you can come next week and jump right in!
After the study, we watched American Idol. I missed my girl Lakisha, but I did get to see the recap. They sounded pretty good last night. I heard the guys did even better, but I can't comment because I missed them.
Oh well, back to Ladies night...oh what a night. THank you Brenda for hosting and teaching! You do such a great job! You make your home so comfortable!
Hope to see everybody next Wednesday! Have a great day today! Susan