As I was doing some preparation for next weeks start of school I made the decision to assign seats for my elementary students.
In all our training and education they always advise assigned seating for the little ones. If you leave seat choice up to them it may take a long time before I can pull away from their stop and move to the next one. They will always migrate to the back of the bus and when they see it's already filled or they don't want to sit with whoever is back there, the moving and decision making process begins.
Decision making in small ones can be lengthy. Lots of time to sit at the bus stop is something I do not have. We are literally on a minute to minute time schedule so . . .
When we get our route descriptions we also get the names of each student that "should" get on at that appointed stop. Now . . . do I study that and make sure they are where they need to be? No. Parents should be responsible and I just don't have the time -- unless I have problems with the middle schoolers and/or high schoolers --- like last year! Then --- you bet I'll check names with my list!
So off I went to the dollar store to find some fun things to make name tags out of. I found pink butterflies and blue worms -- thinking that would be great for girls and boys.
Then when I got home and started to write the names on the tags I realized that I cannot!
Nearly all my students are of some Asian descent and I have no idea if they are boys or girls!
So . . . today it's back to the dollar store for a more "generic" name tag idea!
The pink and blue will hopefully be used much later in the school year!
Another note to self ---- this IS a different year on the bus!
Until next time . . . blessings and peace! Susan
About Me
- Susan and Monty Scales
- We've spent years helping families rebuild their lives and homes after natural disasters. Those adventures have taken us to Mississippi, Louisiana, Indiana and Texas. God is now teaching me there are numerous definitions of "disaster." This new adventure of driving a school bus is taking me into a whole new world of "rebuilding." Stay tuned and see the hand of God in action! Jesus really does "love the little children; red, yellow, black and white . . ."
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
An Example (to calm your fears)
First of all -- many thanks to those of you who have expressed concern that there might be something wrong with Monty!
Even though he is still battling outbreaks of hives (for no apparent reason) he is fine.
Him having a problem of some kind is not why I bought the book "The Power of a Praying Wife".
The further I get into it makes me wish I had gotten into it 15 years ago when we got married! There are so many things and areas that never occurred to me (since I'm not a man) and each day I am enlightened in a new way.
So . . . thought I would give you an example.
As I said, I made the commitment to pray for 30 days, 1 day for each chapter.
Today was entitled "His Mind" and the following is the prayer of the day. You can substitute your own husband's name in where possible.
"Lord, I pray for protection on my husband's mind. Shield him from the lies of the enemy. Help him to clearly discern between Your voice and any other, and show him how to take every thought captive as You have instructed us to do.
May he thirst for Your Word and hunger for Your truth so that he can recognize wrong thinking. Give him strength to resist lying thoughts. Remind him that he has the mind of Christ.
Where the enemy's lies have already invaded his thoughts -- I push them back by inviting the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse his mind. Lord, you have given me authority "over all the power of the enemy." By that authority given to me in Jesus Christ, I command all lying spirits away from his mind. I proclaim that God has given him a sound mind. He will not entertain confusion, but live in clarity. He will not be tormented with impure, evil, negative or sinful thoughts, but be transformed by the renewing of his mind, that he may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Enable him to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Help him to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let his requests be made known to You; and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard his heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
And finally, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, having virtue, or anything praiseworthy, let him think on these things. Amen"
Within the chapter these sentences jumped out at me.
"All men have an enemy who wants to undermine what God desires to do in their lives. Women have the same enemy but men seem to be more vulnerable to his attacks in certain areas."
"Men don't always see the traps of an enemy who wants him to believe that what he faces is insurmountable."
"By speaking God's Word, you (I) can reveal wrong thinking and it will lose its power. If your husband won't do it for himself, you can speak the Word of God over him, either in his presence or alone in prayer and see positive results."
"Ephesians 6:11 = stand against the wiles of the devil on his behalf."
"I'm (yep - me) not going to stand by and watch deadly games being played with his mind and our lives."
So . . . I will continue in my commitment of praying over him for the full 30 days and then I plan to start all over again!
And - like I said - if you've read the book --- read it again.
If you haven't read it - try it ---- you have absolutely NOTHING to lose!
Until next time . . . Lord, thank you for Monty! Susan
Even though he is still battling outbreaks of hives (for no apparent reason) he is fine.
Him having a problem of some kind is not why I bought the book "The Power of a Praying Wife".
The further I get into it makes me wish I had gotten into it 15 years ago when we got married! There are so many things and areas that never occurred to me (since I'm not a man) and each day I am enlightened in a new way.
So . . . thought I would give you an example.
As I said, I made the commitment to pray for 30 days, 1 day for each chapter.
Today was entitled "His Mind" and the following is the prayer of the day. You can substitute your own husband's name in where possible.
"Lord, I pray for protection on my husband's mind. Shield him from the lies of the enemy. Help him to clearly discern between Your voice and any other, and show him how to take every thought captive as You have instructed us to do.
May he thirst for Your Word and hunger for Your truth so that he can recognize wrong thinking. Give him strength to resist lying thoughts. Remind him that he has the mind of Christ.
Where the enemy's lies have already invaded his thoughts -- I push them back by inviting the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse his mind. Lord, you have given me authority "over all the power of the enemy." By that authority given to me in Jesus Christ, I command all lying spirits away from his mind. I proclaim that God has given him a sound mind. He will not entertain confusion, but live in clarity. He will not be tormented with impure, evil, negative or sinful thoughts, but be transformed by the renewing of his mind, that he may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Enable him to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." Help him to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let his requests be made known to You; and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard his heart and mind through Christ Jesus.
And finally, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, having virtue, or anything praiseworthy, let him think on these things. Amen"
Within the chapter these sentences jumped out at me.
"All men have an enemy who wants to undermine what God desires to do in their lives. Women have the same enemy but men seem to be more vulnerable to his attacks in certain areas."
"Men don't always see the traps of an enemy who wants him to believe that what he faces is insurmountable."
"By speaking God's Word, you (I) can reveal wrong thinking and it will lose its power. If your husband won't do it for himself, you can speak the Word of God over him, either in his presence or alone in prayer and see positive results."
"Ephesians 6:11 = stand against the wiles of the devil on his behalf."
"I'm (yep - me) not going to stand by and watch deadly games being played with his mind and our lives."
So . . . I will continue in my commitment of praying over him for the full 30 days and then I plan to start all over again!
And - like I said - if you've read the book --- read it again.
If you haven't read it - try it ---- you have absolutely NOTHING to lose!
Until next time . . . Lord, thank you for Monty! Susan
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Praying Power
Today is the day of my commitment.
This past weekend we made a trip to the "way discounted" bookstore and I picked up the book, "The Power of a Praying Wife". A whopping 50 cent purchase that is quickly becoming priceless.
I made the commitment to pray one prayer a day for 30 days over Monty.
The book covers everything! I have already learned so much and have gone so far as to type out and print each prayer each day. Don't know exactly what I'm going to do with them but God prompted me to print them so . . .
If you've read it --- read it again and make the same commitment.
If you haven't read it --- find it and read it!!! It's awesome and amazing and I know how good God is at answering prayers so I am standing in faith and expecting great things!!!!
The author is Stormie Omartian.
Until next time . . . Lord, I thank you for placing this book in my path and am anxious to see Your power at work! Susan
This past weekend we made a trip to the "way discounted" bookstore and I picked up the book, "The Power of a Praying Wife". A whopping 50 cent purchase that is quickly becoming priceless.
I made the commitment to pray one prayer a day for 30 days over Monty.
The book covers everything! I have already learned so much and have gone so far as to type out and print each prayer each day. Don't know exactly what I'm going to do with them but God prompted me to print them so . . .
If you've read it --- read it again and make the same commitment.
If you haven't read it --- find it and read it!!! It's awesome and amazing and I know how good God is at answering prayers so I am standing in faith and expecting great things!!!!
The author is Stormie Omartian.
Until next time . . . Lord, I thank you for placing this book in my path and am anxious to see Your power at work! Susan
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Shift Gears
It's time for me to shift gears!
Two weeks from today is the first day of school! And just as I thought, I find myself sitting back and wondering where the time off went?!
Since school starts so early it actually does take August off the calendar as "summer" in a way.
But never the less -- tomorrow makes it official since I have to attend a mandatory meeting regarding this upcoming year.
My route is different but I get to keep my same bus so . . .
Here we go!
Until next time . . . blessings to all. Susan
Two weeks from today is the first day of school! And just as I thought, I find myself sitting back and wondering where the time off went?!
Since school starts so early it actually does take August off the calendar as "summer" in a way.
But never the less -- tomorrow makes it official since I have to attend a mandatory meeting regarding this upcoming year.
My route is different but I get to keep my same bus so . . .
Here we go!
Until next time . . . blessings to all. Susan
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Don's Thank You = Priceless!
This is - word for word - what Don sent me this morning! It captures it ALL.
"I hope I expressed my sincere appreciation to all in a manner which was clear and easily understood. All of the kids worked hard under some sever heat with little complaining and a lot of acceptance that no one is under control of the weather.
Perhaps what struck me most was their willingness to listen and then execute instructions which is indicative of their parental influences. So . . . kudos to the parents for being good parents and setting fine examples which did not go unnoticed by myself, nor will their examples to the kids as they mature and look back on the younger years of their lives and the examples witnessed.
There was a lot more completed than I anticipated and not only on the back rooms. It would have been joyous to just sit with the kids and their parents for a time and have a chat but that wasn't allowed given the time frames involved.
As time passes I believe the kids will look back and smile, knowing they did a good thing for a stranger, which in my opinion is a great indicator for where their hearts will guide them in the future. (Matt. 6:21) This man, less of a stranger than when we began, will have many memories to recall causing smiles, as well.
A mere "thank you" always seems to feel insufficient to me being on the receiving end of goodness given by others to me, yet many times during my life it is all that was needed when I help others. I hope each of them comes to understand that good deeds are best kept within and used to guide not only their lives but shared with others in "generic manner" when opportunity presents. (Matt 5:14-16)
Teaching, or mentoring as the Pastor and I discussed, is the last great gift one can leave behind after a lifetime of experience comes to its eventual end. Therein resides the greatest of memories and the final smile when one steps into the next realm of our soul's path.
When "Grandpa" and Carl left there were strong handshakes (male communication) between us. Respect was shared and appreciation understood which went unspoken but still the knowledge existed. Their efforts will never be forgotten. Such is the case for ALL who have helped me over the last couple of years.
Each of us is endowed with gifts by our creator. Discovering those gifts and using them for good throughout our lives is a duty which few seek . . . but to those who do, an inner satisfaction and peace in knowing (and secret - Matt. 6:18) is a reward without measure.
Recent years have brought forth some dark times in my life but I have always known one needs only to open their eyes and others in greater need will be see close at hand - as is my way, I continue to help others as best as I am able.
Don"
So the next time you wonder if reaching out and helping someone really means anything ???
Think again -- and DO IT!!! You WILL change a life --- and your own at the same time!
Until next time . . . Wisconsin ---- YOU ROCK!!!!!!! Susan
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Swimming
The temps and humidity are higher than yesterday but when I went to Don's first thing this morning the men and the boys were already there working as hard as ever.
They said the girls and women took some time this morning to get some past due sleep and didn't know if they were coming over or not.
The grandpa and his construction man returned this morning and picked up the boys. They were teaching the boys how to hang sheetrock and already had one bedroom ceiling completed and most of the walls while the others finished the ceiling insulation in preparation for hanging sheetrock there. The gentlemen said their goal was to get that ceiling done before they left for home late this afternoon. Amazing -- considering both of them are a bit past the senior citizen status!
When I thanked the elder gentlemen for returning a 2nd day the grandpa told me that God had told him he should come over -- and he knew better than to argue with God so he decided to obey and then decided to bring his friend! Awesome servants!
By lunchtime the entire team was headed to the local city pool for the rest of the day! They earned it and were very excited about getting wet by jumping in the pool instead of working! None were complaining and were so enthusiastic about everything they were learning. I love to see such servant hearts in young people!
Tomorrow is their last day. As I said before, they have already accomplished far more than I or Don could have ever imagined! What amazing blessings they have been and we are so thankful, more than words can say.
It's been 2 years since the tornado here and finally Don really does have a home --- all of it!
Until tomorrow . . . enjoy the waterslides Wisconsin! You earned it! Susan
They said the girls and women took some time this morning to get some past due sleep and didn't know if they were coming over or not.
The grandpa and his construction man returned this morning and picked up the boys. They were teaching the boys how to hang sheetrock and already had one bedroom ceiling completed and most of the walls while the others finished the ceiling insulation in preparation for hanging sheetrock there. The gentlemen said their goal was to get that ceiling done before they left for home late this afternoon. Amazing -- considering both of them are a bit past the senior citizen status!
When I thanked the elder gentlemen for returning a 2nd day the grandpa told me that God had told him he should come over -- and he knew better than to argue with God so he decided to obey and then decided to bring his friend! Awesome servants!
By lunchtime the entire team was headed to the local city pool for the rest of the day! They earned it and were very excited about getting wet by jumping in the pool instead of working! None were complaining and were so enthusiastic about everything they were learning. I love to see such servant hearts in young people!
Tomorrow is their last day. As I said before, they have already accomplished far more than I or Don could have ever imagined! What amazing blessings they have been and we are so thankful, more than words can say.
It's been 2 years since the tornado here and finally Don really does have a home --- all of it!
Until tomorrow . . . enjoy the waterslides Wisconsin! You earned it! Susan
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
WI Grandpa joins the team
It's HOT!!!!! And VERY humid . . . and they are working away and accomplishing more in 2 days than I thought they would get done in a week.
The subflooring is all in -- thanks to one of the girls' grandpa who drove over from Shelbyville and brought a friend with him. They are both expert carpenters and also teachers to the kids.
With the high temps along with humidity I have insisted that they take a lot of breaks and drink a lot more water! They are doing well in both but still are determined to keep going.
They said they planned on cooking dinner last night but changed that plan to ordering pizza delivery! A much better plan! :)
As I said, be sure and stay tuned.
God is moving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Until next time . . . Wisconsin Rocks! Susan
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Wisconsin arrives --- later but arrives!
As you can see -- most of them are middle schoolers -- with an amazing ability to listen and follow instructions! We were at Don's house by 8am this morning and Don stepped up into the role of mentor and instructor. It was awesome! Don has so much experience and skill and stepping in to teach these younger ones --- and have them listen and be obedient -- made for a great day of working.
Getting the subflooring installed in the 2 bedrooms was first priority and they stepped right up and learned how to use the skill saw and measure and make the right cuts. It may be very hot and humid and they may be working in the sun but they didn't even realize it!
Her concentration makes me smile!
They already have a game plan for tomorrow -- some working inside and others outside.
Be sure and stay tuned ----- God is moving! Susan
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Success redefined
This morning wasn't church as usual at Stonegate Faith Center.
Those who had signed up for the give away of a 50" flat screen TV and those who signed up for the 4 tickets to Splashin Safari at Holiday World knew that they must be present in church this morning to win.
There were 129 people in church this morning --- seats were packed and souls were saved and hurts were healed! It was amazing beyond words!
And yes, they were present to win and the lady who won the TV came down the aisle in tears and walked back to her seat with even more tears --- of sheer joy!
Near the end of the service they asked for those who were suffering from any ailment or pain to come forward for prayer. I must be brutally honest and admit that I have no problem whatsoever believing in healing prayer --- for other people!!!! Don't ask me why satan puts this roadblock in my thinking but this morning . . . I did go up front because my lower back has been in severe pain for days. I kept thinking I would go see my chiropractor but just never made the call. Walking around all day yesterday on the blacktop didn't help and by this morning I found it difficult to reach down and put on my shoes! And I've never had that limitation before and wasn't very happy about it.
So I went up front and even though I asked for prayer over my way too low sugar level and blood pressure (thinking adding back pain was just too much -- what a fool to put limits on God --- I know) and after the prayer I didn't really feel any different physically --- until a few minutes later when I got into the truck to leave --- and then realized that the back pain was gone! Yes --- gone!!!!!!
Just sayin' ----- God is truly awesome and even though I couldn't bring myself to "overload" Him with my requests --- He knew anyway and yep --- healed me and took away the pain -- all of it!!!!
Way cool !!!!!!
So after church Monty and I had decided to go to our dear friend's shooting range so I could sort of "escape" in my brain for awhile. If you haven't heard me say it before --- in my 59 years on this earth getting behind my rifle and focusing on that target in front of me is the only way I've ever found to make the world go away and all the "to-do" stuff stop running through my brain!
That was needed today as I need to shift my gears tomorrow and get ready for the arrival of our volunteer team from Wisconsin who will be spending the week working in Don's house and hopefully getting his 2 bedrooms done!!!!!!
It was a fun afternoon, a blessed day and since "this is the day the Lord has made" we got the chance to really "rejoice and be glad in it."
Until next time . . . come on down, Wisconsin -- we'll be ready! Susan and Monty
Those who had signed up for the give away of a 50" flat screen TV and those who signed up for the 4 tickets to Splashin Safari at Holiday World knew that they must be present in church this morning to win.
There were 129 people in church this morning --- seats were packed and souls were saved and hurts were healed! It was amazing beyond words!
And yes, they were present to win and the lady who won the TV came down the aisle in tears and walked back to her seat with even more tears --- of sheer joy!
Near the end of the service they asked for those who were suffering from any ailment or pain to come forward for prayer. I must be brutally honest and admit that I have no problem whatsoever believing in healing prayer --- for other people!!!! Don't ask me why satan puts this roadblock in my thinking but this morning . . . I did go up front because my lower back has been in severe pain for days. I kept thinking I would go see my chiropractor but just never made the call. Walking around all day yesterday on the blacktop didn't help and by this morning I found it difficult to reach down and put on my shoes! And I've never had that limitation before and wasn't very happy about it.
So I went up front and even though I asked for prayer over my way too low sugar level and blood pressure (thinking adding back pain was just too much -- what a fool to put limits on God --- I know) and after the prayer I didn't really feel any different physically --- until a few minutes later when I got into the truck to leave --- and then realized that the back pain was gone! Yes --- gone!!!!!!
Just sayin' ----- God is truly awesome and even though I couldn't bring myself to "overload" Him with my requests --- He knew anyway and yep --- healed me and took away the pain -- all of it!!!!
Way cool !!!!!!
So after church Monty and I had decided to go to our dear friend's shooting range so I could sort of "escape" in my brain for awhile. If you haven't heard me say it before --- in my 59 years on this earth getting behind my rifle and focusing on that target in front of me is the only way I've ever found to make the world go away and all the "to-do" stuff stop running through my brain!
That was needed today as I need to shift my gears tomorrow and get ready for the arrival of our volunteer team from Wisconsin who will be spending the week working in Don's house and hopefully getting his 2 bedrooms done!!!!!!
It was a fun afternoon, a blessed day and since "this is the day the Lord has made" we got the chance to really "rejoice and be glad in it."
Until next time . . . come on down, Wisconsin -- we'll be ready! Susan and Monty
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Outreach Day = Amazing!!!!
Hope you enjoy!
Pastor Jan and his sister taking a break.
All in all the day was phenomenal and far surpassed any of our expectations! But isn't that how God works! We think we've got an idea -- and then He shows up and makes us realize just how magnificent He is and how awesome it is to be loved by Him!
To all those who worked so hard to make this possible ---- scripture says the blessings will be returned to you 100 fold --- so hang on for a wonderfully blessed ride!
Until next time . . . God truly is an awesome God! Susan and Monty
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Juggling the preparations
Yard mowed, thunderstorms held off just long enough.
Materials on order for Don's -- the volunteers from Wisconsin arrive Monday night and will be raring to go to work on Tuesday morning. Materials will be delivered on Monday so everything will be there waiting for them. Thankfully Don has a garage where we can store it all -- just in case mother nature continues to dump rain.
I just talked with the Pastor/team leader for the team and they are all very excited to come and help. He has quite a few youth, which is always fun for us. He said they train them in the work they will be doing, thus the conversations we've had are very important. They will be housed at our Vineyard home church where they will have plenty of room to rest up each evening before starting all over the next day.
I also have been head over heals in the planning of the Community Outreach for Stonegate Faith Center in Bedford. It's where I attend weekly Bible study and with the visit of an evangelist from Kenneth Copeland Ministries coming for a visit and teaching this weekend the church wanted to do some kind of an outreach. Since we have both participated and organized many of these kind of events over the years it sort of landed in my lap. And I love it!
Each of the 15 stations are manned with volunteers. Everything is free --- from haircuts, manicures, crafts, games, music, food, hayrides and a free garages sale (yep -- totally free) we are ready to go. The free sale items have already started pouring in and I have more than enough volunteers to have plenty of what I call "floaters" = those willing to do whatever is needed that day.
It will be held on Saturday from 10am to 2pm, with all of us arriving at 8am for prayer and setup. The weatherman is already forecasting perfect weather, sunshine with temps in the mid 80's and low humidity! Thank you God --- You're the best!
In all this planning and preparing I always know that satan is going to rear his ugliness ---after all --- when we are living for God it more than upsets that demon.
Last night when I got home from yet another long day in Bedford putting last minute details together (and thanks to my dear friend and driver, Bev) I noticed our house wasn't very cool inside. This was even more important since Monty had come home early -- exhausted and drained from too much heat.
I quickly called my son as he has his own heating and air business (very convenient)!!!!! He gave us a tip as to what he thought was the problem and sure enough --- when Monty crawled underneath the house before going to work this morning --- my son was exactly right! All it took was some temporary duct tape (of course -- the fix everything fix), a trip to get some 3ft long zip ties and we are as cool as a cucumber today!
Moral = too bad satan --- you just WILL NOT win as this household lives for the Lord and you will have no place here!!!!!!
Tomorrow I will be heading south to help sort some of the free sale items ahead of time so when they are all brought to the parking lot on Saturday morning we just might have an idea as to how to organize them? Well, one can always hope! :)
And Don is already excited and hopeful that he just might be able to open the door to his back bedrooms by this time next week!
God is oh so good ---- all the time!
Until next time . . . being in the joy of the Lord is a fun place to be! Susan and Monty
Materials on order for Don's -- the volunteers from Wisconsin arrive Monday night and will be raring to go to work on Tuesday morning. Materials will be delivered on Monday so everything will be there waiting for them. Thankfully Don has a garage where we can store it all -- just in case mother nature continues to dump rain.
I just talked with the Pastor/team leader for the team and they are all very excited to come and help. He has quite a few youth, which is always fun for us. He said they train them in the work they will be doing, thus the conversations we've had are very important. They will be housed at our Vineyard home church where they will have plenty of room to rest up each evening before starting all over the next day.
I also have been head over heals in the planning of the Community Outreach for Stonegate Faith Center in Bedford. It's where I attend weekly Bible study and with the visit of an evangelist from Kenneth Copeland Ministries coming for a visit and teaching this weekend the church wanted to do some kind of an outreach. Since we have both participated and organized many of these kind of events over the years it sort of landed in my lap. And I love it!
Each of the 15 stations are manned with volunteers. Everything is free --- from haircuts, manicures, crafts, games, music, food, hayrides and a free garages sale (yep -- totally free) we are ready to go. The free sale items have already started pouring in and I have more than enough volunteers to have plenty of what I call "floaters" = those willing to do whatever is needed that day.
It will be held on Saturday from 10am to 2pm, with all of us arriving at 8am for prayer and setup. The weatherman is already forecasting perfect weather, sunshine with temps in the mid 80's and low humidity! Thank you God --- You're the best!
In all this planning and preparing I always know that satan is going to rear his ugliness ---after all --- when we are living for God it more than upsets that demon.
Last night when I got home from yet another long day in Bedford putting last minute details together (and thanks to my dear friend and driver, Bev) I noticed our house wasn't very cool inside. This was even more important since Monty had come home early -- exhausted and drained from too much heat.
I quickly called my son as he has his own heating and air business (very convenient)!!!!! He gave us a tip as to what he thought was the problem and sure enough --- when Monty crawled underneath the house before going to work this morning --- my son was exactly right! All it took was some temporary duct tape (of course -- the fix everything fix), a trip to get some 3ft long zip ties and we are as cool as a cucumber today!
Moral = too bad satan --- you just WILL NOT win as this household lives for the Lord and you will have no place here!!!!!!
Tomorrow I will be heading south to help sort some of the free sale items ahead of time so when they are all brought to the parking lot on Saturday morning we just might have an idea as to how to organize them? Well, one can always hope! :)
And Don is already excited and hopeful that he just might be able to open the door to his back bedrooms by this time next week!
God is oh so good ---- all the time!
Until next time . . . being in the joy of the Lord is a fun place to be! Susan and Monty
Sunday, July 07, 2013
From ashes to beauty -- God's amazing plan
Saturday we were blessed to attend (and Monty participate as a groomsman) in Todd and Christi's wedding. Sounds like the usual wedding - right? Wrong!
Here's the story.
We met Todd in our church many years ago. He and Carla married about a year after Monty and I. Carla was also 11 years older than Todd so we laughed quite often about young verses old!
Todd was a Navy man and they traveled quite a bit, one stint was 3 years in Cuba.
Carla was beautiful - both inside and out. When she walked into a room it lit up like the 4th of July with her amazing smile.
In the fall of 2011 Carla had been working in her flower garden and had a lot of pain in her chest. After a friend nearly demanded that she go to the doctor Carla finally agreed. They did some tests and a few days later she was told she had stage 4 cancer in her lungs, adrenal glands and after an MRI they discovered numerous, inoperable brain tumors!!!!!!! The next months were nothing short of hell for her. The rounds of radiation and chemo, the loss of her long blonde hair, her weight continuing to fall off ---- but ---- no matter what ---- she maintained that amazing smile.
When the chemo caused her to start wearing hats and she was a bit intimidated by coming to church with one on --- the entire church got behind her and had "Hat Day" where literally everyone, man, woman and child wore a hat ---even Pastor Dave had a football helmet on!
She continued to fight the battle. Some Sundays she was so weak she just couldn't make it to church. In the summer of 2012 she was struck with Bell's Palsy which caused one side of her face to be paralyzed. She still continued to smile -- it was just a bit sideways!
On September 8, 2012 she lost the battle and was welcomed into heaven with probably one of the biggest celebrations ever!
But Todd was devastated! He is the one who got me my job of school bus driving since he drove -- so I got to see him on a daily basis. He admitted that there were times he wondered life was still worth living!
Time marched on, as it does, and in late December he told me one day that he "was ready." We both laughed when I asked him what he was ready for! He said he thought he might "see who was out there."
He signed up on "Christian Mingle.com" and was just going to "look". Well . . .
Christi turned up as his perfect match!
She lived 2 hours away so for their first meeting they met half way.
That first meeting was one of those divine anointed appointments for both of them!
They started seeing one another more often and spent countless hours on the phone.
Christi ----- she is the same age as Todd and has 3 adopted children ages 10, 4 and 3.
Christi's husband of 21 years passed away from cancer in March of 2012. He also was a strong young man with a great family and was struck down way too soon! Christi's parents and family and church family were by her side day and night.
Both Todd and Christi are true Christians and examples for all of us to follow.
As God brought them together -- healing started. They share both a love and a grief that few can identify with. God even added the touch of Todd being adopted so he could have something special in common with Christi's children.
So their wedding was yesterday! A true day of both grief and inexplicable joy combined.
Both Todd and Christi wanted to honor their departed spouses so they put together a video with 3 stories. The first was Todd and Carla's life. The next was Christi and Mike's life. The last was Todd and Christi's new life together! There wasn't a dry eye in the church but yet those tears were accompanied by smiles of joy that really did originate from the heart!
I love to see how God works! He always knows what He's doing and He does it so perfectly.
Both Todd and Christi could have given up, turned against God and been angry and upset. BUT they chose to believe, to stand on their faith -- even when they didn't feel God near them, they knew He was there. They didn't depend on their feelings --- they stood firm in their faith!
What a lesson for all of us!
The pastor officiating the service used the theme "from ashes to beauty" and nothing could have described it better!
Monty with Christi's mother --- now is that two faces of joy or what!
So next time you are thinking that your life is tough and you wonder if God is anywhere around, let alone right there with you ---- think of Todd and Christi and KNOW He is right there! Don't rely on feelings as they are never reliable --- rely on your faith --- on God's promises! He is the only one I know who never breaks a promise!!!!!!
Until next time ... congrats Todd and Christi --- can't wait to see what God has in store for you and your new family!!!!!! Susan and Monty
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
WI Habitat Team
They finally got a day without rain! The sun was shining and the temps nearing 80 when I stopped by for a few pics. Lunch was ready but they weren't stopping till they reached a stopping point.
Yesterday those walls weren't there. Great job team!
This team of 8 was joined by some local volunteers and many were sporting Habitat shirts from previous builds they've been a part of.
Everyone found their spot and in doing so made a team work like a team should. Tomorrow they will be heading home and we cover them with prayers of safe travel and thank them for the blessing they have been while here! Come on back anytime!
On the other side of my plate ---- working on the Community Outreach to be held next Saturday at Stonegate -- my Tuesday morning Bible Study church.
Yesterday we had a wonderful study which most of us would've sat for another 2 hours learning and listening. I hitched a ride with my dear friend, Bev. It's always so much fun to make the trip with her and since we had a team leader meeting in the evening we decided to stay in Bedford all day.
After study we headed to Jimmy's BBQ, which is where we always eat lunch. This time we had another motive for being there. Jimmy and his wife, Jerry, have agreed to handle all the food for the outreach! Jimmy rebuilt an actual train car and turned it into a cooker and he'll be bringing it over to use. It's amazing to look at and folks can even take a tour of it! What a blessing they will be -- not to mention they have the best bbq ever!!
After visiting with them for quite awhile (he's starting a ministry of feeding the poor and hopes to be going into the slums of Louisville, KY before too long) we decided to go shopping for the big screen TV being donated by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. We found a real deal at Walmart and after getting it all loaded and ready to check out they told us we could not just use a credit card number, we had to have the actual card! Real problem since KCM is in Texas!
Not to stress (too much) as Bev came to the rescue and decided to use her own card and handle the reimbursement details later! I love how God works -- but this time we both were wishing He had worked a bit faster as purchasing one TV took over 2 hours! Oh well --- atleast we had the 2 hours!
It was time to head back to church to prepare for the meeting. What a huge success as nearly everyone came and we had some great ministry time along with planning! Everyone is very excited about stepping up and stepping out into something none of them have ever done! I just know that God is going to show up big time that day and there will be miracles like none of us have ever seen!
After the meeting Bev and I grabbed some fast food dinner and headed off to Sus's house to finalize some of our planning questions. Another great time of fellowship and getting things done!
Today Bev found a great deal on water and put all those details together. Another item checked off the list!
Time is ticking. Tomorrow is a holiday -- another one snuck up on me!
On Friday we will be heading to the wedding of a dear friend of ours! What a joy that will be! He lost his first wife to cancer (she was only 55) and to find love a second time is quite the blessing! I should know --- God brought Monty and I together -- both for a second love!
I pray all of you enjoy this holiday and don't forget to thank God for all these freedoms we have and take for granted on a daily basis!
Until next time . . . America --- Bless God! Susan and Monty
This team of 8 was joined by some local volunteers and many were sporting Habitat shirts from previous builds they've been a part of.
On the other side of my plate ---- working on the Community Outreach to be held next Saturday at Stonegate -- my Tuesday morning Bible Study church.
Yesterday we had a wonderful study which most of us would've sat for another 2 hours learning and listening. I hitched a ride with my dear friend, Bev. It's always so much fun to make the trip with her and since we had a team leader meeting in the evening we decided to stay in Bedford all day.
After study we headed to Jimmy's BBQ, which is where we always eat lunch. This time we had another motive for being there. Jimmy and his wife, Jerry, have agreed to handle all the food for the outreach! Jimmy rebuilt an actual train car and turned it into a cooker and he'll be bringing it over to use. It's amazing to look at and folks can even take a tour of it! What a blessing they will be -- not to mention they have the best bbq ever!!
After visiting with them for quite awhile (he's starting a ministry of feeding the poor and hopes to be going into the slums of Louisville, KY before too long) we decided to go shopping for the big screen TV being donated by Kenneth Copeland Ministries. We found a real deal at Walmart and after getting it all loaded and ready to check out they told us we could not just use a credit card number, we had to have the actual card! Real problem since KCM is in Texas!
Not to stress (too much) as Bev came to the rescue and decided to use her own card and handle the reimbursement details later! I love how God works -- but this time we both were wishing He had worked a bit faster as purchasing one TV took over 2 hours! Oh well --- atleast we had the 2 hours!
It was time to head back to church to prepare for the meeting. What a huge success as nearly everyone came and we had some great ministry time along with planning! Everyone is very excited about stepping up and stepping out into something none of them have ever done! I just know that God is going to show up big time that day and there will be miracles like none of us have ever seen!
After the meeting Bev and I grabbed some fast food dinner and headed off to Sus's house to finalize some of our planning questions. Another great time of fellowship and getting things done!
Today Bev found a great deal on water and put all those details together. Another item checked off the list!
Time is ticking. Tomorrow is a holiday -- another one snuck up on me!
On Friday we will be heading to the wedding of a dear friend of ours! What a joy that will be! He lost his first wife to cancer (she was only 55) and to find love a second time is quite the blessing! I should know --- God brought Monty and I together -- both for a second love!
I pray all of you enjoy this holiday and don't forget to thank God for all these freedoms we have and take for granted on a daily basis!
Until next time . . . America --- Bless God! Susan and Monty
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