Can You Hear the Praises?

Oh my goodness friends and family! I have waited so long and cried so many tears leading up to writing this particular post. It's here and now I'm completely at a loss for words. I first shared with you here as we were just beginning the journey, then again here, then here, one more here, oh yeah here again, and here and one more time here. Oops there is more here, here, and here. Please don't feel the need to go back and read all these crazy emotional posts, but I do want you to see what has absorbed way too much of my time over the last 14 months.

And now, drum roll please........... OUR HOME IS RENTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMEN!!! PRAISE GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!! I AM SO HAPPY!!!

We have deposits in the bank, lease signed, check for this month's rent, and I just took a much needed deep breath and sigh of relief. Thank you so much Jim, Karissa, Aaron, and Joseph with O'Neill Realty for all you've done for us. We appreciate your prayers, your devotion and your stamina throughout this last year. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now, stop for a minute all of you who have prayed with me, and for me in regards to our home. Shout a word of thanks to God. Let me know too, if you have been praying so I can thank God for your precious gift of prayer. Love you guys!

Confused But Not Defeated

I HATE making decisions, and would love to have a personal assistant that would make them for me. I know that the Lord is my personal guide for every decision of my life, but it is still hard to figure out the direction he is leading when things aren't always crystal clear. I have a lot going on, but I trust God will lead the way. I am searching scripture, praying, looking at circumstances, talking to close godly friends and my hubby(of course), and most of all sensing the Holy Spirit.

One thing is for sure, I am not alone in my feelings. It seems like everyone I talk to lately has some big decisions or obstacles they are dealing with. My prayer for all those struggling today, as well as myself, is that we will seek God and not our own understanding for what lies ahead.

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I spent some time searching over 100 verses that mention the word understanding today. Now I know why the two above scriptures are so commonly used for teaching and directing in our Christian walk. They are so perfect in giving comfort and guidance to those desiring a word from our Lord. Thank you God for making scriptures come alive in a personal way!

Monday Morning Blessings

*It is warm outside.

*I'm babysitting my sweet twin niece and nephew this morning.

*Homeschooling is beginning later this morning after a very long holiday.

*Coffee is brewing.

*There is joy in my heart from our Heavenly Father.

Burrrhhh!

This is me the last few days. Is anyone else ready for some warm temperatures? I know I'm a baby when it comes to being cold, but us South Texas girls aren't used to temps in the 30's and 40's. How am I going to shed those extra pounds when all I want to do is hang out under a warm blanket and drink some delicious coffee?

Just Some Rambling

Home schooling is not for wimps! I always thought before I started this crazy adventure that it would be hard, but I never dreamed I would actually dread it at times. I feel constantly inadequate, unmotivated, and mostly just plain sick of it. Yet, I expect my kids to be excelling, motivated, and happy at all times.

Since it is the beginning of a new year and a new semester, I really have been asking God to help me out here. I think the problem is rooted in my attitude. I've got to start looking at this differently, and somehow find joy in the process. We have signed up for a local Co-op that meets once a week and I will be teaching kinder, while my kids go to classes such as Chemistry, world missions geography, contenders of the faith(no idea what that is, but it sounds good) and a few others. My kids have been very secluded since we moved here in October, but I'm hoping that making some new friends will be a blessing from the new group. I never realized how much of a transition it would be for them to move, leave their school and friends, and have their mom for a teacher. We all need some change ever once in a while, but we had so many changes all at once. I really want to succeed at this endeavor, and I know with the Lord's help, I can. The alternative is putting them in public, and there is no way I'm throwing Ashley into middle school halfway through her 8th grade year. Not to mention, Seth will be starting 6th next year. Just keep us in your prayers if you will.

*Some super exciting news is that I am starting Beth Moore's Believing God in a couple of weeks. I know God is going to use this study in amazing ways. It's been several years since I've done the study, and I never actually finished all the homework, so I look forward to teaching it.

Christmas Miracles

I checked out these three books from the library last week, and even though Christmas is over, these books have really awakened my heart. They are just precious. I cried as each story came to a close, and the message of each made my heart yearn to do something for someone. It has reminded me that I have my own Christmas story this year. Ways that God provided when I saw no human way for that it to be possible, things happened. My sister and her husband have truly done so much for us this holiday season that there is absolutely no way to repay them. Our friends Molly and Bard provided some much needed help a couple of months ago, and my mother just surprised me one day with a gift without even a mention that I needed it. In addition our new church body blessed Skip and I with a little bonus to help buy Christmas. By the way, all your shopping can be done in three days. I found that out this year.

My goals/hopes/dreams for this year are to not only trust God with my house sell, with my finances, with my family, with our ministry, but also to trust him to help me bless others as I have been blessed.

Are You Ready for 2008?

Are you ready for the new year? I am so ready. Skip co-preached today with Michael Smalley on Personal Responsibility for our actions, and how we need to involve Christ with ever decision and step we take this new year. He and Michael were so stinkin' funny that I could barely take them seriously to take in the message. It is a fault of my husband to get off track easily, but then when he prayed the invitation prayer for those who had not yet asked Christ into their hearts, I just about burst into tears. I was so proud of his realness, and the way he spoke in such a simple and beautiful way to reach the lost. Skip and I cannot wait to see what the new year holds, and we pray that God will quickly reveal to us some things which we have struggled with (like our house stuff). If you want to read a great post by a wonderful friend of mine, go here. She writes about what I am feeling to a tee.
Oh, I want to introduce you to two of my BFF's for the new year. Hopefully I will be spending a lot of time with them. Here is Queen of the Roller Derby

and Nike Kill Me Now.

Highlight pics from Christmas

My dear MIL gave each of the girls these beautiful Moses Baskets and homemade blankets and pillows for their Bitty Baby dolls. Yes, my 13 year old still plays with her American girl dolls. Quite the investment since she started playing with them at about 6 years old.

Skip is dressed in his costume for the Christmas show(thankfully he shaved "The Stache" Christmas morning. I insisted it had to go or ELSE.

My niece Samantha getting her Bitty Baby from MeeMee and PawPaw

My brother-in-law Tony, Steph, sis Debbie, and Matt

My nephew Conner is always moving, so this is the best shot I could get.

The Family hanging out at my Daddy's house

My girls with their little cousin Shelby

Shelby and Skip playing princess dress-up

Cingular's Raising the Bar at my mom's house
(Matt, Ashley, Steph, Seth and Annie)

BTW, I did get the roller skates I wanted. Hopefully my next post will NOT involve a picture of me in a cast. I'm trying to take it slow, and so far so good. Christmas was wonderful for us-lots of time with family and those we love.

Today I'm...

Today I'm letting the house stay messy, I'm eating whatever I want, and I'm going on a date with the hubby. Why? Because it is my b-day, that's why. We celebrated almost a month ago, so it's really not so bad turning 40 today. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. I will post some of our pics soon. God bless!

Funny Things This Week

This week I had a few moments of hysterical laughing, even though some of which involved embarrassment on my part.

1. I was in the Chick-Fil-A drive through window and heard someone honking at me. It was Santa on a motorcycle waving. I don't know why, but that just cracked me up. It was like he knew me. I waved back and then he drove away.

2. At Academy the other day, I helped Annie try on a pair of roller skates. I always loved roller skating back in junior high, so I tried on a pair myself. After a couple of awkward steps, I was back in the saddle. Skip turned the corner just as I did a turn and began skating backwards. (I know, I truly have no shame.) The look on his face was priceless. It was the last thing he expected to see coming around the corner. Then we started laughing so hard I almost fell and had to grab his basket. In case you see him, I really do want these for Christmas.

3. I went to a very crowded convenience store two nights ago for a couple of items, and I was just in one of those smiling, happy moods. Well, I was until I turned onto the aisle by the freezer items. You see, I am wearing flip flops in December and not paying attention to the water on the floor by the ice section. You can probably guess what happens next. Actually, if I would have done a quick fall that would have been better. Instead, time stood still as I slowly did the biggest split (that was almost a fall) I have ever done IN MY LIFE and I've done plenty. Last year at Seaworld, just to name one example. When I looked up, I saw this handsome young man in shock next to me. He tried to act super concerned to see if I was okay, but I know he was about to bust a rib trying not to laugh. I don't blame him. I totally would have. Anyway, at record speed, I made it to the counter only to find a 5 minute wait with guess who behind me. I know my face was as red as Santa's suit.

4. My friend Tiff sent me a funny home school video the other day, and when I showed Skip we found that the guy who made it has a website. He is Christian comedian, but we've never heard of him before. We have to get him to come to our church. Our favorite is Cletus take the Reel but you can check out some of his other videos and clips here.

“It Truly Is a Wonderful Life” by Susie Mozisek

Some of the cast from Parkway Church's "It's a Wonderful Life" radio show.

This year has been a year like no other that Skip and our family have ever known. From changing jobs and leaving friends, to big struggles financially with our home on the market, to overcoming great trials at our new church; this has been a year of difficulty and stress. Now add into the mix home schooling three children for the first time. We have wondered so many times over the last six months “Why?” Why have we not sold our home? Why are we so tired? Why can’t life be easier? There has been many late nights spent in prayer and in tears. One thing God keeps telling us both is to wait. He has something special for us. I kept thinking to myself that it would be the gift of a house sold and that would make everything okay again. After months and months, that is still not the case.

This year’s Christmas program is “It’s A Wonderful Life” live radio show. Skip wanted to do this for quite some time, and actually convinced Parkway church to let his wish come true. He could have settled for just a normal service with a few Christmas songs, some pretty stage decorations, and a cool funny video thrown in the mix. I wouldn’t have complained having a husband home during the two weeks before Christmas since I haven’t had that in ten years. However, Skip knew this church needed something special. It needed a positive and a unique Christmas. This radio show is definitely unique and very special. I have had the privilege of watching hours of work done by actors, sound effect artists, set designers, and just anyone willing to help pitch in to make the show what it is. And what it is is EXCELLENT!

Over the last two nights of watching the play during dress rehearsals, I was there to help Skip with last minute needs or to share my opinions of how everything looked and sounded. I am probably the most critical person when it comes to things looking and sounding good. Skip has rubbed off on me after knowing him almost 25 years. But as I sat and watched this story of George Bailey unfolding for my 100th time, I felt a real stirring inside my heart. This story is for everyone feeling exactly like Skip and I have felt this year. You see, Skip and I have some big plans. We have dreams that we have had to shut down due to crisis situations, just like George Bailey. We have had to settle at times, when we want to shoot for the moon. We have had to make choices that please others, when we really would rather be selfish for ourselves. I can’t believe it didn’t really hit me before, but Skip is bringing this show to life because he feels a whole lot like George Bailey. I don’t think I know of a greater man who has given so much of himself for a family, for God’s kingdom, and for a lost world as my sweet husband. You wouldn’t know unless you asked him, but Skip is really suffering with a lot of hip pain right now. Eventually his right hip will be replaced, as his left was last year. I rarely hear him complain, and his job never suffers from it. If anything, the pain presses him on to work harder.

Now, I would love to share about dance recitals, and extra curricular activities the kids are excelling in, but this is not the season for that. This is the season of Ashley baking her extraordinary banana bread, of Annie riding her Pink Barbie scooter at record speed down the block, and Seth shooting targets with his BB gun. It is the season of me spending some special time in study with the Lord who has an awful lot to still teach me. It is also the season of staying up way too late with the kids watching just one more ridiculous Youtube video Skip has found that will now complete our laughter for the night.

Overall this year is one I’m still trying to figure out. But I can say without hesitation that I truly have A WONDERFUL LIFE!

*This morning I ran to get a paper and I found the most awesome half page story with three large color pictures promoting the Christmas show. What a blessing! If you want to see the article without the pictures, you can go here.

Thankful Thursday

I can't believe Christmas Day is only 6 days away! Are you ready? I'm getting there slowly but surely. My list of thankfuls this week are short and simple, but worth more than I could ever deserve.

1. Jesus, the one and only.

2. Skip, my love.

3. My babies.

4. My beautiful family on both sides.

5. My friends(old friends, new friends, and blog friends).

6. Food, clothing and shelter (truly I don't take these for granted anymore).

7. People who are unashamed and unafraid to reach a lost world.

8. Challenges(help me to grow).

9. Disappointment(brings me to my knees).

10. Music and laughter

If you want to share your own Thankful Thursday post with others, stop by here to join us all.

Pictures Full of Blessings!

This is my sweet twin niece and nephew giving each other a big fat hug! Aren't they just a bundle of cuteness? Shelby is dressed up in her Christmas outfit because she had a performance tonight at her school. Conner wasn't quite up to going, so we babysat him during the show.
My friend Dena from Corpus drove through yesterday on her way to visit family. We had lunch together at Chick-Fil-A and caught up on life. I love Dena to pieces and her precious girls.

Here is Emily, Annie and Abby(one of Annie's best friends). They could not stop hugging each other. Annie and Abby were in the same class the last two years of school, so Annie really misses Abby this year.

Today we were invited to a friend's house for a cookie exchange, and I saw my future dream house and land. I cannot tell you how gorgeous the house is, and especially the 25 acres it sits on. I think God showed me this special place today to remind me that IT WILL HAPPEN SOMEDAY. I need to not look at the struggles, the what ifs, and the disappointments that I'm currently facing, but to realize that God loves me, and he put desires in my heart for a reason. I need to keep believing Him and trusting Him.

Here is Seth and his friend Braiden enjoying the freedom that comes with just being boys outdoors without a single care or worry.

Ashley found a great big tree to lounge on. She wanted to stay and live with our new friends, but for some reason I had to take her home with me. I can't say I blame her for wanting to leave our city digs for some fresh air and beauty around every turn.

Here are some of the new friends I've made sitting on the back porch over looking the amazing backyard view of God's handiwork. Just breathtaking! I told my friend Deanna (who lives there) that I may start stalking her so I can come visit again. She looked a little worried. I hope she knows I'm just kidding. Well, a little.

Welcome, Welcome!

How fun is this? Another Bloggy Tour of Homes put on by Boomama which you are sure to enjoy immensely. I was a little late getting to the Christmas decorations this year, but they are now up in all their sparkle and shine.


Let's start with the front door. Their is only so much you can do with a rent house plain white door. I tried to make the most of it.
How about meeting the family? Okay, here is Dad(Skip), Me(Susie), Son(Seth), Daughter 1(Ashley), and our baby, daughter 2(Annie). This picture was taken downtown a few weeks ago. Skip took a pic of me with the kids and then I took one of him alone. Isn't Photoshop awesome!

Here is where most of the Christmas decor is found. As you walk in the front door and look to your left, you see the Christmas tree and the makeshift mantle. Pretty clever, huh? I love my simple centerpiece of Christmas balls in a hurricane. I've used it for a couple of years now, so I need to check out everyone else's ideas this year.

My MIL is always teaching me to incorporate my Christmas treasures into my own everyday setup. We worked together on the entertainment center. I love Christmas pictures of the kids, so you see them everywhere.

In the pic above, I forgot to remove someone's coke cup. Well, at least it's a Christmas paper cup.

This is just a table that I think is so cute with a few more Christmas items. It would be perfect for a nativity. Hint! Hint! It's just a shame I don't have my own set yet.

Since our fireplace has no mantle, I think it is perfect for a spray of Christmas beauty.

Lastly, what is a house full of decorations, if you don't have people over to enjoy it all with you? This is Skip's cast of "It's a Wonderful Life" watching "It's a Wonderful Life" while preparing for their live radio broadcast of "It's a Wonderful Life". Let's just say Gina(playing Mary) makes the BEST rum cake I have ever tasted. Dee-lish!

Here are two pics from my Mom's family Christmas we were honored to have at our home this past Saturday. A few family members are busy writing names for a drawing for gifts. This is so cool. Our families bring small gifts and we buy chances to win a gift. All the money we raise goes to a needy family in town. This year we raised quite a bit for an abandoned elderly couple in town with no family, no home, and no food. We started doing this three years ago, and it is now a new family tradition. I love it!!!

Skip took this panoramic view so I could remember that even though this year has been so hard financially, and our house is not my dream house, there was love all around me. God has truly blessed us this year!

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Grab some cookies and coffee on the way out. Merry Christmas!

"It's A Wonderful Life"

I have probably watched this movie at least 10 times over the last month as Skip has prepared for their live "radio" performance Christmas show coming up in only 8 days. It really is such a great story and one we should all watch at least once over the Christmas season.

Last night Skip had the cast over for snacks and practice. They all sat in front of our big screen and watched the movie, as Skip would stop and explain character feelings and background that would help the overall performance. I actually enjoyed watching Skip more than I did the movie last night. He is so passionate when he is directing and leading. He loves the process of seeing a project or new idea come to life. As I listened to him share with the group, I praised God for Skip's gifts and abilities. The gifts and abilities that God has allowed to provide food, clothing, and shelter for our family over the last 15 years of marriage. Even more than that, the gifts and abilities have helped reach so many for Christ through his ministry. Thank you God for all the talents you give each of us to accomplish your purposes.