God's Sovereign Protection

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12

This afternoon, Richard and I (along with Brian, Amy, and our 4 GRANDkids, returned home from a travel-trailer trip to Louisiana. We left on Friday evening and 44 hours later we were back home. We were a day late in returning due to circumstances beyond our control, but enjoyed our get-away so very much. We didn't see any accidents in all of the 700 miles we covered in less than 48 hours.

Richard and I were getting ready for evening church late this afternoon when our phone rang. It was my dear friend, Ann P, telling me that her daughter, Julie, had just been in a car wreck while on her way to attend a Sunday School teacher's meeting. James and Ann were on their way to the hospital as Julie was being transported by ambulance. Richard and I immediately changed out plans and headed off to the hospital to be with James and Ann.

We spent two hours in the ER room with the family as Julie laid on her gurney. She was taken out several times to have an x-ray, cat scan, and other tests made. We were there when the Highway Patrolman who "worked the wreck" came in to talk to Julie and her parents about who hit her ~~ causing the accident. He was a young man (22 years old). He did not have a valid driver's license. He was driving under the influence. He jumped out of the car and fled the scene of the accident. In all there were ten charges against him after he was apprehended, handcuffed, and taken to jail.

As we stood there in that little room inside the ER chatting with James and Ann and encouraging Julie during the trying hours following the accident, I was so very much reminded of the brevity of life. James and Ann testified after seeing Julie's car that God had truly preserved Julie's life. She is a beautiful 23-year-old ~~ a dedicated Christian ~~ a girl who would never hurt anyone. And there she lay in a neck brace and feeling the bumps and bruising taking place on the outside and not yet knowing what has happening on the inside. I am blessed to report that Julie checked out okay and was later discharged from the ER to go home and recover from the frightening event. She will have to shop for a new car, but she is okay. PTL!!!

And then there is the young man ~~ perhaps an illegal who declared that he doesn't speak English ~~ drunk on a Sunday afternoon, driving illegally without a license while under the influence, who wrecks not only his car, but his life. He is the real loser in Sunday afternoon's accident. He is now behind bars with 10 charges against him. He is probably feeling very helpless and hopeless. He most likely does not know Christ as His Savior. Who will share Christ with him? Without Christ, what kind of future does he have? A very bleak one at the moment for sure. He is just one of the millions who are searching and need to be told of our Savior's love and of His free gift of salvation so that their lives can be changed. Who will tell them??

The Sovereignty of God and the Responsibility of Man ~~ by Chip

Our son, Chip is a youth pastor in Indiana. He said he has had people ask him about his position on calvinism, election, predestination, and God's sovereignty in the work of salvation, so he wrote a brief article on his "thoughts, positions, and humble opinions." I was blessed to read it and received his permission to share it on my blog.

The Sovereignty of God and the Responsibility of Man

I fully believe that the inerrant Scriptures teach the sovereignty of God, the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the responsibility of all humanity. At times, these can seem to be contradictions in Scripture because of the extreme views that some hold to when trying to adhere to one without the others. I do not believe that there are any contradictions in Scripture since it is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16-17), and it is impossible for God to lie (Heb 6:18). I believe we must be faithful to all of Scripture. This can be the danger in holding wholeheartedly to any theological system developed by man. There is a temptation to shape Scripture to fit into our systems rather than allowing Scripture to shape and mold us into the image of Christ (Col 3:10). While Scripture does not ever contradict itself, I believe we must affirm that there are tensions in Scripture that our “un-niscient” minds cannot perfectly wrap around or be able to understand where the truths meet in the middle. We must be careful to not interpret Scripture differently than the context that it has been written in. We are called to be faithful to interpret all of Scripture even if there are tensions that we cannot easily iron out ourselves. We do this with great faith in the omniscient God and great humility towards our “un-niscient” brains. I really try not to commit to a theological system. I am certainly not a Calvinist since I do not fully agree with John Calvin on many things. My goal is to be a disciple of Christ, and for His mind to be in me (Phil 2:5).

I fully believe the Scriptures teach the sovereignty of God. God is ultimately in control of all things and His will can never be thwarted (Job 42:2). When it comes to the doctrine of salvation, I agree with the book of Jonah which declares “salvation belongs to the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). Ultimately, salvation is an act of God which was decided by God, initiated by God, fulfilled by God, called by God, and finished by God (Rom 8:30). I believe that salvation is not of any work of man so that none of us could ever brag that we have done anything ourselves (Eph 2:9). Therefore, the reason I uphold the sovereignty of God in salvation is because I believe God gets all of the credit. The point of affirming God’s sovereignty over salvation in Scripture is never for the purpose of debate or pride. Far too many holding only to the sovereignty of God in salvation are using these truths as an area to endlessly debate over or as some t-shirts say “proud to be a Calvinist”. But these attitudes are completely contrary to the purpose of God’s sovereignty over salvation. God’s sovereignty over salvation should only grow thankfulness, humility, comfort, and unity within the church. By no way do I believe in double predestination. It says no where in Scripture that God has elected or predestined anyone to hell.

I also fully believe the Scriptures teach the Lordship of Jesus Christ. If I have any agenda as a pastor in any church, it is certainly not election, predestination, or Calvinism by any means. My agenda for teaching is the glory and Lordship of Jesus Christ. I believe all Scriptures point to Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the God-man. Salvation is ultimately about Christ: that we might gain Him and know Him (Phil 3). Humanity must have faith in Christ and fall under His Lordship.

I also fully believe the Scriptures teach the responsibility of all humanity to respond to the calling of Christ through the offer of the gospel. There is never any hint in Scripture that humanity comes to Christ kicking and screaming or against their will. Every sinner must respond to the gospel willfully in order to be united in Christ through repentance and faith. I preach the gospel passionately as I plead with people to repent of their rebellion against God and to turn to faith in the Lordship of Christ for salvation. If you have further questions, please ask.

Amy ~~ Report from Eye Doctor Appt. This Morning

"And Jesus went about....healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease...." Matt. 4:23

Amy was examined by her regular ophthalmologist as well as the retina specialist in the group. The iritis is better. She had a second injection in her eye to keep the meds flowing. She is to see her laser surgeon on Monday for follow-up. Her vision is improved, and she is able to drive again. The picture is of her and the kids headed out this morning. Thanks for your continued prayers. God is so faithful to hear and answer according to His will. ~~Susan

Update on Annika ~~ Nita's Granddaughter

We don't understand why these things happen ~~ and especially to little children ~~ but these verses shed some light on God's perspective of suffering... "And as Jesus walked by, he saw a man which was blind (physical difficulty) from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:1-3

Here is Nita's update on Annika following after this morning's procedure: They did not do the balloon or the stint on Annika, it is still too small for them to try, it had to be 50 percent blocked for them to balloon or put a stint in. It was 40 % last time and is 30% this time which means it has opened up some since they last checked it. But the kidney is no better, and after looking at it, the blockage is not what is causing the problem with the kidney. The don't know what is causing the kidney problem or the blood pressure problems and will have to do some other tests to determine that. The other kidney looks good and healthy. Annika is doing well and will be going to recovery soon.

Prayer Request for Carol in GA

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick..." James 5:15

It is amazing the "avenues" God uses to bring dear friends into our
lives. Richard and I have participated in the "Freshman Hospitality Club" of the college here for the past five years. Each fall, we have had 3 or 4 freshman girls who have become our "campus daughters" for the year and who remain our "daughters" for the duration of their college years. We have found it to be so much fun to open our home and our hearts to each of them. One special blessing of our ministry has been to invite the parents of the girls to stay with us when they come from their out-of-states homes to visit their college kids. Such is the case of our dear daughter, Becky. Her mother (Carol) stayed with us a couple of times during Becky's college years (Becky is now graduated and married!) and we became fast friends. Today, I have heard from Carol in GA asking for prayer for a health concern. I asked Carol if I could share it on my blog and received her permission to do so. May I please thank you in advance for praying for my friend, Carol? Here is her request .....

Please pray for me as I have been having serious headaches. It started with stabbing pain on the right side Saturday evening and kept on intermittently all weekend. I went to the Dr. yesterday as it was still hurting and also started having chest pains. The EKG came out fine and they immediately sent me for a CAT scan. Don't know about the results of that one yet. They put me on 2 medicines (for migraines) and I see the Doctor again next Tuesday. I go back to the ENT tomorrow so I will also tell him what is happening. I notice that it hurts more when I breath in so not sure if there is something on that side. Thankfully it is not so bad today - though if I move my head wrong it gets me. Phew.... I'm at work and just trying not to move wrong.

Prayer Request for Nita's Granddaughter, Annika

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." Ps 62:8

This morning, my dear friend Nita shared a prayer request for her granddaughter, Annika. I asked Nita if I could post it on my blog knowing that those who visit here would be willing to pray for Annika. Here is Nita's request for her precious little one...

Annika will have a kidney arteriogram tomorrow morning at UAB. They will try to put a stint in the renal artery where it is narrow. If they can’t get the stint in they will try to balloon it. If neither of these are successful, they will probably schedule her for something more aggressive in the coming months—an auto transplant (removing her kidney, “splicing” the artery with either a cadaver or some sort of artificial, man-made artery replacement) or something else. Please pray for her safety and protection as they do the procedure and that they would be successful. The narrowing is in the bend where the artery branches off to the kidney. There is a significant danger of them puncturing that artery, which would be very serious.

Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Love,

Nita

PS—I am attaching a picture of Poppy, Annika, and Nanny made at a friends wedding a few weeks ago.

Happy Birthday to Louise B....

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Ps 90:12

Have you ever known someone who seems to never age ~~ but stays eternally young? My friend, Louise, seems to be one of those people! She emailed me last week and mentioned that July 23 is her 79th birthday. I couldn't believe it. Louise 79???? No way!! She was the church secretary when I first started volunteering my time at the church when Amy was in first grade and Chip was 4. She taught me a lot and was so much fun to work with.

Through the years, she has remained a dear friend. We saw Louise at the Pierce 50th Wedding Anniversary party in June, and I made this picture of her then. I wish her pretty blue eyes had been open, but click on the picture to enlarge it. Does she look 79 to you???? Me neither!! Happy Birthday to you, Louise!!! And MANY more!!!!!!!!

Love, Susan

Sunday Blessings

"All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto the; they shall sing to thy name." Ps. 66:4

Amy called this morning to tell us that they were singing the special music at the retirement center church service and invited us to go. We always enjoy going when they sing (2 or 3 times a year) so we said, "Sure."

Little did I know the family had a "surprise blessing" in store for me. Amy and I both have worked with Jaden to learn the words of "Amazing Grace" and he can sing 3 verses of it. For their family special this morning, the family (including Jaden!) sang Amazing Grace. I had to shed a tear as I listened to them. I prayed right then and there that Jaden (2-1/2 years old) will TRULY come to UNDERSTAND the AMAZING GRACE of God's plan of salvation for him. Like everyone who hears the Gospel and comes to understand that JESUS CHRIST died on the cross for their sins, Jaden will have to make the personal decision to accept Christ as his personal Lord and Savior or to reject him. That was my prayer this morning, that Jaden will be saved at a young age and live for God with his whole heart. Brian, Amy, and kids: Thanks for the wonderful surprise blessing this morning. It truly blessed my heart!! (Note: I didn't take my camera to church but this picture was made at the retirement center at Easter so represents my blessing.)

Conjoined Twins in the Womb ~~ prayer request

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou has covered me in my mother's womb." Ps 139:13

I don't know this couple and perhaps no one reading my blog knows this couple, but GOD knows this couple and their precious babies. Please pray.....

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Craig S
Date: Jul 18, 2007 11:35 PM
Subject: Baby Update / Prayer Request

This afternoon we met with a doctor at the Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham. After looking at an ultrasound for a few minutes he was able to confirm what we had already been told - that our babies are indeed conjoined twins. On the ultrasound, he could see two heads, but said that below the heads everything appears as one. It was too early (9.5 weeks) for him to tell much about the organs, other than that he saw only one heartbeat.

Separation would not be an option. He believes that if the babies live until and survive birth, they will be incompatible with life and not live long thereafter. He says there is nothing that doctors could do to help these babies. His recommendation was to terminate the pregnancy.

Believing that all life is in God's hands. we told him that we would continue with the pregnancy. Although for us we didn't really consider this a decision to be made, I must say that I now view the weight of that decision with a different perspective than I have in the past. I suppose we were as prepared for today as we could have been; what he told us was basically consistent with what we had already been told. Nonetheless, this has been a very difficult day.

Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. Without God in our lives and Godly people interceding for us, I can't imagine how we'd make it through the coming months. Paige will be living through the process of being pregnant without the expectation of a happy ending. Please pray that faith in the Lord will guide and sustain us through this process as we move toward whatever conclusion He has planned.

Craig

Ellen: Friends Who Have Gone On Before Us

This post is in loving memory of my precious friend, Ellen Anderson. I can post her last name for she is no longer a resident of this world but has been enjoying her Heavenly Home since January 11, 2001. Ellen and her family were transplants from Michigan to our lovely southern town. She was a go-getter from the get-go and loved to serve God by serving others. Our dear Ellen was diagnosed with breast cancer some three years before her death. (My "fake" hug in the picture of us was because she couldn't have personal contact during the worst part of her treatments.) Ellen fought valiantly and was convinced until the very end that God was going to heal her. And you know what? Ellen wasn't one bit disappointed when she entered Heaven's portals and realized that she had received the ultimate healing. I miss my friend and look forward to seeing her again.

As I think of Ellen, I know there are so many friends who left our church congregation during our 20 years there to take up residence in Heaven. Let's see.... Elva A, Katrina W, Kae A, Joe C, Ronnie E, Speed and Irene H, Bill H, Irene H, Buddy H, Bill K, George H, Thomas J, Katharine P, Alice P, Arthur and Willie P, Duell and Thelma C, Pete P, Roland H, Ovie S, B.J. and Emma Jean G, Vera G, James H, Wynell H, Minnie K, Maudell L,Bill P, Shirley S, JJ T, Stella E, Minnie G, Mary D, Harold K, Betty J, Pauline B, Fred K, Alice P.......

I know there are many that I am leaving out. Thank God that He never leaves anyone out who has been saved through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully all of these who have gone on before us were saved and are enjoying eternity with God. I am assured of a home in Heaven.... not because I am worthy (I'm not!) but because I have repented of my sins and have received Christ as my Personal Savior. Where will you spend eternity? If you aren't sure, please email me at long4heaven@cox.net. Don't put off salvation, for no one is assured another breath on this earth.

I know a famous author

Well....... I haven't actually met JENNIFER SEEST in person, but I surely feel like I know her. We email back and forth; and I've read her books which share a great part of her heart, so I feel like I know her quite well.

Jennifer's series of books called the BENNETT VIGNETTES are a delightful read, spiritually uplifting, and show God's sovereignty in stories that are quite exciting. (As you know, I have NOT been publishing anyone's last name... not even my own on this blog. BUT since Jennifer is a published author and I would love for you to read her books if you haven't already, I used her last name for otherwise how could anyone look for her books?)

In addition to being a published author, she is first and foremost a dedicated CHRISTIAN, Daniel's wife, and the mother of their two children: Caleb and Lydia. Her children are home schooled and Jennifer recently told me that my daughter Amy will be her Caleb's video teacher this upcoming school year. How cool is that? Jennifer's little Lydia is a cute girl, and I know Jennifer is raising her to be a fine Christian little woman.

I am going to post Jennifer's website URL right here (http://our.homewithGod.com/ewerluvd)
so that you can peruse it to learn more about her, her family, AND her books which can be purchased directly from Jennifer. They are great reads for those who love Christian Fiction, and they make wonderful gifts.

So, I almost know a famous author. We just haven't had the physical meeting face to face to share a hug in person, but we have shared our hearts and desires to serve God in emails. Jennifer has enriched my life, and I am blessed to call her "friend."

Love to you and yours, Jennifer Seest!!!!!!!!!!

~~Your devoted fan, Susan

Steve, Trish, Jordynn and Jaycee

It's so neat how God brings along friends who are much younger than you and, in spite of the age difference, there is a genuine love and compatibility in the LORD. These are friends such as that. We knew Steve and Trish and their darling little girls at our church "back home." Steve was on staff at our church and taught in the Christian school. Trish was his supportive wife, the girls' full-time mom, and was very active in ministry in her own right. We have always thought the world of this young couple and their children.

It is so neat to us that Steve felt led of the LORD to invite our son Chip to work with him in the youth group at our church and it was during that time that Chip answered God's call to the ministry.

Fast Forward to the Present: Steve and Trish live and minister in a large city in our home state. Trish is a stay-at-home wife/mom, and the girls are growing up WAY TOO FAST. I know that Jordynn will be in the 7th grade this fall, and I am guessing that Jaycee might be entering the 4th grade. It's hard to keep up!!! Trish recently emailed me saying that they will be in our area soon and hope we can get together. We hope so, too! May God bless this sweet family as they serve Him. Steve, Trish and girls: we love you guys!! ~~Susan

Josh ~~ Summer 2007

This is our grandson Joshua. He is 8 years old and is a great kid. Josh loves to help and often asks me if there is any work he can do for me. He has a big heart and is a sweet boy. His biggest problem right now is that he loves to annoy Jaden ~~ his baby brother ~~ the old pecking order thing. We love our Joshua and are enjoying watching him grow up right before our eyes.

Jarrett with both of his grandmas --- July 2007

This picture was made on our grandson Jarrett's 14th birthday.
It is a joy to have had Jarrett in our family for the past four years
and to watch him grow from a little Ukrainian boy into an American teenager. He is a sweet kid, and we love him dearly.
Grandma Carol, Jarrett, and Granny Susan. I apologize for the horrible quality of this photo. Somehow a setting got changed on my camera. :(

Jaden ~~ July 2007

Jaden is our little red-headed grandbaby ~~ the youngest of the four. He is 2-1/2, all boy, and a Pistol-Pete. He is always on the go but occasionally stops to give the most unexpected but sweetest hugs. We were out eating with Brian, Amy, and the family when Jaden came around the table and crawled up into my lap for a "grandma" hug. Boy Howdy, that warms a grandma's heart for sure. I have had the precious privilege of keeping him while Amy has taught during the school years since his birth. He will officially leave my "granny school" to go to pre-school on Monday, August 6. He is very ready and will do well, but I surely will miss him. He has enriched and enlivened my days beyond description.

"Friend Luncheon" that Isabella and I hosted

These pics were made by a professional-photographer-in-training, Emily P.
L-R: The table is set and ready; Belle and Grandma in the kitchen; Sarah and Astrid visiting














We hosted a "friend luncheon" to honor some friends of mine. The luncheon was for Sarah P as she is about to move to Virginia for her first teaching position. A teacher from the school in VA was here visiting her parents, so I invited her to come. This gave the two teachers a head start on getting to know each other.

My dear granddaughter, Isabella, spent the day with me on Tuesday and was invaluable in helping me put the meal together. She helped with the prep work, prepare the salad plates, and serve the meal. I love Isabella so much and am thankful that her mommy and daddy are raising such a fine daughter.

Kerry, Robin, Jamie and Josh ~~ Sweet Friends!

God has blessed me with wonderful friends through the years, and I thank Him for them. Here is a family I would like to "spotlight" today. These folks were dear friends during some of our years at our church back home: Kerry and Robin with their children Jamie and Josh.

Kerry and Richard were deacons together and that's where they got to know one another and became friends. Robin was a young mother of young children and me as an older mother of older children, we enjoyed sharing the blessings (and sometimes challenges) of being wives and mothers. It is hard to believe that so many years have passed since we have seen Kerry and Robin. Daughter Jamie is all grown up at 19 years old, and Josh is well on his way to manhood at 15 years old.

They are transplants and no longer reside in our home state either, but it is a joy to keep up with them through emails. It was Robin's beautiful blog that inspired me to start one of my own. Thank you for letting me share my friends with you today!

Amy's Post-Op This Morning

I talked to Amy as she and Brian were leaving from her post-op visit. The doctor said the holes are working. Her iris has flattened back down into normal position and the fluids are moving. Her vision is bad today he said because the "stuff" in her eye was stirred up during the drilling of the four holes yesterday. Her vision should come back to a more normal read as the inside of her eye settles down. Her pupil will remain stuck to the lens of her eye which means it won't be dilating and contracting as light situations change. At some point they will have to do a lens transplant and that is when the pupil will be freed up from it's present condition. She is at work today and is preparing dinner for the family. As I said, "You can't keep a good woman down!" I appreciate everyone's prayers for her and PRAISE GOD that holes drilled in her iris yesterday are working to drain the excess fluid so that the eye pressure doesn't increase. God is good!!!

Pic of Amy Made This Evening

My daughter, Amy... she is such a strong woman not only physically and mentally but emotionally and spiritually as well. She gets that from her Dad for sure. She has suffered with a serious eye condition in her GOOD eye for 5 weeks. She has been in pain a lot of that time, has had numerous doctor appointments, and yet has carried on full-steam ahead as wife and mom and even started her new "principal" job on Monday.

She did have her laser procedure done this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. today. The doctor lasered 4 holes into her iris so that the fluid can move around and do whatever that fluid is supposed to do so that her eye pressure doesn't build up and cause glaucoma. She does have a cataract in that eye but that will be dealt with farther down the road. Her pupil is permanently stuck to her lens, but that will be taken care with a lens replacement as stated above. After her procedure today, she returned to work and then enjoyed her son Jarrett's 14th birthday dinner before we all went to church this evening. (That is her 8-year-old Josh in the picture above.)

I wanted to post this picture so that everyone can SEE that Amy is doing well. She is extremely tired but hopefully a few good nights of deep rest will help with that. We pray that she gets a good post-op report at 8:10 in the morning. Thank you for your prayers today. They were felt by Amy and Brian and by her Dad and me as well. God is so good and we trust that His will is being accomplished in Amy's arthritis situation ~~ which causes this iritis condition. Thanks for caring!! ~~Mama Susan

Amy has had her eye procedure and is back at work

At 3:00 p.m., Amy had what is called a Yag Iridotomy procedure. She now has 3 holes in her iris which should help immensely with the potential problem of the eye pressure building because of her stuck pupil due to the iritis. I am one who wants to know what is going on and so much appreciate the internet for helping to learn more about this procedure today. I googled "yag iridotomy" and came up with lots of sites. Here is one of them if you want to have an idea of what they did today. If that doesn't interest you one bit, feel free to delete.

http://www.glaucoma-association.com/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=797&=fromcfc&tt=article&lang=en&site_id=483

Thank you for your prayers!!

Susan

Grandson Jarrett's 14th Birthday Lunch

I have had a fun day with the Grandkids and especially celebrating Jarrett's 14th birthday today! Here are a few pics from our birthday lunch over at Grandma and Pappy Y's house.
Happy Birthday to Jarrett!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy is having eye surgery on Wednesday

My daughter, Amy (age 31) went to the retina specialist today. After a lengthy eye examination, he recommended eye surgery to be done on Wednesday at 10:00 at Sacred Heart Hospital. He will laser holes into her iris (if I understand that correctly.) The doctor said she won't be any pain and that she she can return to work after the surgery. The iritis IS better BUT her pupil has apparently been "stuck" for quite some time ~~ the retina specialist said probably for longer than she even knew she had the iritis. She already has the start of a cataract but that can be corrected with surgery to replace the lens when needed. The drilling of the holes is so that the eye fluids can adjust as the biggest danger right now is that the eye pressure gets too high. Glaucoma is a threat to eyesight so they are working to avoid any pressure dangers/damage. Another WEEK and the specialist said she would be in there CRYING from the pain of the pressure building in her eye. It sounds like God sent her to the right doctor today for sure. We praise HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amy is fine... just glad to be getting the necessary steps taken to help retain her eyesight!! God is good!! Mama Susan thanks you for your thoughts and prayers for Amy's eye.

Our Guests This Week

L-R: Raquel, Sarah, and Emily.

We are thrilled to have Sarah P, her sister Emily, and Emily's friend Raquel visiting this week. They arrived on Sunday night and will leave on Wednesday morning so it is a quick trip but hopefully will be a fun time for the girls. Sarah graduated from college here and was our much-loved campus daughter during her college years. Emily and Raquel are about to begin their senior year in high school. Anyway, they are about to head off to the beach. Have fun, girls!!

THEY ARE HOME!!!! Travel Trailer Arriving ~~ Sunday Night 7:45 p.m.

Here comes the travel trailer ~~ our gang is home!

Here come the grandkids~~ they're home

It was so good to see those kids come bounding out of the suburban when they got home. Grandma and Grandpa got lots of sweet hugs!

Jarrett is home

Jarrett is home!! We will celebrate his 14th birthday on Wednesday. Welcome back, Jarrett.

A happy grandma

It's soooooooooooooooo good to have my grandkids home! Jarrett snapped the pic so that's why he isn't in this one.

Brian and Amy home from vacation

It is so good to have Brian and Amy home. They had a fabulous 9-day vacation, and now it's back to the REAL WORLD. Welcome Home!!

Our NEIGHBORS are due back home today

I'm sure that some people have awful neighbors, but Richard and I have always been blessed with good neighbors. For the past 5 years, we have been blessed to have the BEST neighbors: our son-in-law, daughter, and 4 grandchildren!! Our neighbors have been away on vacation in their travel trailer for 9 whole days, and we have MISSED them! Guess what! They should be on their way home RIGHT NOW though not arriving until later this evening. Brian, Amy, Jarrett, Isabella, Joshua, and Jaden: We are praying for a safe journey home and can't wait to see you guys. ~~Love, Mom/Grandma

Tim, Yvonne and Emily

Yvonne is Richard's niece -- Larry's daughter. She is my FRIEND. She and I share a lot ~~ our blessings as well as our spiritual struggles. When Richard and I married, Yvonne was about 5-1/2 years old. Isn't it funny how the age difference doesn't mean a thing now? Yvonne and Tim dated all through high school (I don't believe that either of them ever dated anyone else!) and married probably in September 1993. I believe it was Amy's freshman fall in college and that's why the date sticks in my brain. (If I am wrong on any of this, please correct me, Y-Von-E.) Tim is from good stock ~~ a family that has been stalwarts of the Christian faith and in our home church. They adopted their lovely Emily from Russia when she was just a little tot, and now she is about to enter the 2nd grade. Emily is a cutie-pie~~ not only in looks but in personality, too. She shines like a new penny and brightens up her world around her. Of course, it was fascinating to us that she was adopted from Russia and our first three grandchildren were adopted from Ukraine. How fun that these 2nd cousins (or are they first cousins once removed??) have that common bond. Anyway, I have been blessed to watch Yvonne grow from a very shy quiet little girl into the lovely Christian wife and mother that she is today. Thanks for letting me share your family on my blog, Yvonne. You are so very special to me. ~~Love, "Aunt" Susan

Below is a pic of Yvonne's Emily with Amy's Joshua as well as a pic of Yvonne made at our wedding nearly 34 years ago.

Yvonne at our wedding ~~ 1973

Richard's niece, Yvonne, at our wedding.

Cute Cousins

This is my Amy's Joshua with Yvonne's Emily. The girls (cousins) both adopted their children from overseas. Josh was born in Ukraine and Emily was born in Russia. How MARVELOUS the blessings that these darling children are both in loving Christian homes in America and that both have accepted Christ as their Savior. They're not only cousins, they are brothers and sisters in Christ!! SWEET!!!!

Bro. Jerry and life's major events

Bro. Jerry was my pastor when I was a young adult, and I was saved under his ministry on July 23, 1972. Later, on September 29, 1973, he sang two of our wedding songs and officiated our wedding until such time as my Dad gave me away and did our vows. Anyway, these are pics from our wedding nearly 34 years ago with Bro. Jerry in them. Now you can look below to catch up a bit.......

Jerry and Carol Ann today....

How fun it is to be back in contact with Bro. Jerry and Carol Ann. I was saved under Bro. Jerry's pastorate way back in the 70's. I was dating Richard at the time and THOUGHT I was saved but was convicted during Bro. Jerry's message that Sunday night that I had prayed the prayer but had not committed my life to Jesus Christ. I went forward and accepted Christ that night: July 23, 1972. He helped to officiate our wedding in September '73. I had already joined the FWB church where my Dad was pastoring and which was Richard's home church. When Bro. Jerry left Eastside as Pastor, that's when my Dad was called to pastor there and eventually we lost contact with Bro. Jerry and his family in the mid 70's.

Fast forward to 1986: I vaguley remember that Jerry and Carol Ann came to Mom's house during the time of Dad's death 21 years ago. Everything about that is kind of a blur in my memory, but I know we haven't seen them since that day in 1986 Somehow in recent months, I got their email address and contacted them and we have occasionally emailed back and forth. A couple of days ago, they shared with me the URL for their daughter KK's blog. KK is an excellent writer and it has been amazing to catch up on some of the family doings through her writings. KK shared with me this picture of Bro. Jerry and Carol Ann. It was a blessing to receive this pic of them from their daughter, KK. May God richly bless Jerry and Carol Ann as they enjoy their grown kids and precious grandkids.

Big Sister Karen and Baby Sister Susan

I love this picture of Karen and me. The next post is all about my older sister......

Karen and Paul...

Karen... what can I say about her? She has always been there for me.
She is 6-1/2 years older than me because Dad and Mom lost 2 babies in-between us... a brother and a sister that we have never known. I imagine that Karen was pretty excited when her mommy brought home a baby girl in July 1951. I know that I have always felt loved and cherished by Karen. She always did special things for Nonie and me... her little sisters. Nonie and I have talked together so many times and have commented on how much we admire her, love her, and look up to her.

Karen is a STRONG Christian woman and has always been my mentor in the faith. She and Paul have three fine sons and two precious granddaughters. One more thing... I favor Karen a lot. When I still lived in our hometown (until 5-1/2 years ago) it occasionally happened that when I was out shopping, etc. that someone who knew Karen would come up to me and say, "You have GOT to be Karen's sister." I was always proud to answer, "Yes, I am!" Paul and Karen, I love you both and pray your retirement years are full of God's best blessings. Come when you can! ~~Susan

Doug, JoAnna and their boys

This sweet girl is from our past. Her Dad, Dr. E, was our pastor back in the 80's at our home church. Jo Anna is the youngest of the E's four children. We so much loved Bro. Ron, Brenda, and the family. My dad served as assistant pastor under Dr. E, and it was during that ministry that my dad became ill, found out it was leukemia, and he died three weeks later. Dr. English especially endeared himself to us as he ministered to my dad during those three weeks as well as to my mom and us three girls then and afterwards.. It was just a year or so after Dad's death when Dr. English felt the call to move on and left our church. We were devastated to lose him but God was faithful during that time and sent us a good man. Jo Anna was a young teen when they left our church. It was through the wonderful world of cyber space that I reconnected with Dr. E, Brenda, and Jo Anna after many years. She had grown up and is now a lovely wife and the sweet mom to her three boys.... Dakota, Dillon, and Jasper. When Dr. E's mother died 3 years ago, Richard and I went to the funeral in Georgia. Jo Anna was expecting Jasper at the time and we were blessed to meet Doug and well as Dakota and Dillon. They are a fine family!!

Karen, Susan, and Nonie ~~ sisters forever

Having Mom on my mind on this 8th anniversary of her death naturally brings loving thoughts and precious memories of my two sisters. Having enjoyed living in the same town for 50 years as we married and raised our families, Richard and I moved away in December 2001 and then Nonie moved away in early 2002. Karen remains in our home town and is our "home base" so to speak. What a blessing it is to be the middle girl and to have an older sister and a younger sister. All three of us are so very different in our temperaments and personalities, but the bond of sisterhood has withstood some pretty big challenges over the years and our love has endured. Truly Karen and Nonie grow more precious to me with each passing year. With Karen 6-1/2 years my senior and Nonie just 15 months my junior, we all realize that life is passing by pretty quickly. Karen and Nonie, I want you both to know how much I love you and miss you. You girls are so dear to me, your families are dear to me, and I thank God for the love that binds our hearts together forever. ~~Sister Susan

My favorite pic of my mom in her later years

Down below, I posted that it was 8 years ago today that my precious mother took off for heaven. Here is my favorite pic of mom in her later years. It was made probably some 12-15 months before her death.

Mom was so proud of her three girls, her seven grandchildren, and her two great-grandchildren (Ashley and Zach.) I love this pic of mom made with Granny Nonie, Mommy Dee, and Baby Zach. How I wish Mom could have lived to have seen her other great grands: Jarrett, Isabella, Joshua, Tayler, Jaden, Kayleigh, and Jackson! Of course, with Dad's homegoing way back in 1986, he missed out on all of the great-grands. It is my prayer that all of our family members come to know Christ (if they haven't already made that decision) so that we can have a wonderful FAMILY REUNION in Heaven for all of eternity!

I'm Back........

WHEW!!! Blogger thought I was spamming and closed my blog for nearly 24 hours. I was glad to get home from being gone all day to find this email from them and to know I am back in business and that my name is cleared. :) ~~Susan


Hello,

Your blog has been reviewed, verified, and cleared for regular use so that it will no longer appear as potential spam. If you sign out of Blogger and sign back in again, you should be able to post as normal. Thanks for your patience, and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Sincerely,
The Blogger Team

Eight Years Ago Today ~~ Shocking and So Sad

For my sisters and me, July 13, 1999 was a terribly shocking and sad day. We each received a call from the nursing home where Mom resided letting us know that she had passed away early that morning. I received my call at just minutes after 8:00 a.m. I remember exactly where I was standing and exactly what I was doing when the phone rang. It's amazing how a phone call can forever change your life. Mom had been placed in the nursing home less than a week earlier after weeks of hospitalization with her congestive heart failure. We didn't expect her to leave us that soon, but GOD WAS GRACIOUS to take her on home to Heaven. She survived 13 years following Dad's death in June 1986. I know I speak for Karen and Nonie, too, when I say how much I miss my parents. Though the raw pain of the deep grief no longer resides in my heart, there are so many times when I wish I could talk to Mom about this or that or ask my Dad something about the Bible or living the Christian life. Our joy is in knowing that they are safely arrived at home in Heaven and that we will see them again. Dad & Mom~~~ thank you for loving me, raising me, and for showing me by example how to live the abundant life. Enjoy the wonders of being with Jesus, and I'll see you soon. ~~Love, Susan

My parents and me on my wedding day ~~ September 29, 1973

Update on Amy's Eye...

Amy called this morning. She chatted about their fun vacation still in progress, and I had to ask about her eye. She said it is much worse this morning. As soon as she completed the oral steroid a couple of days ago, it immediately took a downward turn. She has gotten another round of steroid pills to take and then will see the doctor here in Pensacola on Monday. The group where she goes is referring her to a retina specialist in the group so perhaps he will know something or try something that her ophthalmologist hasn't thought of. She is hurting but sounded good and said they are having a great time. They were leaving Gatlinburg when she called and are headed to Cherokee, NC to visit the Indians per Joshua's request. They are LOVING their travel trailer and have only eaten one meal out which was at the Dixie Stampede on Tuesday night. She was proud of that as the home-cooked meals figure into their food budget and they aren't "eating" up their vacation funds. Ha! At any rate, I would appreciate your continued prayers for Amy. Please pray that the different doctor might know something different to do. Amy's faith is strong, her spirits are good, and she is trusting God ~~ whatever His will is. As she said, it could be worse. At least this isn't life-threatening; just sight-threatening. God is good ~~ all the time!! ~~Amy's Mom

JV stopped by for lunch and visit...

Jarrett had been on vacation with his family and stopped by
on his way back home yesterday. Richard and I met him for lunch and so much enjoyed seeing Jarrett and catching up. It is always a
joy to see friends from "home," and Jarrett's visit was a blessing
yesterday. If you are going to be in the area, we'd love to see
you, too!!

Is it Friday Yet???????????????????

Is it Friday yet?????

Our niece and her husband (Leslie and Rob)

We enjoyed a lovely time at our family reunion in June. It was held at Bill's and Darlene's lovely home and was such a nice day. (Bill and Darlene are posted on down the line if you want to look for them!) This is their daughter Leslie and her husband Rob. Rob and Leslie celebrated their 2nd anniversary in May and are getting eager to move into a lovely home they are building. Rob and Leslie are a great couple. Thanks for letting me post you guys, Leslie. Love ya!

Our Great Niece From Russia!

With three of our grandchildren adopted from Ukraine, it was very exciting for us when Tim and Yvonne (Richard's niece and her husband) adopted their daughter, Emily, from Russia. I believe Emily was right at 4 years old when she was adopted, and now she is about to enter the 2nd grade. She is an avid softball player (her daddy is her coach!) and this is her picture from the season which just ended. Emily is very outgoing and is just the cutest little girl. I know she has enriched her grandparents John & Hazel, Larry and Genell, and Elaine immensely. We love her and wish we were able to see her more often so thank Yvonne for sending pics along to keep us in touch. We love you, Emily!!

Ashley, our Great Niece

This is my lovely GREAT niece, Ashley. She is Paul's and Karen's granddaughter and daughter of Bryan and Tricia. Ashely is 12-1/2 years old and will be in the 7th grade this fall. She is as pretty as her petite mom and as tall like her dad, so she got the best of both sets of genes. Isn't she a beautiful ballerina. Ashley has accepted Christ, and she is just as lovely on the inside as she is on the outside. We love her lots! ~~Great Aunt Susan

Kay's Boy ~~ Ryan

It is so much fun to keep up with dear friends. Kay was the church secretary at our home church way back when ~~ in the early to mid 80's. I volunteered some of my free time in the church office and learned so much working under Kay and enjoyed her friendship. (She is a NUT!) She left us and returned to her home "up North" -- being a YANKEE -- and at age 40 married the man of her dreams: Daniel ~~ her forever "Schweetie." Richard and I attended their wedding and then lost touch for a long time. In the intervening years, she give birth to Ryan at nearly age 45. What a joy it was to be reunited with Kay via email just a few years ago. We correspond daily and enjoy keeping up with each other's families and sharing pics. In fact, I received this pic of her son, Ryan, just this evening. He is 9 and entering the 4th grade this fall and keeps Dan and Kay "young." I enjoy "watching" Ryan grow up through pics and reading Kay's "Ryanisms." I have told her that she could very possibly make her million by being the next "Erma Bombeck" on the scene. :)

A wonderful evening with family from "home" : Chris, Bonnie, Alex and Alyson

Our hearts were touched a couple of weeks ago when Richard's nephew (mine, too!) Chris called to let us know he and his family were planning a vacation to the Gulf and hoped we could get together with them. We made plans to meet for dinner, and tonight was that special time with them. Chris and Bonnie are so dear, and it had been a while since we had seen them. The kids, Alex and Alyson, had both grown like weeds and were so much fun this evening. We had a nice dinner at The Shrimp Basket on Perdido Key and they treated us to dinner ~~ wow! FAMILY is so dear. We are so thankful for the relationships we enjoy so much on this earth and look forward to spending eternity together with our saved loved ones. Chris, Bonnie, Alex and Alyson: thank you for giving us an evening of your vacation. We are so proud of your family and it was wonderful to spend time together catching up on God's blessings in your life. With love from Aunt Susan :)

My Little Friends Today...

I have the blessing of babysitting two little girls today. I am missing my 4 grandkids while they are away on vacation, so the girls are a treat. Katie is 3-1/2 and Leslee is 2-1/2. They are cousins and so cute. I kept Leslee a couple of days per week this Spring when I still had my 2-1/2 year old grandson Jaden week days, so it has been fun to have her again. Katie's family has just moved to Pensacola so it is nice that the girls can grow up together and be close as cousins. Gotta run~~ it's time to fix lunch!! May God bless Leslee and Katie always. ~~"Mema" Dean

Ray's and Ida's Grandbaby!

Being a grandma myself, I am always excited for my friends who become grnadparents for the first time. This is Baby Sophie, and she was born on Valentine's Day so you know she is a certified SWEETheart. Ida said: Don't panic! They don't leave her unattended with the animals. (grin)" Daddy Chris says that Sophie is cutting her first tooth. All of the "firsts" are so very exciting for parents AND grandparents. It is such a blessing to know that Chris and Kelli will grow her up in the nurture and admonition of our Lord. May God bless precious Baby Sophie!!