Taking a break

As some of my dear blog friends may have noticed, my posts have been spartan lately with wider gaps in between my postings.
After much deliberation and prayer, I have decided to take a break from my blog. I will miss corresponding with each one of you. It has been a blast. However, I have many "irons in the fire" at this season of my life, and need to step back from a few things...even things I love to be involved in.
And by the way, I am now on facebook! So if your on too, I would love to be your friend!
Love to each of you!
Sue

Home from N.C.

I returned home last evening from Lake Lure, NC, where I had a speaking engagement Monday night. I met an amazing group of women in this beautiful southern state! They were warm, friendly and how do you spell "southern hospitality"???They practice this to excellence. So to Jan, the Pams, Bobbie Jean, Mary Ellen and all the rest of the "Sister Chicks", THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. It was a privilege to spend precious moments with you. Just wish we had more time:(

Getting Ready.

These past few weeks, I have been surrounded by books and my bible. My desk is cluttered with sticky notes and scrap pieces of paper. I am getting ready to get "back in the saddle" speaking, after taking a 2 month summer break.
I am just so excited, to share, what the Lord has been teaching me, I can hardly stand it. So, look out, ladies in the Lake Lure, NC area we are going to have a blast together!

When your stuck!

Please join me in this hilarious moment this past weekend. While attending my sons football game, I got chilled, as the sun set and the temperature dipped. Jogging to the truck, I grabbed a pullover to slip on. Well, I got stuck in it. With my arms pinned to the side of my head, I was totally incapable of finishing the task of putting it on. My daughter-in-law, came to my rescue, and my son, grabbed the camera for this "memory maker moment".

I have been mulling over this scene for a few days. There are times when I feel stuck.

Stuck in a emotion.

Stuck in a relationship.

Stuck in a financial situation.

Stuck in a habit.

Stuck in a lifestyle.

Stuck in ________. You fill in the blank. What do you get stuck on?

***At Any given time, God gives you and I the right to choose. We do not have to say "This is just the way I am, So, I guess I am stuck." Whatever YOUR stuck is today, can you lay it down and get "unstuck"? It may take allot of work and perseverance. God wants us to live in freedom and victory and will pry us out of our stuck-ness (is this a word?). Watch for HIM today.

I would have lots of time, if my family did not wear clothes!

Rabbits multiply at lightning speed, as does our laundry. This was the delight of my morning. NOT. Four days worth of clothing needed to be washed. If only my family went naked:)

Weekend Get-away

Last weekend my man and I headed to Missouri for a few days away. As we drove along the winding rural roads, I could feel myself begin to unwind and relax.
The need for a break had been evident for several weeks and further confirmed when I got stressed out because there is not a "Taco Bell" at the exit we chose for lunch!
Really...Taco Bell?...this is your final clue you need to stop and take a "pause" in your life.
We stayed in a beautiful, remote cabin with no Internet or ESPN:) Thanks to the gracious generosity of my brother and sister-in-law. We laughed, talked and had fun. You know F-U-N! I almost needed the word explained to me:) I looked up some similar words in my Thesaurus.They included;amusement,enjoyment,pleasure, play,sport,good times, romping, blast, frolic and merriment. Yes, fun, is a accurate description of our get-a-way.

Do you need any fun infused in your life? We did!

State Fair Champion

Home. It feels good.

The cupboards are bare, there is a mountain of laundry that is begging for attention, and the mail needs to be sorted.

The remnants of being at the State Fair for 7 days.

However, the results of our State Fair visit was priceless. I have posted pictures of me doing the "mom thing". Why is it that I resemble the "bag lady"? Oh, yeah, it is because the last person to leave the hotel (which is me) brings the cooler, cameras, coffee, McDonald's, show shirts and anything else that we could possible need for a day at the fair:) Including Aleve! Lots of Aleve!

And we did have a successful fair. Winning Grand Champion Yorkshire Gilt. The picture of her and Brock is not so great...but you get the idea. There is a picture of her selling in the sale yesterday along with a few candid shots of County Fair also, where she won Grand Gilt last week.

Making memories.....exhausting......but priceless!

County and State fair time!

We are in the thick of County and State Fair. We just finished county fair yesterday and are off to State Fair at 4 am tomorrow. It is predicted to be 95 tomorrow so we want to beat the heat. Our livestock will appreciate it:)

Brock, our youngest at 16, won Grand Champion at County Fair. Pictures of the fun will follow next week when we return from the State Competition.

Until then......

When no one is looking.

I was caught in a terrific down pour last week.The raindrops seemed as big as dimes, and coupled with the gusting wind, made a drenching combination. Standing in the middle of a grocery store parking lot, with a cartload of groceries, is a far from ideal place to be when God decides to water the earth in such a dramatic way. As the river of water flowed over my sandals, I hastily tossed the groceries in the back of the suburban.
Completing the task at hand, I looked around for a "cart corral" to put the shopping cart in it's rightful, safe place. Ugg, wouldn't you know it, the corral was 5 car rows away! I was already quite wet and knew a dash across the parking lot would totally soak the few dry areas left on my being.
I looked around, to see if anyone was watching. Maybe I could just leave the cart next to the vehicle, hop in and take off. Surely people would understand, given the circumstances. Except maybe the person whom owns the car, that the cart will ultimately roll into, and scratch:)
Ok, I put the cart back in its proper spot. But not after some serious hesitation!

I want to be a women of quality in all areas of my life. Many times I am tempted to take short cuts.

QUALITY MEANS DOING IT RIGHT WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING-HENRY FORD

Have you had a similar experience? I would love to hear about it!!

Easy Summer Recipe!

With 2 hungry, college boys and a "starving" high-schooler eating at our dinner table, I have to come up with some filling, fast meals. Following is one of our favorite summer side dishes!

Slice potatoes with skins on ( I usually use red). Lay on large piece of foil. Dot with butter and sprinkle with salt (I use sea salt).

I add sliced mushrooms or onions also.

Lay another piece of foil on top and seal edges.

Grill 15 minutes on each side,flipping once. Do not open as the steam helps cook the potatoes! These are wonderful warmed over in the oven.

We sometimes sprinkle with cheese after grilling:) Yum!

ENJOY!

Tough week?

Ok. It is Friday. That can be a good thing, especially if you have had a tough week. Many weeks can be classified as "bad Mommy week" or "nagging wife week"! Not just "rough DAY", but the whole week was one rough road after another. One continuous bumpy ride!
Hold on girlfriend, the week is coming to a close. Make yourself a glass of iced tea, sit down, and put your feet up.

Yes, you have time, for this exercise, it will just take a minute. As you are sitting there, I want you to think about all the things that set you "off" this week. If it is a relationship issue, can you calm down and discuss it with the offending party (child or hubby) over the weekend? Does the issue matter? Really matter? If so, pray about a time to communicate about it.

Many times, for me, as I ponder the "potholes" of my rough, bumpy week, I find it was small situations (puddles) that grew into bigger situations (potholes).

Can you relate??

Building Confidence in your child.

This scenario took place about 10 years ago. I wanted to share it with you today, as an example of building confidence in your child.

As the line inched forward, Casey leaned into me. "Mommy, will you please order for me??" he begged. "No, son, you need to do this yourself.I will be right next to you", I comforted.
Although progressing, with weekly speech therapy, he still struggled with fluency. Talking with strangers only magnified the situation as he battled to verbalize his requests.
"May I help who is next?" came a friendly voice from across the counter. "Y-Y-Y-Yes, I would like a hamburger please?", Casey replied. After receiving his order and arriving at our table, Casey was grinning form ear to ear. "Mommy, did you hear me? I only stuttered once!"
The visits to McDonald's became more frequent, and the orders more complex, as he continued to build confidence in his ability to communicate with others.

It is hard, as moms, to "push" our children out of their comfort zones. We want to "protect" them from life's tough situations. Many, many times, I am tempted to "step in" and spare them the pain and risk involved.

Building our child's self-confidence, takes a conscious effort on OUR part as moms. Introducing our child to new and sometimes difficult situations helps them grow, flourish and have a "I can do it" attitude.

So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. Hebrews 10:35

Today, I am 46!

Today is my birthday!

It may cross the etiquette line to tell people it is your birthday, but I am so thankful God has blessed my with another year. I am so OK with birthdays and growing older.

How can I be excited about aging?

It is just a theory, and only a theory, but I have come very close to losing those I love, on several occasions. And in the case of my dad, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, friend and mentor Kathy Inoue, I have witnessed God's hand in ushering them into eternity at relatively young ages.

I want to grow old gracefully. Thanking God for the years on earth that he has in trusted to me.

Yes, there are days when I look in the mirror and sigh, at the sign, of another line beginning to form on my face. Or the fact, the every part of my body, seems 2 inches lower than it did 20 years ago:)

But today, I am embracing 46, and I am blessed!

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

What I Love about Mondays

Mondays, are a day I have come to love. REALLY. I used to dread Monday.

Mondays, are the day I get up and get going. Getting the wash started from the piles that accumulated from the weekend. I then walk around the house and "tidy up". Picking up the junk that seems to multiple, as we relax on Sundays. Newspapers, paper plates and shoes all find the trash can or the closet.

Once I feel like I have made the house somewhat presentable, I then settle in for some serious time of reading and prayer. I do a few extra devotions then the "normal" day, and then spend "extra time" talking to God about some stuff on my heart.I often catch up on a inspirational DVD or watch several of "life today" Wednesdays with Beth, on my computer. It is a unhurried, not on a time-frame, communion with the Lord. And I savor it. I fiercely guard it. Not appointments, no errands.

I do get interrupted. Changing over the laundry or answering a question from one of the kiddos. But then I get right back at it.

It is what I love about Mondays!

Choices

Yesterday, was errand day. I had allot on my "to do" list as I headed to town. The stops included a salon, where I would receive a much anticipated pedicure.

As I was working my way through the items on my checklist, a thought came to me, "Call your college boys, who are working in town, and treat them to lunch".

I mulled this over in my mind. If I met the boys for lunch, I would spend the money (on lunch), I had set aside for a pedicure. Boys can eat enormous amounts of food to keep them fueled.

Lunch.pedicure.lunch.pedicure......my mind volleyed back and forth, till I thought I was going to be dizzy, if I did not make a decision.

I called the boys, we met for lunch.

There, in the corner booth at Taco Bell, we enjoyed rich conversation and sharing. They were in the "mood" to talk. And it was priceless.

So, today, I am going to attempt to paint my own toenails. A procedure that I have been sadly, less than successful at, in the past. They just look "home-done" when I apply the polish.

I will smile, every time I look down, over the next few weeks, and see my toes.

Lunch with my sons was the right choice:)

Cultivating a heart for missions in your child

Our 3rd son, Casey,age 20, arrived home yesterday, from a 3 week mission trip to Ecuador.
He had lots of stories to share of his experience.
Nine years ago, when Casey was 11, we took him and his brothers on their first missions trip. Our mission trip was to the country of Honduras, to help with a school. In this rural setting, many of the students, had never experienced having "gringo" children in close proximity, let alone, engaged with them in fun and games. They were especially fascinated by our youngest son, Brock's (then age 6) glasses. They could not fathom, a young boy, actually having "lenses".
I remember asking the missionary, if it would have been better use of our resources to "send" him the money to use for food and equipment vs. the cost of bringing our entire family. His answer surprised me. He was firm in his belief that bringing our children and exposing them to mission work, not only blessed the children at the school, but would have a life long effect on our boys. He was right. The next year, our oldest, Seth returned to the school for 3 weeks to help. In the years that followed, the boys took advantage of other mission opportunities with church youth groups.
It is never to young to expose your children to mission work. We started years before this Honduras trip, by sponsoring a child from a mission school in India. Her picture hung on our refrigerator, as a reminder to pray for her.
Planting a seed, at a young age, coupled with the experience, anticipation and excitement of their first trip, has fueled a passion for missions. I pray this zeal will continue, as the boys have opportunities to share the love of Christ, where ever the Lord leads them.

Suriving Piranha Week!

I refer to the first full week of summer as Piranha week!

Just one week ago, the kids were sick of the school routine and ready to have a summer break. They were tired of teachers, school lunches, getting up early and home work.

And now, one week into freedom, they are bored, hungry, irritable and pestering anything and everything that moves. Even the family dog has run for cover.

Each year, as piranha week edged closer, I promised myself, "This year, we will have a great first week!"However, this statement rang hollow, as I found myself defeated and frustrated by day 5.

Following are a few tips that I found worked for me as I forged ahead, and through trial and error, survived piranha week, and set the groundwork for a great memory filled summer.

#1 Have a family meeting, and set clear expectations of what the summer routine will be. Do not assume that the children know what these are. If they can read, post the list on the refrigerator.

#2 Children crave structure, whether they know it or not, so do have a schedule for the week. It should be "looser" than the school year routine, but have one.

#3 Look at your children bents. Do they like to sleep in? Are they early risers? We had a rule that everyone was up by 9:00 am. This gave us a goal, so that those early birds, were not "waiting" for the sleepyheads to get up, get there morning chores done, and then finally move along to something fun in the day.

#4 Have chores for each child, everyday. Even the tiniest tot can find all the dirty towels in the house and put them in front of the washer. They can take a bag and "find" all the trash in the van. They can put all the toys in the toy box and feed the dog.

Older kids can sweep out the car and sweep the house. They can wash the car. Make beds, Take everything out of the fridge, wipe it out and put things back. Maybe they are in charge of breakfast or lunch each day. They can pull weeds around the house, gather and sort laundry, fold laundry, do the dishes, wipe down kitchen and bathroom cabinets, gather library books, and the list can go on and on....
Some of these chores like beds and dishes can be daily, while others can be assigned a specific day of the week.

#5 I found that having a rule that all chores be done by lunch was a great strategy. This gives incentive to get the job done. We could then have afternoon plans and come home to a clean tidy house.

#6 I tried to have something scheduled to do 2 or 3 days a week in the afternoon. Monday may be library day, Wednesday we went to the local pool, Friday we spend time at the park, ect. I kept it simple and just for a few hours.

#7 Show your kids "downtime" is ok. It is fine to have everyone take "personal" time each day after lunch and go to our rooms and read or listen to books on tape. This gives you, mom, a much needed break! This is very important if you have little ones who still need naps and older children who are looking for entertainment. If you find the naps are interfering with afternoon activities, try flipping you schedule and doing chores in the afternoon while the younger children are sleeping and enjoying the fun stuff while the children are fresh and rested.

#8 Have a bedtime routine, even in the summer. You need a break mom, and you and your husband need time together.

#8 Have incentives! Treat you children to ice cream during the week, go to the park or zoo this summer. Praise them and thank them for cooperating around the house and helping get things done so you have time to enjoy the activities summer brings.

#9 You will still have "piranha days" this summer. Days where you hide in your walk in closet and eat M&M's to console and convince yourself that you will survive the summer. Hopefully they will be few and far between:)

My baby is 16!

Brock turned 16 on Sunday. It is hard to believe that 16 years ago, after a pregnancy that seemed it would last until eternity, they placed this 9lb 15oz. "bundle of baby" in my arms.

He has been a low maintenance child from the very beginning. Perhaps, the fact, that he had 3 older brothers, who adored and "looked out" for him, made it seem this way.

He is quiet by nature, and does not need a boatload of friends around, to keep him company. In his infinite wisdom, the Lord knew that if he was going to bless me with another boy, Brock's "easy-going" personality was going to be needed. A high maintenance, demanding boy would have surely put me in a padded cell!

Happy Birthday Brock, you have a special place in my heart.

*Brock is on the far left. Then his brothers Levi, Casey and Seth.

It is hard to let go.

Our family, traveled to Michigan this past weekend, for my nieces wedding. It was a miracle. Truly it was. To get all 7 of us at one event. Together.

It would be easier for me to run a marathon:) And those who know me, and have been exposed to my lack of athletic talent, realized the significance of this.

It is not that we do not enjoy being together as a family. We love it. It is just that life happens. Schedules, jobs, girlfriends, classes and sport practice all compete for a slot in the 24 hours a day that we are given.

As we prepared to go to the wedding this weekend, a conversation took place, that made me come face to face with a hard truth......

I am struggling, as a mom, to let my boys go.

Let them go, to make their choices, of what is a priority to them.
Let them go, and trust that they will make the right choice.
Let them go, and know, that they will have to live with the consequences of the decisions they make.
Let them go, and trust that I, as a parent, have shown them the way.

It is HARD. This letting go thing. But it is time.

It is time to shift gears, on my motherhood bicycle.

Oh, I am still riding the motherhood bike, I always will. Just at a lower gear.

The Boys are Back!

It has been crazy around our house. Why? The boys are back!

The college semester, has come to an end, which means, as the college doors close, mine open:)

My laundry is multiplying like rabbits, and the grocery bill just doubled.

The amount of keys,wallets,hats,books,laptops and cars have grown considerably, and the basement storage is now full of dorm furniture and bedding.

What does a mother do, when the boys come home? Enjoy it!

When your Adult children move back home, whether it is temporary landing, or a longer stint, it is time to have a "meeting".

Take a few moments, and sit down together as a family, and discuss your expectations of each other, during their time at home. House rules need to be established and agreed upon.

Open communication, from the very beginning of their stay, leads to an enjoyable, memory filled summer!

Thought for Friday.

You can make the few moments that you interact with a store clerk and a bank teller a miserable experience, or you can get them to smile and make their day. The choice is yours.

John C. Maxwell

Holland part 5

As I continue to chronicle my fantastic trip to Holland, I will wrap it up with this post. I left off with my "gift" of the Corrie ten Boom Museum. Did I tell you, my new friend, Yvonne, whom I met at the conference, arranged a private tour of the home? Yvonne, met us in her home town of Haarlem, to spend the day with us and arrived early, and we arrived late:)

In Holland, bike paths are for bikes, and roads are for bikes and vehicles. Well, our driver, and friend, Stacy, from Switzerland, used to live in Haarlem, and pulled onto a side street to find parking. Since she moved, last fall, this street is now JUST for bikes. The "looks" we got from those on 2 wheels, as we headed down this narrow alley sould have should have given us a clue, but no, we just keep going....we finally got a hint, when a woman on a bike, rounded the corner, and just about ended up on our windshield. So, there we are, 4 women, laughing hysterically, at our predicament, trying to determined HOW we are going to turn around in this small alley. And Stacy, driving a "borrowed" van, trying to maneuver around obstacles, trying to not damage the van, was a little like walking a elephant, through a china shop without causing damage:)

After, belly laughs, and myself out of the vehicle guiding her, and Connie, video taping EVERYTHING, we finally got turned around. 4 women, a van, a narrow bike path.....FUN! After the Ten Boom tour, we had a delicious dutch lunch at a cafe.I have added a picture of us and my goat cheese sandwich:) Then Connie and Brenda, stayed to shop and ride the train back to The Hague, and I rode back with Stacy so that I could review for my "talk" for MOPS the next day. Stacy and I had such rich conversation on the way back, we eased into conversation, like long time friends. And I cherished the time together.

There was no shortage of sweet one on one conversation that sunny Wednesday. Anneke and I, took Stacy to the train station that afternoon, and then ran some errands. Anneke, is like the older sister I never had, I felt I could ask her anything, and loved to hear her opinion on subjects. I respect her so much, and she taught me what true hospitality looks like! She fixed us a delicious dutch dinner with a Indonesian flare to it. She is a fabulous cook!

When I thought I couldn't be WOWED or blessed beyond what I already was, Beat and Anneke took us out on the Chanel to see their houseboat that evening. What a treat! I have included pictures of the houseboats and windmills on the canals.

Thursday, another sunny day. Did I tell you that they said it is cool and rains all the time! Well, it was warm and SUNNY everyday we were there. When we left on Friday, it started to rain and rained on and off for 5 days....I think they need me back to bring the sunshine:)

I spoke at MOPS Thursday morning. What a wonderful experience to share with there moms, of many different nationalities. Motherhood is rewarding and challenging no matter where we live. They certainly impressed me how they shared tips and ideas with each other. Almost all of them are away from there families, so they really need each others support. I met moms from Poland, Germany, Switzerland, U.S.A., Korea and Holland and Canada, just to name a few. Warm, loving, caring moms who love there children!

Thursday afternoon, Anneke, once again, took time from her busy schedule to take us to Keukenhof. It is open only 6 weeks out of the year. It is BEAUTIFUL! Acres and Acres of flowers! I have added pictures, because with words, it is indescribable!

But far more beautiful than the flowers, was when Anneke, told us her salvation story. It was not a preacher, not an eloquent speaker, who shared the gospel story with her, but a mom just like me. Her story touched my heart deeply.

We wrapped up our trip Thursday evening with dinner at Tim's mother and step father's house. She made us a delicious dutch dinner. And we enjoyed sweet fellowship with Betsy, Tim and their family.

All week, as I was in Holland, the Lord kept whispering these words to me....."My Child, you are feeling my Pleasure!"

And yes, in a mighty way, "I FELT GOD'S PLEASURE!"

Holland part 4

I shared some pictures of the conference in the blog titled Holland, the first blog in this series. In this previous blog, I introduced the "team", in this beautiful country. This amazing, talented, group of women, spent countless hours of planning, preparation, promotion and prayer in anticipation of this evening. From the beautiful decorations to the delicious desserts, every detail was covered. As women arrived, the electricity in the room started to build, you could feel the excitement and anticipation. Women, representing various home countries from all over the world came together for the first women's conference, of it's kind, in this region.

The committee and the speakers, came prepared and prayed up. And God, Showed up!

Whenever or wherever I speak, my favorite thing to do, is visit with the women before and after an event. Every woman, has a story to tell. And I feel so privileged, when they choose to share, their journey, and a taste of their lives, with me. And this conference was no exception. I met women with tales of joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure. And it was sweet conversation.

I laid in bed that night, in awe, once again, at what the Lord had done!

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of spending the day with Stacy from Switzerland, whom I mentioned earlier, and her dear friend, and now my dear friend, Yvonne, from Haarlem. We had arranged for Yvonne to meet us in Haarlem, at the Museum Home of Corrie ten Boom.

I have to share, how special this was to me. I never dreamed I would get to go to Haarlem, and tour her home. Her writings have inspired me over the years. From her book "The Hiding Place" as well as "Tramp for the Lord". Corrie and her family risked their lives, during World War 2, as they hid many of the Jewish people, whom the Nazi's sought to persecute and destroy.Hundreds of Jews escaped the Nazi dealth camps, because of the faithfulnes of the Ten Boom family.

Pictured here is the "fake" wall that the jews would hid behind during raids. I am standing inside the wall, right were they would have been. I also included a picture of the linen closet built into the wall. Those staying the in Ten Boom home would crawl through the opening in the bottom of the closet, slide a door shut and "hid" behind the wall. I have also included a few pictures of Haarlem. This trip to her home was such a "gift" to me.

More to come....:).

Holland part 3

Monday, during my recent stay in Holland was pure fun. We enjoyed the day with our host, and new friend, Anneka. She took us to the city of Delft. Beautiful. She then treated us to lunch at a outside cafe. During lunch, we shared "God stories", of our pasts. Places in our hearts, were cracked open, to each other, and experiences shared. It was a sweet time of fellowship.

Anneka, then suggested, we head to downtown, "The Hague", where we saw the International Peace Palace, which houses the International Court of Justice. We also walked through the Parliament grounds. Stunning Architecture and centuries old buildings, greeted us at every turn.

In the evening, we met our dear friend, Stacy, from Switzerland. Stacy had previously lived in Holland, and was instrumental in bringing this conference to the Netherlands! She flew in from Switzerland, to speak at the conference, and spend time with friends old and new! She is a delight to be around. Energetic and loads of fun. And what great food and conversation we had, as we were treated to a leisurely, dutch dinner at a local restaurant.

Tuesday dawned, another sunny day,and it was time to get to work and more ministry:) Connie, my companion from the states, gave a wonderful "talk" on prayer, at a bible study. Then Connie and I, secluded ourselves at our host home, and worked diligently on our talks we had prepared before our trip. I spent all of the afternoon, making cultural "tweaks" to my presentation. My hearts desire was that it would be culturally relevant to my audience. It was such a blessing, to be in Holland, several days before our event, to truly get a "taste" for our international audience.

Although, this was my 3rd day in Holland, and I had not spoken from a platform yet, God was blessing me, with amazing opportunities to share with women, on a ongoing basis.I had also, been ministered too, and blessed by so many! REAL ministry, begins OFF the platform. That is were it is at!

Stay tuned for more.....

Holland part 2

As promised, I will continue to share my story, of a amazing, "beauty from ashes" story. The "ash cloud" changed our original itinerary, but God had a plan, beyond what we could have thought or imagined.

Sunday, after attending church, and receiving a warm welcome and introductions, Betsy, team leader for the conference,wife and mother of 4, took her daughter and the 3 or us, on a bike ride to the North Sea! Really, the North Sea. Just like that!

On the way,we stopped by another member of the teams house. Lisa, is a mom of boys, just like me. This adorable blond, from Australia, taught me a lesson of magnitude, that sunny, Sunday, afternoon. After we arrived, she asked us to come in, for tea and scones. She explained, that the dutch culture, like many European cultures, stop and have tea or coffee around 1 and 4 each day. Did you catch that? They STOP!

I have posted some pictures of her lovely tea set, along with the 6 of us enjoying rich conversation. We talked about being a wife and mom. We shared tips and good book suggestions.The moments together were priceless and a lesson well learned from Lisa. I was so taken by her example, I bought a tea set like hers, before I left Holland!

Sunday evening, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the home of Betsy, her husband, and children (pictured). Tim, her husband, is a pastor. They moved from the states, 2 years ago, to serve in a church in The Hague. We were joined by a couple from South Africa, whose wife, Margaretha, is on the team that coordinated the conference. We had a wonderful time of sharing and fellowship.

Christian Love and fellowship, transcends cultures and geographical lines, and I relished the joy, of getting to know, my brothers and sisters-in-Christ, residing in Holland.

More stories to come...stay tuned....

HOME FROM HOLLAND!

I am home. Words seem inadequate to describe my trip, to Holland. I will try, over the next several days, to share my story. A trip of a lifetime.

As many of you know, my speaking tour was to begin in Hungary, with stops in Austria and then finally Holland. Then the famous ash cloud, showed up, and the first stops canceled. It was looking like the event in "The Hague", Holland, would be canceled also. What rejoicing there was when we were able to secure airline tickets and continue with our plans!!

The team from the U.S.A. consisted of Brenda and Connie, who work for "Hearts at Home", and myself.

We were hosted at a lovely home, in "The Hague", owned by Beat and Anneke, whom opened there home and hearts to us. They were amazing. They made us feel right at home and "gave of their best". This is a picture of our host couple and a picture of their home. A beautiful dutch home. I also included a picture from my 3rd floor, bedroom window.

The Team, in Holland, was a wonderful representation of a very international city. The people, and the countries they represented were; Lisa from Australia, Betsy and Karen from the U.S., Sheyla from Panama, Stacey from Switzerland, and Margaretha from South Africa. They were giving,gracious,warm,kind,loving, talented, amazing women.

Over 170 women, many of whom were foreign nationals living in Holland, came to the conference. It was a wonderful event and I can explain it in 4 words, "I felt God's Pleasure."

I will be sharing more as the days go by....so stay tuned. And finally, the most important thing, THANK YOU, to all who committed to pray for me. Only God could have orchestrated such an event. I felt the prayers, daily!

Amsterdam, here we come!

Things can change very quickly!

Our team is going to Amsterdam on Friday, Lord Willing.

As many of you are aware, the ash cloud canceled our flight and subsequently, our events in Hungary and Austria. However, God has opened doors, for us to make arrangements, to head to Amsterdam, for what would have been the last stop of our speaking tour!

I am ecstatic.

Please pray for us, as we cautiously move forward with our plans. Also, we ask for continued prayers during our visit and our safe,timely, return home to our families.

Our travel dates are April 23-30th.

What to do with $200.00 worth of frozen food from Sam's Club

Hi,Yes, still here in the states. The European speaking tour is cancelled.

I unpacked yesterday. After, stumbling over the suitcase at the end of my bed for 3 days, my sore toes rejoiced.

Now, in preparation for being away for 11 days, I had loaded up on frozen food. Entries, appetizers, ice cream and various, normally forbidden, boxes filled my deep-freeze in the basement. The boys were ecstatic.

Upon hearing that I was not going on said trip, Brock asked, "We still get to eat all the food in the basement, Right?"

So much for sentiment. What they really wanted was a break from "home-cooking" and a taste of pizza rolls, hot pockets, Oreo cookie ice cream and other delicacies only teenagers and college students can enjoy for a prolonged period of time.

The past 2 nights, I have obliged to their wishes, turned on the oven, opened a box, and let the magic begin.

We will all be bloated little piggies,s from all the salt we are consuming, and will most likely gain a few pounds this week, but the boys are in "frozen food haven". Hopefully, after this "fix" they will be satisfied with "my" home cooking again.

It's OK to be disappointed.

The sinking' ash cloud. It has me a wee bit frustrated and disappointed.

Our flight today, to Budapest, was cancelled.

I have not unpacked. The team is still hopeful and prayerful, that we can possibly go in a few days...maybe.

So, we wait. On a God, who in a single breath,can move the wind patterns over Europe. If it is HIS will.

Am I disappointed? Yes. Am I devastated and all depressed? No.

Besides, Curt and my son Brock took me out for ice cream! A Carmel Cashew Sundae....and I enjoyed every bite!

I am trying to be more intentional about telling my boys about women and how we think. As I was eating my treat, I asked Brock (he is 16) what women might do when they are disappointed? He said, "Eat???" Yup, it may be unhealthy and I would not make it a habit, but it was just what I needed.

I will keep you all up-to-date.

Europe, here I come!

This is it! My final post until I return from Europe on April 29th.

I am already anticipating lots of "God Stories" to share when I return.

I will be speaking in Budapest, Hungary; Vienna, Austria;Villach, Austria and The Hague, Amsterdam.

Several of you have offered to pray for me while I am gone. I am privileged that you are willing to hold me up before the Father, in prayer. I truly need it and find strength and comfort knowing that you are committed to pray.

Please pray for:

Safety
health
restorative rest
protection
clear mind
soft heart
servant spirit
always aware of ministry opportunities.
patience
calm
FAVOR with translator and all whom I come in contact with.
Health, protection and safety for my FAMILY at home.
GOD would be glorified and shine through everything I do.
Quiet time with the Lord each day.
And anything else the Lord brings to your mind to pray for!

Thank you so much my dear friends.

Until, April 29th,May you sense God's hand in your life, and Trust His Heart!

Love, Sue

Make a list!

OK. I am a little ADHD. No, some days, allot! The more I have on my plate, the more scattered I become.

My brain just works that way.

I have to make lists. And stick to them like warts on a frog.

This Tuesday, I have much to do. So, hence, a very long list. It keeps me focused on the task at hand.

I can tackle jobs and have great follow through, with minimal distractions, when I am accountable to even this slip of paper with writing on it.

Since extended blogging is NOT on the list, I have to say "goodbye".

But before I do, check out the fabulous site on http://www.5minutesformom.com Wonderful prizes and lots of fun!!

Tell your husband what it is you want.

After 25 years of marriage, you would think I would "get it".

Have it figured out.

Know the drill.

Nope, I am still learning. sigh.

Last night, I returned home after working two, 12-hour shifts at the hospital. (I work in Labor and Delivery, 4 days a month)

I was exhausted, my back ached, my legs felt like they were on fire.

I took a bath. What I wanted, was a massage.

So, I put the massage lotion on the counter. Then a little thought came into my head. "Sue, it said, you know better. Curt is NOT going to "see" the massage lotion and get the hint. He is not going to come into the room and say to himself, 'Oh, Sue, put the lotion out, she must be in need of a massage....I will go ask her if she would like one!'"

NOPE. That is not going to happen. In a perfect world, maybe. But not in my world.

I knew that if I pursued my plan (put said lotion on the counter, and hoped for follow through, by prince charming) I was in for a big disappointment, I would probably take on a "poor me" he just doesn't care attitude. No, not probably, I would. I am all mature like that.

Maybe, I HAVE learned a few things about men and marriage over the years, so, I just asked him. "Curt, would you give me a massage?". Just like that. I just blurted it out.

He is a man who says to me, "Sue, just give me the bottom line. I do not need to know all the whys, hows, whens or every detail or justification. Just tell me what you want!"

I did! And I got a fantastic massage!

I am needing some serious prayer power over here!!

Life is just hard sometimes. Really hard. I am distracted and hanging by a thread of being "overwhelmed".

Strange words, coming from a gal who is usually all "zippity do-da" about life. Here is a snapshot of the past 10 days.

Hubby in Coronary ICU, because of his heart. Home now. (If you were not aware, Curt, had a heart attack and 5 by-passes in 2007)

Curt's step-dad, Rod Moser, went to be with his LORD last Sunday. We will deeply miss him!! Traveled to IOWA for visitation and funeral. Wonderful tribute to a Godly man.

Computer crashed last week. Total wipe out. Took a 2 hour road trip yesterday to get new one from our "computer guy" Did not really WANT to spend money for said new computer. Spent 6 hours yesterday and 3 today, setting up and trying to transfer information from old one.

Email issues for the past week!

My car is dead this morning!

YOU GET THE PICTURE....UGG!

I ask myself, "Why is all of this happening?"

It may be, because in 10 days, I leave for a European speaking tour. The women there need encouragement. And Satan would love to send a worn-out, stressed-out, overwhelmed gal to minister to them. Especially one who has been majorly distracted by the past events in her life, that she cannot focus and prepare!!!

Or, maybe, it is because I am a mother and wife. And Satan knows that if he can defeat me, help me fall into a pit of strangling circumstances, he will have a devastating effect on my family and myself!

So, what is a girl to do?

First, I have fallen to my knees countless times asking the LORD to sustain me. I have read HIS word for strenth and encouragement.

Next, I have asked for prayers of family and friends.

And thirdly, I have sought council from others (thank you MEGAN) on what I can eliminate in my schedule and commitments to help me through this jungle of events in my life.

Would you pray for me, dear friend?

Oh, by the way, I will be in Europe, April 18th-29th, Lord willing.

Daily Devotions vs. Guilt

At a recent speaking event, a young vivacious women, approached me. In a hushed tone, she shared, the same quilt ridden dilemma, that I have heard countless times. "I rarely read my bible." And she went on to explain, that when she does take time to read it, she forgets what she read or has a hard time applying the teaching to everyday life.



Boy, can I relate. Been there. Many times.



There have been situations where, when it is time to leave for church, I would find my bible were I set it down, LAST SUNDAY. Oh, the guilt.



I used to say, "When my children get older, I will have time." Well, they got older....and...still the same, sad, song!



I shared with her, through my own mistakes, what works for me.



One day, I went to the local Christian bookstore, plopped right down in the aisle between the devotional bookcase section, and started leafing through the pages of "daily devotionals".



I started with well known authors, whom I had developed a trust, for speaking the truth.



I searched until I found one that suited me.



It had a short daily reading assignment, in the Bible, along with a few paragraphs, by the author, on making the scripture relevant.



The DAILY reading assignment was important, that helped keep me accountable each day of the week.



It was relevant and meaningful. And I started to look forward to reading everyday. Then I would even expand my reading further as I looked up "bonus" scriptures that went with the text.



I also made a promise to myself, that I would not read the newspaper, or any other publication, until I read God's word.



Do I miss days? Yes, I have. But, it is a rare occurrence now that I have my "accountability partner", my daily devotional.

My Shelter-It works for me!

Several weeks ago I talked about having a "shelter", a hiding place.

Often, a "little" shelter will suffice. A hot bath, back rub, getting my nails done, curling up with a good book, coffee with a friend...you get the idea.

But a few weeks ago, I told my man, Curt, that I felt a "need" for some serious hiding to happen!

So, Sunday afternoon, we were off to northern Missouri, to a beautiful cabin tucked away among hundreds of peaceful acres. A gift of respite, through the gracious,generous hands, of our brother and sister-in-law who let us stay there.

48 glorious hours. No Internet, no cell phone, no TV. NO PROBLEM!!

The GIFT of a NAP!

A Nap. Sometimes, I just NEED one.

Not always, WANT one. There is just to much to do! But sometimes, somebody, just needs to send me to my room for a NAP.

Last week, my 22 year old son, Levi, was home with me. I was dragging and cranky. Really out-of-sorts. I have no idea why. I just WAS.

About 1:00, he took one look at me, and said, "Mom, you need a nap". Just like that. No disrespect in his voice or authoritative tone.

I came up with all kind of excuses for not taking a "time out" nap. Levi listened, looked at me again, and repeated himself. "Mom, you really need a nap".

So, I did nap. Two whole hours of blissful sleep.

How long can one lay prone, in slumber, and still call it a nap?

I felt so much better when I awoke. Ready to forge ahead with a better attitude.

I even thanked Levi for suggesting it.

The Nap, it is a wonderful gift!

Tennis shoes, teens and time

The pile of shoes, in the bottom pictue, collects on my sun room floor every Wednesday evening.

These shoes belong to teens. Teens who struggle, wonder, question, debate and search for firm ground, to stand upon, in their beliefs.

The slippers in the top picture, wait in the living room, on Wednesday evening, for their owners. Parents who have struggled, wondered, questioned, and searched for firm ground, to stand upon, in their beliefs, and have FOUND IT!

Many Wednesday evenings, as parents, we long for our slippers. To wind down and start to bid "farewell" to the day. It takes all the energy we can summon to "welcome" 20, high-energy adolescents into our home.

I am just being honest. I do not always see it as the privilege I should. And it IS a honor. That these young people, with all the choices of activities offered to them, CHOOSE to be here. At my house, learning on WHOM they can stand upon.