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.