Last Yard Sale of the Summer!

Ya'll! I found another midweek yard sale down the street from my house! I seriously am not searching high and low for them! They just keep finding me! Take a look!!


How cute will this be after fresh paint and new fabric? I am going to put it to use with that little desk I bought! Only $5.00!!!
Yay!!! My favorite!!! White milk glass!!! Whoohoo! Five pieces for $5.00!
Getting brave! Someone else's linens!! (They have never been used--tags are still on!) 4 for $1.00.
It was only a hundred degrees when I tried on these darlin' winter scarves! They were only a dollar each. Love it!!
And last, a cute green container for silverware to be housed on my back porch. I have seen this one at Hobby Lobby. I got mine for $2.00. Make sure to hop over to Rhoda's to see what others found around town this weekend. I think this is my last one for awhile! I have way too many projects going that I need to complete.


On a serious note, please take a minute to visit Melanie (Bella Mella). She has a huge prayer request, y'all. Her 12 year old son, Andrew, has a brain tumor. She is asking for prayers for him. Please leave her a comment on her blog! Thank you so much!! She has been on my heart all weekend long. "The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:9


Sweet Blessings!
Susan

You Are My Strong Tower

"You are my strong tower, shelter over me, beautiful and mighty, everlasting King"...and so the song by Kutlass goes. When Child #2 went rock climbing at a nearby gym, I watched as he carefully chose where each hand would grasp a rock. Then, he would pull himself up to the next level, using the strength of his legs to climb higher and then repeat the process. He made it to the top many times, enjoying repelling down to the floor. (I think he's part monkey!)

I look at the walk of a Christian in comparison. We struggle some days to get closer to God...our strong tower. We have obstacles to overcome and strongholds to release (busyness, pride, guilt, fear, etc.) Climbing toward Him means letting go of those rocks that we cling to so desperately. Another child climbing with my son was scared to let go of the rock and stretch out his hand to grab another so he could get closer to the top. He gave up and repelled down. When we trust God in all that we do, it's still scary, but we KNOW He is there with us. He will give us that strength and peace that only He can provide.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 ( NLT)

Sweet Blessings!

On Empty

I am tired. Even Moses got tired! (See Exodus 17:12). I would too if I had been trying to lead the Israelites!! Mercy! I've just been leading my boys, and that is hard enough!! It's been a busy week. School started. Cross Country moved from the cool early morning to the scorching afternoon. Supper got later! Just got home from a Women's Ministry Planning Retreat. Hubby and the boys have been cooking--preparing for a chicken bog (not blog but bog!) meal later tonight. I will fry up some okra that I bought from a roadside stand. Cannot wait! Yum! Y'all come on over, but if you do, I have a question for you.


I have this lovely tole tray that I shared with you months ago. I purchased it at a yard sale my church had to raise money for mission trip to Peru. $3.00 was the total. I loved it! Then, I tried to figure out where to put it. It's a little fru-fru for my study. So, I moved it into the hallway. It's just hanging all by its lonesome! It needs some company!! Some of you wonderful people please give me some ideas! I am stuck!! The title of my post also reflects my wallet!! I do sub next week--Praise Him!!


You can see what is tricky about this area! It connects with the stairs where I have a darlin' cage (my happy birthday present from the boys!) and a lovely piece of handmade pottery (my trip to Elaine's). Above it is the trusty Southern Living at Home mirror (I was a hostess and got a deal!!), a beautiful wooden sign with our name and favorite scripture, and lastly, my babies' silhouettes. So, what would you do to jazz up the area with the tole tray? On a "bu-jay," remember!! Hop over to Rhoda's for more yard sale goodies!


Can't wait to hear your ideas!! Hope y'all have a great weekend! I have some exciting news to share with you next week!! Oh, by the way...remember that sewing table I found last week at a yard sale? I decided to use it as a little desk in the corner of the study. I actually pulled out the Pledge and dusted it!! Good as new! I am not going to paint it while it's in this room. I've broken it in by piling it up with stuff!!



Sweet Blessings!

A New Thing!

Child #2 is collecting various collegiate t-shirts!! How do you like his Michigan shirt? Let me know if y'all have any hand-me downs!! We'll pay the shipping and handling for adult small!! I just cannot accept a Clemson one! Sorry you precious Tiger friends!!

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

A new thing has begun....school!! New book bags, supplies, cross country t-shirts (wanna buy one?). The boys actually hopped out of bed this morning! I now have a high school junior and an 8th grader! Wow! It's so hard to believe how fast they grow up. I have kept them and the other children in prayers this week.

The third picture is a new thing--don't you love that verse from Isaiah? I cannot WAIT to meet him when I get to heaven! I just want to sit down and pick his brain! He was amazing! I begin my Precepts Bible Study next month, and we will complete the book of Isaiah! It's deep, y'all! But I love it! I am also going to be taking another study that the Methodist Church offers...Disciple 1. Both are very deep studies, but this is what I hear God whispering to my heart. Many new changes in store!!

Getting back to the last picture!!(I'm just experiencing a little ADD this morning!) I am going to see what I can do with this beautiful cross that a very talented member of our church made. I'll keep you posted as to what the result will look like. I may even sell some of these for Christmas. Need to pray a little more about this new thing!!

Y'all have a wonderful day!

Sweet Blessings!

Yard Sale Prize or Not?

Y'all, I declare I have never read so many funny and precious comments about mayonnaise...of all things!! Danielle even popped back over to see which brand was winning!! You all are a hoot!! I believe the brand of choice--according to you all--is Hellmans. Not me!! I grew up on Miracle Whip!! And the Dukes mayo company is right down the road here in Mauldin! It's a southern item, but if the recipe calls for real mayo, it's the one I use! When it boils down to it, they all just have a tangy flavor that adds to a sandwich or recipe!! This was fun! Thanks for participating!


I told Rhoda that I would not be doing any more yard sales for awhile! I really meant it! But y'all, yesterday, while I was out running with the group at 6:30 am, some folks were setting up in front of a florist's shop. I ran by and strained my neck to see if there was anything worth looking at. Didn't see a thing that jumped out at me. An hour later, ran back by and looked from the road again. Got in my car and drove by and saw a piece of furniture that hadn't been there earlier. Kept driving and pondering and pondering and finally turned the mama mini van around. Can you believe that? I pulled over and got out...trying to look cool in sweat drenched shorts and a shirt...the hair was beyond fixing!! I didn't even have a spare hat in the car! But for Pete's sake, I was just going to a yard sale! Then, I saw the wooden furniture beckoning me over for a closer look.

Hmm....looked like a desk. I gently took off "stuff" from the top to open a back lid. It was a huge storage area with lots of spools of thread! This was a sewing table, not a desk! Solid wood and in decent shape. Then the owner walked over (after he watched me move all of his other treasures to the ground!). He said it belonged to his grandmother who would be 100. Then, he said the table was an antique of at least 75 years. Y'all, I'm thinking "not!" I do know my wood and finishes and time frames enough to be dangerous. I asked why then was he selling it? He replied he was down-sizing from a house to an apartment. Made sense. The price was $20.00. That's all I had in my wallet--and will be all I have until I substitute in 2 weeks!! I asked if he could do any better, but he said no. He did add some pictures that I liked into the total price though. Not sure I got a bargain, but I do have nice good sized table!! Not sure if I'll keep it or paint it and sell it! Decisions, decisions!! What would you do??? Hop over to Southern Hospitality for more cool yard sale finds.

Sweet Blessings!

Taste Test--Dukes, Hellmans, Miracle Whip or ??

I don't know about you all, but I have a slew of tomatoes!! Some from my garden (I have only one little bush!!) Some from cousins, friends, and neighbors! I don't turn them down! But what's a girl to do when she has a mountain of them? Make a tomato pie, of course!!

I am going to give you the recipe for this yummy pie that I tasted last year at a picnic. But first, we need to take a taste test!! One of the main ingredients is mayonnaise. Now, I know that some of you don't like mayo, but I do!! Grew up on it and love it bunches!! And I know how "healthy" it is as well! We'll just skip over that part!

Here's the deal. Let me know where you're from and which mayo is your favorite! It will be interesting to see if certain parts of the country/other countries have the same likes!! I would love to get a ton of responses for this "fun, no prizes awarded" contest!!! Help me out chickadees!! I think I know which one will win!!!! I'll let y'all know on Monday's post!

Tomato Pie

1 pie crust (deep dish)

2-3 tomatoes sliced

1 small onion chopped ( I use onion powder so my kids don't go bananas!)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 c. mayo!!!

1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper ( I salt and pepper the tomatoes)

Bake the pie crust. Layer the tomato and onion. Mix the remaining ingredients and spread on top. Bakle at 350 15-20 minutes. Mine is in the oven now. Child #2 happened to see me making it. He politely asked if he could take out the tomatoes and eat the cheese and pie shell!! Y'all, I'm trying to serve them new dishes!! It's not working too well!!

Hope you enjoy this easy recipe from my friend Amy. Don't forget to let us know your favorite mayonnaise! ( Yes, I know it is the end of the summer, and yes,we are grown women having a contest about mayonnaise! It's Friday!! What can I say?)

Sweet Blessings!

God's Eyes

My little 'ol head is just a spinnin'! Not with wonderful creative ideas--wishful thinking! But with a feeling of being "discombobulated." I think that is a word...I use it anyway! Not focused...my mind on too many things! I am thinking about a scripture and the death of a friend's brother-in-law in Louisiana and the adoption of a baby in Ethiopia and designing cross country t-shirts for the parents at my child's high school. All at one time!

Let me share this scripture with you.

"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9

This is the fresh Word I received form God last night as I read my way through 2 Chronicles. It just sorta leaped out at me! And, today, with all that is going on, it is clicking. Take a look at some other verses about our Holy Father and how interested He is in everything that we do and say.

"For God carefully watches the way people live; he sees everything they do." Job 34:21

"The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help." Ps 34:15

"Far below him are the heavens and the earth. He stoops to look." Psalm 113:6

"For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes." Proverbs 5:21

He is a caring and loving God! All that we do really does matter to Him! These scriptures don't lie! He is comforting Lee's family over the loss of Buddy. He is strengthening the Swope family for their upcoming adoption. He is giving me the peace that I crave (and no one is here except the dog and me!!) as I search the scriptures. The t-shirt design will come later! Not worried about that one!

What about you? If God's eyes are roaming the earth, what will He see in your life and in your heart? Is it something you are pleased with or something you would rather no one know about? He is all-knowing, and He loves us no matter what! I love the fact that He stoops down to see what we're up to! I have a visual of Him stooping over from Heaven way down to South Carolina to see what I'm up to! He cares so much for each one of us. What an amazing God we have!

Sweet Blessings!

Beach Blanket Bible Celebration

Friday afternoon, our Women's Ministry team gathered to create a beachy area in our very "beige" Fellowship Hall! 50% off summer decorations at Party City helped! Within an hour, every corner was filled with seashells, flip flops, palm trees, beach chairs, shell lamps, paintings, umbrellas (some of these still had the beach sand on them!!), etc.!! Oh, and plastic pink coconuts (Target) in the bathrooms! We were ready. Then, the aroma of southern BBQ filled the air! Oh, my goodness! Y'all, it was delicious!! We added a slew of sides and desserts--pound cake, lemon tarts, brownies, cookies, and the list goes on! We prayed this celebration through and through.

Back in May, we chose 4 different Christian books. Each had a follow-up Bible study in the back. Our plans were to have 4 groups of women discussing the book that they had chosen over the summer after this meal and fellowship.

Do you recall the scripture that I posted last Friday when I had computer issues? I'll refresh your memory! "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 We had prayed and planned and were hoping for 50 something women. Friday nights, at the end of the summer, are just difficult! We learned some valuable lessons! Many folks are still on vacation. Others were following the Lord's purpose and were needed elsewhere. The numbers were a little less than we had hoped for, but God was there!

One woman caught me at church yesterday and apologized for not being able to come. She had run by the hospital right before the celebration to visit a friend who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. When she needed to leave, the friend begged her to stay. Can you imagine a close friend simply needing your presence to comfort her ? What could she do? She did what Jesus would have done. She stayed and visited with her friend and just loved her. That was God's purpose for her on Friday. Stories like these were shared with my team and myself yesterday. Although we had planned a huge meal and Bible Study, His purpose prevailed. His ways are so much higher than ours.

It was so sweet when a close friend asked me if I was disappointed with the turnout. No way! Every woman there had a divine appointment with God! We had smaller groups in each class, and all of the ladies took part in the discussions. Had the groups been larger, that may not have happened. Each woman there was loved on and made to feel special...because she is!! And, each lady there could go back for seconds and thirds of the delicious baked beans!!

Sweet Blessings!

THE COMPUTER AND I HAD ISSUES--2 IDENTICAL POSTS! PICK THE ONE YOU WANT!

Wendy Pope and myself after her talk on "Teaching By the Book"--awesome session!

Wendy Blight--a true friend and mentor!! Thank you!

The Nester, Lysa TerKeurst, and moi at the Blogger Drop-In ---they are just darlin'!

Holly and Leah- assistants of Lysa T. and Renee--aren't they precious?

Renee Swope, Tammy, and myself busy visiting and looking at baby pictures!! These ladies are too cute!

Good morning!! I can't believe it's been a week since She Speaks! Yes, I'm still on that mountaintop high!! I wanted to share some pics of the P31 Team members who have said "yes" to God in so many ways. They are wives and moms, just like many of us! Some of their stories were hilarious and others quite serious. They were vulnerable, insightful, and passionate about our Jesus. They have realized that God is calling them to step out and do things for His glory. They have accepted His call and are encouraging us as well! Those adjectives that I used to describe them ring so true!!

Last year, I heard God ask me to begin a Women's Ministry at our church. One year later, it is in place--we are taking baby steps. Growing it with His guidance and love is a joy to me. I have been blessed with a team of 14 ladies who felt the call to follow Him as well!! Oh, He is SO good!!

This year, I had signed up to take a session that sounded really good! But y'all, I changed my mind!! God used these two ladies--Kristen Myers and Chef Dianne--to tell me that I really needed to hear Wendy Pope and her talk on "Teaching by the Book." Well, I took that session last year!! I loved it, but I had been there, done that! They insisted, and Wendy even told me I had time to run to my room (on the 8th floor!) and get a Cherry coke--I needed some caffeine, people!! I grabbed the coke and my bag of white chocolate peanut butter Reeces cups (I heart those things!!) and headed back just in time for Wendy to start! Wendy Blight was her assistant on the computer!! I just love these two Wendys--and my roommate Wendy, too!!! God has used their writing to show me so many of His truths!

Even though I took this session last year, God desired my presence there again this year! Ya'll, I love to facilitate Bible Studies! It's a passion of mine! But, I don't know the WORD as much as I should. Wendy P. had the same experience, and she put aside leading for awhile and began to study. Her session was how to study His Word---just what I needed! Then God began whispering to me in the middle of her talk..."Susan, honey are you listening?? I need to show you more of ME so you can better teach."

Hmm....right before I left for She Speaks, I had talked to my partner in crime, Donita, about leading a study that I had earlier planned on facilitating at church. Just yesterday, she said she would love to lead it! Other folks are stepping up to help out and that is freeing me up! I am almost afraid to type this, but I think my plate for the fall is clean!! A clean plate!! Imagine!! I am planning on taking 2 Bible studies under amazing teachers who have the wisdom I desire. If I want to serve Him, I have to be filled with Him and His WORD.

If we are in tune with Jesus, He will show us His ways. On Saturday night, as I traveled to the foot of the cross to lay down my burdens and receive a fresh word from Him, He was ready! I "randomly" chose a scripture card and took it back to my table to read. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Does that speak to me? Yes siree! Was that scripture a random choice? Nope! Plans have to be for His purpose. I can plan a gazillion things, but if they don't line up with His purpose, they will be fruitless, a flop, a failure! I have to go to Him first and see if my plans line up with His will. Always first...not at the last minute! How about you?

Listening for Him!

Word of God Speak

Wendy Pope and myself after her talk on "Teaching By the Book"--awesome session!

Wendy Blight--a true friend and mentor!! Thank you!
The Nester, Lysa TerKeurst, and moi at the Blogger Drop-In

Holly and Leah- assistants of Lysa T. and Renee--aren't they precious?

Renee Swope, Tammy, and myself busy visiting and looking at baby pictures!!

Good morning!! I can't believe it's been a week since She Speaks! Yes, I'm still on that mountaintop high!! I wanted to share some pics of the P31 Team members who have said "yes" to God in so many ways. They are wives and moms, just like many of us! Some of their stories were hilarious and others quite serious. They were vulnerable, insightful, and passionate about our Jesus. They have realized that God is calling them to step out and do things for His glory. They have accepted His call and are encouraging us as well! Those adjectives that I used to describe them ring so true!!

Last year, I heard God ask me to begin a Women's Ministry at our church. One year later, it is in place--we are taking baby steps. Growing it with His guidance and love is a joy to me. I have been blessed with a team of 14 ladies who felt the call to follow Him as well!! Oh, He is SO good!!
On Saturday, I had signed up to take a session that sounded really good! But y'all, God changed my mind!! God used these two ladies--Kristen Myers and Chef Dianne--to tell me that I really needed to hear Wendy Pope and her talk on "Teaching by the Book."

Well, I took that session last year!! I loved it, but I had been there, done that! They insisted, and Wendy even told me I had time to run to my room (on the 8th floor!) and get a Cherry coke--I needed some caffeine, people!! I grabbed the coke and my bag of white chocolate peanut butter Reeces cups (I heart those things!!) and headed back just in time for Wendy to start! Wendy Blight was her assistant on the computer!! I just love these two Wendys--and my roommate Wendy, too!!! God has used their writing to show me so many of His truths!
Even though I took this session last year, God desired my presence there again this year!

Ya'll, I love to facilitate Bible Studies! It's a passion of mine! But, I don't know the WORD as much as I should. Wendy P. had the same experience, and she put aside leading for awhile and began to study. Her session was how to study His Word---just what I needed! Then God began whispering to me in the middle of her talk..."Susan, honey are you listening?? I need to show you more of ME so you can better teach."

Hmm....a week before She Speaks, I had talked to my "partner in crime," Donita, about leading a study that I had earlier planned on facilitating at church. This Wednesday, she said she would love to lead it! Other folks are stepping up to help out and that is freeing me up! I am almost afraid to type this, but I think my plate for the fall is clean!! A clean plate!! Imagine!! I am planning on taking 2 Bible studies under amazing teachers who have the wisdom I desire. If I want to serve Him, I have to be filled with Him and His WORD.

If we are in tune with Jesus, He will show us His ways. On Saturday night, as I traveled to the foot of the cross to lay down my burdens and receive a fresh word from Him, He was ready! I "randomly" chose a scripture card and took it back to my table to read. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

Does that speak to me? Yes siree! Was that scripture a random choice? Nope! Plans have to be for His purpose. I can plan a gazillion things, but if they don't line up with His purpose, they will be fruitless, a flop, a failure! I have to go to Him first and see if my plans line up with His will. Always first...not at the last minute! How about you?

Listening for Him

She Stays Focused

Stacey, Lisa, Denise, and Debbie--are they not adorable???

Me and Lynn--she was our fearless leader and Proverbs 31 team member

Christy, me, and Lynn--precious girls

Marci, Amy, Lisa, and Sharon--they were just darlin' sweet gals

Here's our group! One of the gals, Suzie, had already left for Virginia Beach to go home. I had the privilege of having breakfast with her and her friends on Sunday morning. They were so kind to let me sit with them--I had just finished a run and was still in wet stinky running clothes and a hat!! Bless their hearts!

When I registered for She Speaks, I thought that I would step out on a limb! Give something new a try! Last year, I focused on Women's Ministries. Most of the sessions I attended related to that. This year, I had a different goal in mind. I wanted to focus on speaking while facilitating Bible Studies at my church. Just making sure that I stay on track and don't deviate too much from the topic! When you enjoy chatting as much as I do, it's easy to move to another topic without realizing it! For example, if we were studying Mary and Martha, this could lead into discussion about Martha's cooking for Jesus and the disciples. In turn, we could ponder what would she prepare for the meal. That could lead to recipes, and the next thing you know, we'd be swappin' banana pudding ideas with each other!! See how easy it is to get off track??

Well, I gave it a try! These darlin' girls in the pics above and myself were in a room where we shared our testimony on Friday and a teaching talk on Saturday. Friday's talk was limited to 3 minutes, and Saturday's talk to 5 minutes. People, talking and being timed and staying focused was exactly what I needed!! Whew!! It's very difficult to share how you came to Christ in 3 minutes or less! You have to think of this as one photograph on a page...not lots of extra pictures that you really want to share. Focus and main idea was what we had to strive for.

These ladies were just so precious! Their smiles and nods of encouragement while speaking made it a little easier!!! We became extremely vulnerable as we let down the walls and shared our stories. No longer were we complete strangers, but sisters in Christ. We each had to critique one another with a wonderful checklist. I treasure the comments that they wrote. The one comment that made me smile--even though it was something that I needed to work on--was my earrings!! Several of the girls mentioned that my earrings were a distraction!! Y'all, I found these humongous, funky earrings last week while I was in Tennessee. We're talking long and dangly, people!! I decided to wear them on Friday, never thinking at all about them being a distraction while speaking!!

It made me think about what are distractions in my life that keep me from Christ? What shiny, pretty things keep me from meeting with Him each day? My to-do list? Phone calls or errands that simply must get done? Laundry? No--definitely not laundry!! That can always wait and just become a mountain!! Sometimes it's church related! But that quiet time with you and the Lord is something that He desires each day. We have to put away our distractions--whether they are pretty and shiny or dull and boring. As Paul said in Hebrews 12:1-3, "1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up."

Each time I now wear those earrings, they will be a great reminder of distractions that keep me from the Lord--sin that easily trips us up. They will also remind me of the great cloud of witnesses--those wonderful ladies in my speaking group who were loving and honest. Oh, how I appreciate that!

I'll post again on Friday about She Speaks and share more pictures (imagine!) and what God has laid upon my heart. I have a prayer request for y'all today if you don't mind!! I just waved good-bye to Hubby and Children #1 and #2 as they took off to go white water rafting on the Chatooga River with the youth from our church! A few knots in me--you Mama's know what I'm talking about! If you you would lift them up during the day, I would so very much appreciate it! I have loads to do which is why I am not going! We have a big Women's Ministry event on Friday at church, and I am focusing on that today! Bless you!! Y'all are just precious yourselves! Have a beautiful Wednesday!

Sweet Blessings!!