Wow...

I have to tell you the Lord is blessing our socks off. I went to the mailbox today and had two checks that totaled $600. You people are something else. Thank you. Chris is only $600 away from his goal. If you had told me when I started this fundraiser on Wednesday (2 days ago) that he would receive $1600 in two days I wouldn't believe it. God doesn't play around does He? When he asks you to go on a trip, he provides the way. All I can say is ... Wow!

Is Thank You, enough?

I can't tell you how overwhelmed I was yesterday when I went to the mailbox to find that Chris had a check for $500 for his trip. Isn't God good? Not only do we have a blessing, but so does the gentleman who donated the money. I cried as I called Chris and gave him the good news. BUT it doesn't stop there ... when he got home from work he received an email from yet another gentleman who said he would be contributing $400. Wow, talk about the Lord knocking my socks off. We raised $1000 in two days. That only reaffirms to me that the Lord wants my Chris on that trip. To God be the glory.

How do you thank people who give you money? It was easy to type up an email and ask, but whoa ... the flood of emotions that come with the receiving ... words cannot describe. Thank you, thank you.

I would be amiss if I did not invite you to our Super Sunday service this week on Super Bowl Sunday. Our church will host Spartanburg's largest super bowl party and you are invited. It starts at 4:00 and will end at 6:15. And guess what? it's FREE!!! Go to www.SuperSunday09.com for details. If you don't have a church home and would like to visit our church for Bible fellowship or worship we'd love to have you. We meet at 8:15 and 9:30 for Bible Fellowship and worship times are 9:30 and 10:50 our family does the latter of each ( we are not early risers). Email if you'd like to come and we'll meet you there.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21

God bless you all.

Here I am with my sweet Chris; the man we are sending on a mission. I can't thank you enough for your support. I have received many encouraging emails. Several of you have said how happy you are to be a part of this with us (that made tears come to my eyes). Two couples in particular, the Gowan's in Georgia and the Wilde's in NC emailed me immediately about supporting us. We don't get to see either family that often, yet without hesitation they stepped up and said we want to be a part of this. Locally friends from church and friends we've known since childhood have said they too want to be a part of this. Time and distance have nothing to do with the bond of Christian friendship. Thailand is a long way from South Carolina, yet the Lord will bond my husband with those people and through him I'll get to know them and through my blog you'll get to know them. We will all get to experience the Lord's work in that country. This is so exciting. We can't thank you enough for your kind words your heartfelt prayers and your financial support.

Let's all be a blessing...

Here comes my husband :-)

Well, Chris and I have started the process to get him ready to leave the country. He went to get his passport this morning. That costs $115 Wow ... do we ever need the funds. I have put up a fundraiser thermometer to measure the money as it comes in. He got his first $100 bill from my sweet mom yesterday; thanks momma. We are all excited and proud of him. God is good.

In the midst of this new adventure I am still cleaning out my house. I am looking forward to a visit from my brother Steven and his wife Linda sometime this morning. They are taking my cedar chest that I no longer want. Cleaning out feels good :-)You know down deep I am a "Little house on the prairie" girl (I have the book set, video set and DVD series :-). I like to keep life simple. We tend to have so much more than we need and my goal is to break that habit. You know if we didn't have so many "what-nots" sitting around it would be easier to dust. And if we didn't have so many clothes it would be easier to decide what to wear. Laura (Little House) had her play dress and her "Sunday best"; there were no dilemmas in what to wear with those choices. How did our country get so materialistic? I want to break away from the crowd and enjoy life more, with less.

Ok this is the soap box I'm on now. Spring cleaning has come early. I need to get to work, no time to sit around.

Y'all have a blessed day.

P.S. I will not be posting who gave or what amount like I did with my momma.

Cleaning out ...feeling free

I don't know why, but I am in the mood to clear out some stuff. I am starting with the above pictured toy chest/ bench seat. We've had it long enough and never use it anymore. Instead of holding on to it I have decided to sell it. I have found that we have to many items, that hold to much stuff and I want to de-clutter. My brother is coming over to pick up a set of twin beds that were purchased by my grandmother when my oldest brother was little. They are bunk beds and very nice. I "borrowed" them from him last spring to put in Olivia's room (we moved her big bed to our spare room). Since that time she and I keep moving the beds up and down the hall and frankly I am getting to old to move 3 beds in one day. So ... the issue of moving beds is over :-) Next I have a cedar chest I plan to empty and get rid of. Enough is enough! It feels good to get rid of stuff; it's very freeing (not sure if that is a real word, but I'm using it).

The word free reminds me of God's grace. He is so good to let us come before Him and free ourselves of excess "stuff", our sin (if we'll just confess and change our ways) He takes it away. Charles Billingsley http://www.charlesbillingsley.com/ sings my all time favorite song called; Freed. I wish I could put a clip on here, but I'm not that technical :-) Here are the words for you to read. I'll end with that. Have a blessed day.

Freed

Too many to count yet
He took each one
Every sinful thing that I'd ever done
A lifetime of selfish living

With only a prayer he forgot each one
With a love that goes so far beyond
The realm of my own forgiving

Now I stand here so unworthy
Knowing that the cross should have been mine

CHORUS
He paid for all my sin with love
Who at the cost of His own blood
From earthly grave to heaven's throne
He took my burdens as His own
One spotless lamb, my sacrifice
My Savior's death to me meant life
He paid for all my sin with love
Love that has completely
Love that has forever
Freed me

The mercy He gives brings a lasting peace
All His strength and grace meets my every need
Enough just to keep believing

And I rest here within the glory
Of knowing I am His and He is mine

CHORUS

BRIDGE
The weight of the cross brought Him to His knees
So I could stand forgiven and I could be set free

CHORUS

God's perspective

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10


My Livie went to school this morning for the first time this week. Please say a prayer for her to feel good and to enjoy her day. She has had a difficult week in regards to her health. Thank you.

On another subject while you are praying please pray for me as I am seeking the Lords will on several issues right now. I don't really want to get into them ... just pray.

As I drove in from taking Olivia to school I noticed a few more shingles had blown up on the front of our house. I'm ok with the ones on the back of the house, but now that the whole world can see that we really need a new roof (it's a little embarrassing). Our Insurance company gave us some money for wind damage but unfortunately it's only enough to cover half of the roofers fees, so .... we are saving and waiting. We also have rotten wood in several places and need it replaced along with siding and new windows. The estimated cost of all of this is $18,000.00 whew ... ! You are probably saying "why are you sharing something so personal with us?" Well ... I was having a mini pity party about our finances this morning until I read my devotion and Bible. Did you know the Lord told me; I am rich? Yes, it tells us in 2 Cor. 8:9 that Jesus chose to become poor (leaving Heaven and all that belonged to him as Gods' Son) so that we might become rich. We have been given permanent residence in Heaven and that inheritance won't perish. I will one day live in a mansion where the wood won't rot and the roof won't need replaced. I don't realize that I am rich because I am thinking in terms of what I can see instead of thinking of what's to come. Yes, the roof and other home repairs have to be dealt with and sure I know that the Lord expects us to take care of those things, but ... God is so good to remind me that His grace is sufficient and He will provide in His time. He has shown me yet another glimpse of His glory and Heaven ( my forever home) and that always calms my spirit. So I say ALL of this to say. Go to God's word every day. He won't let you down. Yes, I still have a problem and still need to save money to take care of repairs, but I have been reminded of the riches of His Grace. His word is what gets me through the day. His promises are true. God is my rock and I want to share Him with you.

May He bless us all.

Out of school again

My Livie is out of school again today. No it isn't due to snow or really being sick. She woke up to find a terrible itchy rash over a good portion of her body. I knew immediately that it was an allergic reaction to the amoxicillin she's been on for the past week. I took her to the doctor at 8:30 and sure enough I was right. My grandmother, mother and I are all allergic to penicillin, amoxicillin and celph??? so today we found out that Olivia is just like us. She was given a shot of cortisone and a pass to miss school today. I've already talked to her teacher, who was sweet enough to call my cell to check on her. I guess she and I will continue playing board games and hanging out. I am thankful to be at home and able to care for her when she needs me. Chris is traveling in Asheville today, so pray for his safety on the slippery roads. Pray for Olivia's rash to go away (especially the itchy part :-) that's rough. So far so good. That shot has already made several patches fade away. She's a tough girl.

Take care and have a great day. My spelling is probably way off today ... just ignore it :-) I do.

Snow day ~ sort of

When I got up at 5:30 this morning there was a good bit of snow on the ground. Three local school districts had a two hour delay while the other schools in our county were closed. I went back to bed since our school was closed. When I got up for the second time at 8:30 all schools were closed and there was barely any snow on the ground. Right now the sun is shining and a few flakes remain. Oh well . . . so goes snow days in the south. I am hoping and praying for at least one BIG snow. Olivia has asked me to drive her to the areas with snow; now that's a thought. I do have a "snow" button on my highlander :-) I'm not sure what it does, but it's there if I need it. Let's pray for a BIG snow soon.

We are watching history take place as our new President Elect is taking his route to the White House. Pray for our president and our country. I sincerely hope God will continue to bless America.

Go be a blessing.

Sanctity of human life Sunday

Yesterday our church celebrated the Sanctity of human life. It was an eye opening Sunday for me. I learned some facts about abortion that I hate to admit I just didn't know. For instance I learned that a woman can legally abort a baby at 9 months old??? I learned that if an abortion is not successful the baby is put on a metal table to die. Those two facts really shocked me. Here are some other abortion facts via website :

Number of abortions per year: 1.37 Million (1996)
Number of abortions per day: Approximately 3,700

52% of women obtaining abortions in the U.S. are younger than 25:

18% of all abortions are performed on women who identify themselves as "Born-again/Evangelical".

A young woman from our church stood before our Sunday school class and told us how she had an abortion at the age of 14. She was 14 weeks pregnant. She was young and scared and no one asked her how she felt. She was not given the choice of adoption. She was taken to the clinic by a parent and had the abortion. She said she felt numb and empty afterward. She has carried that burden with her for years until something she heard in a church service changed her thoughts. She connected with someone who worked at the Carolina Pregnancy Center and learned of a class she could take to help her deal with those post abortion emotions she'd been carrying around. I don't remember all that she said but I just have to share this part of her healing with you. The counselor at CPC told her to name her baby and dedicate him/her to the Lord. That just floored me (what an awesome thing to do). I have not experienced this first hand, nor have I ever had a friend confide in me that this is something they've done. To hear her story just touched my heart. I can't help but think someone out there, maybe even one of my readers might know someone touched by abortion. If so please encourage them to seek counseling. This young woman waited 10 years to get counseling; it's never to late. I don't know what could bring more peace than naming your unborn baby and dedicating him or her to the Lord. We know without a doubt that all of those babies are in heaven, so we need to encourage these ladies to mourn no more. We need to tell them that Jesus loves them and Satan is the one weighing them down with the past. Tell them to look toward heaven and pray and ask Jesus into their heart and they will see their baby again. God is so good. Email me if you have any questions at susanbneal@gmail.com or if you live in the upstate of SC call the Carolina Pregnancy Center at 864-582-4673 You don't have to carry this burden alone.

We had the joy of keeping baby Sarah last night while her mommy and daddy went out to eat. Sarah is such a sweet girl. My Livie really took to her and even let her play with this special stuffed Monkey that no one else can touch. It brought back memories feeding her and watching her feed herself with Olivia's spoons ( yes I still keep them in the drawer with our other utensils :-) I have to admit (even though I don't want to ... Sarah likes Chris the best :-) She slept in his arms and that was precious. I would have taken a picture, but didn't want to wake her. She was so tired and it was hard for her to fall asleep. Sarah's dad is one of our Sunday school teachers and her mom is a dear friend of mine. Sarah is the youngest of 4 children and the only girl (just like me). I always tell her she'll enjoy having those brothers around watching out for her. Her brothers were spending the night at nana and papa's so we just had her. It was a fun evening.

Short and sweet

Well, my sweet Livie made it back to school today. She will go all day today then tomorrow is a half day and then she'll be out Friday and Monday. I am so thankful for teacher workdays and famous people's birthdays because when it is less than 26 degrees I'd prefer to sleep in :-)

My thoughts turn to the many tasks I hope to accomplish today. I plan to make a huge pot of vegetable beef soup for supper tonight and corn bread. We have a wood burning fireplace so I want to bring up some wood for a fire after church tonight. I have to run to Wal-mart for light bulbs ( somehow all of our lamps are without bulbs and there are none in the cabinet). I guess over Christmas I neglected some necessary re-stocking of household items. My vehicle is almost out of gas (yes I wait until the coldest day of the year to run out of gas). Oh well ... that's why I have a hat, scarf and gloves. Can you tell I've been confined to my house to many days? I need to run. Remember Jesus loves you and you are special. Life sometimes may seem to be more than you can bare, but remember Jesus already bore it all for you on the cross. Go bless someone.

First you see deer tracks, then you see a deer rub (on a tree) then you see a man with a tree stand, then you see a good woman standing by him, then you see the man, the hunter :-)Ok I'm being a little dramatic, but ... this weekend I had the joy of going with Chris to take down his deer stands. He had me hiking up and down hills and all over the woods. It was a fun adventure. We invited Olivia to join us, but she had a friend over to spend the night on Friday and when we took her home the parents asked if Olivia could stay and play. We let her choose the woods or the Wii and she chose playing the Wii with Claudia. Anyway, it was nice to be in "Chris' world" and get to see where my man has spent his Saturdays for the past few months. I wanted to blog before now, but my Olivia woke us at 2:00 a.m. Monday with a terrible sore throat. I kept her out of school and took her to the doctor. They confirmed that she has strep and said she couldn't return to school until Wednesday, so I've been taking care of my girl. Praise the Lord she is doing well taking her medicine and resting. We've played Trouble and have a game of Sorry lined up to play soon (after I finish this blog :-) So ... that's the happenings around here. I have to go make lunch and do my mama work.

Pray for my girl :-) Thank you and have a blessed day.

Thinking about God's grace

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4 :16

Grace ... what does that word make you think of? It brings comfort and joy to my mind. The Lord in all of his glory gives us (dirty old sinners) his grace. We don't deserve it. We can't work for it. He gives it to us for free!! Isn't that awesome? What a loving God we serve. "To the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the beloved." Ephesians 1:6

Thank you Lord for your grace. "For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4:15

An old hymn comes to mind as well:

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Show grace to someone today.

I have Bangs ....

What a day. I haven't been to the salon in a while and have looked forward to my appointment for days. My Livie woke up with a stomach ache this morning, but thankfully she didn't have a fever or vomiting. Once I doctored on her I called my mom to watch her so I could keep my hair appointment. The best stylist in the world (my cousin Diane ~ owner of Bella Capellia Salon :-)is who I go to. I told her I was enjoying my long hair, but wanted to change things up a bit. I had planned to change the color, but after discussions with my mom I decided to hold off on my caramel highlights until spring. So Diane and I flipped through magazines and played around with my hair until we decided to go with bangs. Since my hair is so long right now she had to give me lots of long layers to balance out the bangs. I have to say I like my "new look". I am not one to spend much time on my hair (unless I have some where special to go), otherwise I am a ponytail girl. Anyway, time to blog is short due to running, nursing and cooking. I did want to share my new look. What do you think? I can't wait until Chris sees it. Olivia said she couldn't tell I'd had anything done ... children, what do they know???

Oh well. Have a fanastic day. Keep blessing others and the Lord will bless your socks off.

Dreams

What are your dreams? Do you still have them or are they lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday living? I absolutely love older 2 story colonial style homes with wrap around porches and pecan trees. My dream is to run a Bed and Breakfast. When Chris and I first married we always stayed in B & B's when we traveled and I got spoiled. I love the large rooms, cozy window seats, claw foot tubs, fireplaces in the bedrooms, the antiques and of course breakfast. Every family we've ever stayed with in a B & B has a unique story to tell. Since I have many stories to tell and enjoy cooking and cleaning as well as entertaining guests, I think running a B & B would be the perfect job for me. I'd like to have a big home on acreage with a small pond for fishing and paddle boating. We'd also have a pool and tennis courts for our guests and us (one of the perks of the job :-) I don't know if my dream will ever come true, but that's it. If anyone reading this is filthy rich and wants to make my dream come true I will gladly except your contribution. :-) LOL

Ok go be a blessing...

Good rainy morning to you

I have much to do today starting with getting my sweet girl off to school ... We won't be leaving at 7:15 like yesterday morning since she's moving slower today :-) Oh well... I want to share that the Lord gave me two more opportunities to invite people to church yesterday. One was a neighbor who was in front of me in the carpool line and another person at Olivia's piano lesson. Sometimes us stay at home mom's think we aren't going to have an opportunity to share about Jesus, but when we seek the Lord and ask for opportunities He provides for us right where we are. So, don't belittle yourself or what you do in this world. The Lord places us all in different roles to meet the needs of our family and those around us. As I've heard many times "Bloom where you are planted". That sounds good to me and it's easy.

Go be a blessing (pray before you leave and the Lord will go with you :-) Isn't He so good? Love ya...

You'll be blessed ~ I promise

You know how I end my blogs with "go be a blessing" ? Well ... I have a story to tell. We have a program going on at our church right now where we have tickets to give out to invite people to church on Super Bowl Sunday. Obviously we are to invite people to church all the time, but this particular tool is to use the Super bowl as a means to bring others to come to know the Lord. People are passionate about sports and this is a good way to get their attention. Our church printed up tickets with all the information a visitor would need to visit (Sunday school times, worship times and even a map with directions to our church). We as church members write our name and telephone number on the "ticket" and give them out to those we'd like to invite. I have to say this is right up my ally. I grabbed a hand full of tickets last night and this morning couldn't wait to hand them out. Here's my story. I was in Ingles grocery shopping and found myself on an isle with a lady and her son. He had gauze in his mouth and was holding a balloon. It was obvious he had some issue with his mouth that required care. The mom and I spoke in passing. I have to admit I wondered what had happened to the little boy, but nosey me did not ask. The next isle over we passed again and then again. We both ended up at the meat counter wanting a small package of ground beef, but there wasn't any. I told her we should just shop together since we kept running into each other. I then proceeded to call over the meat man to request some ground beef, but he said all they had was ground chuck. Anyway, she and I stood there examining the meat and I looked up at her son (who must have been 2 1/2 ). She then volunteered that he had just come from the dentist and had to get his front teeth filled. I told him I hoped he'd feel better soon. I looked back at her and then looked at my list. I told her I probably wouldn't be seeing her anymore because after I grabbed milk and eggs I'd be gone. So we said good-bye. Well... on the way to the milk the Lord prompted me to give her one of those invitations to our church. (Problem: it was raining when I got out of my car so I left the stack of invitations on my seat). I went on about gathering groceries only to realize I needed batteries so as I stood looking for the right size, she came by and said "I thought you said you'd be gone by now"? I told her I had forgotten batteries. I ended up in line behind her and saw that she had on a jacket with a sports team on the back. Well ... the Lord was giving me another opportunity to say something like "hey I see you like sports would you be interested in coming to our church for Super bowl Sunday," But at that moment a girl I knew walked up behind me and began a conversation. She talked until the lady and her son walked out of the store. I started praying and hoping my opportunity hadn't just walked out the door, but I felt such a strong connection to this girl that I knew the Lord would make a way. Sure enough as I pushed my cart outside she was parked right in front of me :-) I hurried and put away my groceries and grabbed that ticket. I put my buggy in the buggy return (which was right beside us) and went right up to her. She was on her cell phone, but I said. "I'm sorry I see that you are on your phone. I go to church right over there (and pointed to our church) and want to invite you and your family to this event we are having on Super bowl Sunday. My name and number are right there, we have activities for your son too. Hope you can come." Bye. She smiled and thanked me and continued with her call. We both got in our cars, waved bye and parted ways. What a blessing to me that the Lord worked that out. I just knew he would. I don't know what it meant to her, but it blessed me. I prayed for her and her son as I drove home and I hope that she will call me and come. It was fun and exciting to try to take my own advice and be a blessing. Let's keep it up. If you have a similar story to share I'd love to hear it. Post it here.

Go, go, go be a blessing to others.

Random pictures from March of 2007

I didn't have anything in particular to blog about tonight, but wanted to type so I decided to open an old file of pictures (March of 2007) and pick one picture of each of us. Chris was fishing which doesn't surprise me. I was standing by the stove which doesn't surprise me either. Olivia took that close up of me because I had just gotten my hair cut. I can't believe it was that short :-) The picture of Olivia was taken at the Neal Farm with their new baby goats. Those goats are huge now. Wow, what memories all of those pictures bring to mind. It reminds me how fast time passes. Hold on to every moment and live it to the fullest.

I'll probably take a break from blogging for a few days. Lots to do. Remember to be a blessing and if you don't feel like it, then count your blessings and I'm sure you'll change your mind. Since you are reading this you need to be thankful for your computer, electricity, Internet, eyes and ability to read ... you have more to be thankful for than you realize. Take care.

My future

As I finished my quiet time this morning I sat at the kitchen table thinking about what I would blog about today. It's a new year and time to think of the future. Every night I write out a daily check off list of the tasks I hope to accomplish for the week. If some things don't get checked off of one day, I'll just move them to a more realistic day to get them taken care of. Along with that list I have some short term goals like cleaning out closets and organizing the playroom. I have some long term goals such as seeing myself 35 pounds lighter (not sure how long this will take) but I am walking on the treadmill daily and working out with my core secrets exercise ball and video. All of those things are good, but when I truly think of the future I like to reflect on these verses found in John 14:1-3 King James Version " Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." That's my true future :-) What complete joy that brings to my soul. I didn't always think of heaven with such joy. Sure I wanted to go and meet Jesus. I like the idea of living forever in paradise vs. the heat of hell, but now as I've gotten older and wiser in my faith I view heaven for what it REALLY is; my future home. So as I start the new year with the bad economy, bad news on the TV, evil on every headline, I know that all is well because the Lord is in control. He has a plan and when he is finished with me I'm going home to be with him. Is Heaven your future home? I pray it will be because I'd like to see you there.

Be a blessing right where you are today.

Happy New Year - 2009

Soon I'll be at my mom's eating collards, black-eyed peas and buttered cornbread. Yes, I am a true southern girl. The old wives tale is; if you eat greens in the new year you'll have more "green" in your pocket book. I can't say that has ever been the case, but then again all my needs are met so maybe it is :-) I didn't always like collard greens or even green peas for that matter. When I was in college I met a guy who really stole my heart. He was a football player and had big dreams to make it in the pros. Well, we spent allot of time together and on more than one occasion we'd eat dinner at each others homes. One night his mom served peas ...yuck I thought, but to be polite I ate every one of them. I tell you they were delicious and I guess because I was in love I came to love peas. Well, new years rolled around and my mom cooked her traditional collard greens. When my guy walked in my parents home he said I smell collards ( you can't help but smell them). Guess what? he liked collards. So we ate collards and you guessed it I loved them. Why am I talking about my old flame? Well mom brought him up in conversation last night because of how he always liked greens and we were talking about collards. Right after he and I broke up I went on 2 dates then I met Chris. I knew from that moment I had met the man the Lord intended for me. Chris may not have been my first love, but Chris is my forever love. So this new year I thank the Lord for my Chris and our life together. I thank him for Olivia. I thank him for our family. I thank him for all of the wonderful people in my past who helped shape me into the wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend that I am today. I thank the Lord for special memories and I look forward to a new year to create more. I look back over my life and I feel blessed. I am who I am because this is who the Lord created me to be. Be who you are and who the Lord wants you to be. Be real.

Go be a blessing.