Freedom

What does freedom mean to you? I suppose just like anything else freedom means different things to different people. Those of you who know me well know that Charles Billingsley's song, Freed is my all time favorite. The words of the song tell how Jesus paid the price for all of our sins. Let me share below:

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 again and the song ends with those last two powerful words: Freed Me.

So what does freedom mean to me ? It means that through Jesus Christ I have forgiveness and no matter what I do as His child nothing or no one can pluck me out of His hand. It means my life is sealed forever and that is a wonderful feeling. If you don't know this peace and joy let me share with you how you too can be free.

Go be a blessing ...

passwords

How many passwords do you have? I don't know how many I have either, but I am beginning to wish they were all the same. I have one pw for my blog, one for pay pal, face book, online banking, my debit card, my home answering machine, my cell phone, my whatever else there is that needs a password ... Some days when my mind isn't real sharp I can't keep up with them all. Thoughts of trust come to mind.

Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Whatever happened to good old fashion trust ? I'll tell you what happened it left us when we stopped obeying Jesus. Let's get back to the basics. Love your neighbor. Love your family, don't judge them pray for them. Pray for revival to start in YOU.

Go be a blessing ... I am going to try.

observations

Well, I've been apart of Face book for about a week now. It's an interesting way to check out what is going on with others. You know the old saying; "A picture is worth a thousand words"? well ... I am learning a lot about people just from their pictures. Being in church all the time I constantly hear that people are watching us (how we live our lives, the choices we make, the places we go, what we say etc.). I can say that is true of Face book. It's like watching people. I found out I have a relative, who if I understand her statements correctly, she doesn't believe there is a hell. Ok so now my territory has been expanded as I seek to pray and reach out to her. I want to ask you to pray for me as I seek the Lord's guidance on exactly what to say. I haven't spoken to her in many years as she lives out of the area and is much older than me. Nonetheless I care about her soul and need to share with her.

I used to be a Michael Jackson fan back in high school and always thought Farrah Fawcett was a beautiful lady. I secretly hoped Ed McMahon would come to my door with a check for a million dollars with American Family Publishers. With their passing this week I have seen lots of pictures of them on the news and Internet. Locally a young man I have never heard of drowned in the Pacolet river ( I could tell from his picture he was a sweet heart). We need to pray for all of these families, famous or not, the lives of those lost were important and their families are grieving.

We see a lot in this world as our lives are but snapshots of who we are and how others see us. Time is of most importance ... we need to see everyone as a lost soul until we know differently. A picture really is worth a thousand words. What does your picture say?

Go be a blessing ...

The Lord provides

I am wishing more and more that we had a swimming pool. These hot summer days are something else. I enjoy the warm weather and appreciate the Lord giving us different seasons. Last summer we got in our neighbors pool, but they decided to do away with it, so... no pool :-(

Speaking of seasons isn't God so good to provide for us 4 wonderful times of change. Even though most people don't like change I think the change of seasons are always welcome. It's like when it's hot we are ready for warmth from the winter, then when fall comes the cool breeze is welcome and so on ... God really does provide for our every need. Sometimes He does it directly and other times He allows others to help. My quiet time verse this morning comes from Genesis 50:21 (New King James Version) and it says:

" Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them."

I can't thank the Lord enough for giving me a praying family and praying friends. We may not have a pool, but a new water park just opened about 10 miles away ... God provides. Go to God, talk to Him, let Him show you how much He loves you; because He does love you. So do I :-)

Go be a blessing ...

still on facebook

I now have 33 friends on face book and I just joined last night. I have to say I've had fun on there today checking out pictures and reading about different folks. One interesting thing I have to tell you is ... I was looking at the "friends" of a girl I go to church with to see if she and I had some common friends. Well, to my surprise I saw a picture of Chris's ex-fiancee ( yes he was engaged to someone else before me :-( Anyway, when I saw her I wanted to check out her pictures, but I can't unless I ask her to be my friend and well ... I don't think that's going to happen. Oh well ... that was quite funny. She lives in Georgia and we never run into her around here. What a small world.

Anyway, I have enjoyed hearing from Beth and Christy two childhood friends I started out in Elementary school with. I look forward to hearing more about their families and all that is going on with them.

God bless you all.


"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you. Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."Philippians 1:3,27

Face book ????

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked to join face book but didn't. Well, after talking to my sister-in-law at supper on Saturday I decided I'd give Face book a try. So far I really don't understand how it works, but I am figuring it out. Blogging is more my style because I understand it and know my way around, however, I am open to check out this face book for a while to see what it's all about. The last time I tried it I deactivated my account in one day, maybe it will be different this time. We'll see. One thing is for sure I love to blog :-)

I went to the cemetery this afternoon to chit chat with my dad. I know his spirit is in heaven, but for now his physical body is buried in that cemetery and so I like to go there to talk. It was hot, but a really nice breeze was blowing while I was there. I tried to tell dad about the things going on right now, but tears were all I had. I miss him so much (and Chris's dad). I told him that I was to young not to have him here with me. I never dreamed he or Frank would be gone so soon. I miss their stories, their smells ... I miss the sound of daddy's loud muffler when he pulled into my driveway. I miss seeing him sitting in the swing when I pull up to mom's. I miss him taking me out back to show me his garden. I miss hearing him brag on mom's cooking. I miss seeing him and Chris out fishing. I miss him asking Olivia where she got her brown eyes. Good and bad I miss every bit of it. My dad wasn't perfect, he had his faults like all of us, but praise God he was a sinner saved by grace and he is in Heaven right now. I am so glad I'll see him again.

"He will swallow up death for all time, and the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces..."Isaiah 25:8

The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful Christian husband. I am so thankful for Chris and for the sweet daddy he is to Olivia. God knew what I needed when he sent me Chris. Happy Father's day to my little girls daddy :-)

Go be a blessing ... on face book or where ever :-)

We had a great week at VBS ( today was our last day). We are resting now. I am definitely not as young as I used to be :-) Lots going on the next several days so I may not be blogging.

Y'all hug your dads and tell them you love them. You never know when the Lord will call them home. Enjoy them this Father's day weekend and always.

Go be a blessing.

I'm sorry, but forgot about finding a cat that doesn't shed. I looked into it and I do NOT want a non-shedding cat. That pour Sphynx is not comparable to my Samson ... oh what was I thinking when I said non-shedding. Check out the Cat Fancier's Association I linked below to see the only non-shedding cat. He's ok, but I like fur :-)

Cat Fanciers' Association: Breed Profile: Sphynx

Cat Fanciers' Association: Breed Profile: Sphynx

Samson

You see this gorgeous hunk of cat? This was our sweet Samson. He passed away a couple of years ago and we all still miss him terribly. Olivia and I would really like another indoor cat, but Chris doesn't miss the long hairs that used to shed from Sam. I thought we might start investigating a cat that doesn't shed??? Do any of you know of such a breed? If we find one maybe, just maybe Chris will agree to let us get another indoor cat. Pray for Chris to want another cat :-)

Speaking of praying for Chris you know that trip he's going on? Well for his safety and ours I can't really blog about it, but it will be coming up soon. Begin to pray for him now and us as we will be without each other for 11 days. You can email me personally for more details. Thanks for praying.

VBS is going great! Olivia and I are walking our legs off delivering snacks. we had 1040 children today. Can you imagine? What a huge group to feed. We are enjoying it though.

"Then he said to them, 'Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'"
Nehemiah 8:10

Go be a blessing ...

Vacation Bible School Week

Good afternoon dear readers. What a morning I have had. Our church is having Vacation Bible school this week ( 9 to noon). In the past I have helped with crafts, but since that confines you to one room I decided I wanted to try something new this year. I signed up to deliver snacks. It was an adventure running back and forth between the kitchen and the classrooms. I delivered to the toddlers, 2 year old, 3 year old, 4 year old and 5 year old classes. I like to keep on the move and this was right up my ally. Most of the people I worked with were senior citizens so at first they all looked at me a little funny, but once they realized I was their "runner" they seemed to like me more :-) Not that they didn't like me to start with, but I was the youngest in the bunch. They already had many snack bags divided up and ready to go. It was a big team effort. I poured lemonade, pushed carts, washed carts and even cleaned tables. It was a fun and busy morning. Olivia had a good time and we'll go back tomorrow to do it all over again.

As we were leaving Chris stopped by the church to pick up a friend he was meeting to discuss Thailand work. It was nice to get to see him for a few minutes. Olivia and I ran to Ingles for groceries (Monday is grocery day no matter what! ) then stopped by McDonald's for a salad.

If you live in Spartanburg and want to bring your children to hear about Jesus. Join us Tuesday through Thursday from 9 to noon. www.firstnorth.org

"When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, 'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.' And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them."
Mark 10:14-16

Step ladders and painting

I haven't blogged for the past couple of days due to painting Olivia's bedroom. This is the 5th and final time that I am going to paint that child's room :-) It was a Pepto pink, but we decided to lightened it up. The new color is called "Water fountain" and is white with a hint of blue. It took two gallons of paint and lots of layers to cover. I have been on a step ladder stretching and reaching corners for 3 days. When I woke up this morning my right knee had terrible pain and when I walked I thought it would buckle under me. I went to lay back down, but that felt worse so I got up and iced it and wrapped it. The ice didn't help, but the wrap feels great. My knee feels "good" extended, but it hurts to bend??? Chris said it was probably due to me being on that little step ladder. As petite as I am I should have used a real ladder, but my step ladder was convenient so now I am paying the price for my bad judgement. How many times do we pay the price for bad judgement??? The Bible says in Proverbs 15:22-23 (New American Standard Bible)

"Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
But with many counselors they succeed.
A man has joy in an apt answer,
And how delightful is a timely word!"

You know what that tells me? It says share you troubles/concerns with your Christian friends/Bible fellowship teacher or pastor. Don't rush in with a step ladder and settle for the quick fix (it will only cause you pain in the end). Take time to talk to others and heed their counsel then make Biblical choices. You won't go wrong.


Have a fun and safe weekend. Go be a blessing.

June 10, 1981 a day I'll never forget

I woke up this morning at 5:00 a.m. and realized it was June 10th. 28 years ago today during VBS at Tucapau Baptist church I prayed to ask Jesus into my heart :-) I was 11 years old and had wanted to ask Jesus into my heart for some time. Every Sunday at the close of the morning worship we would sing "Just as I am". The preacher would give the invitation and this little mill hill girl would struggle with the desire to accept Jesus and the long walk to the front to meet the preacher (as we sat on the 3rd pew from the back). I used to be very quiet and shy and getting up and walking in front of everyone was more than my nerves could bare. Then comes VBS. Our youth minister at the time (who is now a pastor) Dr. Wayne Dickard taught the Bible lesson. When he finished he asked us to bow our heads and close our eyes, he said if anyone wanted to pray to accept Jesus just raise your hand? Wow!! this was my moment. I lifted my hand and after class we went to the pastors study and on my knees I prayed and invited Jesus to be Lord of my life. Soon there after I made that long walk from the back of the church to my pastor to let the congregation know what I had done and to baptized. It was that simple.

BUT a lot has happened since those days of my youth. Praise God the Lord had His hand on me all through out high school, college and dating ( I wasn't into drugs or premarital sex or alcohol). I had 3 older brothers and I learned from their mistakes and tried to avoid them. I was and am, however, human and my (our) walk with Christ is a life long process. I just told me daughter last week how much I love the children's song, "He's still working on me". Jesus is still working on me, Praise God for that, I need ALL of the help I can get. Just this morning at 5:00 a.m. I repented of some ever present sins in my thought life, like me being a little to critical of others. Right then and there today on the anniversary of my salvation I rededicated my life to the Lord. I told Chris as soon as he got up and he suggested I read Psalm 51 : 10-14 I have it posted below for you to read also. Today is the best day to accept Jesus. If you don't know Him what is holding you back? Are you sitting to far back in the pew? Is there a sin you don't want to let go of? Trust me He is ALL you need. If I can pray with you or be of help email me susanbneal@gmail.com I am a sinner saved by grace and you can be too.


Psalm 51:10-14 (New King James Version)
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

Amen.

P.S. http://www.intouch.org/ is the daily devotion that I use to study my Bible each morning. I have the actual book but you can go to that site and read a devotion online every day. My devotion this morning was titled appropriately enough "Our thought Life" ... now you tell me that God isn't still working on me. He gives me what I need just when I need it and He will do the same for you :-) WOW ... what a morning.

"As seen on TV" - NOT

Have you ever thought of the phrase; "As seen on TV"? What exactly is that suppose to mean? Are we suppose to think because something has been seen on TV that it is a better product than something NOT seen on TV? Is it suppose to be the best, fasting working pill or machine? It is suppose to be the best cleaning product, just because it was 'seen on TV'? I used to work for a couple who had vowed not to watch TV. They didn't have a TV in their home and their teenage daughter had only seen television occasionally. They are of the Seventh Day Advent Faith. This past weekend we had dinner with a couple from our church who told me they don't watch TV in their home either. I think they have a TV, but it is not connected to an antenna or cable, they use it to watch documentaries rented from the library.

Yesterday a salesman called us from Charter and unlucky for him I answered the phone instead of Chris. We have the charter bundle and he wanted to know if we'd like to upgrade to an even faster speed??? I politely told him no, but you know those salesmen he kept on talking. I finally told him that if it were up to me we wouldn't have a TV in the house and he quickly asked if Mr. Neal was available. I couldn't help but laugh as I told him no and that ended our call.

So ...you are probably wondering what all of this has to do with each other?
Well ... I really value my Christian friends thoughts about why they don't watch Television. When I am flipping endlessly (and wasting time) trying to find something worth watching I have often questioned WHY we have television? What's the purpose of it? What makes it so great that just because something is "As seen on TV" it's suppose to be fabulous. Let's face it friends 95 % of what is seen on TV is vulgar, sick and twisted and most importantly it's NOT REAL!!!!

I think we'd all be wise to kill the cable and dish and take control of our homes. Keep your TV but only watch family chosen and approved DVD's and movies. Play your Wii games and have family time. Let's get rid of the fake drama's and murder movies that give unstable people more ideas. Let's take the sex scenes out of view of our precious children. You may say oh I protect them from that ... you may try but have you seen the shampoo commercials, the Hardees thick burger commercials???? come on wake up and smell the evil. I am starting today to pray for my family and our decision to wean off of the TV. Pray and ask the Lord what he'd have you and your family do.

Let me hear your thoughts on this ...

Sunday school / Bible fellowship

At our church we just started our new Sunday school year. We are in a new class with different teachers and many new faces. It's an exciting time and like a fresh new start. I am class secretary and also help Chris with his administrator role ( not that he needs help) but I like to do that sort of thing. If you are reading this and you don't attend church any where please accept this as my personal invitation to come join us. We are just starting to get to know everyone and this is a great time to come be apart of our sweet class. I have met some fantastic women who encourage me and lift me and my family in prayer. It's what we all need and what we need to be doing for others. Come join the fun; you'll be glad you did.

1 Peter 3:8-11 (New King James Version)

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
For He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.

I love that last line; let him seek peace and PURSUE IT. How many times do we fail to seek peace? We find misery and trouble, but if we'd just seek peace the Lord will grant it. May today be peaceful for you. God bless you.

go bless others ...

Fun with friends

Out door fun Emily, Sarah and Olivia dressing up; like girls do :-)

Emily set the table for us before we arrived. Didn't she do a great job?!

Thanks Renee for the great lunch and Dove chocolate :-) We are so blessed to have such sweet friends.

Our first "play day" of Summer

We are on our way to my friend Renee's house she is mom to Emily and Sarah who happen to be Olivia's good friends. Anyway, I am going to take my camera and capture their first play day of summer. See you later.

God's grace

"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under GRACE." Romans 6:14

Ok what a way to start your day, AMEN! My Bible reading came from Romans 6:3-11, but I read on to verse 14 and wow what a statement. God is so good to let us read something right when we NEED to read it. I prayed to ask Jesus into my heart at the age of 11. I know he saved me at that moment and the Holy spirit moved right in. Because I am human I make many mistakes (sin) in the things I sometimes think or say, but thanks to God's amazing GRACE I know that He loves me, forgives me and will continue to teach me through the reading of His word and time spent in prayer. Do you know Jesus? Do you have peace in the midst of chaos? Are you living in His wonderful Grace? If you aren't let me tell you how you can be free. Email me at susanbneal@gmail.com

Go be a blessing...

One day of school left

As summer approaches and school is ending I can tell already that my blogging will slow down. BUT that's OK ... I'm a momma and me and my girl like to play outside. She had an awards program in her class this morning and must have come away with 10 certificates. What a smart girl I have. She and I went to Toys R Us and Chic Fil A to celebrate her straight A's. Now we are going outside to ride our bikes and draw with 3-D chalk. I may post pictures tonight.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with a hard working husband and such a fun daughter. Life is good. God is good.

Get out there and enjoy time with your family.