The devil's in the details, The Lord is in the Light

I want to pass along some very important advice!!! Everyone knows to read all the fine print when you are agreeing to something, right? Well, the outcome of not being aware of the fine print can be devastating. Have you heard about the new movie, "Stop Loss". It's all about that. Check it out. I learned all about it from watching CMT.

On a more personal level, I learned that I should have read my new house insurance before I called the service man. Lessons learned are like bridges burned, you only have to cross them but once........right?

However, I dealt with a very high pressure company called Bluegreen Resorts recently and they sent us lots of information regarding a trip we agreed to take. The salesman had pressured Mark, while shopping in Nashville at Bass Pro Shops at that big mall, into filling out a card for a "free trip". Having the card in hand, the telemarketing salesmen called me over and over til I agreed to this trip ( I was gonna teach Mark a lesson for filling out the card. ) Well, when I told the salesman that we did not travel without dogs, he said "no problem", so I proceeded over the next weeks to plan a trip to Gatlinburg just prior to our Florida spring break to visit Mark's family.

One week before departure, the company representative called to remind me of the trip and I said that we were looking forward to it and asked, before hanging up if all the arrangements had been made for the dogs. Well, the whole attitude of the rep changed. She talked to me as if I had done something wrong. To make a long story short, after many long conversations and several days, the company finally agreed to refund my money, but Mark and I had to drive straight through to Florida for our 30th wedding anniversary visit.

I did read all the fine print from every letter we received from the company. I learned that had we simply been no shows, we would have been charged the regular price for the rooms and been charged an extra $75 for their inconvenience. They insisted that it stated clearly in the fine print, no dogs. I never could find that, just a lot of fine print about what they were gonna charge us if we didn't follow all their rules to the letter. Wow, it was enlightening how these companies work.

I also checked onto the company's website to get an address for their Arkansas office, which was the office with which I was dealing. I could only find their Boca Raton headquarters address. But, while reading about the company on their website, I learned how they stressed how not only should people take part in their timeshares, but also, should invest in this very profitable company with extremely high sales. Wow, now I know how they have high sales. Most people don't have the time to argue with four different company representatives on the phone......easier to just not show up.

Please, learn from our mistake in having anything to do with a timeshare type company. Please advise everyone you know about these high pressure tactics and the consequences of signing up when the salespeople promise anything and then the follow up reps make you feel like you've done something wrong when you don't fall in line with their "fine print rules" to the letter.

Ya'll have a great day, I'm gonna go visit some friends, the most important part of my day. luv, Susan ps, sorry for this being so long, but I felt I needed to say it. Also, Mark and I joined our little country church yesterday.......Praise God!!!

Thank You, Jesus

A wonderful friend of mine sent me a new video yesterday. Actually, she sent me the link to it on Youtube. I was so excited to see the video, which took a while because my computer and dial up are how do you say.....slow. Anyway, I finally did see the video. It is a collaboration by one of my personal heroes, Brad Paisley, and the awesome Sara Evans, another of my favorites. It is a beautiful song about Jesus and Mary and their relationship and interactions during his final hours on Earth. Wow, it is powerful! The video is actually from the movie, Passion of the Christ, which I did not see, due to the graphic violence depicted in the film. I didn't think I could bare to see it on a big screen, though eventually, I hope to see it on a small screen. Bottom line, I highly recommend that you see the music video on Youtube. It is called "New Again".

I was surprised last night that the Donald did not select Trace as the Celebrity Apprentice, and then I remembered that Trace is a Christian and is not accustomed to the cut throat business world as is the other guy. It was super seeing Trace perform. I think he accomplished his goal of helping his daughter's food allergy charity and of carrying himself with dignity and grace.

Ya'll have a great day out there, stay dry, luv, Susan ps, Did Western win? I'll go check.

Teach Your Children Well

Wednesdays are wonderful! Rick Warren told me in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, that I could be as close to God as I wanted to be. I've learned over the months and years that is soooo true. I just finished a wonderful Bible study at Porter Memorial Baptist Church and also a lecture series about the Old Testament at Southland Christian Church. I am learning so much about our God and His people and how much He loves us!

I have been so saddened this week upon hearing of two deaths. A young high school cheerleader planning her college choice died while going under the knife for breast augmentation surgery. A Central Florida football player collapsed and died after a "voluntary" workout the day before Spring practice was set to begin.

There are lessons to learn here. God tells us we are beautiful, he created us that way. If we are doing what He planned for us to do, we are always beautiful. Sports in school are there to enrich the student's life, they are not worth the student athlete's life. Coaches and parents should remind their players, sons and daughters of that.

Be careful out there, take your umbrella, and have a great day, luv, Susan

One Thing

I've asked my prayer partners this morning to pray that I have discernment. I've learned that it is one of the most precious gifts God can give us. What is God asking of me today? That's what I want to focus on. Yesterday I scanned over a weeks worth of papers, a lot of concerns there. So, I've felt really pulled in a lot of directions, but I have to stop and ask "What is the one thing that God wants me to focus my attention on right now?"

Thank you God for always answering each and every prayer. I hope you can weed through all the stuff that is in the way of what He is asking of you today.

Ya'll have a great day, luv, Susan ps, yes, I did borrow that title from Curly.

Monday, Monday

Please forgive me if I'm a liottle out of sync this morning. Florida was wonderful, Easter was very special and I'm now trying to get back in the groove. I've got a weeks worth of papers, yes, I still do that, waiting to be scanned and I'm reacquainting myself with CMT.

Mark and I are so blessed to have our parents, his brothers, my sisters and all the families. We have aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and of course, our kids. It doesn't seem all that long ago when we had Grandmas and Grandpas, but I know we'll see them again, as well as other wonderful family members and friends we miss dearly. I know that.....with certainty.

Like I mentioned, it's Monday, lots to do. Hope you'll have time to check out Dancing with the Stars tonight. I can't wait to see Trace Adkins Thursday on the live finale of Celebrity Apprentice. Oh, and check out the upcoming matchup between Bruce Pearl and Rick Pitino........I've been waiting for that one for years.

Ya'll have a great day.........Go Toppers!!! luv, Susan ps, didn't Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley have gritty,amazing performances for their finale? And what will today's ceremony at UK reveal, I wonder.

Isaiah 58:13-14

I was exhausted by the end of yesterday's game. You know the one. Bradley hit the wildest shot, it took forever to go in, we celebrated. Then what? Well, you know what happened, that kid, Swansea or whatever, managed to hit an even more unbelievable shot. Oh well. That means on Sunday, we all get to rest.

Hogs 'n Dogs, who would have thunk it? I'm glad God is in control.

Have a great Sunday, luv, Susan

Philippians 4:13

All things are possible through Christ who strengthens me.

Go Big Blue!!!

Have a great day, those of you in Atlanta, stay safe, luv, Susan

Righteousness, Peace and Joy

Go Cats!!! I didn't watch the game last night between Georgia and Ole Miss, but I did see a clip on sportscenter this morning. Do ya think the dogs might be a tad wore out today.....I hope so......C A T S.......CATS, CATS, CATS. Sorry, it's that time of year.

I was so happy to see the Osmonds on GMA this morning, I had already watched them on Oprah, twice. I love the osmonds, I hope to go see them someday. I didn't realize their family started the Children's Miracle Network, guess I have a new favorite charity, they give 100% to the kids......how many charities do that?

I was sad that Jeff Foxworthy wasn't going to be hosting the CMT Awards this year, he did such a great job last year. He said it all in one of his intros to the show. He said that we, country music fans, have seen evidence of God in our lives, so we WILL continue to praise Him and acknowledge him in our music. Wow, it was a wonderful thing to hear at an awards show......true acknowledgement of Our Lord and Savior. Anyway, Jeff was on the view yesterday, he's doing great, as always.

I dvr'd Celebrity Apprentice last night.....I hope Trace continued to exhibit all those wonderful Christian traits that he's known for. I'm gonna take a springbreak. Mark and I celebrate thirty years of marriage on St. Paddy's Day!!! Everyone have a great day, I know I will. luv, Susan ps, did you read the upperroom today? That's me!!!

Practically Perfect

Yesterday was just about as perfect a day as I can ever remember. I actually felt like I was riding on a wave of God's guidance and love. I was able to experience so much in one day, you just can't imagine the blessings I received. It's so wonderful to be up on top of a wave, riding high, not down in the murky deep of the water below.

I plan to live today looking for God's guidance so that I may have another practically perfect day. He offers that to each of us, if we would simply be asking for and looking for and obeying His Guidance with each passing day.

Guidance.......God, you and I dance.........it can be a perfect world, after all.

Ya'll have a great day, luv, Susan

Coincidence?......I think Not!!!

My life of late is so full of coincidences that I could not even begin to mention them all, it would take that long. I really pay attention to coincidences. I truly believe there are no coincidences with Him and that when he crosses your path more than once with a person, a place or an idea, He's doing it for a reason. It must be important, you better pay attention......I do, I always do.

God is constantly giving me guidance each and every day because I am always paying attention to Him. Always asking for guidance, always waiting, waiting to receive His guidance. It always comes and I'm off doing whatever it is that He's wanting me to do and I'm always blessed for my obedience.( Sometimes with a shrimp dinner, sometimes with a pedicure or an opportunity to talk with a dear friend...those are the best blessings).

I did make an attempt to set the clock on my computer. I still have clocks now that are wrong since the time change. Hope you're all making it to where you're supposed to be. I hear that each day this week is gonna be better than the one before. Thank you God......Spring is indeed here.

Everyone have a great day, luv, Susan

Not Disappointed

I kept my faithfulness for the Kentucky Wildcats and was rewarded with a wonderful victory, finally, over Florida. That was truly a sight to see and experience on Sunday. I was also pleased when I finally watched my dvr of the Celebrity Apprentice that Trace Adkins, though shaken, maintained his composure and exhibited the wonderful Christian character that I always see in him.

I hope everyone kept safe and warm during our March snowfall. It was beautiful, but know it wasn't always fun having to travel around in it.

I have really enjoyed hearing from old friends during this blogging journey. You all have a great day, luv, Susan

It's The Best Of Times, It's The Worst of Times

I feel like I'm on a roller coaster sometime. The other night I saw Oprah's big give, most of it, and I was so moved and uplifted by so many of those featured. I was especially touched by the woman who cared for and worked for children(and adults) with Down's Syndrome. Didn't we used to, as a society, hide these beautiful, charismatic individuals? Anyway, she provided so much in the way of creativel activities, including music and fun for these special kids. It was wonderful to see. A day or so later, I saw a marine, the epitomy of strength, courage and protection, toss an adorable puppy off a cliff in Iraq. I actually didn't see it, they didn't show it in it's entireity, thank goodness. I can't begin to tell you how much that hurt to see and know that these acts of cruelty occur. Of course they do, there is real evil in the world.

We live in a world of polar opposites. Do we know who is in charge at each end? I do. I cling to my Lord and all that is good, that comes from Him. I hope you do as well.

It's snowing outside, I have three unread newspapers. I've had three very busy days. Thank God that today is going to be a slowdown, a day to catch up. Please be careful out there today, it's gonna be slick. Dustin, are you listening, be CAREFUL, slowdown out there, everyone, take your time. You're not supposed to rush.........ever. Have a great day, luv, Susan

Pearls of Wisdom

I remember sitting in the PAC arena watching this amazing team win week after week, always scoring over a 100 points. I remember that because we'd get free hamburgers from Rally's when they did. They were an amazing team with a super energetic, flamboyant coach. The team was the USI Screaming Eagles, the coach, Bruce Pearl. My cousin Deb, was on the Lady Eagles, so I went to see USI play a lot over Deb's four years at USI. It was really nice having a family member so close.

I always wondered how this bigger than life coach would do with a team against UK. Well, now I know. I still believe the wildcats will prevail, I always believe, I have faith. It is very important to me that I possess each of the fruits of the spirit and yep, faithfulness is one of them. Faith in my God is uppermost, but faith in my wildcats and my friends and family are important as well.

I wasn't able to blog yesterday. I attended a really awesome bible study in Lexington. I highly recommend tuning in to Celebrity Apprentice tonight to watch a real Christian in action. Tomorrow night is Gone Country....consider that as well, it's on CMT. Everything on CMT is worth a first viewing.

Everyone have a great day, luv, Susan

Here Comes The Son

It sure looks like the weather is brutal out there today. I hope everyone is safe, warm and dry. I read yesterday about a community in Norway that hasn't had sunlight since last October. Can you imagine? I was missing the sun this morning and we had it just about all day yesterday. I'm also reminded that John told us about the Light that was coming into the world. Thank God for that wonderful light. Can you imagine our world without Him?



I really loved the story of how Debby Boone was given a beautiful song to sing. It was simply a love song, but when Debby sang it, it became a song about so much more, the love we have for our heavenly Father. He does light up our life in so many ways. Please don't deprive yourself of the wonderful light of Jesus Christ. He does give us hope and so much more.



Have a great day, luv, Susan

A Spoonful of Sugar

I really loved the movie "Mary Poppins". I was reminded of it a couple times this past week. On the news someone wanted to see if she really was saying supercalifragilistic, etc. backward and on Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood yesterday, they featured a sidewalk artist. Anyway, it'll always be a wonderful part of my childhood. I hope it's yours.

I'm not Catholic, I'm Methodist. But in recent years I have wanted to acknowlege the season of Lent. This year, I finally was able to remember and act on Ash Wednesday. If you know me, you know I drink a lot of hot tea. Two cups in the morning, minumum, usually three or more. I've always added sugar. It used to be two teaspoons, more recent years, one will do. I thought depriving myself of the spoonful of sugar each time would ba a good reminder of missing something from my day. A daily reminder of the sacrifice He made for us.

I am ETERNALLY grateful for the unfathomable sacrifice my Lord made for me, a sinner.

It's supposed to be almost 70 degrees today, wow, Spring is here. Rejoice. Everyone have a great day. luv, Susan

All Praise and Glory to God

Dear Lord, Thank you for each and every blessing you've bestowed upon us this week. Thank you especially for your love, your forgiveness and the opportunity for our salvation through Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. I especially thank you for the opportunities to hear your message through Brad, Kix and Ronnie, Alan, and Kid Rock (yes, Kid Rock). Please be with us in the week ahead. I pray for wisdom and guidance this week. All Praise and Glory to God. Amen

I Hate To Rush

The weekend is always so busy, and I hate to rush. Mark likes to rush, nuf said. Just wanted to say , like I've said so many times before, I love Ellen Degeneres. She is a really special person. I love her show, she makes me laugh and she has some of the best, most caring people as her guests. I also like Oprah, so thank goodness for DVR, yes I'm hooked. Ellen had something really important to say on her show yesterday. It's pretty much said on Big Kenny's guitar of Big and Rich. If you don't know what his guitar says, it's "Love Everybody". That's all......... that's it........ it's really so simple ( I could jitterbug it ) . Sorry, that's someone else. Really, that's all I have to say about that. Have a great day, luv, Susan ps, prayers go out to all the GMA family