HE IS GOOD

It is raining outside this morning. Really gray and gloomy out there. I hope Mark is enjoying his hunting. This is definitely a challenging time for me as the dogs like to spend their time out in the yard each morning, but their instincts of sniffing out a deer's scent and alerting everyone within miles of their skills can cause friction in our household. So, we are laying low in the house, trying to be quiet, as the hunter awaits his prey in the woods out back.

You'd have to be disconnected from the world not to know the big news this morning, as the excitement has been building in the press now for days. William and Kate Middleton are engaged!! Thank goodness, we just can't wait, can we?

Takes me back to the early eighties when his dad got engaged to that shy young thing, Diana, that wouldn't even keep her head erect during publicity ops. I remember watching their wedding, as did the rest of the world apparently, what pageantry and pomp it was. But my most vivid memory is of when Prince William was born, because my little son was born just four days before. I still have the newspaper with Dustin's birth announcement buried in the hospital news. The arrival of William is on the front page. Congratulations to William and Kate. May they have the happiness in their marriage that his parents never had.

Saturday was the perfect day for a football game at Commonwealth Stadium. Too bad that we fell short of a sell out game. It was not the senior sendoff that I had hoped for, but, when the win/loss record is close to 50/50, I guess having over 60,000 Big Blue faithful show up, is actually quite good. I am just so happy that this team has been competitive with each team we've met this year, save Florida. I will really miss the fun and fellowship we've experienced at each of the home games. I am constantly delighted at the opportunities to reconnect with old friends and strengthen relationships with new friends at the gameday activities.

How crazy has Dancing With The Stars been this year? I've been amazed following the back stories of each participant. I was really sad when Curt Warner was eliminated. He was the front runner for Christian fans of the show. I was always impressed with his openness to pray with his partner each week and often describe himself as a Christian dad, how refreshing from a superstar athlete.

On a personal note, I am sad this week as we lost the last living link to my Grandma Pope, my mom's mom. Her baby sister, Faye, passed away in her nineties on Sunday morning. I used to love visiting her, when possible, and hear the stories she had to tell of when she and my grandma were little on their farm. Living away from family has always been hard.

I would so love to travel to Illinois to be with the family. Prior commitments, I'm afraid, are keeping me in Central Kentucky. My thoughts and prayers will be with them Wednesday and Thursday.

I've got to mention that today's UpperRoom reading today was a refreshing reminder for me. It recalled the wonderful story of Jesus, Mary and Martha found in Luke 10. As Jesus is visiting their home, meeting with followers, Martha is so busy taking care of all the details involved in having a houseful of company. Her little sister, Mary, is simply sitting at her Master's feet, listening intently to all he has to say. When Martha can stand no more, she approaches them and blurts out that Mary should be helping her with all this work. But, Jesus simply replies, "Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her." Wow, thank you, Lord, for reminding us that all the stuff that we get so wrapped up in around us, is really not important at all compared to what You have to teach us. I'm constantly trying to remind myself and those around me that we should spend more time taking care of those things that Jesus tried to tell us were important, our relationships, rather loving one another, than the things of the world that weigh us down and steal our time and energy.

I hope I can remember to weigh my choices today between the really important priorities of my life and those things that won't matter in the end.

I hope you have a safe and wonderful day today. Thank God for the rain that we've needed for sometime. He is good. luv, Susan

My Hero...........JESUS

I've been watching the Country Music Awards program for many years. It seems every year Brad Paisley is nominated for the biggest and most coveted award of all, Entertainer of the Year. He's also nominated for male vocalist of the year. Well, he often wins Male Vocalist, and never wins Entertainer of the Year. Even the fan poll last night, suggested that it would be Keith Urban, the Australian who would most likely receive Entertainer of the Year.

Well, when they had Gwyneth Paltrow begin her performance, I decided to take the dogs for their final outing of the night. I pushed the little red record button and headed to bed. After all, I hate staying up so late, to simply be disappointed again with the night's final award. With Blake Shelton snagging the Male Vocalist award, it appeared that Brad might be going home empty handed.

Well, I hope I didn't wake anyone this morning as I watched the last 18 minutes of last night's program. When Tim McGraw announced Brad Paisley as Entertainer of the Year, a scream of celebration lift my body. How wonderful, for Brad to finally get the recognition for putting his all into every performance for his fans. Woohooooo, Go Brad!!!

This mornings UpperRoom features an awesome scripture, Hebrews 12: 1-3. The most memorable words within it for me are: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus". What a perfect way to live our lives, always placing Him as our inspiration and our ultimate goal. We are reminded in this scripture that as we are running our race, He is waiting at the finish line for those of us who persevere and finish.

The UpperRoom writer uses Christ's face as the motivation and incentive to continue his efforts towards the ultimate finish line. One of my favorite songs, When I Get Where I'm Going, also mentions "when I see my Maker's face". The song's writer also describes his heaven as he reunites with his grandfather and tells him how he's missed him every minute since he left. How wonderful our heaven will be. I, too, look so forward to seeing my grandparents and loved ones when my time comes. In the meantime, we will run with perseverance, as we strive to do His work on earth.

Well, it is certainly going to be one more gorgeous day here in Central Kentucky. I don't know why we're being so blessed with this amazing weather, but I am so going to get out there and enjoy it. Oh, and did I mention that in Brad Paisley's acceptance speech how he thanked the man who he attributes his entire career to, his grandfather, who he mentions in one of his best songs, When I Get Where I'm Going.

Have a great day, I know I will. luv, Susan

November, Really?

What a beautiful, sunny morning it is today. Hard to believe that is is over a week into November, a month I usually consider to be described in hues of brown and gray. It is so bright outside this morning that the sun reflecting off the front windows of the house is actually casting light on the dark side of the trees in the yard. Amazing! It's been a while since the doggies and I have walked, but today looks like the perfect opportunity to head up the hill.

The UpperRoom reading this morning really took me back a couple years. The story is about an Israelite servant girl who tells a prominent general how to heal himself of leprosy. How does she know what he is to do for this healing is not revealed, however, he eventually follows her advice and does what she suggests. The healing does take place and the story continues.

The UpperRoom writer points out that when dire circumstances come our way, it is up to us, not to ask "Why Me?", but to ask "How can I do God's work in this circumstance?". This is a really difficult concept to adopt in our lives, especially when those difficult times come. I have been so blessed to not have those painful situations as part of my immediate family, yet, I have been oh so close to many an excruciatingly difficult and tragic experience for close loved ones.

I can even say that I have felt like the servant girl in this Old Testament story, when I was led to recommend others in pain, to what I felt would be their ultimate path to healing. Sadly, the advice was not always taken. Sometimes, even the most faithful followers can miss the path to spiritual peace, when confronted with life's most difficult circumstances.

I will continue my prayers for all my friends and loved ones in especially painful and challenging trials. I will also pray that they ask God to show them how they can use these difficulties to further His kingdom through their experiences.

Wednesday night will be the Country Music Awards show. I look forward to seeing Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood as they host for their third year. God has actually used both of these gifted artists in so many ways. I personally, have been given His message through their songs on more than one occasion.

Did you see the Bluegrass Stakes race on Saturday with Zenyatta and Blame? Because Zenyatta was a filly, going for a historic win, I was really hesitant to watch. I have painful memories of Eight Belles in the Derby and there's always the awful story of Ruffian and her last race against Foolish Pleasure. Both these talented fillies died following breakdowns during or immediately following their last race. It was really difficult to see if Zenyatta would win her 20th start. I only prayed that every horse entered would cross the finish line and that no horse would go down. Thankfully, that was the case, even though Zenyatta was beaten by a head by a Claiborne Farm horse from Paris. I hadn't even been aware that I had a neighbor in the race. My parent's home is adjacent to the storied horse farm where Secretariat lived out his life after his triple crown. Way to go Blame. I'm so happy to know both these horses will now retire to live out their days in comfort and security.

It will be such a beautiful day today and the next three days, it seems. We want to spend much of it outdoors. I hope you can do the same....have a wonderful and safe day. luv, Susan

Happy Birthday, Mark

It was a special treat for me this morning watching Good Morning America, as Brad Paisley was being interviewed and also performed. Of course, he was also part of Robin Robert's special last night, which was really fun to watch. It is always so nice to see even more of someone that you admire and respect, especially when they continue to reinforce those feelings with what they do and say. Brad never disappoints. He is such a wonderful role model for Christian entertainers and celebrities.

Today is Mark's birthday. He is turning the age that represents the year of my birth, as I am currently the age of the year of his birth. I have a lot to do today, so this will have to be short. The weather outside looks awesome with the sun shining, even though I know it is getting a bit crisp. Last night as I was driving out the driveway, I heard something across the way and watched a buck as it bounded off into the woods. It's really awesome to be able to see things like that on a daily basis. I'm on the outlook for my bluebirds to come back and hopefully, use the birdbath. It was always a favorite experience to watch several of them take turns getting their splashing and shaking done, usually one at a time, while the others waited around in the trees for their turn. That was in Henderson, so far here , they haven't seemed to catch onto the birdbath out back. I'm still waiting. But, thankfully, I have had several sightings of them in recent weeks, so I know they're still around.

It's going to be a busy weekend coming up, with a home football game and activities at church. We're already packing boxes to send overseas for Samaritan's Purse, one of Franklin Graham's ministries. I hope I'll get to take the dogs for some walks. I'm also planning a walk around our country block to collect cans and also to invite neighbors to church. This can be accomplished only if I have a friend and neighbor go with me. I hope it works out!! Last week we took part in a walk for Habitat for Humanity downtown Georgetown. It was amazing to see what lies just to the side of the main streets. This is really a beautiful town.

I am currently reading a book by former Buffalo Bill's quarterback Jim Kelly's wife, Jill Kelly. I spotted it a couple weeks ago and am really enjoying it. I hope to share more about their story at a later date. In the meantime, I hope you have a great day and enjoy this beautiful fall weather. I better start preparing for the birthday boy. Take care, luv, Susan

He Is In Control

Well, it's Election Day and I'm sitting here trying to review the issues and each candidate's stance concerning them. Remember, I am a procrastinator, after all.

But, before that, I needed to do my daily devotional, so I got the new UpperRoom. Since it comes out every two months, I am a day behind, since I was in too big a hurry yesterday to locate the new one I brought home from church weeks ago. Well, I found it and was reminded how close Christmas actually is. The cover depicts Mary and baby Jesus. How wonderful to know it's time to prepare for the annual celebration of the earthly arrival of our Lord and Savior.

My morning ritual before while driving to my volunteer job is to listen to Brad Paisley's CD that includes a really moving and mesmerizing song that I first heard when it was introduced on youtube. A dear friend sent it to me as she was moved by seeing it. This particular video was taken from the movie, Passion of the Christ. Many outtakes are edited together to show Jesus and Mary on the day of the crucifixion. It is excruciatingly painful to see Him and His mother as they endure this awful day.

The music put to this video is a song, rather a kind of conversational song between Mary and Jesus about a mother's pain seeing this unfold, yet the necessity of these unchangeable events. This haunting melody and simple lyrics gives me the state of mind and heart to start my day as I drive to town. The title is "New Again" and I just feel better knowing that I'm about to do my part of loving and serving, the message that He left for us, as he made everything new again through his sacrifice.

Back to the UpperRoom. I love seeing the manger scene, especially when all the animals are included. But this is quite different, as it is simply Mary cuddling her new baby, as any new mom would. Almost unnoticeable is the shadow that falls upon the otherwise, brightly lit picture. Yes, it's the shadow of the cross falling across the embrace of mother and son. We can never forget the cross when we are celebrating the birth! I always set one of the nails given me by a former youth pastor next to one of my Christmas nativities. The impending sacrifice must never be forgotten during our celebrations of his birth.

As I prepare to vote to put politicians in power, I am reminded by this cover art interpretation, that it was those in power who killed Jesus on the cross. It was Jesus who gave us the awesome example of giving himself for others; feeding, healing and teaching us to love and serve one another. I hope I can find some candidates who I feel are trying to do just that through their platforms.

I will continue to ask God for the wisdom and guidance and the discernment to make these decisions. But, primarily, I will rest in the comfort and peace of knowing that ultimately, God is in control. I hope you have a great day, luv, Susan

Horsing Around

If I remember correctly, I mentioned something about blowing winds last time. Well, they sure did blow here at our house. The powerful winds took down many branches from a dead oak tree in the woods behind the house. This tree had previously been hit by lightening, witnessed by Mark. The branches were then blown into the back yard and also onto our roof, thus taking down our satellite dish. When I got home from Lexington on Tuesday, it was quite the mess out back.

Thankfully, our satellite guy was out the next day to get us back in touch with the world. Mark and I experienced being out of the loop, so to speak, as we had no Good Morning America, The View, or the evening news to let us know the latest news. I even had to call my sister to find out who got voted off of Dancing With The Stars, thankfully, Curt Warner did not.

I'm still in the dark as to where Sam Champion is or what is going on with his family. They asked for prayers yesterday on GMA, but I don't think they were specific as to why. He's one of my favorite TV personalities, so I'm concerned.

I did, however, finally finish my latest book, The Horse That God Built, by Lawrence Scanlan. I bought it with birthday money last year, along with several others including, The Glass House, The Memory Keeper's Daughter, Anne Rice's first book about Jesus's life and another about Pete Maravich, one of my sports idols. I've always had an interest in Secretariat, being from Paris, Kentucky, where he was retired to stud at Claiborne Farm. My parents home is adjacent to the farm and I thought I'd eventually get to see him while he was there. I never did.

I think I started reading the Secretariat book last year, but then got distracted, and put it down. I picked it up again when I heard of the movie coming out, so that was my motivation to start reading it again. I finished it last night, so I'm now looking forward to going to see the movie. I hope I make it before it's too late. I previously put off going to see Avatar and was bailed out when they decided to rerelease it back to the theaters. And from looking at today's paper, I see I have missed the Horse Mania event as well. I really wanted to take a tour of Lexington and see all the horses, but, alas, they are being removed and relocated as I type. That's the downside of being a procrastinator.

Because of our temporary satellite blackout, I also avoided seeing the national evening news coverage of the assault prior to the Rand/Conway debates. Not only was this a Kentucky embarrassment, but I also understand the guy being charged is from my home town. I may have known a relative of his, not sure at this point.

The only tidbit of advice I have this morning is to read, if you get the chance, the story of Secretariat by Lawrence Scanlan. It focuses on the relationship between the horse and his groom, Eddie Sweat. I hope the movie brings out the importance of this relationship, but I hardly think it does. I was enlightened by so much of what goes on in the racing industry. The writer did his research in Ocala, Florida; Lexington, Kentucky; Belmont Race Track, New, York; and Secretariat's birthplace in Virginia. It was really a well documented and well told story. I hope to visit Claiborne Farm sometime in the future to see where Secretariat was buried. Hopefully, sooner than later.

I've got a lot going on these next several days, so I better get going. I've had the dogs out a lot this past week, but not for any walks. Even though today is supposed to be some twenty degrees cooler than yesterday's perfect weather, I hope to get out and walk all five. I hope you get out today as well, have a great one, luv, Susan

Blowing Winds

After experiencing day after day of dry, sunny, unseasonably warm days, something is blowing our way. We hope it's rain. Hopefully, it won't be anything violent. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about Kentucky politics. After blowing through the Commonwealth for weeks now, last night the most hotly contested race turned just that, violent. I'm embarrassed to see that Kentucky political supporters of an unnamed candidate physically assaulted an opposing candidate's backer. Regrettably, this all made the national news this morning. The majority of Kentuckians are sick and tired of all these negative ads and are having a hard time making sound, political decisions because of all this negativity by campaigns on both sides. We know that college behavior should be ignored as irrelevant to today's races. I just pray that God will give us the wisdom to make the best decisions when election day comes.

I've been having continued health issues of a periodontal nature. Simply speaking, I've had gum surgery this past week. It hasn't been pleasant and I'm hoping and praying for positive results ahead. This, however, did not prevent me from attending the last UK game, which was really painful to witness. Many UK fans simply headed for the exits when things went from bad to worse in the third quarter. We remaining fans kept the faith as there were real attempts at coming back. We will hope for a more competitive game in Starkville this Saturday. Go Big Blue!!!

This mornings UpperRoom was a favorite, familiar devotional, the story of the prodigal son. This son takes his inheritance early and goes off and foolishly squanders it. When he realizes that he is at rock bottom, wanting to eat even the pigs' meal for sustenance, he makes the decision to return home. He is willing to become a hired servant to his father, knowing that he has become unworthy of his former position of a devoted and loved son. He approaches his father with a fully repentant heart, asking for forgiveness and mercy. Remarkably, the father welcomes him home with open arms and restores him, with celebration, to his "rightful" place.

This is a wonderful story and parallels how God will welcome us back into his loving arms after we have gone astray and ignored his loving guidance in our lives. The best part is that it is so true. As long as we are repentant and ask for forgiveness for our sins, it doesn't matter how long we have strayed from Him, He is just so thrilled to have us back, He celebrates our return!

If you haven't read this story in a while, it is found in Luke, chapter fifteen. Many of us can relate to the older brother in the story. He, who has always done everything exactly right, is not feeling very much like partying over his little brother's return. I hope we will see the return of the "lost sheep" as God does and party on.

I'm not sure what to expect in today's weather, but I do know that God is in control of it and everything else. So, I know it will be a great day. I hope you have a great day and stay safe no matter which way the wind is blowing. luv, Susan