WE CANNOT REALLY LOVE ANYBODY WITH WHOM WE NEVER LAUGH. Agnes Repplier.

I surround myself with people who make me laugh. OMG! When I think of the zaniness of my girlfriends…. It’s over the top. Here’s some of the things…crazy things we’ve done: Went to many events and teas wearing red hats. Celebrate birthdays together. Went to Myrtle Beach. We had our pics taken, wearing long shirts. While walking together we all looked as if we had our 20-year-old bodies wearing bikinis. Christmas shopping trips Movies and dinner. Unconditional love and support for one another. Bible studies and Women of Faith Events However, within all of…

God Defines Me

One week after The Women of Faith Convention, I got an amazing phone call from Linda Grace. “I have a scripture that I’m supposed to give you. Habakkuk 1:5 Look at the nations and watch, and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Hab 2: 2-3 Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false…

YOU DON’T STOP LAUGHING BECAUSE YOU GROW OLD.YOU GROW OLD BECAUSE YOU STOP LAUGHING!….Michael Pritchard.

Good Lord, I love to laugh! I spend a lot of playtime with my grandkids, girlfriends, family, former students and parents. First thing in the morning, before my feet hit the floor, I pray. I praise God for my blessings, and ask Him to walk with me through the day. As Granny always taught me, ”Laughter is the best medicine!” How right she was. I love to surround myself with people with a great sense of humor. Recently, I went to The Black Hills with 3 friends. We drove 2 days out and back. Trust me friends, next vacation, we…

WOMEN OF FAITH IN CINCY..JAN’99

The Weigh Down Group decided to attend The Women of Faith Convention in Cincinnati. I was honored, due to the fact that the first convention I attended was in my hometown. I took a Friday off and we headed to the Queen City. We attended a smaller preconference the day before the convention. The speaker was Becky Terribassi. The format of her presentation revolved around her book entitled, ”Change Your Life.” The premise of the book was how to change your mind/life by reading The Word an hour per day. As the day progressed, in my spirit I kept…

“NOT UNTIL WE ARE LOST DO WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND OURSELVES”…H.D. Thoreau

In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I absolutely love looking up quotes of wisdom. One sentence, or just a few words, can alter someone’s life. There comes a time in our life, when struggles seem overwhelming. If you are a Christian, you realize that struggles form our characters. It’s God’s way of molding us. Quite often when I give my testimony, I begin with the following sentence: God took me apart, and put me together the way He wanted me to be. It was anything but a fun ride. However, now I bear…

Weigh Down Workshop with Gracie

On Sept. 28, 1998 I went with Gracie to Columbus Vineyard to attend a Weigh Down Workshop. I had attended a few services prior to this event, and was very fulfilled with its format. Therefore, I was going with great expectations. There were a series of three classes that year. I didn’t lose a lot of weight. However, I lost a ton of baggage. One eve in November, during the last class, we had a Blessing Night. During this event, attending members call upon The Holy Spirit to speak blessings upon one another. As a catholic, I’d never…

WHY SUE BLOGS

Well, here I go! God has told me to put myself out there! I will reveal my story in sections with small bits and pieces. Whatever God does with this, is totally His job, not mine. I’m just being obedient. Twenty years ago I had a very defining conversation with Col. Grandpa. While standing under our 400 year old Burr Oak tree in our barn lot I told him, ”Someday, this tree is going to tell a story.” He answered, “Honey, for what it’s worth, entitle it The Erstwhile Acorn.”   The following is the preface of my…

AN IDLE MIND IS THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP

Wow! Now that’s a tough one, in this day and age. If ever I would say, ”I’m bored,” Granny came forward with her favorite quote. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop, Little One. Get Busy.” That didn’t often happen. During the summer, I was a “playin outside sorta kid!” During the school years, it was schoolwork or playing with the little cousins next door. Recently, I was on a trip with close friends. One of the prominent discussions that always occurs is the following: *Sue:Before technology, I was on my bike all day. I…

THE STORYTELLER

        Two years ago, at the invitation of a friend, I joined a Bible Study at a local church. I had been welcomed in by a wonderful group of women from a different denomination. In case you haven’t figured it out, as of yet, my Jesus has no denomination!        Last year, in our first week of study, one of the women brought up the topic of “Praying in the Spirit.”  She was unfamiliar with the topic so many of us chimed in, on the explanation.      God brought to mind my dear friend, Jean.  We had taught preschool together years ago…

GOD REWORKED GRANNY’S QUOTE

       The above quote was reiterated to me a zillion times, whenever I displayed despair. Granny heard it from my great-grandparents and passed it on. It wasn’t a soothing quote. If fact, it tended to tick me off more times than not. I was young. No one was going to tell me what to do.     One day, and God spoke to my heart quite clearly. After all of the mountains that He helped me climb, and all of the storms that He pulled me through, I had been given incredible spiritual strength.  “I can do all things through Christ…

CRAZY HORSE

During our trip to the Black Hills, I believe that the most significant memorial that we visited was Crazy Horse. Don’t get me wrong. Mt Rushmore was over the top….amazing! My pride as an American, and love of country, brought tears to my eyes. However, being married to Mr. Moo Cow for 45 yrs., the care of the land is vastly important to our family. So when you read further on, you’ll understand how the visit to The Crazy Horse Memorial, so touched my heart. Two of my husband’s favorite quotes that he reiterates to the…

THE STORY TELLER

Recently, it has become clear to me that I need to go in a new direction. I have had so many “God-Thing” Stories in my own Life, not to mention all of the stories He has brought to me. If you have a God-Thing to share, send it to me. I always collected stories from friends and acquaintances. Once you read the first article….. you will totally understand why I am changing my venue.   KRISTA THE STORYTELLER Do You Believe In Angels?   Recently I went on a two week Vacation to South Dakota with my Best…

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR HERITAGE

  Granny always knew that I was the grandchild that loved to be inundated with family history. As a child, I’d always gaze at the picture that hung next to my bed. It is now displayed in a special corner of my dining room anointed with the name, ”Granny’s Corner.” My historical work of art was created by my great grandmother, Josephine Mestimacher Harman. It is a crocheted picture of The Crucifixion. Right before she passed in 1941, I was told that she was working on a picture of The Last Supper. However, it was never to be…

THE   STORM

Quotes speak to my heart in a very powerful way. It’s amazing how a few words can create emotion, empathy and compassion. While investigating pinterest for quotes pertaining to strength, I came upon a picture of a fierce lion. These animals always depict strength, as they are kings that reign over all other animals. Superimposed upon the visage is the following quote: “The devil whispered you can’t withstand the storm. The warrior replied, ”I am the storm.” After I read the quote, it was as if The Holy Spirit was having a heart to heart with me. “Really…

VIOLETS ON THE FARM

Memories       The other day, I was walking with the pups in our barn lot filled with dandelions. As Petie and Sadie were wrestling at my feet, I looked down and visualized the prettiest purple posies…. Sweet violets. MEMORIES…………………………….   One of my earliest memories…..I was 3 years old, walking with my mom in the big ,open field, next to our home near Cincinnati. In 1952. Montgomery was a sleepy little town, where everyone knew their neighbors, and those who owned local businesses, were familiar friends. Somewhere, there is a picture of me in my little sundress picking daisies and…