Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Trust...A Big Word!

Note:  If any of you sign in using your Google Account and are experiencing problems leaving Comments, please un-check the (Keep me signed In) button....this will allow you to comment!  Not sure what has been going on with this, but hopefully they will get the problem resolved quickly.





Trust......just how big is this word?

The word Trust means to put confidence in......assured reliance of character....belief....hope...dependence....no fear.

Just try saying it.....The word Trust is so very easy to say.
Is it really that easy to do?

I Trust God....My Heavenly Father....

To be able to say these words, I must Trust HIM with
every part of my life.......

Did you know that living in FEAR is not TRUST?

Have you ever been afraid to Pray for something or someone, because it seems that the more you pray, the worse the situation becomes?

This my friends is FEAR and not Trust!!!!

Did I just slap {Yours Truly} in the face? ..........  This is exactly what I catch myself doing sometimes....  The harder and deeper I pray, the more that the enemy {DEVIL} trys to steal my joy..........

It's kinda like......"Just don't think about the issue".....the situation will still be there, but at least the enemy will not be rearing it's ugly head.  We all have loved ones or people that we know that need the Lord.....We can not stop Praying for their salvation just because we FEAR what they may have to go through before they surrender to GOD.....

Through the POWER of God.....I have the authority to walk straight into the enemy's camp and take back what he has stolen from me...
The enemy is UNDER my feet!

The enemy can not steal my joy unless I allow it!


VICTORY comes when we put ALL our Trust in the Lord!!!


He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord. Psalm 112: 7



Sweet Blessings......

Shug ~











Monday, May 30, 2011

Generations of Americans!

"Memorial Day....2011"




On this Memorial Day, May 30th....2011

Let us give Honor to the generations of Americans that have died serving our Country....

May we pay our respect and may we acknowledge to the families how grateful we are that their loved ones fought and sacrificed for our freedom!
They will not be FORGOTTEN!

                          {Borrowed Picture}



{Borrowed Picture}




For some, Memorial Weekend is the kick off to a great Summer Season....We celebrate by having cookouts, going to the opening day at the pool, taking the family out to the lake and sometimes by taking a "MINI" vacation.   These things are all great and I think it is great to spend time with our family.....

BUT....Memorial Day....is also a day of paying respect and honoring our Military!

I would like to ask each of us to Pause at some point during the day, to think about the men and women that have given their lives and for those that are serving our Country today in order that we might have FREEDOM!!!  We need to lift them up in Prayer and ask God to protect each of them....


Enjoy this day......stay safe......and please pray!

Shug ~

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Tremendously Awesome Weekend

"Super BIG....WOW"  ..........................

Busy, Busy Weekend.  Now, ........I'm not one to take a nap during the day, but I had to grab me a few winks before I could even start to post today...

We have gone from the "City Fest" to "Vegas" to the "Church Homecoming," all in about a 24 hour period of time......

Our Town celebrated a "City Fest" this weekend.....
I love how the theme was centered around "Memorial Day."  So many flags, several speakers, music, FOOD, craft vendors and to top it off,  FIREWORKS!!!


Remember the flags????   This is such a beautiful photo!  Nothing like seeing the "American Flag" flying!!

The money raised at this years event is going to the Chandler Memorial Library....There are several things planned for the future of the Library...

I feel very Blessed to live in this small town that supports such things as a nice Library for all the citizens to enjoy.....

                          ***********

Then, it was off to "Las Vegas"......

Mylee Jo was in her very first "Dance Recital" ever!



Need I say more???

Ok...just a few words....

Her group stole the show!!!! No kidding....



These precious little darlings danced to
"Splish, Splash, I Was Taking A Bath"
and
"Teddy Bear" by Elvis......

All day this past Friday, Mylee and (I) danced to
Splish, Splash and I can tell you,....  We Were Making Some Moves!!

Then we moved on to "Just want to be your Teddy Bear"......Almost threw my back out on this one!!!

WOOOO....I'm tired all over again!

**********

Next, it was our "Church Homecoming."

   It was great to see folks that we haven't seen in a few years....Everything was special about the day.....Our new Pastor (who is WONDERFUL....AND SO is his BEAUTIFUL WIFE and kids) spoke about reunions and how someday as Christians we are going to have the ultimate reunion with our Lord!!!

The meal was FANTASTIC and there was soooooo much food!


A Tremendously Awesome Weekend!!!

Totally Sweet Blessings to You all!!

Shug

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Yellow Treasure!

Optimism....HAPPINESS....Enlightenment...
Clarity.....Awareness.....Warmth......Humor...Joy...
ENERGY!!!!



"YELLOW"................Is an exciting color that brings a lot of vibrance to our lives....A touch of yellow adds charm to any room and it speaks a welcome tone to all those that enter....

A few months ago, I saw this beautiful bedding set at "Target"

The moment that I saw it, I knew this was exactly what I had been looking for to go in our Master Bedroom....




Love, Love, Love this pillow.....The yellow against the white is so clean looking.....



Oh my....I love this one tooooo!



A touch of red............??




Wa...La....  Exactly what I was looking for!

                        "My Intent?"

To Revitalize the spirit of Love and to bring about a constant mood of comfort and happiness!

                               * * * *

Hope you'll find a treasure in the sunshine!!

Shug ~


What do Yellow tulips mean?   Thoughts of cheerfulness!
What do Yellow Roses mean?  Friendship....They say: "You Make Me Happy"

Friday, May 27, 2011

Take My Hand, Precious Lord

"Take My Hand, Precious Lord...."

These are the words that came to my mind this past Wednesday night.....it was if I could hear the words coming straight from Tori's heart....


(Wish my picture was a little more clearer, but this will do)


Our Oldest granddaughter "Tori" was baptized this past Wednesday evening!

Tori is 9 years old......

How wonderful it is when a child decides to ask God into their heart and they learn to "Trust" Him to lead and guide them.....

Not only was Tori baptized, but she was baptized by her "Great-Grandfather" pastor J.W. Thomison..
How AWESOME!!


I am almost positive the words "Take my Hand Precious Lord" were coming from Tori's heart, because she loves the Lord so very much and wants to walk each day with God holding her hand.......

But.....I figure she just might have had a second reason to say these words as well....
Tori, road to church with Sam and I Wednesday night and just as we pulled into the church parking lot, Tori said:  "Shug, you know that Paw Pa has that cane....
(at this point I could see her little mind working)

Well.....what if he can't hold me without his cane?"

We assured her that everything would be OK and that Paw Pa would be fine without the cane!!!

"Take My Hand Precious Lord"........words that I pray will always live in Tori's heart!!

~ ~ ~ ~
Have a fabulous Friday!




Just one of my metal flags that go across my front flowerbeds!



My new ride......I think my license plates look
wonderfullyfantasticsuperb!!!

Sweet, Sweet Blessings....

Shug ~


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Good-Bye Bug.....

Well....I don't know what has been going on with blogger, but I sent each of you the sweetest comment last night and for some (unknown) reason, not one single one of the comments would post!!!  Guess I'll try again today....

                                                          *******************



I said Good-bye to my little RED bug.....You know, the little RED bug that I really loved!  Yep....this past weekend, I said good-bye to my sweet little red bug.





I was crazy about this car, but it was just too small to haul all my grandkids!  Mylee and I traveled a lot of miles in this vehicle.  Needless to say, the car seat and Mylee's growing, little, legs were too big of a match for the space in the back seat.

I am loving my new vehicle.....Three rows of seats and plenty of space....Did I mention that it is "Black?"  One of my favorite colors!  And.....I still have my license plates.....




It really was time to say Good-bye to the Red bug......Now it's time to enjoy my new Blessing! 


When we take the time to notice and reflect upon the simple things in life, we never lack God's unending Love!

Please remember to keep the people of our Country in your prayers...Those that have loss loved ones and those that have loss their homes due to tornadoes, flooding, and other acts of weather related tragedies.......

Sweet Blessings this day.....

Shug ~

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Prayer Is POWERFUL!

Good Morning to my wonderful friends....

Take a look at this picture......


I apologize for the clarity of the picture, but I think you can understand the depth of the message that our son-in-law, Tom was trying to convey to us when he sent this picture via his blackberry phone........ 

Tom flew out of Dallas this past Sunday morning to enjoy a well-planned "Fly-Fishing" trip on the white river in the North East part of Arkansas.......A three day trip, fishing on the beautiful river and just enjoying a few days off....

Tom sent this picture Monday while fishing way down on the river.......When they finally were able to get off of the river, and get back into town, the sirens were already sounding....
This storm only dished out winds and rain, but there certainly was a big enough scare to drag these fly-fishermen off of that river!   Thank goodness....

As you all know.....Mother Nature has really been hitting our Country with some HUGE storms....
Much Prayer is needed for the families that have suffered so much loss. 

Storms may be powerful, but Prayer is POWERFUL!!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
                  Isaiah 41:10

************** 

Shug ~






Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Mountain Or Molehill?

Hi  There  ya'll........




Have you checked your "Blood Pressure" today?

I saw a quote the other day that I want to share with you.....

"One way to get High Blood Pressure is to go mountain climbing over molehills!"

"Making a mountain out of a molehill.  This idiom is a metaphor for the common behavior of responding disproportionately to something."

Some of you may be thinking, Huh?    What is she talking about?

I'm talking about making way too much of a fuss out of a situation that is so minor......Our anger is a very powerful emotion and it can easily cause a rise in our Blood Pressure if we allow it to.

I think the reason that this quote stood out to me is because I have realized that it is so important for me to stay clear of those that do make  "MOUNTAINS OUT OF MOLEHILLS!"    I am sure that we all know people like this.....those that seem to constantly build  Rocky  Mountains in their lives.   They never seem to be able to walk on any kind of solid, sturdy ground....    Actually, they are constantly looking for a new molehill to make a mountain out of.....

I don't know about you, but I just do not have the time to climb this kind of mountain!  Especially if it is going to cause my blood pressure to rise....

 I certainly hope to be on top of the mountain today and I'd like to invite you all to be there with me.....I hope that we can enjoy the day and Praise God for the Blessings of having His mountain to stand on!


Hugs,

Shug ~

Monday, May 23, 2011

Chill Bumps On Me......

Wow....I have really missed visiting all of you these past few days....I have been soooo BUSY!  ....I have only been on the computer to post and that is about it!

I know I'll find the time to catch up this week....Sure hope I haven't missed signing up for any good Give-Aways!!!  Love these things....



 Sam and I attended our 40th High School Class Reunion this past weekend.......(Yes, Sam and I graduated together)

We had a wonderful Reunion...

(I'll have more about the reunion a little later in the week)

******

I have a few pictures that I want to share with all of you...

I am so very proud to live in the small town/city of
Chandler....

It is a wonderful thing when people take pride in their town/city. 



These flags were put up last week.....

I'm not exactly positive, but I believe that there are 300 flags flying on this empty lot in the downtown area.




Let me tell you, this is a beautiful sight to see when driving through our "City with a Heart."
It really puts chill bumps on me....We are so Blessed!    These flags are in honor of the men and women that fight for our freedom every single day...AND in memory of those that have given their lives for our FREEDOM.


I know that you too would be in AWE if you were able to see all 300 or so of these flags blowing in the wind....A beautiful sight to see!!




The above flag is what hangs from the light poles in town....
They stay up all year long with the exception of Christmas time.....(Christmas decorations have to go up)


I am extremely proud to live here....

It is wonderful to know that the citizens of our Town/City  have so much Pride for our Country!

But.....After all,  we are the "CITY WITH A HEART"

Sweet Blessings,

Shug




Sunday, May 22, 2011

Welcome Today!



WHATEVER THE DAY BRINGS....

GIVE PRAISE!

WELCOME THE DAY THAT THE LORD

HAS MADE!




Sweet Blessings to you all.....

Shug ~

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Getting Ready for # 40.......

Good Morning Sweet Friends!

I have a much busy day planned for today.....

Today is my 40th High School Class Reunion.....So hard to believe...

Simply can not wait to see friends that I haven't seen in 10 or 15 years....We have been the best of classmates, best of friends, for so long now!  Our class has always stayed very close.   I think we are one of the few classes that has enjoyed a class reunion every 5 years since we graduated.

Some have just not been able to attend in previous years, but will be here today.....

Take a look at a few of our old High School Pictures....

Pictures of the Reunion to come later this next week!!



Check out the hair-do!  Still makes me laugh.


My Sweetie.....(Sam)
Oh my, what changes he has made!


Yes.....I played basketball....
# 23.....the Best number of all times!


A bit blurry!  I do aplogize..
The girl on the far right with the black vest.....that's me!  Big Hair!



I had a few more pictures to add, but they were just not clear enough....

Hope your day is good......

Blessings,

Shug

Friday, May 20, 2011

Big News!

Woo...Hoo...!     I have some BIG news to tell!

Maybe it's just a CONFESSION!  

As they say......Confessions are good for the soul....





I COOKED YESTERDAY!

Not only did I cook, but I cooked an entire meal!

Yes Mam....Yes Sir.....that is exactly what I said...

This is my big NEWS! 



NO sandwiches, no hot dogs, no hamburgers,

and "NO"..... McAllisters!!



No Subway Sandwiches!

No Subway pizza and No salads....



NO Fruit bowls, and NO take out.....

and I'm sure you are saying  "What's the big deal?"


The big deal is that I haven't cooked in FOREVER!!

Nada.....Nothing....Not one single thing!!

Oh wait.....I did cook a brisket for our "Pastor" the other day!  Does that count?  It wasn't for my family and it was too easy...added a few spices and threw it in the oven...

********

Anyways........I woke up yesterday morning and decided to surprise SAM..

I cooked.... Golden Mushroom Chicken, Fresh Green Beans, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Bread, Iced Cold Tea, and Warm Buttery Bread Pudding!!

*****************



   AND NOW FOR THE CONFESSION!!


OK...Ok....my hands are finally well, but the family doesn't have to know all my secrets, DO THEY?



I suppose I'll now be back in the kitchen, FULL TIME.....      I really do love to cook!!

Some good recipes to come!

Looks like it could be a stormy day....Be safe and enjoy your Friday..

Sweet Blessings,

Shug

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Powerful Eight Letter Word!


The word "Patience".....an eight letter word that packs a powerful punch.

It is almost as if this is a word that needs to be feared!  How often have you heard.."Oh, don't pray for patience"....."Because you will be tested!"

I have heard this so many times!!

The real truth is that we can actually "BENEFIT" from having or giving patience..

When we make a conscious effort to develop patience, we are protecting ourselves from undue stress in our lives...

Another way to look at it is that PATIENCE....is the greatest gift that we can give to others....

When we show patience to others, we are sending a message of kindness and respect....

ALL IT TAKES IS A LITTLE
EFFORT ON OUR PART....

IN EVERY ACT OF KINDNESS, THERE IS A SEED OF PATIENCE....Which = LOVE!

Let us all practice a little Patience today!

Sweet Blessings,

Shug ~

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A Season of closure.....


God gives us seasons in our life, and we never know the length of time that He is going to ask us to trust Him....

Just this week.....one of our season's was closed!

Two years ago, this coming June.....Sam and I felt that God was asking us to open the doors of our home and give Taylor (my great niece) a home.....
Taylor was a sophomore in high school....

Both of her parents are deceased and she had no where else to go....Sam and I prayed about it and both felt very peaceful about what we knew God was asking us to do...

Taylor will graduate from HS in just two weeks....but, she has made a decision to move in with her BFF and her BFF's family......She has our Blessings and we are just praying that she uses wisdom in making future decisions...

God opened the door.....and now it is closed....
Now, We must Trust that God will use the seeds that Sam and I have planted in Taylor's life and that she will seek God on a daily basis, and allow Him to order her footsteps....

I packed her room this week, and she picked up all of her things yesterday.......it has brought me a lot of sadness....However, I know that God really does control the Seasons of our life and I need to be grateful that He chose me to help a loved one that was in need..

I do not know what Taylor's tomorrow holds, but I do know who holds TOMORROW!

                            ************

So....today I will be shopping and picking up some items to decorate for my 40 year High school class...
reunion...  I know what I am looking for, but if anyone has any simple ideas about centerpieces for a Western theme, then send them my way!  Nothing elaborate, just something cheap, easy and adorable!!  I love suggestions!!

Hope you all have a day that is filled with bright sunshine and lots of happiness....

Just want to say "Thank You" for all of your uplifting comments yesterday!
Love my blogging Friends!


Sweet Blessings,

Shug ~

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Crackers In The Bed!

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you....
                                     Isiah 26:3  NIV

Have you ever been so tired and simply could not wait to crawl into your warm comfy bed.  You quietly crawl in and wiggle around, trying to find your perfect dip.  The one that your body knows so well and snugly fits in to each and every night.

Suddenly you feel something that is scratching you, and digging into your skin, causing you great irritation....With one swipe of your hand, you feel it......"Crumbs" have made their way into your bed and have settled between you and that soft, delicate sheet.  It's a "Crummy" feeling isn't it?

In order to gain that peaceful nights sleep that you have so been longing for, you must take the steps to remove the cracker crumbs that are bringing you such misery. You crawl out of bed and attempt to remove every single crumb....

Even after we settle back into bed, our minds take us to the thought of that one single scratchy crumb that {MIGHT} wake us up during the middle of the night...We keep feeling under our back, swiping at the sheets,  to make sure that what could rob us of a good nights rest is gone....

Sometimes in life, crumbs have a way of sneaking in on us, bringing us misery and pain.  It is up to us to let our own spirit of peace begin to remove the crumbs that are causing us pain or discomfort. 

 It is our Faith that allows us to believe that all will be well even when our emotions are screaming right the opposite....

We must do all that we can to prevent the "crumbs" of life from stealing our joy!

I try to always bring inspiration to my post, no matter what kind of day I am having...Well, today I have a few crumbs that are trying to steal my peace!

Send me your best "Inspiration Quote" and help me get rid of the crumbs that are trying to sneak into my life!


I appreciate you all and send you my hugs!

Sweet Blessings,

Shug ~

Monday, May 16, 2011

ZERO-In



Zero.......In

These are my words for today...

This does not happen often, but there have been times when I am completely set on what it is that I want to post for the day, and then something happens and I realize the importance of sharing a few different words!

Today is one of those days!

Why did I choose the words ZERO-IN?  Because I realize how important it is for us to Zero-In on what is really important in life!

Our relationship with God....FAMILY....Friends.....
Love.....Compassion....Laughter.....Hugs.....
Smiles...Peacemaking

These are the things that can help us to be the successful person that most of us strive to be....

Without them......Life can be DIFFICULT!

It is so important for us to ZERO-In on each one of these traits.  If just one of these qualities is missing from our daily life, then we are not doing all that we can to be the best person that we can be. 

If we do not allow love and compassion to fill our own hearts, then how can we possibly pass it on to our family and friends?
The world needs our hugs, smiles, laughter and peace?

One of the first things that we need to realize is that WE MUST LOVE OURSELVES.....(but not to the point of being selfish)

If we do not love ourselves, then these other characteristics will not be able to shine through us....

Yes......we need to Zero-In and make sure that our lives are filled to capacity with these great attributes.....THEN, we need to make sure that each of these things are passed down to our children and grandchildren....

Do you get what I am saying here?

We must ZERO-In and put first things first!

GOD and Family!

Blessings today!

Shug ~




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