Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July.  I hope you have a wonderful holiday, celebrating with family and friends.  I love this country.  I suppose most citizens love their home country but I think we have something really worthy of admiration and adoration here in America.

Where birth does not determine societal rank.  Where ideas are discoursed and debated without fear of authoritarian reprisal. Where power belongs to the people and authority is peaceably delegated and transferred.  Where diligence and perseverance can make the difference between putting food on the table and not.  Where "poor" is a relative term.  Where generosity is the norm.  Where differences of politics and opinions and religion don't have to impede the  joining of forces to help those in need or standing together to weather tough times.  Where watermelon and fried chicken and homemade ice cream are enough to guarantee a good time for all.  Especially if it's peach.  Just sayin.

Yes, I know there's a lot wrong with this country.  I don't like the stonewalling and hypocrisy and overspending that seems to characterize the center of government.  I think it's a big problem that those we have elected sometimes forget who they work for.  The power of special interest groups irritates me.  And I think we have strayed from the Constitutional framework of our founding.

But I still love this place.  There's no where else I'd rather live.  We can solve the problems.  Generations before us have solved problems and we can, too. 

God Bless America.  And may America live so that we will be a blessing to Him.

Jonathan

I promised a picture of Jonathan.  Took me a week but finally got it.  Well, actually Chip got it.  Anyhow, here it is.  Cutest little boy alive.  And his gorgeous Mommy.  Happy birthday, again, Jonathan!  We had a great time this weekend.  And, remember - what happens at Suzie's stays at Suzie's .  :):) Especially what you got to eat for breakfast.......

Happy birthday, Jonathan

One year ago today, the world changed completely.  The 2nd cutest little boy in the universe was born.  My Katie had Jonathan.  And nothing will ever be the same again.


Folks ask Paul and me if we like being grandparents.  We don't know how to answer cuz we don't feel like grandparents!  We still have two kids of our own and home so we are still knee deep in parenting.

So, what's grandparenting like?  Not sure.  But watching my firstborn be a Mommy, well, that's something I can talk about.  It is GRAND indeed!  She's a really really really good Mom.  She's smart and organized and happy and fun and wise and totally smitten with this kid.  I would like to take credit for it, truly I would.  But I am not stupid and I know I am not responsible for the job she's doing.  It's just God's grace, pure and simple.  Her obedience in love and God's grace in abundance.  Boy, it's fun to watch.

And, Jonathan, well, we are pretty sure he's perfect.  He's really cute. I'll try to post a picture so you can see for yourself.  And really smart and fun and adorable.  You are probably thinking "of course she would say that!  "  You don't have to take my word for it, though.  You can ask Cap'n.  Or Bunky.  Or Ruru.  They will tell exactly the same thing.  The only thing possibly wrong with this little boy is that he lives too far away.  Next door to me would be far better.

Happy birthday, JMA.  You are our treasure.  (and our reward for not killing your Mommy a couple of times???)  I pray for you all the time and I look forward to watching God's answers in your life through the years. You will be a man of courage and compassion and integrity and wisdom.  Cap'n and I love you.  Come see us soon.  If necessary, bring the 'rents :)

And let's practice saying "Suzie".  It's the magic word to get ice cream and puppy dogs and tractors.
Promise.

Tidbits on the Tongue

I don't know about you but my tongue has gotten me in more trouble than any other thing about me.  Far too many times, I have said things that I shouldn't have even thought, much less said.  And I'll bet every single one of us can easily recall the times somebody's else's tongue has scorched our hearts.  Ouch. 

Over the next several posts, we'll let some verses talk instead of our own tongues. Let's start off with that powerful reminder from Proverbs 18:21 -

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Til next time,
Suzanne

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the men in my life!  I don't take it lightly that my cup overflows, especially when it comes to my Daddy, my husband, my brother, and my father-in-law.  All are strong men of impeccable character. All of them love my children...and me.  And all of them made all the difference in the world in my life.

Today's culture needs more men like these.  Men who work hard to support their family.  Men who serve their country and their community. Without thought of fame or recognition. Men who are generous with their time and their resources.  Men who are say no to what's wrong and who defend what's right.  Men who lead churches and coach Little League teams.  Men who take their kids camping and teach them life skills. Men who are courageous enough to stand up for ones being mistreated.  Men who are not passive but willing to be proactive.  Men who will absorb personal loss in order to afford greater gain for their family.  Men who love their wife more than themselves. Men whose lives are worthy of emulation.

Dads, today is your day.  Most of the time you are prefer to be in the background.  Just observing.  Content with your role to provide and protect.  But today we celebrate you.  And we thank you. We do notice.  We know you have a choice and that you have chosen well.  May God bless you.  Because you have certainly blessed us!

Proverbs 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity-- How blessed are his children after him!

Amen and amen.

Just a closing word to us wives and moms and daughters and sisters ---- may God grant us the grace to encourage and support and deserve men like this.  Amen.