Due Diligence

Good Morning Friends,

So a new year has begun and life just goes right along with it.

It is funny looking back at the last 3 years in my life and seeing what I thought I simply could not handle and seeing now how very much I did handle. God has stretched, pulled, wrung out and squeezed and pushed me to what I thought were my very limits only to show me I had no limits in Him. 

We get so comfortable in our little lives and hope for the best, or just trudge along hoping for sunny skies. Wanting more, money, health, peace. Which feel unattainable until we realize, all things are attainable and reachable, we just have to reach and stretch to reach them. A child or me will want a cookie on the top shelf and do everything they can to get it until they succeed. But if it is something we want but aren't willing to get uncomfortable for, we want it handed to us, there is no struggle to get it, we don't appreciate it as much. The peace I have today, the hope I have today, the strength I have today is earned. God can give you peace by asking, but working to get it will make it life changing peace, peace that doesn't leave you. You wear it like a birthday pin. Proud and sharable. Not that I would encourage anyone to endure the pain I have felt, but I also DO encourage you to look past the present situation and pursue peace in Him alone.  I don't make New Years resolutions, but this year I did want to change life. I wanted that joy and peace and happiness. I proclaimed it would be different, not a resolution which I believe has a hidden meaning: To want badly, but to know it will only last 2 weeks. I want a life changing peace. not a temporary fix. I want to be used by God.

I want to spread hope. I want to share my journey. 

If you had those things and have lost them, you may have been holding them loosely and forgotten to be diligent in pursuing them. I grow frustrated  in my daily life and wonder where my joy is. Where my peace has gone? Well it is there but I kinda drug it on the ground and it got full or dirt and dust. So I need to learn to take care of those things, don't let them grow mediocre and mundane, but  also don't put them on a shelf and just use them for special occasions either. We have to learn to wear them like a favorite sweater, you just grab it and wear it without thinking, it is comfortable and broke in. You don't worry how you look in it because it is almost part of you. You need to feel so comfortable with the things of God you wear them well and with confidence. 

I  have to be diligent, always aware of my mouth and my surroundings, Sometimes I open it and the dumbest things come out, but training it to wear the things of God also, will only work in my favor.

Like now this moment, my son had an appointment I once again messed up the time on. He has been out 3 days from school with a temp. and they cannot go for 24 hours of the last high temp.  I was picking up my computer and the screen cracked AGAIN. for the 3rd time in 2 months. I have a head ache and a meeting to get ready for. Breathe....Breathe....let it go. somethings are not worth the stress

Suddenly my Josh Groban CD mysteriously started in the kitchen singing "Surrender" God is so funny sometimes. Well I better get ready, and sign off.

Have a blessed day.

Always

Misinterpretation in the drop-off lane

Good Morning friends,

Sorry it has been so long. My hard drive crashed twice.

Once accidentally and once not so accidental.

I have so many different things I want to talk about, but I will start with yesterday morning.

I'm sure many of you know I HATE the drop-off lane at my sons school. I mean really how hard is it to throw your kid out of the car and drive off? Say goodbye on the way, have them wear their backpack, open door, shove, drive. Not rocket science. Yet people always feel the need to stop open the back hatch of your enormous SUV and get 5 packs out and hug the kids and watch as they walk to the door. NO!!! So as you can tell this is an issue with me, one I pray and deal with daily.

So there is this one dad and it seems he just doesn't get it. Every morning get out walk around your van, unbuckle the kid. Yeah don't judge we don't buckle that 1/2 block to school because that 2 extra seconds it takes to unbuckle matters. I digress.. So yesterday, true to fashion. people are stupid, like the ones who skip the line. drive ahead and try to squeeze in front of you just as you get to drop-off point. They are fun. So I get behind van dad, crap here we go. He stops gets out, unbuckles and walks around geez come on and I pulled up to close to get out without him moving. Then it starts, this ritual dad says something, they give 5's 6 different ways, boy whispers to dad, dad whispers back, they hug and dad watches as boy gets to the door. This takes maybe a minute, but I realize the little boy is in my son'd class and has been since kindergarten. He is severally autistic. The routine they were doing was a set routine that must be done to insure a good day. As with many special needs kids, those little routines make or break a day, we understand only to well. So I took a deep breath and realized what I was watching was not a nuisance or something to irritate me. It was a fathers love and devotion. A daddy knowing his child and wanting the very best for him. A papa who knows his son cant just be shoved out of the car to fend for himself. A patient parent who knows those precious seconds count in a whole day. WOW. God has to really show me things up close sometimes, like a 2 x 4 to the head. Okay so yes my routine this morning was the same, jump in. backpack on, talk, pray, shove out the door. But I was looking for van dad. As he once again., rain or shine or freeze, as he preformed the ritual again. The only difference today as cars butted in and I got stuck pulling up to  close, was MY attitude. I watched as parents got out, but I saw that man and his son and the unconditional love of a father. My heart melted. How very much more does our Father God loving us in those little things that make or break our day? And what am I missing because I am in such a hurry to get home to my chair and coffee? God can speak many ways, But to me He uses the Drop-off lane to show His unconditional love to me.

Have a blessed day.

Always

Suszi

URGENT PRAYER NEEDED

Dear Friends,

Above is a photo of my cousin Isaiah (Ike) 16 (next week)

Has Hydrocephalus, Epilepsy,  Chiari Malformation and is in the hospital at St. Paul Children's Hospital in the Twin Cities. His shunt valve is not working and they are tentatively planning surgery to repair it.

This is one of the strongest kids I know. He is half of a set of twins and amazes me, His brother Ethan, is a normal 16 year old, but has a gentle heart, and even though he is healthy always looks out for his brother. Ike, Goes through life with a joy and positive attitude, always willing to hug and love everyone. He has a gentle kind heart, to everyone. He gives his all, if he plays ball on the Miracle League to school, it is hard to squash his spirit. Such a great kids from a great family. Angie and Bryan also have another son Caleb, and this family works and plays hard. They love spending time outdoors and being together as a family. Angie and Bryan are devoted to their kids in such a strong way, making life for Ike as normal as possible. Never putting their needs ahead of his, giving him balance and stability. They are an amazing family. PLEASE PRAY for them, Ike's impending surgery, Strength and peace, Provision, hospital food and just being there and driving the 1 1/2 hours to get there costs money and as with all of us that is tight, especially this time of year, Patience and rest. Christmas is hard for many (me) but Angie LOVES it and celebrates it to the hilt. Shopping not being on her priorities list, please pray how God can use you to bless them (contact me if you don't know them) this holiday season. Life with special needs kids is never ever easy, so please remember this family as you pray today. Here is an opportunity to be Jesus with skin on and bless someone, or a family of someones.

We LOVE YOU BECKER FAMILY.

Merry Christmas

Be blessed

Always

Suszi

A mountain of a influence

Good Morning friends,

I got to be a part of a very special event this last weekend. It was the 90th birthday party of David Roe.

I even spoke. I am not impressed by titles or credentials for anyone but more with the integrity and honor of the person. The party included 2 senators, 3 former Governors, a lieutenant Governor and a Vice President, plus a myriad of other political and government people and many friends. I got to take pictures of all these amazing people who were there for one reason, to celebrate this amazing mans birthday. They talked about this cigar smoking, get things done guy who respected men and was a man of his word. A man who treated every person with respect and honor. A man who made things happen in high places and in the Labor world. He built monuments, traveled and saw amazing things and met amazing people. He was there when they gave the Panama Canal back to panama. He was there at the Kentucky Derby for 50 years. He met Presidents and athletes and movie stars. He has been a guest at the White House, and ridden on Air force One and served his country in the Navy. This man who didn't go to college but was a Regent at U of M. A man of power and influence. I got to glimpse that man a little this day. To me and another group of people he is Boppa, He is a grandpa, great grandpa and hopefully soon a great great grandpa, A husband and father. He treated his family and wife as though they were the most important people in the world. To me he is the grandpa I always longed for.  He is the funny hat wearing, silly person who wears his love for everyone on his sleeve, and is not afraid to show emotion about that love. I have seen him mad, and sad, and happy and silly, and he is always that strong move mountains man. He was blessed with much in life but also shared everything he had. The thing I love the most about him is the fact that he never treated me any different then a president. I was a country bumpkin with little life knowledge, and he warmly welcomed me into their family the first moment I met Him and Nana. I have never once felt unwanted or loved whit them. I just hope I can model my life in such a way that integrity and love can be shared with the highest to the lowest. Where my love and influence can change the world, even if it is the world to one person. To learn that All men are the same. Someone who at 90 a room full of people who love you surround you and wish you well. Someone who isn't afraid to cry in front of powerful people, when you talk about your spouse and love of your life. This man who has spoken to thousands, made such a mark on this one person that I never will again feel as though I didn't have the best grandfather in the world.

We love you Boppa

Always

Suszi

Thanksgiving

Good morning friends,

It is a snowy cold day in Minnesota.

Thanksgiving is soon upon us, and preparations have begun. 

I LOVE THANKSGIVING. Many like other holidays, Halloween or Christmas.

Our family has always been Thanksgiving people. I am sure it has a lot to do with the fact that it is my birthday. I am the youngest and my mom always made a big deal for a party, I think because years ago I didn't have school parties cause my birthday was over a holiday. This year I will have 40 at my house, and I am doing something I have never done, I am using paper plates. I am still not sure about it. I love to use china and silver once a year at least, but I am going to try. I did make simple name cards for people.

And boats for the kids. Since this year my birthday lands on the day of Thanksgiving I am trying to keep it easy. I just wanted to wish you all a great Thanksgiving. I don't have anything to write that is deep today, the Lego movie is on and my head hurts so, I can barely think hehehe.

I hope you all have a great weekend

Be blessed

Always 

Suszi

Brothers and sisters....

Good morning friends,

Thanks for you patience with me sometimes.

The past week has been a particularly hard one. You see I am the youngest of 4 children.

I have 3 older brothers Jeff is 10 yeas older has 7 children almost 5 grandchildren and owns a resort in Australia. Jim who is 8 years older, a vagabond and addict, he has good and bad times and a beautiful daughter and grandson. Then there is John, 7 years older, divorced twice, retired Army, 3 amazing kids and 2 grand kids, and  has always felt displaced by me. I did little more then be born, and irritate him while growing up. But since our moms death there has been little contact. and then only bitter snips and haughty feelings, and yes I'm sure I am to blame for most of it, but I still am frustrated with him. His latest display of brotherly love was inviting my dad to come see him, yes that in itself is nice and the fact that he paid for it remarkable. Here is the rub, my dad is the only one who is here for me out of our family, and next week is my birthday and Thanksgiving, both important days in our house and family. So my dad flies out tomorrow and back the week after thansgiving. Okay so what is the point of that? And yesterday he put on his Facebook a plead to have someone bring dad to the airport. Like we are incapable of doing that. and I know I shouldn't let it get to me, but it still hurts. It is petty and childish but it still hurts. Yesterday my friend told me to read Psalms 3, when I told her about my issues. I thought oh great something to make me feel convicted and bad about my bad thoughts, so I put it off until this morning, so here it is in The Message version.

Psalm 3 The Message (MSG)

3 1-2 God! Look! Enemies past counting!

Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,

Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:

“Hah! No help for him from God!”

3-4 But you, God, shield me on all sides;

You ground my feet, you lift my head high;

With all my might I shout up to God,

His answers thunder from the holy mountain.

5-6 I stretch myself out. I sleep.

Then I’m up again—rested, tall and steady,

Fearless before the enemy mobs

Coming at me from all sides.

7 Up, God! My God, help me!

Slap their faces,

First this cheek, then the other,

Your fist hard in their teeth!

8 Real help comes from God.

Your blessing clothes your people!

Now that is a word I can stand on. verses 3 and 4 are a promise I will take to heart. My God, You shield me on all sides, You ground me and lift my head high, 

I can hold my head high knowing God has my back. Not that I want my brother smotted or anything, OK a little smotting is OK. I can hold my head up knowing I don't have to be hurt or angry anymore. I will be thankful for my husband and children, for my aunt and cousins and my dear friends who will be there and for my brother Jim who I think may show up. I will hold my head high and carry on. 

So off to tiling my kitchen and cleaning for my amazing annual Thanksgiving extravaganza and birthday party.

May you be blessed today beyond words,

Always

Suszi

For Glory or Grief?

Good morning friends,

I am so fortunate to have amazing friends.

One of the dearest is Nan. She sent me this first Queenism yesterday.

How do we change what we don't like in life, ourselves?

First of all I think we are under the impression if someone else changes how they act then life will be right.

I used to think that way too. NOW I know there is no way you can change anyone. And frankly why would you want too?  We all got stuff, some makes us better, some worse, but it makes us who we are.

You have to choose what it is in your OWN life that you don't like and change it, and that in truth may change how others react to us, thus changing the entire situation.

Life isn't about who we are, but who God wants us to be. So are we being a good conduit for Him? Or is there something blocking Him? I know I have many flaws and many things that inhibit growth. I have very little filter on my mouth, there is little I'm afraid to say. I'm manipulative. I'm to trusting. But those flaws can also be turned and used, not changed or taken away but repurposed. My ability to talk, God uses to share here, in public or with a stranger. My manipulatively I use to be a creative parent, and it makes me tenacious about my business, I'm not easily swayed. My trust is something that helps me and hurts me, I trust and love ferociously and yes it gets me hurt, but also opens doors to help others who need love. I don't say these things to pump up my ego, but to help you understand God can use those things we hate about ourselves or are afraid to show, can be used by God to further His kingdom,

He takes the things and makes them new, uses them for good and not evil. If there are things in your life that steer you wrong, well they wont change themselves, you have to make a conscience choice to change them. Like when we were kids and had to change the TV channel, we had to get up to do it. At my house you had to get up walk to the TV turn 2 knobs adjust the rabbit ears, carefully walk back to the couch and stomp on the floor to make the one of three channels come in. We had to put forth effort. Not unlike looking for the remote for 20 minutes. God could make us perfect, but what fun would that be? If I wasn't loud or tenacious I would be boring. Each of us is unique and have strengths and weaknesses, how can we use them for Glory and not grief? Do we build or destroy? Ask God today what new can He use in us for His purpose? What weaknesses or faults or flaws can be turned to strengths and beauty? The very thing we hate about ourselves, is most likely the very thing God needs to touch the world. Kinda like my bad grammar. hehe

I guess the most important truth I want you to see is that life isn't going to change itself. YOU Have to decide if you will be used for Glory or Grief. 

What will it be today?

Be blessed today

Always

Suszi