Then God created........

I know God loves me.  I mean, I really know God loves me!  Ya wanna know how I know?  Because He created...

CHOCOLATE!!!

What is better than chocolate?  It is the most perfect food in all the world!  When I'm stressed, what do I crave? 

CHOCOLATE!!!

When I am happy, what do I crave?

CHOCOLATE!!!

When I am worried, what do I crave?

CHOCOLATE!!!

When I am sad, WHAT DO I CRAVE?

CHOCOLATE!!!

Yes!  Chocolate!



God would not have created such a marvelous and splendidly perfect food if He did not love me!  I am completely and totally convinced that when I die and go to Heaven, chocolate will be everywhere! 

And the best news...no calories!  It's going to be wonderful!!!

(And you thought the gate to Heaven was made of pearls!)

(You've been warned....)

(Or a lot of chocholate now and now!)

(Just ask my husband!)

Song of Solomon 2:4 (KJV)
He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.

(I do believe there will be chocolate there!)

Be blessed,

Sue

I have so much to learn about blogging...

I am still rather new to the world of blogging and am discovering that I have so much still to learn. For example, anyone can stumble upon my blog and read it. Or they just have to click on the little tab above that says “Next Blog >>” and it might (maybe) be my blog that shows up.


I did a Google search to see if I could find my blog there. I found all kinds of pages such as a page where I can buy honey or nutritional bars, another Suebee’s Buzz written by a different person, (I started blogging before she did so can I call her a copy cat?), A 29 day giving challenge, a Sue Bee Etsy page (I give…what’s Etsy?), but I couldn’t find me. What the heck? I searched “Suebee’s Buzz” again, and still no me!

Then I looked at the title of my blog. It’s “Subee’s Buzz”, not “Suebee’s Buzz”. Duh!

Anyway…I am finding a whole ‘nother world out there in bloggersville, or whatever blogging people call it…(I have so much to learn!) From what I’m reading on other blogs, it’s OK to comment on their posts. In fact, they rather enjoy the comments (except for when they are rude and/or down right insulting!) Some of the bloggers even comment back to the comments and have an actual conversation thingy going on.

What I can’t figure out yet (and there are many things), is how to link to someone else’s blog while referring to their page. For instance, I’m loving (and following), “Dust Bunny Hostage” “My Real Life Was Backordered”, “Everyday Places”, “More of Him, Less of Me”, etc. I’d love to be able to type in the name of their blog and you just click on it and it goes to them.

I finally figured out what a SAHM meant. (I do confess, I thought it was either a religious cult or a sadistic sexual thing….) OK, if you are scratching your head now, it means a Stay at home mom! What do I know? I am a WAFHM! (Oh come on…you do know that it means I’m a work away from home mom right?) Maybe I did just make that one up…

I also want to figure out how all those pictures get posted. I did one using the funslide, but I don’t want to do that every time I want to add pictures. So I’m wondering if there is an easier way to do it. (Anyone?)

Then we have that “Follow” button where you can click on and follow that blog. I’ve figured that one out and am actually following several blogs now. But, when I click on their picture, it just brings me up information about them. It doesn’t take me to their blog. So I’m not sure how I can follow them when they respond to my blog (not that many have…but just in case someone actually does that I’ve not met or am currently following.)

Of course, I can’t forget the Widget buttons. (What is a widget anyway?) I have been able to do a few of those, but really, it was all sheer luck! I still have to go back and figure out how I added the list of blogs I’m reading because I want to add some more!

I’m sure there is a lot, LOT, more that I need to learn about blogging. Is there a blogging course on the internet? I mean, how did everyone learn how to do all the really cool stuff I’ve been seeing as I read these blogs? It can’t be that hard, can it? (Please tell me it is easy…I don’t have the patience for anything that takes a lot of thinking!)

Oh, and I guess there are some blogs out there where they (the blogger), don’t want any comments. Now, to me, that doesn’t make any sense! If you are going to blog for all the world to see, why wouldn’t you want comments? Isn’t that like an actor performing on stage saying they don’t want applause or a singer not wanting you to buy their albums? Seriously, I’m not being rude, I truly want to know!

I am blogging because someday, I want to write a book. It’s obvious to anyone reading my blogs that my writing skills leave a lot to be desired. I have a lot to learn and blogging is a great way to practice. It also makes me take the time to actually write. But, if I don’t get feedback, how am I going to know where I need improvements? So yeah! I want comments! (Just not the obnoxious ones by anonymous posters.)

Of course, I still only have four followers, and maybe that’s all I’ll ever have. I guess that’s ok. But if you are reading this, and you have any pointers to help me along, I’d love your comments. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh by the way, this morning I woke up again with a worship song in my head. I love it when the very first thought on my mind upon arising is God! I can’t think of a better way to wake up! The song is by Chris Tomlin, “Everlasting God”

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

(Repeat)

Our God, You reign forever

Our hope, our Strong Deliverer

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Be blessed,

Sue

God is always so good!

I love it when God does something special for me to let me know He is here and He loves me.  It tickles me right down to my toes!  And this weekend, He did it twice!  I love Him so much!

Let me back up and explain. 

If  you've been reading my blogs (and thanks if you do, by the way), you know that last Friday was a very difficult day for me.  I ending my blog with the scripture from Psalm 121: 1-2 (I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.)

That scripture has special meaning to me because it was also a worship song our church did.  When Christy died, it was the only song we sang at her funeral.  For a long time afterwards, I couldn't sing that song without crying my eyes out.  It literally broke my heart.  But then one day God had me really listen to the words and I realized what a wonderful worship song it was and I no longer wept while signing it (unless it was good tears).

Anyway....it's been 16 years since Christy went on to be with our Daddy and worship songs have come and gone over the years.  That particular song is one of the old ones that we really don't sing anymore. 

So imagine my delight when this weekend at church our Worship Pastor did this song!  I remembered posting that scripture on Friday and knew immediately that it was God's way of telling me He is with me always and knows my heart.  I sang with such joy!  What a blessing He gave me.

My pastor started a new topic this weekend and he told us that we would be studying it for a couple of months.  We will be going through it verse by verse so we can fully understand what Jesus was teaching us.  That topic: The Sermon on the Mount!  I could tell by listening to his introductory message that this series is going to be exciting, life changing, emotional and maybe even a bit difficult.  I can't wait!

I read my Bible before I go to sleep at night.  I always want my last thoughts to be good thoughts, not stressful thoughts such as difficult events in my life, bills needing to be paid, family crisis, etc.  So reading the Bible right before falling asleep seems to help me have a right frame of mind and, as a bonus, very peaceful dreams.   Because I tend to read until I can no longer keep my eyes open, I usually don't know what the next chapter will be about.  So imagine my surprise last night when I opened up my Bible where I'd left off the night before and, I was at Matthew, Chapter 5 . . . The Sermon on the Mount! 

I don't believe those two events were coincidences!  I know it was my Daddy letting me know He loves me, He cares for me, and He will help me through whatever comes my way.  I got God bumps all over me! 

For those who are reading my blog, (again, thank you!), I wasn't sure if you new the words to the song so I'm going to post them below.  It is from Psalm 121.

I lift my eyes up
To the mountain
Where does my help come from?

My help comes from You
Maker of Heaven
Creator of the earth.

Oh how I need You Lord
You are my only hope
You're my only prayer

So I will wait for You
To come and rescue me
Come and give me life
                   (Brian Doerksen)

It's the start of a new week.  A lot is happening this week.  The legislature is going into a special session so work will be crazy busy for a few days.  On Thursday my youngest is going to be induced and I plan to be with her in the delivery room.  Her oldest child starts Kindergarten on Wednesday.  I also have a six year old grandson who starts first grade today.  I have a granddaughter who is starting her Freshman year and another starting her Senior year.  Milestones in each of their lives.  Then of course there are the other in betweens also starting school.  Love them all so very much!

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Be blessed,

Sue

Welcome to my crappy day

I just wrote this blog about my day and why it's so crappy and then I deleted it.  Sometimes it's better to be quiet than to express one's feelings.  So I will be brief.

Today is the 16th  anniversary of my granddaughter's death from drowning in a pool.  She would be 18 now.  Sometimes life stinks.  Sometimes it stinks so bad I just want to run away!  But I am a responsible adult so I stay.  (Thanks mom, for instilling responsibility in me as I grew up.  Today I'd rather be irresponsible, but I learned well from you.  You are a good teacher!)

Christy was buried in a pink fluffy casket.  The lady who picked it out, Sandy, was a friend of mine.  Shortly after she picked it out she was diagnosed with cancer.  Sandy's in heaven now and I'd like to think she has visited with Christy and shared the message from me that I asked her to give to her.  She kept a picture of Christy in her Bible so she wouldn't forget what she looked like.  Oh Sandy, I bet you are having a blast right now!

It's hard to believe it's been 16 years.  I try to picture Christy as an 18 year old and I just can't see it.  She will always be that cute little two year old who shared her sandwich with her papa and always saved him a spot on his chair.  She loved her papa very much.

She loved wearing my shoes all the time.  She'd go in my closet and come out with a different pair constantly.  I was always picking up my shoes and shaking my head as I mumbled her name.  I'd love to be able to do that to her today.  I think that's why I never mind Desi and Lilly doing it.  It reminds me of their cousin.

Sixteen years!  So much has happened since that dark morning.  Christy had an older cousin, Nicole, who loved her like a sister.  They were only four months apart.  Cole called her "Sissy."  She also had a baby cousin, Jared.  I had three grandchildren.  Now I have 15 with one being born next week!  They all bring such joy to our lives.

Still...I miss Christy.  I will always miss that precocious little girl. My one bright light in the darkness of that day is knowing I will see her again.  I can't wait to hear her share stories about Heaven and our Savior with me.  My lap will be ready to hold her.

It's a sad day for me and mine, but I can't help but think it's a glad day for Christy.  While we mourn this anniversary, she celebrates.  Because for 16 years now, she has danced on streets made of gold and walked with our Savior and seen the Glory of God.   How awesome is that!

So yes, today is a crappy day for me.  But Christy is celebrating.  Happy anniversary sweetie!  I love you, I miss you and I can't wait to see you again.

Psalm 121 1-2 (NIV)
I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Be blessed,

Sue

So my day wasn't so great, but I will still rejoice!

I hate hurting.  It is a huge pain in my butt!  Or should I say my back.....

Have I blogged about pain yet?  I think I have.  I'm sure I have.  Well, it doesn't matter.  Right now I am in pain.  I need someone to come over and bring my inversion table out of the bedroom and bring it back into the living room.  Maybe if I start hanging upside down again it will help me feel better.  It can't make me feel worse, that's for sure!  Oh Lord, heal my back, PLEASE!!!

We had a frightening event last night.  Jack and I were watching the baseball game and the Diamondbacks were losing (now there's a shock!).  I got up to get myself some apple pie and ice cream.  Jack and I were talking from the kitchen to the living room and all seemed fine.  I came back and sat down to watch the game.  The ump made a call I didn't like and I said something to Jack about it.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw his hand flailing and I heard him make what I thought was a sound of disgust.  In my mind, I thought he was raising his fist to the ump.  But then I realized his arm was still waiving so I turned to look at him.

He was having what looked like a seizure.  Both arms were jerking and his hands were punching himself in the face.  His head was turned sideways and his eyes were wide open.  His legs were also jerking.  He was able to talk though so he didn't pass out.  He didn't want me to call 911 but he couldn't stop jerking.  So I called them. 

I was so freaked out though that I forgot to hit the talk button and was getting frustrated that the phone wouldn't ring.  Finally I realized what I had done and I hit the button and the phone began to ring.  I told the operator what was going on and she dispatched paramedics to my house.  She told me not to hold him down but he was punching himself in the face pretty badly.  He had a few scratches but then he cut the corner of his eye and I was worried he'd really hurt himself.  So I asked her if I could just hold his hands to protect his face.  She told me it would be OK to do that.

I don't know how long it took the paramedics to get there.  It felt like an eternity.  Jack continued to convulse and finally quit just as they came walking through the door.  It could have been only 90 seconds but I think it was more like three minutes.  To say I was scared is an understatement!  I have only felt fear like that once before and that was when  I was in that police car with my daughter on our way to the hospital when Christy drowned.  I had no idea what was wrong with him and I was afraid.

The first thing the paramedics did was test his blood sugar.  It was 40 so they told me to get him some orange juice and put a teaspoon of sugar in it.  Being shook up like I was, I wasn't thinking clearly and did what he asked.  I totally forgot that orange juice is on Jack's list of forbidden fruits because he has renal failure and is on dialysis.  But Jack realized it after the first sip.  So they had him drink cranberry juice with sugar.  They tested his blood again and it was 33.  They made him swallow glucose from a tube.  He thinks they gave him three tubes of it.  I only saw one tube, but I was busy talking to another paramedic so I'm not sure.

They took him to the ER and I followed behind.  The good thing about going to the ER by ambulance is they get you right in.  The waiting room was packed but we didn't have to wait out there.

They checked his blood sugar and it was now 272!!  However, the doctor said she'd rather it be high instead of low.  He could die from it being too low.  He is always afraid of it being high because it can damage the kidneys.  Well the doctor told him that isn't an issue anymore, now that he has renal failure.  So he will raise his basal rate on his insulin pump.  His new target number is 150 instead of 100. 

He's fine now.  Tired from spending the night in the ER but otherwise, fine.  Me....I'm not so sure.  It seems like every day I wonder what tomorrow will bring with him.  There is so much wrong with him and it is all due to his diabetes.  He's had juvenile diabetes since he was 17 years old.  Forty-two years is a long time to suffer.

Jack is on a national kidney transplant list.  He's been on it for two years.  We go back to the Mayo Clinic this month for his yearly physical.  Jack has decided to change his status from kidney transplant to a pancreas/kidney transplant.  After 42 years of being diabetic and testing his blood all day and night, he'd like a break.  I can't say I blame him.

I hate pain.  I hate diabetes.  I hate kidney failure.  I am ready for God's healing touch on my husband and myself.  Without a doubt, I know God can do it.  For reasons only He knows, it hasn't happened.  But I won't lose faith. 

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Be blessed,

Sue

Can you hear me now?

On the way into work this morning I was resting my eyes and praying about pretty much everything that popped into my head.  I was meditating on the human race and how messed up we all seem to be.  Pharmaceuticals make a killing on anti-depression medications.  People take drugs for every ailment imaginable.  Some, of course, are absolutely life saving and very necessary.  The diabetic must take insulin every day.  The transplant patient must take multiple medications each day to keep that organ from being rejected.  And even people with serious depression find some relief in an anti-depressant pill. 

So this post is not about taking medication or not taking medication.  No, this blog is about something much deeper.  (At least for me.)  And that is, why are we so quick to turn to a doctor for every ailment, serious and minor, but won't turn to the greatest Physician in the universe?

My husband had a mug when we first got married that said "God loves each and every one of us as if there was only one of us."  This is so true!  When I look at my children I know that I love each one of them equally.  Even when they were living in total disobedience to my will and wishes.  I never, ever loved one less than the other.  And if I can love my kids even when they are rebelling, God most definitely can love us even when we are living a life of sin.

God, in His compassionate love, mercy, grace and kindness, created a way to communicate to us that anyone can understand.  By using the hands of man He created the Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth).  In His Word, He shows us His heart, His desires, His wishes and His will for our lives.  We learn through the teachings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul, and James that God is a loving God.  He is a God who wishes that no one would ever perish. 

He is also a perfect God who cannot allow any sin in Heaven.  And knowing that man was full of sin, He offered up His only Son as a perfect sacrifice.  Prior to the death of His Son, people were offering sacrifices year after year after year, trying to seek God's forgiveness.  But God knew that we are just humans, incapable of living sin free 100% of the time.  So Jesus took all our sins, past, present and yet to be committed, and gave Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.  Once and for always!

The only thing we have to do on our part is to admit we are a sinner and have fallen short of God's glory.  And then we need to just ask Jesus into our heart and forgive us from all of our sins.  And amazingly, miraculously, He does just that! 

I've heard people say, "How can a loving God condemn someone to Hell?"  And my response is, "Why do you refuse the free gift of salvation by not asking Christ into your heart?"

You see, God's desire is that none would perish.  2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  And one of my favorite verses, John 10:28, Jesus says, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."

WOW!  That is to me, a very loving God!  And He speaks to us every single day.  He gives us His Holy Word but He also speaks to us through other means.  Some people call it a subconscious but I believe it is God speaking to us through His Holy Spirit.  He speaks to us through nature.  The rainbow is His promise that he would never destroy the earth again.  He speaks through other men by giving them words of knowledge. 

Have you ever been going about your business and suddenly a friend or family member or even just a coworker or someone you hardly know, pops into your mind and you have this desire to say a quick prayer for them?  Sometimes it happens in the middle of the night!  That is God's way of telling us we need to pray for that person.  Many times I have had this happen to me only to find out later on that at that exact same time, the very person I was praying for was going through a difficult time and they felt my prayers.  They were able to get through that trial and go on!

Sometimes God will use a child to speak to us.  You've heard the saying "Out of the mouth of babes!"  I believe children actually hear from God better than we do because they haven't been disillusioned by the world yet.  They still have an innocent faith and don't question God's abilities.

Once God even spoke by using an Ass!  (Numbers 22:28)  It's a very interesting story about how God opened the mouth of an ass to speak to Balaam.  (And if He can use an ass, surely He can use me!)

I also believe God speaks to us through earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcano eruptions, etc.  This old earth is so full of sin and corruption.  It is everywhere you turn.  I believe God uses the natural disasters to speak to us to return to Him while there is still time!  I'm not saying God causes them, but I am saying He allows them to show us that the time is short.  The harvest is ripe but the workers are few.

God speaks to us every single day, in a multiple of ways.  The question is, are we listening?  Can we hear Him now?

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NLT)
As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it.  For God says,
     "At just the right time, I heard you.
        On the day of salvation, I helped you.
Indeed, the "right time" is now.  Today is the day of salvation.

Be blessed,

Sue
 

His mercies are new every morning!

For the past three weekends my church has had a guest speaker, my former youth pastor, Gary Kinnaman.  His message was awesome!  He did a three part series called "God's Crazy Amazing Plan For You."  Part one was called "Who R U?"  Part two was called "What R U doing here?" and this past weekend's sermon title was called "Do Your Prayers Really Matter?" 

Each message was awesome.  In fact, I would encourage anyone reading this to go to the Vineyard website at http://vineyardnorthphoenix.com and check out these three messages.  (While you are at it, listen to some of Brian Anderson's messages as well.  He is our senior pastor and his sermons are amazing.)

Anyway, as I said, all three messages were awesome.  But this last message touched me in a most profound way.  Pastor Gary shared how it doesn't matter how well we pray because before they ever get to God the angels put them in a golden censer (Rev. 8:3), and Jesus has taken them and fixed them up.  Or as Pastor Gary said, He deodorizes them so that their fragrance is a sweet aroma (II Cor. 2:15).  So by the time God hears them, they are perfect prayers. 

When I think of all the times I've prayed (or tried to pray), and worried that my words weren't eloquent enough or meaningful enough, and wondered if God understood what I was asking...but I was worried needlessly!  Jesus takes our prayers and delivers them to the Father personally! 

I don't have my notes with me so I'm relating most of this from memory.  I tried to pull the notes up online but they haven't been posted yet.  In all seriousness, Pastor Gary tells it much better than I can! 

I am so thankful God hears my perfect prayers! 

Lamentations 3:21-23 (KJ)
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness!

Be blessed,

Sue