Praise and Coffee

Whew, I didn't break out in hives.

2012-01-27T11:20:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe the LIVE webinar went off without a hitch. I didn't break out in hives, the dogs didn't attack the UPS man and Mitt Romney didn't call, not even once.

The webinar went a bit longer than I had hoped for and of course I have a million more things I wish I would have said, and why did I make that funny face so often and good gravy what was going on with my hair?

But here you go, if you've been thinking about starting Praise and Coffee Nights this video shares the heart of them with you.

The ladies that attended were truly a delight. I wish they had all been here in my kitchen. I would have baked them something fattening and yummy.

Here are the links for the Ebook:

And webinar:

This is a fresh approach to women's ministry. Sharing conversations that matter as REAL women with real hurts, joys and trials.

No agendas, just relationships.
Gathering 3-12 women together, facilitating conversation and allowing God to intervene.
Based on Matthew 18:20, when 2 or 3 gather in His name, He comes.
Meeting outside the four walls of the church with women from all backgrounds, churches (or no church) and walks of life.
Sharing life.

And this is me. Watch the webinar, you'll understand.

Thank you Denise for all the behind the scenes stuff that you did while sitting in my dining room all alone, I really should have baked you something. I love you to pieces.

Have a great weekend!!!!
Sue

PS: I almost forgot...if you would like to join in with women all over the ~~nation~~ world starting Praise and Coffee Nights on March 15th, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/290042004382067/

A Fresh Approach to Womens Ministry

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Edited to add:
If you missed the webinar, the info is here:
http://www.praiseandcoffee.blogspot.com/2012/01/whew-i-didnt-break-out-in-hives.html

Ok girls, I’m scared and excited and nervous and overwhelmed all at once. Yes, I need to lay off the caffeine but this really is BIG news.

We are hosting our first ever Praise and Coffee webinar. We will be helping to train and equip women from all over the ~~nation~~ world to host Praise and Coffee Nights.

No airplane tickets or hotel reservations needed...in fact, you don't have to brush your hair or get out of your jammies for this! Although, I will be on video, so I'll try to freshen up so as not to frighten you.

The interest in hosting a Praise and Coffee Night has been growing and women want to know the what, when, where and how’s of starting them. So if you are interested, jump in on our online webinar this Thursday at 1:00 PM EST. No commitment necessary, lookey-loo’s are more than welcome.

RSVP here: (or leave a comment on this post). https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/231394873604052/

Praise and Coffee Nights are a fresh approach to women’s ministry. The fresh-ness is that we’re not looking to create a mega-ministry, but instead create a movement. Real women meeting in small groups at cafés and kitchen tables, connecting-encouraging-and inspiring one another.

You don’t have to be a minister’s wife or even part of your church ministry team…we want every day REAL women to start with the influence that God has already given them and take it one step further. Invite 3 or more (we like to keep it under 12) women out to a coffee shop or over for a cup of coffee and some encouragement. Note: Coffee is not actually required :)

This is NOT your Momma’s Bible study group, this is girlfriend time with the only agenda being connect-encourage-inspire. Share life, and watch how God intervenes.

Matt. 18:20 says that when 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He comes. I love that! And honestly, I desperately need that. I don’t know what I would do without the girlfriends in my life that have been Jesus’ heart to me.

Do that Bible study, memorize that scripture! But also connect with women in a relational way that deepens your life and gets us out of the four walls of the church and into the world that God put in front of us.

To join us for the online webinar, click this link on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 1:00 PM (if you miss it, we are recording, I’ll add the link to watch it when it’s available):

https://connectpro19068335.adobeconnect.com/_a1007933682/praiseandcoffee/

Enter as a guest and type in your name! It’s that easy. You can chat with other women who have already started them and many who are about to start.

We also want to invite you to start your first Praise and Coffee Night with us on March 15th with women all across the world.

That info can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/290042004382067/

Use the comments for any questions or drop me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you.

OH! I almost forgot!! During the webinar we will be giving away TWO...yes 2 SIGNED, yes signed copies of Lysa TerKeurst's new Made to Crave devotional!

And...because we love you...TWO...yes 2 SIGNED, yes signed copies of Mary Snyder's new book too!

Hope to hear from you!!
Sue

PS: Local friends, here is a link to the training I'll be doing at my house in February:
https://www.facebook.com/susankcramer#!/events/214266648657988/

Why I Make Mashed Potatoes

2012-01-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

Want to help your kids stay off drugs and do better in school? Get cooking Momma! Or pay good money to a take-out joint that does.

Studies have actually shown that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to get into trouble…literally they tend not to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide, and they are much more likely to do well in school.

One study says that kids who eat most often with their parents are 40% more likely to get mainly A's and B's in school than kids who have two or fewer family dinners a week.

The chair is an anchor, not a bad anchor like a ball and chain, but a good anchor like the one that keeps your boat close enough to shore but just out of the weeds so that you can swim. Because, if you are anything like me and your foot touches a weed, it’s game over. Weeds and the theme to Jaws, two things that make me a big fan of pools.

Back to anchor…we sit, we eat, we talk. We live and grow together.

The conversation at the table is a window into each other’s lives. We share stories from our day and Lauren asks questions.

“How do people talk with their mouth?”

“Why is my head this size?”

“Why don’t we lick ourselves like dogs?”

And that’s why I make mashed potatoes because Lauren loves them and calls them “mashed-ta-pa-tatoes” and they keep her mouth really busy. Sometimes we just need her mouth to be busy.

Click on picture to go to Ree's incredible mashed potatoe recipe!

I admit, eating together at the table is a struggle for my family. With kids ranging from 7-21 years old living in the house with busy schedules we have a hard time getting us all in the same place at once. But I love it when we do and I’m working on making it happen more often.

What about you? How often do you eat together as a family and what are your thoughts on the subject?

I'm on the "Real Moms of West Michigan" which airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio: STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:
STAR 105.7
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

Cruising, Comedy, Lysa TerKeurst and Dogs

2012-01-20T11:11:00.002-05:00

Hello, hello girlfriends!
This is pretty much a random 'catch you up' kind of post....

First let me share what it looks like here in Michigan:

Isn't that gorgeous? My daughter Stephanie took this while I was gone...

I can not believe that as I write this shivering in my office, that one week ago today I was sailing the ocean blue. No, I did not see the news about that OTHER cruise ship until I was about to come home thankyouverymuch.

Yes, Melissa Mashburn and I went on a cruise/writing conference. It was so much fun.

One of the best parts was seeing my son perform with 321 Improv. Sad to think I had to go all the way to Mexico to see him perform. I have seen him do his stand up, back when he won Funniest Person in Grand Rapids 2010, but this was the first time watching him with 321 doing improv. They were hysterical. Stomach ache hysterical.

Yes that's Chonda Pierce laughing at them too! I adore her. She is not only funny funny funny,

but also has a beautiful heart.

I had so much fun meeting online friends and making new ones!

Heather Williams who Denise interviewed for our latest magazine.

And the most hilarious and fun Mary Snyder who screamed "Sue Cramer is the bomb.com" every time I saw her. (She's also in the current magazine.)

I did not lay in the sun one time. I tried. I walked up on deck to get some sun and it was a bit cloudy so I jumped in the hot tub instead. Cue thunderstorm and I was back in the room sitting on my balcony with Mel.

One afternoon Mel and I ordered room service, all desserts, and sat on our balcony. Seriously, every dessert on the menu. When they delivered it they asked where the kids were...no kids just us. They smiled and nodded and told all their waiter friends that we were complete freaks. I know they did.

But we didn't care. We saw dolphins. Yes dolphins, jumping right outside our window. We screamed and called Matt. He ran up to our room but the dolphins went away. As you can see it was rough seas on the way back from Cozumel.

I also got to see and have breakfast with my sweet friend Lysa TerKeurst. Oh mercy I do love her. We have so much in common it's a bit scary and I've actually lived her post from this week.

And speaking of dogs, cause Lysa did...this is my neighbors dog looking in at me while I'm working in my office:

His name is Shadow and he's come over to make friends with my dogs. One of my dogs loves him, the other would like to put her shock collar on him and hold him over the fence line.

But when I bring our dogs in, cause it's downright freezing here, he barks at me, begging to let him in also. I try ignoring him but then he whines and crys and finally does this:

What's a mom to do?

Eventually I cave in and against my better judgement I let him in and this is what I get:

I suppose I could spiritualize this and talk about how God brings us in from the cold hard places of life and lets us rest in Him.

Cause He totally does.

Love you, hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Sue

PS: What would a post about cruising be without a pic of the fun towels they left in our rooms:

Thank you Royal Caribbean and Premiere Christian Cruises, you are awesome!

Tips for Busy Moms!

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...welcome!

Another in the Real Moms of West Michigan series heard Tuesday mornings on STAR 105.7...
Real Moms are Busy!

I kept telling myself that things would slow down after the holidays but that hasn’t proved to be true and I have a feeling many of you moms feel the same way!
So I have a couple ideas to help us slow down- at least a little.

1. If you are anything like me you have excellent intentions to delegate jobs to the kids but don’t actually make a plan. It’s time- make a plan so the kids know that at meal time…Josh has to help cut up veggies, Sam has to set the table while another will be helping clean up. If these things are delegated ahead of time, it’s much easier because the kids already know and plan on it.

Unnecessary commentary: Obviously the more children you have, the lighter the load for you...so go ahead and have a few more.

2. Don’t worry about what all the other moms are doing. Everyone taking their turn is important but you don’t have to run the committee and organize the whole event if you don’t want to. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to what all the other moms are doing but I’ve found that that’s not a good reason to be busy with things.

More unnecessary commentary: Plus that mom that is doing EVERYTHING at your child's school is probably compensating for something lacking in her life and since you don't carry those insecurities you don't need to have your hand up for every single thing.

Don’t worry about what the other moms are doing…which leads us to the last thing I have:

3. Say no to the things that are not necessary or beneficial to your family. Set those boundaries around your family. Teach the kids by example to make good choices with your time and say no to some of the extra time consuming things.

~~Like Facebook and Twitter, you should stay far away from those things.~~

I hope things slow down enough for you to take some much needed time and catch up on my blog though! Much love to ya busy moms!!!!
Sue

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio: STAR 105.7
And visit Tommy and Brook at:
STAR 105.7
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

My One Word for 2012

2012-01-04T16:54:00.001-05:00

Everyone’s talking about One Word 365, even our magazine!

Here’s a portion of the article:

Choose just one word.

One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live or what you want to achieve by the end of 2012.

One word that you can focus on every day, all year long.

It will take hard work, and will require intentionality and commitment. But if you let it, your word will shape you and your year. It will guide your decisions and help you grow.

Discover the big impact one word can make.

One word. 365 days. A life changed.

This year I decided to jump in, but I couldn’t come up with a word. One word is hard for me. I need a couple paragraphs. So I prayed and asked God to show me. Show me a word that will mean a mouthful.

And He did.

While thinking about the songs that resonate with me in this season of life, it hit me: breathe.

It’s hard to explain all that this word means to me because it encompasses so much.

From this:

Genesis 2:7

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. (NLT)

To breathe is to live.

This life is a gift from God.

To this:

2 Corinthians 2:14

In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. (The Message)

What a thought, that my life could be a sweet aroma for others to breathe in.

To breathe, to pause, to infuse, inhale, inspire.

This word helps me remember that when I get overwhelmed, I need to stop and breathe. Take a pause, think about what’s really important in life…and just breathe.

It reminds me that each day is a series of breaths, each one inspiring life.

Breathe helps me remember Him. That He is present in each breath.

And that I need to be present in each breath, not wishing my life away for the BIG moments, but cherishing the ones that seem unimportant. The smiles and laughs and giggles that fill each day.

He is there in each and every one, sustaining and infusing us with life.

When I get anxious…breathe…remember whose I am, and say a prayer.

When the pressures of life overwhelm…breathe.

When I start to compare…breathe…because I’m no less or no better than anyone else.
I'm me. NO one else on this planet can fill my shoes, and I shouldn't worry about filling anyone elses either.

Breathe.

It’s my reminder to pause, get the right perspective and thank Him with every cell in my being that He’s given me breath today.

Hop over to OneWord365.com to see what all the buzz is about!
And if you would like a "one word" button like mine, hop over to Melanie's website!

Winter 2012 Praise and Coffee Magazine

2012-01-02T07:28:00.001-05:00

I feel this way with every issue, but this one is one of my favorites.
Click cover to read.

I love the stories that women share this issue...well...here...let me just post my editor's note here:

Even though I cherish Christmas, I love the feeling when all the decorations are put back in their tubs and loaded up in the loft. The whole house feels clean and liberated, no longer strangled by boughs of holly.

It’s a good feeling, like that of:

A fresh snow.

Clean sheets.

An empty dishwasher.

A new jar of peanut butter. Sorry, but I love it don’t you? There’s nothing like being the first one to dip a spoon...er…I mean run a knife through a freshly opened jar of peanut butter.

We all love a fresh start don’t we?

Sometimes the everyday stuff of life is like a walk through a barn full of animals.

Messy and unpredictable.

But then we peer over the stall door to see a mare just given birth to a foal. The stench and mess of the barn is forgotten for the moment as we witness the precious wobbly new life attempting its first try at vertical. It stumbles and falls and our hearts cheer as it stands on four legs for the very first time. I’ve seen it, it’s beautiful. It fills a heart with hope of new beginnings.

There are no colts or fillies in this issue, but stories of real women facing real pain and how they let God bring new life into messy and unpredictable situations. I pray, along with the women in this issue, that you will find hope in these pages. That their stories would help you trust in God more deeply than before you read them.

I have no desire to fix you…only to inspire you to reach out to the hand that’s extended in mercy towards you at this very moment. Let His grace and forgiveness pour over you afresh today.

With love,
Sue

We'd love to get your feedback! What do you love? What ideas do you have for us? Do you know any women with stories that need to be in our magazine? Tell us!

Sign up on the website magazine page to receive email updates when each issue publishes.
This is an online magazine. You can have it printed (through our website) but it's not available in print distribution yet.

Are You a Sideshow Or a Star?

2011-12-29T21:01:00.000-05:00

I just watched this critically acclaimed short film (about 20 minutes long). It has won several awards including the first ever Clint Eastwood filmaker award.

If you love a story of grace, you will enjoy it.
I did.

To all of us that have felt more like a sideshow than a star...

Click here to watch:
The Butterfly Circus

Wait...2011 would like to be remembered.

2011-12-27T15:29:00.003-05:00

I should preface this by saying that I am writing this under the influence of many over the counter cold meds. If I say anything offensive, send an email to my editor.

It didn't take long. As soon as women put down their fork after Christmas dinner they started tweeting and FB'ing about their New Years resolutions. And though I should be thinking about that, I'm going to sit here and simmer on the past year for at least another meal.

Before we jump ahead...which I will be, especially next week when the latest Praise and Coffee magazine publishes (because it's all about new beginnings), let's savor what 2011 tasted like.

I want to think about the many things that I have to be thankful for this year:
Most of all the health and well being of my family.
A deeper sense of God's proximity and love.
Full bellies and happy hearts.

We're spoiled really.

And then there are the regrets.
I regret all the rushing.
I regret all the worrying.
I regret all the fear and insecurity that dictated my decisions.

Which I supposed now leads to the resolutions I need to make.
Ugh. I'm not a good resolution maker. Actually I despise them.
I would rather decide to change- then make the change- live the change- and THEN talk about it.
However, I really do feel that goals are good, needed and highly beneficial.

Sorry, maybe it's the bucket of cold medicine I just drank that's making me talk in circles.

Anyways...I would love to hear what you're thankful for and what you regret as we close out 2011.
Did you achieve last years resolution? (If that just upset you, we can pretend you threw pie at me. I'm sure it hit me because I'm too drowsy to duck.)

PS: I just told Lauren she could make her own ice-cream sundae while I finished this post...once again ruining my chances for mother of the year.

Edited to add...I don't have an editor.

A Few Tips to Help Moms This Week

2011-12-20T06:32:00.000-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...welcome!

Another in the Real Moms of West Michigan series heard Tuesday mornings on STAR 105.7...
It’s here, the final stretch until Christmas, how are you doing?

Lauren (7) is literally bouncing off the walls this week. Yesterday I was folding clothes and she did about 47 cart wheels in my bedroom and then showed me her gymnastics move on the bar of my treadmill.

I may not be able to help calm the kids down but I do have a few tips that might help you get through this week:

1. De-clutter! Let the kids help, teach them that Christmas is a team sport!

Give them two bags and send them to their bedrooms/playrooms with these instructions:

a. One bag is for trash and broken toys.
b. The other is for toys and items that are no longer played with and can be donated.

This is the perfect time to do this because you have leverage…the kids want new toys and they are trying to be on their best behavior this week, so give them incentive and let them loose.

2. Last minute gift shopping? My answer: gift cards.

Chances are that by now if you haven’t picked up a gift for someone it’s because they are difficult to buy for, so a gift card is the perfect solution.

NOTE: Men, this does not work with you wife. You should put some thought into her gift unless you like sleeping in the garage.

3. Put this week/season in perspective, what REALLY matters this week? Sure, we can run around and make everything just right, but that’s truly not the point of this season.

Instead of thinking PERfection this week, think AFFection.

It’s about the ones we love, not the perfectly wrapped gifts.
Savor the moments not just the ham, and experience peace this Christmas instead of anxiety.

Christmas started with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem but when that baby grew He revealed the reason for His life:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

This post shares a little more about how perfection was not the focus of Christmas.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio: STAR 105.7

A great place to hear full time Christmas music right now!

And visit Tommy and Brook at:
STAR 105.7
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

Seeking Peace This Christmas

2011-12-16T06:38:00.000-05:00

Here's what I want to unwrap this Christmas...(check out my post at the Internet Cafe' today)

Christmas Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect

Is it as hard for you to settle your heart this time of year as it is for me sometimes?
With all the preparations and family interactions, I pray you have a wonderful - peacefilled Christmas.
Much love ladies.
Sue

A Victoria's Secret Model or a Proverbs 31 Woman?

2011-12-14T13:20:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the Live 31 campaign?

It’s blanketing the internet on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and the blogosphere; here is how their website says it began:

“Live 31 began on November 30, 2011 with a simple status update, “I’d rather have a Proverbs 31 woman than a Victoria’s Secret model.” Throughout the night, this status was reposted numerous times. As the status spread, we saw there was need for more action. We started with a Facebook page saying the same thing as our status updates. With mixed receptions of our message, we decided to post a video. Our founder, Alex Eklund, clarified our message, and we started to grow. In 3 days, we received over 120,000 views on youtube, and our Facebook page grew to over 7,000 likes.”

Basically it’s five freshmen guys from Baylor University wanting to change the way society looks at beauty. Clothing line and merchandise will be available soon to help this happen. *clearing throat*

Here is a link to the video that is getting most of the attention:

Live 31

I believe this guy is serious (and a serious entrepreneur) and I do applaud his stand against the sexist way that women are treated and how beauty has been falsely portrayed as something to be seen and not experience within.

But, honestly this whole Live 31 campaign has been troubling to me from the beginning. I’m afraid it puts the sense in a woman’s head that she feels she must live up to either a Victoria Secret model OR all the characteristics of the busy Proverbs 31 woman.
God has uniquely created each and every one of us to know Him and be beautiful in the life that He gave to us. Not all of us will be wives, mothers or work outside the home as the Proverbs 31 woman did. And some supermodels will know Jesus and love Him with all their heart and be wonderful wives and mothers.

Unfortunately I've spent a lot of time lately with women who are struggling under the weight of performance. Trying to be such a Godly woman, wife and mom that they are missing the whole point of being a Godly woman...the relationship with God. With the help of church leaders they've taken on a burden to perform that God never gave them. Running around trying to do it all and yet they're dry and thirsty on the inside desperately needing a time of refreshing that can only be found in a one on one relationship with their heavenly Father.

A Godly woman is one who has her hope in God and knows she’s loved by the One who created her and shows that confidence in all she does by living loved and loving others. Sadly I think that the whole point of Proverbs 31 gets lost in the middle of the chapter with all the "doing."

Proverbs 31:30:

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Start there...with fear (honor and respect) for God, and watch what He does with your life.

I made this a few years ago when I had written a few posts on women in leadership.

Whether a woman is walking a runway or busily spinning her wool and flax or doing neither, she is beautiful and loved by God exactly the way she is. When she yields her life to God, He will bring her on a journey to take care of the outside stuff that needs to change and heal whatevers hurting on the inside in the process.

Here's a link to another article that I read yesterday on the subject:
J Bryant Writes

I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Christmas Carol Lyrics

2011-12-14T06:54:00.003-05:00

Tonight I'm heading out with a few friends to take part in CSI (Caroling Stars Initiative) through STAR 105.7's incentive to get people out caroling and spreading the Christmas cheer.

It's going to be a rainy soggy night but we've decided to go out anyways and stop in a couple nursing homes.

I was looking for music and realized how difficult it was to find the lyrics without a million pop ups so I thought I'd put together a post for you to use also.

If you would like a pdf file to print, email me and I'd be happy to send you one.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Jingle Bells

James Pierpont. publ.1857

Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh,
Over the fields we go, laughing all the way;
Bells on bob-tail ring, making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing, A sleighing song tonight, O

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh (repeat)

A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride,
And soon Miss Fanny Bright, was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank; misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank, and we, we got upsot.O

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!
O What fun it is to ride, in a one-horse open sleigh. (repeat)

Deck The Halls

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Don we now our gay apparel
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la.

Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.

See the blazing Yule before us.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Follow me in merry measure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

While I tell of Yule-tide treasure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Fast away the old year passes.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Hail the new year, lads and lasses
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Sing we joyous, all together.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Joy To The World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

O Come, ALL Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels!

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, alleluia,
All ye choirs of angels;
O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav'n above.
Glory to God -In the highest glory!

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be the glory giv'n;
Word of the Father,
Now in the flesh appearing,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly host sing, Alleluia,
Christ, the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light,
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

Twelve Days Of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Ten lords a leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French Hens,
Two turtle doves
And a Partridge in a pear tree.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Christ, by highest heav'n adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the favored one.
Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Hail! the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!

When the Unthinkable Happens and Your Child is Sick

2011-12-13T07:03:00.004-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...welcome!

Another in the Real Moms of West Michigan series heard Tuesday mornings on STAR 105.7...

Seven years ago my life was thrown into a whirlwind of hospitals, doctors, insulin, injections and ketones. I had no idea what ketones were but I learned quickly when my 13 year old son was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenille diabetes. No one in our family was diabetic so I was shocked to learn that my son could have diabetes and need insulin for the rest of his life.

I didn’t know the symptoms of diabetes so by the time I realized that he was sick, he was VERY sick. His blood sugar was over 800 (normal is 80-100) and he was lethargic, dangerously close to going into a coma. Oh and did I mention that my husband was on the other side of the world walking the hills of Israel with Ed and Kent Dobson? Yes, unreachable. I had to be the strong one, and I don’t always do strong real well. Thankfully my brother and some wonderful friends were there by my side.

The hospital was amazing. The staff was incredibly helpful and patient with this overwhelmed and under knowledged mom. One nurse in particular touched me in a precious way, her name was Becky.

It was day 2 in the ICU and she was teaching me about insulin and the how, when, where and why’s of giving my son injections as I practiced on a towel. I was still processing the fact that he was diabetic while learning how to handle emergencies that could arise after we took him home. This nurse understood my grief and confusion, she shared with me that her son was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an older child.

As you can imagine, I asked her a million questions. But there was one question I was terrified to ask but she knew was plaguing me. In the middle of my injection class, she looked at me, put her hand on mine and said, “This is not your fault.”

I burst into tears.

Becky knew that at the core of all my angst was the gripping fear that I had caused this to happen, that somehow if I had been a better mom I could have prevented this. She had experienced the same feelings when her son was diagnosed. My tears brought her to tears and we both sat there and cried. I needed that and I’m so-so thankful that she was there to share it with me.

My son is now 21 years old and a healthy strong young man.

This week on the Real Moms of West Michigan on STAR 105.7 I shared this story in hopes of encouraging moms who might be in the middle of a difficult situation with a special needs, sick, hospitalized or emotionally challenged child.

When the unthinkable happens and our child is sick or born with a special need, our lives can turn upside-down and as Moms we face all kinds of challenges, physically and emotionally.

My heart goes out to you and though I can’t change it, I pray that God would bring the comfort and encouragement into your life through those around you. And I pray you know that it is not because you were a bad mom or did something wrong, this is the difficult side of life that gives us a depth and compassion that only a mother can understand.

I’m so thankful to the hospitals and the doctors who have supported and helped us over the years, which is why I wanted to share this-this week when Tommy and Brook on STAR 105.7 are doing their TOY (Think Outside Yourself) radiothon to help raise money for the Helen Devos Children’s hospital.
Click on the link if you would like to learn more about it.

And here is a video by Brook's son about his stay at the hospital.

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio: STAR 105.7

A great place to hear full time Christmas music right now!

And visit Tommy and Brook at:
STAR 105.7
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

The REAL Moms Series ~ Helping Our Kids Deal with Disappointment

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...welcome!

Today I want to give REAL moms some tips on helping our kids deal with disappointment.

I have 4 kids ranging from 7 to 23 yrs old so we’ve dealt with everything from ‘I didn’t get the Christmas present I wanted’ to full blown broken hearts.

Life is full of little and big disappointments. As much as we'd like to spare our kids from letdowns, we can't, and really, that's a good thing. If we constantly try to shield them from disappointment, we will keep them from developing some important life skills.

Of course we want to comfort our children when they are upset and hurting and we should. But we also want to use these opportunities to teach them a few things.

I’m sure I’m not the only mom who has heard the words: THAT’s not fair!

One of the ways we can help our children is to teach them that life is NOT fair.

Just shatter that fantasy because it will only lead to more disappointment!

Face it, life is a series of wonderful and heartbreaking events.

But we can prepare our kids, and one of the best ways is by communicating with them.

Maybe our child didn’t make the team, let’s help them put that into perspective. Explaining to them: this is just one team, there will be so many more opportunities and maybe this was not the best plan for them right now. You might need to redirect them into an area that might fit them better, possibly a different sport or activity altogether.

I had a friend whose child wanted to be on the basketball team SO badly. When they didn’t make it they were crushed, but the parents encouraged them to take soccer and it’s a perfect fit.

Maybe you have older children and they are crushed about a relationship that fell apart or college or job situation, let them grieve the situation, but when you can, talk to them about how this disappointment just may work out to be the best thing that ever could have happened. Explain that maybe there is a different plan for their life and this just may be the grace of God to save them from more heartache.

And no matter what the age, remind our kids to be thankful for all the wonderful things that do surround them.

REAL moms have REAL kids that are going to face REAL disappointments but by staying connected with our kids and encouraging them through life’s disappointments we get to help steer them on their path.

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio: STAR 105.7 A great place to hear full time Christmas music right now!

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

Tommy and Brook's Page
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

If the Shoes Don't Fit, They Might Not Be Your Shoes

2011-11-30T16:34:00.001-05:00

I have huge feet.
There I said it.
I'm 5'9" tall and wear a size 11 shoe. I've always been so embarrassed by the size of my feet. When I was little I was in ballet class (they were attempting to teach me some grace) and they had to place a special order for my ballet slippers because of course they did not carry my size.
I desperately wanted to be petite, but couldn't even come close. I was a knobby-kneed Olive Oil.

The school put on a play about the circus and I was cast as the "tall lady." I didn't realize circus' put tall people in the same categorie as lions, bears and bearded ladies, apparently they did.

Did I mention my teeth? You know how sharks have several rows of teeth and they're all over the place? It was worse than that.

I wished that I could be someone else, just for a day...a small "normal" sized person with cute hair and a pretty smile.

I just wanted to wear my friend's shoes, but heaven knows, they would not have fit. Even today I don't have a girlfriend that I could exchange shoes with. If I tried, I'd look ridiculous and be very uncomfortable. I'd walk funny and be miserable by the end of the day. The only shoes that work for me are my own.

Just like walking around in shoes that don't fit, I've tried walking around in someone else's calling, and guess what? It doesn't fit me. I see someone doing something that I think looks really exciting and I assume that I could step right into those shoes and do it too, only to find out that it's uncomfortable, and awkward and doesn't fit me at all. And at the end of the day, I'm pretty miserable.

What about you? Are you trying to walk around in someone else's shoes?

God has uniquely called each one of us. We were created by Him, to have relationship with Him and reflect His love in this world.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

It's taken me many years to come to the place of being comfortable in my own skin. Not only physically but also my identity. Who am I....where am I going...what is my calling??

Identity is a complex thing. Am I what I do? Am I the hats I wear? Oh I hope not! They are what I do, but they don't define who I am.

My bio says "wife, mom, speaker, writer and coffee drinker who loves the Lord." The things that I do help others figure out who I might be...but truly, who I am is not a bunch of titles- thank God! Because what happens is, when life changes and the titles are gone (and I guarantee, titles will change or disappear) we're left struggling to "find ourselves."

I've been there. It's a lonely scary place to be.

It forced me to search for who I am. In my searching I realized that I will never find my identity in a title or position, no matter how noble the cause. But now I'm content to know that I am first His daughter, the rest we can figure out together. I will walk the road God has in front of me and let Him handle the "why" and "how" of things.

Her shoes are not your shoes.
So, if the shoes you are wearing don't fit, they might not be your shoes. Slide your feet and whole self into Him. Start with a simple prayer, just have a conversation with God. He promises that when we seek Him we will find Him. Start "finding yourself" by settling into His love for you. Dare to believe that you are completely accepted and loved by Him and go from there...in your own shoes.

The REAL Moms Series ~ Raising Strong Willed Kids

2011-11-29T06:46:00.001-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...

WELCOME!

Today I thought we’d give a little bit of encouragement to moms with strong willed children.

Raising strong willed kids can be exhausting!

Strong willed kids are natural born leaders, they like to be a part of the decision making process, so when it's not a major issue I encourage you to give them choices.

When we want them to do something like cleaning their room or doing homework it helps to lay out options for our kids.

Strong willed kids thrive on choices as opposed to direct orders.

Obviously this would not apply to things like playing in traffic. I would not let them have that option. That would make you a bad mom. Not a real mom.

Now that that’s established…*of course I'm teasing*

When we want them to clean their room but they would rather go play outside, we give them a choice; either clean their room and go play outside or sit in a chair, in the house-having no fun.

OR, when we want them to do homework but they would rather play video games, we tell them that they can choose: homework and then video games or if you don’t do your homework there will be no video games and you’ll sit in time out.

I know it's simple and actually a little bit sneaky on our part but we're letting them feel like they have a sense of control over the situation.
It gives them a sense that they are part of the decision which is something that a strong willed child thrives on. They like options. We give them choice A which is what we would like them to choose and then choice B which is whatever we decide would be NO FUN for them.
Always emphasizing that the choice is theirs.
Bottom line, we’re training them to make wise choices.

It is very important with strong willed children that you stay in your position of authority with them, all children want safe boundaries-even when it seems that want to take over- they really want you to be in charge.

A couple other points:
Don’t fight with your child.
Be consistent.
Be fair.
Set clear boundaries.
Choose your battles wisely.
Let calmer heads prevail.

And most important, let me say that strong willed kids are awesome! They are leaders, they will be mountain movers but we need to help them funnel that drive in the right direction and teaching them to make wise choices will help that happen.

It can be really frustrating at times but it’s so worth it. Stay consistent. You’re a REAL mom, you can do this!

I'd love to hear your input on strong willed kids, any tips you want to share with us?

Listen for more tips about strong willed kids and other Mom topics on the REAL Moms of West Michigan on STAR 105.7!
The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio:
STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

Tommy and Brook's Page
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

Life is a Series of Moments

2011-11-24T05:53:00.000-05:00

I am thankful.
My family and friends give me reason to smile every day.

Even when I look back at the events in my life that brought intense pain, I see how they have served to mold me into the person I am. I was not always thankful for those times but I was thankful in them because I believed that God loved me and even if I couldn't see His purposes at the time, I trusted in that love.

There were desperate days that I clung to the hem of His garment begging for things to change...and in His grace they didn't. But that past pain has now brought depth and feeling to areas in my life that could have remained numb. It's brought deep growth when complacentcy could have kept me shallow.

Most of all, it's made me thankful. Embracing the good times with family and cherishing my sweet friends that I share laughter and tears with. Holding moments of love tightly in my heart and turning from the clutches of bitter unforgiveness and offense.

Life is a series of moments.

Don't let the moments get lost in the momentum.

And laugh. Laugh a lot.

This is an entry from a my journal when Lauren was 5 years old...it still makes me laugh, I hope it brings a smile to your face today too.

Hearing loud music coming from her bedroom, I crack the door to hear Toby Keith blaring and see this child siting on the bed with her motorcycle helmet on surrounded by our two large dogs while "talking" on her cell phone. She looks up at me and says without a second's hesitation..."oh good you can be the Grandma."

I hope your Thanksgiving has many wonderful moments.

Much love,
Sue

Teaching Our Kids to Be Thankful

2011-11-22T06:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I stopped into Meijer to grab my Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey was pardoned at our house this year, so I picked up ham, potatoes, corn and all the other traditional goodies to make our meal.
With a full cart I wheeled into the fastest lane. Yes, I pretend to live in a parallel universe where the lines are short and fast the week of Thanksgiving.

There were two people in front of me. A frazzled women with an overflowing cart full of groceries and clamoring children was at the register while an older man who had the face and the belly of a Grandpa stood between us. He looked remarkably like Santa Clause but he wore a black World War II baseball-style cap and there were no reindeer in sight.

The woman was a coupon-er. I am not a coupon-er but have the utmost respect for them. Unless they are in front of me in line. Then I have to wait while they ~~finagle~~ ~~argue~~ sort out their coupons with the cashier who is not conviced that they have all the correct sizes for the coupons in hand.

While I wait, I ~~impatiently~~ happily check my phone and catch up on the tweets I've missed. As the minutes tick by I search for anything written by Ann Voskamp because surely that will calm my nerves, quiet my heart and probably bring me to tears in front of God and everyone in Meijer.

But the sweet World War II veteran in front of me obviously doesn't have an iphone or Ann Voskamp's twitter name. He also seems to be shifting back and forth on his legs and his face shows the ache of many years and maybe a war or two.

He quietly slips out of the lane leaving his two items on the belt. He shuffles his feet to the other side of the store and settles on a hard wooden bench. He looks tired but relieved to be sitting. I see a slow breath leave his chest as his head looks down to the floor.

The coupon woman noticed that he left and apologetically pleaded her case with the cashier and I. She didn't mean to be taking so long, why had he left?...where did he go?...was he angry?...she was embarrassed and even more frazzled. I told her that he had walked to the bench and surely just needed to take a break from standing.

As she walked away the cashier reached to take the mans items off the belt but I asked that she leave them. I would take care of it.

I paid for the grocerys and walked towards the door to the man on the bench. I reached over and handed him his bag and he burst forth with explanation that his legs had grown tired while standing there and he couldn't do it any longer. I nodded that I understood. He then reached for his wallet and tried to pay me. I shook my head no and thanked him for his service. He struggled to pull money out of his pocket but I was already walking through the door and I repeated my thankfulness for his service to our country as I slipped out of the store.

I know it was a small gesture, but I can't tell you how wonderful my heart felt to thank that man for his service to our country and it occured to me that being thankful is not something that we do just to bless others, it is a gift we give to ourselves.

A thankful heart is peaceful.
A thankful heart is not anxious or wanting the best seat at the table.
A thankful heart brings humility and it respects others.
When we are thankful, we esteems others as greater than ourselves and that is a beautiful way to live.

I want to live in that beauty and I want my children to also.

As parents we have the opportunity to train our children to be thankful. The best way we can do this is to live with a thankful heart. Children are smart, they see how we live and they live that way too.

I mentioned a couple practical ways to teach our kids to be thankful when I spoke on Star 105.7 this week on our Real Moms of West Michigan segment, they are:

Teach them to say thank you. And not just a half-hearted mumbled looking at the ground “thank you.” But we can teach them to look in to the persons eyes and clearly say thank you.

I had to work on this with my 7 yr old because someone would say to her, 'oh you look so pretty' and she would just smile and nod. As if to say- yes I AM darling.

No, I taught her, you need to look them in the eye and say thank you.

Another thing that is helpful is to ask your kids at bedtime, what are you thankful for today? If they don’t know…teach them the things to be thankful for:

“That we were kept safe every time drove in the car”
“That we are all healthy”
“That we have a warm home to sleep in”

Also, teach your kids to be thankful
by giving to others.

I read about a great idea on the Happy Home Fairy blog to teach your kids to be thankful for others…they took individual bags of un-popped microwave popcorn and attached a little sticker/tag to it that said, “we just want to pop in to say we are thankful for you…and then signed their name”
You can hop over to the blog for free printable tags.
Give them to teachers, mailmen, bank teller, coaches and anyone else that touches their life. It helps to get our kids thinking about who they are thankful for.

Thankfulness is not just something to focus on during the holidays but if it opens the door to have the conversation, by all means walk through it. Use this time of year to teach the kids what a heart of thanksgiving looks like.

It will grow them up to be beautiful people.

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio:
STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

STAR 105.7 on the web
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

The Real Moms Series ~ Moms Need a Time Out

2011-11-15T07:21:00.004-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...
WELCOME!

Moms, have you had a time out lately?

We need them. Ok, maybe you don't-but I do! A time to get away, recharge, destress and refresh!

I encourage you to grab a girlfriend and have some girl time.
Maybe it's as simple as a pedicure together or a weekend away with the girls.

Of course if you know me, you know that this has practically become my life's mission through the ministry of Praise and Coffee.

I'm constantly encouraging women to get together in small groups over a cup of coffee and share life. It helps us realize that we're not alone in this journey of motherhood and all things related to being a woman.

I spent time this past weekend with 3 other friends in South Haven at a Women's Only Weekend. We had so much fun! Lots of shopping, laughing, wine tasting and chocolate eating.
We even took turns laughing at each other when the other had a hot flash and had to stand in the open doorway of the hotel room so the breeze off the water could cool us down. Ok...maybe we didn't take turns. Maybe that was just me. But at least it was fun to laugh about it with girls that understood!

Tell me, what is your favorite way to unwind with the girls?
The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio:
STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

STAR 105.7 on the web

STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

God Understands the Tears of a Wife

2011-11-14T06:12:00.003-05:00

Hello Ladies!

I'm posting over at the Internet Cafe' today:

God Understands the Tears of a Wife

But before you read it I want to emphasize something that I'm not sure I did well enough in that post...

The post is about how God will heal the heart of a woman no matter what situation she is in, but it is NOT saying that a woman should stay in a situation that is either verbally or physically abusive or one in which your spouse is living in adultery.

I don't want someone to read that and think...God will heal me so I need to stay here and continue to be abused. NO.

God will heal...He sees your tears, that is the heart of the post. The healing of a woman.

If you are in a painful relationship, I am so sorry. God is faithful, lean into Him.
Praying for you,
Sue

The Real Moms Series ~ Lighten Up!

2011-11-07T08:41:00.003-05:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...
WELCOME!

Are there any other Moms out there that tends to forget to stop and have fun with her kids?

I've been guilty of this, I can get so caught up in my agenda and plan that I am wound up tighter than a drum.

This weekend I caught myself lecturing Lauren about picking up her toys. Again.

I didn't realize I was lecturing until I saw that look. You know the eyes glaze over and she's looking right through me oblivious to the words spilling out of my mouth.

It happens when I start to channel Charlie Brown's teacher and wah-wah-wah is all she hears.

When I realized what was happening I thought to myself- stop!
This is not working.

Lighten up!

I had a great opportunity later in the afternoon while making cookies.

While my Kithchen Aid mixer was hard at work...
Brief break here to say that Kitchen Aid mixer's are a gift from God.

So it was mixing away and I accidently dropped a whole egg into the batter. Yes, shells and all. Instantly ruining said batter.

Lauren's eyes got big as saucers (which is no small feat for tiny almond shaped eyes) and she braced herself for what could be an explosive response from me.

BUT...I had chosen to lighten up.
So I looked at the mess and....laughed.

I even turned the mixer on higher just see what a mess we could make.

When Lauren realized that I wasn't going to be all upset about it, she cracked up. Pun totally intended.

We both had a good laugh.
Just making the choice to lighten up changed everything.

So Moms, lighten up! It will bless you and your kids.

Proverbs 17:22 says:
"A cheerful heart is good medicine,but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio:
STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

STAR 105.7 on the web

STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

Love You More

2011-11-04T05:13:00.003-04:00

They say there is a special connection among families that adopt. I would have to agree. I felt that when reading this book by Jennifer Grant. It especially hit home as she already had 3 children when she adopted and I've faced some of the same looks and unsolicited advice from people in the grocery store. However, the gap in our kids age is so great that it is usually just Lauren and I, so I get the "oh you poor infertile woman" smile quite often. Sometimes I wish I had a shirt that says, "My other kid is 23."

"Love You More: the Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter" is the story of a family that had a strong marriage and three happy healthy children yet still sensed something was missing.
Yes, I can relate to that!

It's exactly how we felt 7 years ago.

"Expanding my family by adoption pushed me into uncomfortable places, challenged my notions about what family means, and brought abiding happiness. Like all true ones, my story is comprised of joyful moments and times of deep longing and pain," says Grant.

Love You More is an eye-opening look for readers to peer into the world of adoption. It is not only a beautiful story of God weaving a family together, but it serves a wonderful resource for anyone considering adoption.

Whether or not you have the nudgings of adoption, you will enjoy this book. It will warm your heart and wake the thankfulness we so often grow numb to in the everyday craziness of life.

Check out Jennifer Grant's:

Webpage

Facebook page for Love You More

The Real Moms Series ~ Parent/Teacher Conferences

2011-11-01T06:23:00.005-04:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...
WELCOME!

Tips for Great Parent Teacher Conferences

It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again. Didn’t we just step off the beach 5 minutes ago? Ok maybe not, but here we go, parent/teacher conferences.

While every situation, child, classroom and teacher are different, here are a few tips on making your conferences productive:

1. Prepare ahead of time.
Look at the work your child brings home to gage how they are doing.
Talk to your child on a regular basis about how school is going for them.
I would suggest that you don’t just ask: “How is school going?” because you will get the answer “Fine.”
Instead, ask questions that will enlist more than one word answers.
Such as:
“What subjects do you like best and why?”
“Are you struggling with any of your work?”
“Who is your favorite teacher?” and “What do you like about their class?”
“Who do you hang out with at lunch/recess?” and “Are there any kids that you avoid? And why?”

2. Be ready with the questions you want to ask before going to the conference, write them down if you need to.
Examples:
a. Is my child keeping up with the rest of the class? Do you see any learning disabilities or does my child need to be challenged more in the classroom?
b. What are my child’s strong points?
c. Does my child participate in the classroom?
d. How does my child get along with others?
e. If the child is struggling with bad grades, is there anything they can do for extra credit?

3. Let the conference be a two way conversation, don’t do all the talking, but your input is very important to a good relationship with their teacher.

4. See the teacher as a partner in our child’s learning. I haven’t always been thrilled with my child’s teacher or their teaching style but unless the situation is beyond repair, it is best to try and work things out.

5. Thank the teacher and ask for his/her suggestions on what you can do at home to help your child with his/her schoolwork.

6. Pray for their teacher and your student. Lauren and I pray together each day on the way to school.

We’ve had up and down moments through the school years.
My kids didn’t always give school their best effort but it helped when we stayed engaged in what they were doing and kept accountability by asking them about their assignments and stopping in to the classroom to check in with the teacher.

Conferences with the teacher also helped keep me on my toes because face it, we’re moms, we have a million things needing our attention. A good partnership with our child’s teacher can be a great thing for us real moms!

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio:
STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

STAR 105.7 on the web

STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

Is It Time You Became an Author?

2011-10-31T11:08:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the incredible opportunity to meet one of my online friends, Lysa TerKeurst. It was a last minute, flybytheseatofmypants kind of trip. Thursday I thought I would be home all weekend while hubby was out of town, bright and early Friday I was on the road headed to Extraordinary Woman conference in Fort Wayne, IN.

I have to tell you, Lysa is sweet, genuine, fun and made me feel like we were old friends. And honestly, it did seem like I’d known her for years. And Holly Good, well I think she is about as nice as God. We connected about things that make you soul sisters for life! I was honored and blessed by their sweetness. I’ve met a lot of people and I’m telling you, they are the real deal.

Lysa’s book "Made To Crave" is fantastic and if you are one of the three people that hasn't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!

Her next book, “Unglued” is coming out next summer and it is a MUST GET! She read me some of it, and take it from me, it’s a good one. Watch for it! Of course we’ll splash it across the magazine when it’s available!

But, as amazing as Lysa and her assistant Holly are, I actually want to focus on someone else I met that weekend, someone whose name I don’t remember.

While Lysa was sharing part of her book Unglued with Holly and I, one of the caterers shared that she really wished someone would write a book about a subject that is near and dear to her heart. She is a counselor for young girls and she has a heart to help them understand how important purity is. She said that she’s seen many girls as young as 12-13 years old that are pregnant. She was very frustrated at the lack of resources out there for these young girls and asked if one of us would please write a book to help them.

We all agreed that a book should be written, but that she should be the one to write it. She has the passion for the girls and the proximity to the issue.
She lit up a little at the thought. She admitted that she had been doing some writing on the subject but didn’t think she had the skill to do it. We encouraged her to step out and do it. I hope that she does.

She has the passion and proximity.

What about you?

Have you thought about writing a book?

Is there something that you have the passion and proximity to write about?

Maybe it’s time that you became an author. Put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and throw down your thoughts. You might just be the person that is supposed to write that book.
Lysa also has some great resources to help you in your journey to become an author, in fact she offers a conference every year in July that could be just the thing for you.

Not only do they offer classes to help you become a better writer, but they are unique in that She Speaks offers you face time with agents and publishers!
What has God given you the passion and proximity to write about?
Get to it and check out that conference too!

Much love,
Sue

The Real Moms Series ~ Sibling Rivalry

2011-10-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...
WELCOME!

Today I thought we’d talk about sibling rivalry, it’s just a fact of life when we have more than one child.

The other day I watched a desperate mom in Target try to calm her squabbling children and it reminded me of when I felt like a referee in my own home.

Constant picking on one another, teasing each other until someone erupted and things got noisy.

Unfortunately I can’t say…when they reach the magical age of _____ it all stops.
I don’t think we’ll ever eliminate it altogether, but there are a few things that Moms can do to keep from pulling our hair out.

• Try not to get involved unless there’s a danger that someone’s going to get hurt. Let them work it out. If you constantly step in you could send a message to the kids that they don’t need to resolve it, MOM will.

• Separate the kids until they are calm- I remember a time in the grocery store when I put one child on one side of the cart and the other on the other.

• Help your kids to understand that everything is not always “fair” or “equal”

• Use some of the arguments as an opportunity to teach your kids about saying ‘I’m sorry’ and forgiving one another. Help them resolve things without “making” them resolve it.

• Have clear boundaries with each other’s toys and possessions.

• If they constantly squabble about the same thing (video games or tv) post a schedule.

• Have fun together as a family. Give your kids opportunities to get along with each other in fun situations. (Example, going to Gull Meadow’s farm with the kids, sledding in the winter, etc.)

And sometimes kids need that assurance that their place in the home is safe and extremely important. Like that little boy on Cheaper by the Dozen who felt that he “didn’t fit” in the family, our kids need us to assure them of how important they are to the family and that they fill a place no one else could fill.

And know that sibling rivalry is a normal part of childhood and growth. If your kids are fighting, it doesn’t make you a bad mom …it just makes you a REAL mom!

@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Motherhood

2011-10-20T14:09:00.008-04:00

Motherhood is not for the weak.

There's the screaming, crying, sleeplessness and constant emotional roller coasters that women have to deal with.

AND THEN we become a mother.

Now suddenly we're living in a home with one or more other highly irrational individuals.

No one prepared us for this.
They didn't hand out a manual when they set that darling little bundle in our arms and wheeled us out the door of the hospital.

Sure, those women at our baby shower sat there smiling and oohing and cooing about the cute little outfits and bath towels. They had no problem telling us the horrors of labor, but they failed to mention what life with children is really like, or that we would never actually use those silly little bath towels.

They didn't tell us that it's the most frightening, wonderful, terrifying yet glorious experience this side of heaven.

Each season of raising children has joys and trials of it's own.

The euphoria of being a new mom wrapped in the stark reality that we will never-ever enjoy another selfish moment to ourselves.

The joys of toddlers, the adorableness of watching them experience a butterfly while trying to corral them from wobbling into oncoming traffic.

The enthusiasm of pre-schoolers learning to speak in sentences while hushing them before they tell the world that mommy yells at daddy.

The thrill of our school age children playing sports while we sit in the wind and the rain cheering and shivering til we lose our voice.

Then the teens years of figuring out the gentle balance of parent, friend, mentor and confidant. No one prepared me for when that ice-cream smothered smile who wanted an underdog would wish that I didn't walk into school with them.

Suddenly, we blink and they are moving out of our homes and starting new lives. Spreading their wings while we pray that they don't make all the same mistakes we did.

But they will.
And then some.
And it's ok, they need to.
It's how we learned, and they will too.

My children are 23, 21, 19 and 7.
I tease that I've become my own mentor.
Sometimes I think I got another chance to get it right, and then I see how great my kids are doing and think- maybe I didn't get it so wrong.

Raising Lauren is so different from the first three.
My first three were so close together and life was crazy!
But with Lauren, things are much more subdued and I enjoy a lot more one-on-one time with her, which is good because those first 2 years in an orphanage left her filled with internal scars and needing a mommy with time for her.

I am so blessed also to have the opportunity to speak to so many MOPS groups. I love these women and the precious time of life that they are in.
I remember needing encouragement.
Needing someone to say, "you will get through this season, and you will be thankful for it!"

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Elisa Morgan, founder of MOPS.
She is a little powerhouse. A precious woman with a heart of gold. Check out her latest book, "She Did What She Could."

Thank you Elisa Morgan for starting this amazing ministry and lifting the hearts of young moms everywhere!

Please encourage a mom with young ones today, and call her on your way to the store, chances are she could stand to have you pick something up for her.

To find a MOPS group in your area:
MOPS International

Changing Our Tone Changes Everything

2011-10-18T07:00:00.008-04:00

If you're stopping by because you heard me on STAR 105.7...
WELCOME!

This is what we talked about on "The Real Moms of West Michigan" today.
(Don't you just picture me in fuzzy robe and slippers??
Add a cup of coffee and side-show Bob hair and that's pretty much me!)

“Changing Our Tone Changes Everything”

The other day I was scolding Lauren (my 7yr old) for not getting ready fast enough, which is a common occurrence because I tend to be running behind, and suddenly I heard my angry voice barking orders at her and I was horrified by the sound of it.

I thought about the fact that I would never talk to someone else this way.

AND...if I ever heard another person speak in this tone to my child, I would get all kinds of ugly on them!

But here I was, unloading on my child, my precious daughter who I dearly love!

And her response?

To bark right back at me.

Yes. It’s a vicious cycle.

I thought to myself…this is NOT working. I have to change my tone.

I thought of what it says in Proverbs 15:1.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

I needed to deflect my anger.
So I took a deep breath and spoke in my best "nice mom" voice.

Immediately, it changed the atmosphere in the room. She calmed down, we got ready and headed out the door.

Thankfully, the simple act of calming my voice and quieting my tone can change
the atmosphere of our homes!

So, I want to encourage Mom’s today to think about the sound of our voices because our kids respond so much better when we speak to them in calmer tones.

I KNOW this isn’t easy, but it can change everything if we give it a try and WE will feel better about ourselves as Moms too.

I hope you were encouraged by this Real Mom moment!

Much love,
Sue Cramer

The "Real Moms of West Michigan" airs Tuesday mornings at 7:05 AM EST.

If you are not in the West Michigan area, you can listen online at iHeart Radio:
STAR 105.7

And visit Tommy and Brook at:

STAR 105.7 on the web
STAR 105.7 on Facebook
@TommyAndBrook on Twitter

My Cat Story

2011-10-17T07:19:00.000-04:00

I figured it was a good day to humilitate myself so here goes!

Many years ago, I had this cat. Her name was Baby. She was very sweet, but had some rather annoying traits. One was her voice, she had the kind of meow that sounded like nails on a chalkboard, but at least she only did it in the middle of the night.

She also had this strange habit of backing up to something and shaking her tail as if she was spraying it, but thankfully, nothing ever seemed to come out. I had heard of male cats doing this, but never females. When I had my first child it became very annoying because she would do it around his things, as if to mark her territory.

So one day I decided to call the vet and ask if there was something I could do about it. As I explained to the receptionist how she would back up to things and shake her tail as if she was spraying, the woman seemed just as perplexed as I was. She sat there silently for a moment and said “who is doing this?” and I explained once more that it was my female cat and I wondered if she had any advice for me. She then very sweetly said that I should probably call a vet, and it was at that moment that I looked down at my address book and realized that I had called my gynecologist.

I hung the phone up as fast as I could. I was so embarrassed that I never even called the vet. I picked up a spray bottle and drenched the cat whenever she shook anything.

I've shared this story many time to illustrate that it's so important to think about who we are calling. A friend or family member may seem the most logical choice but is it really the one who is most equipped to help us?

If our heart is broken or we are struggling...the Father wants to be the first call we make.

Pray first.

And never. Never. Call the gynecologist about the cat.

In Search of Security in Marriage

2011-10-12T07:12:00.004-04:00

Hello!

I'm blogging at the 31 Days of Love at Darlene Schacht's blog.

I spent years allowing the emotions of my day to be hinged on how my husband talked to me and treated me. If I felt loved and accepted by him, it was a good day. But if I felt I had let him down or he was angry or disappointed with me about something, it was a bad day. I lived my life through his eyes. My security came from him alone.

Click here to read entire article.

The Radio Show

2011-10-06T11:35:00.002-04:00

If you missed our radio show and how to start a Praise and Coffee Night, here it is:

And I'm so sorry for my very naughty dogs that were attacking the poor cable guy during the show.

Listen to internet radio with Praise and Coffee on Blog Talk Radio

Terror, Baked Beans and a Radio Show

2011-10-04T06:28:00.003-04:00

Good morning girlfriends!

If you want to skip all the bunny trails on this post, just click over here to read my article today at the cafe':

"Some Paths Are Lined With Terror (Avoid Those)"

But if you're willing to take a plunge, here we go.

So, how is your week going so far? Mine's pretty good. I've been getting ready for my buddies to come. Melissa and Ronel are getting on planes tomorrow to come hang out here in Michigan for a few days with me.
There will be much coffee drinking, giggling and probably some tears involved. That's life with girlfriends.

And sometimes with daughters...like last night when my daughter and I were watching tv.

My husband, bless his sweet heart, has a cold. A terrible cold. He's a hot mess when his sinuses decide to rebel on him. Red face, sniffly, coughing and blotchy.

Well, he went to bed early and Steph and I sat up watching old Burn Notice re-runs that she missed. I love Burn Notice, probably because Fiona is my alter ego. Or because I love her shoes. What's cooler than blowing things up while running around on 6 in wedges?

Anyways, my husband yells down from upstairs, "Sue? Will you warm up the beans."

I immediately pictured the pot on the stove from dinner, half full of baked beans.
Yes, I left the dinner dishes.
In this house, with grown children (and their girlfriends), I never know when someone might sweep through the kitchen and eat the leftovers.

And, I was lazy. Words With Friends was much more appealing than dish pan hands.

But, I was surprised that he was hungry for baked beans at 10pm.
And then he added, "so I can put them on my face."

This really threw me until after a very confused few seconds I realized he meant the BAG of beans that you warm up in the microwave and put on the parts of your body that hurt. The warmth is soothing for sinuses.

But with wrinkled face I looked at Steph and whispered, "I thought he meant the baked beans."
We both sat there and laughed our heads off a few minutes until I jumped up to warm the beans for him.

It was funny. But hubby didn't think so.
It could have been the intense pain and burning sensation in his head. Or, and this is more likely, that he is not nearly as easily amused as I.

So anyway... I'm planning on lots of giggly girl fun this week and I hope you can join us when we do our online radio show.

It's really easy to chat LIVE with us (chatting=typing on your computer). Just click on the link at 11 AM EST and the show will come through on your speakers.
Click here to hang with us:
Praise and Coffee Radio Show
And if you miss the show, you will be able to go back and listen later.

Hope you have a great day!
Sue

It's here~ Autumn 2011 Praise and Coffee Magazine

2011-10-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

You can click on the cover to read!

And if you would like to be among the first to be notified (they got an email yesterday!) when new issues come out, sign up here: free subscription

I hope you like it.
Happy Autumn!

And just to remind you that Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM EST
We will host our first ever Praise and Coffee Radio Show ~"Conversations"

Our first topic is "Starting a Praise and Coffee Night in Your Community"

Whether or not you want to do that...stop in and say hello on the chat.
It's super easy and we'd love to hear from you.

Oh did I mention that Melissa Mashburn from Florida and Ronel Sidney from San Diego will be here- in my house. In my living room ya'll!

It may be completely obnoxious with no real information given, but I'm pretty sure it will be fun!
Click here on Thursday at 11:00 AM EST:
Blog Talk Radio Show

Have a wonderful weekend.
You are loved!

Something to Think About

2011-09-28T06:10:00.003-04:00

I love this exchange between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman...

John 4:4-9
He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

The story goes on to tell of how Jesus offers her new life...but what I want to ask you today is:

Who would be most surprised if you reached out to them?
Maybe you should.

What's UP?! I Miss You!

2011-09-21T16:36:00.007-04:00

Before I even start with this crazy rambling post, I have to say Happy Birthday to Zoey, she is 1 year old today (she's the one in the tiara).

(Lauren, Zoey and Stephanie)

I can not believe that I haven't blogged in a month.
I apologize.
I just figure you're probably so tired of hearing from me on FB and Twitter that I don't want to bore you.

But I miss blogging. I think I'll make a New Year's resolution to start doing it more. I'll start next year.

So what have I been doing???

Well, I've been busy on the magazine. The next issue comes out in just days and I really hope you like it half as much and I like doing it!
If not, just tell me that you do and you'll make me very happy.

I'm also going to start doing more with our Praise and Coffee Blog Talk Radio Show.
Never heard of it?
That's because we've never done one.
(Don't worry, you're not out of the loop...there's no loop, just a circle. A circle of friends, and you're in it! I'm totally singing that song by Point of Grace)

But we are starting in two weeks when Melissa Mashburn (Praise and Coffee Nights co-Founder) and Ronel Sidney (Praise and Coffee Nights National Director) are here- in Michigan- sleeping in my guest room!

Here is the link to that show, you can chat with us when we're talking...it's really easy!!!
"Starting a Praise and Coffee Night in Your Community"

October 6th at 11:00 AM EST.
Please come chat with us, we'd love to hear from you too!

And tomorrow night...September 22, 2011 at 8pm EST (7pm CST) I will be a guest on The True Vine Online Radio Show. If you're not busy watching Friends (oh wait...that was years ago wasn't it?) then feel free to listen. I'd love that. I promised all my FB friends, so I will promise you too, I'll bake you a cake if you come.

And because you're my sweet blog sisters, I'll also come to all your kids football and soccer games.

All of them that fall on Monday night...that's when I'm not busy.

Here's the link:
True Vine Radio Show

And if you're not completely sick of me by now...here's my article at the Cafe'

Building Your Team with Unqualified People

Now it's YOUR turn, what are you doing?????
I want to know.

Who Did God Call Me to Lead?

2011-08-22T06:53:00.004-04:00

With so many needs, where would God have us share our lives?
I tackle this one in my latest post at the Internet Cafe.

Who Had God Called You to Lead?

I hope it brings you hope and peace.

When Jesus Came to Oprah's Party

2011-08-15T08:32:00.001-04:00

Watch this, you will love it!!

Summer

2011-08-01T09:01:00.002-04:00

Sue's Famous Blackberry Crisp

2011-07-30T05:49:00.007-04:00

Let me start this post with a huge disclaimer.

This blog is not a cooking blog.

It even doesn't pretend to be a cooking blog.

It doesn't play one on TV or the Internet.

But, I came across a batch of wild blackberries in our field last night and had to make something fabulous with them.

I should warn you though, blackberries don't like to be picked. They wage war on you the minute they see you skipping up to them with an empty Cool Whip container.

For starters they have prickers the size of kitchen knives. And the beetles were everywhere. I was sure they were in my hair so I whipped my head around every couple minutes like Taylor Swift in concert.

Then I stepped into the berry patch and my flip flop fell off.
While trying to wiggle it back on I lost my balance (probably dizzy from all the hair whipping) and the vines wrapped their knives around me like a fly in a spider web. It was chaos. I felt like I was in an episode of Curious George.

Eventually, bruised and bloodied I stepped into the house and had a nice bunch of berries.

I took them out of the Cool Whip container for this lovely, pixel-y picture
taken from my cell phone. Hey if you want The Pioneer Woman, hop over there. I would!

So, I searched online for a recipe and ended up using bits and pieces from each one to make my own blackberry crisp.

Sue's Famous (it's my blog I can say that) Blackberry Crisp

3-4 cups blackberries
1/2 cup white sugar
2 TBLS of flour (because the berries get runny when baked)

Mix and put into buttered baking dish.

Then mix:

1 c raw oats
1 c brown sugar
1 c flour
2/3 c melted butter
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Chopped walnuts..if you like them...I do. So I put in lots.

Then dump, (that's how I do it) the mixture into the baking dish on top of berries.

Bake at 375 until topping is browned and berries are a bubblin!

If you serve it hot with ice-cream, your ice-cream will be insanely jealous that it's not the star of the show. But go for it, I've heard that ice-cream never holds a grudge.

Courage

2011-07-29T08:00:00.004-04:00

Hello!

Last night's Twitter party was a blast, thank you to everyone who stopped in to say hello. There is nothing so sweet to me as to see women connect, encourage and inspire one another.

Much love,
Sue

Feel free to use the picture.

2011-07-28T07:44:00.002-04:00

Pinterest. I love it.
Here's my page:
Pinterest

Praise and Coffee Night via Twitter

2011-07-27T13:21:00.016-04:00

I love the idea of traveling to each of your cities for a Praise and Coffee Night, and while that is on my bucket list, I don't think it will be happening soon.

So instead I came up with a way to virtually host a Praise and Coffee Night on Twitter.

Yes, Twitter.
Do you Tweet? I Tweet and I love to Twitter.

So this Thursday night from 9-10 PM (or so) Eastern Standard Time EST.
We will be having a virtual Praise and Coffee Night via Twitter.

The way to join the party on Twitter is by using the Twitter search button and search for #pcnight and then using #pcnight in all your tweets.

We will be connecting, encouraging and inspiring one another online!

Also, we will host some great giveaways.
To win the giveaways, you will need to answer questions based on things mostly found in our online magazines.

Some of the giveaways are:

Coffee!!

Biggby coffee! will be giving a gift bag with a travel mug, a bag of BIGGBY BEST, a bumper sticker and a free beverage card!

Barista deCasa will be giving away 1 lb of coffee!

Books!

Uneclipsing the Son by Rick Holland
Thank you Kress Biblical Resources

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff
Thank you Melissa at The Cutest Chaos

And...

Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Plus a goodie bag of stuff from Sephora!!

Thank you Laura Lasky of Solace San Franciso

So I hope you stop in to chat with us!

We have a Facebook event page too:
Praise and Coffee Night via Twitter

Catching Up

2011-07-19T07:22:00.008-04:00

Hello girlfriends!!
I hope you are having a great summer. We have been busy and this week is Lauren's 7th birthday so the celebrations have begun!

I apologize for not blogging so much anymore, I've been putting my time and energy into the magazine and a few other projects I'm working on. I'll share more on that later.
Thanks for sticking with me, you all are precious to me!

Today I'm over at the Internet Cafe' talking about keeping it real as a leader.

The number one complaint I hear about Christians and church leaders these days is that they are not genuine. People are put off by the seeming “network
marketing” style technique that seems to be pervading churches lately. Of course
this is not true of all Churches or Christians, in fact I would say it’s not true of most. But I admit that I’ve found myself responding with caution and
wanting to ask “what’s in this for you?” as I’m charmed by certain leaders.

Click here to read the entire article: Keeping It Real In Ministry

Also, if you have always wanted to attend a Praise and Coffee Night and you are on Twitter, I want to invite you to a
Twitter Praise and Coffee Night!

Thursday, July 28th from 9-10 PM EST.
Use the hashtag #pcnight and come join us as we connect, encourge, inspire and giveaway some fun stuff!!!
Here is the Facebook event page if you want to RSVP and leave us your twitter name (RSVP is not required though). Find me at: @praiseandcoffee
Twitter Praise and Coffee Night!

Stay cool this summer girls! I know you could never NOT be cool! :)

And to my local girlfriends, the next Plainwell Praise and Coffee Night is August 11, hope to see you!

The Summer Praise and Coffee Magazine!

2011-07-01T05:04:00.001-04:00

The Summer 2011 issue is published!

Again, I am so touched by the stories of women who walked through the hard times and clung to the God who loves them.

From a mother who saw her daughter engulfed in flames.

To a wife who while working in the mission fields of Africa only to find that her husband had been cheating on her. That same husband working side by side with her to help aids victims.

And the mom who faced the painful fact that maybe there was more to the story when her young son didn't make eye contact with anyone else. Maybe he was autistic.

All the while God is bringing comfort and healing in the midst of these painful trials. And eventually these wonderful women find a reason to laugh and enjoy the journey that they are on.

Real women ~ real stories.

Another very exciting part of this issue is a new column by Melanie Shankle, some of you know her as 'big mama.'
She debuts her Fashion Cafe with us, sharing 10 darling pieces that would look great in our summer wardrobe.
You will love her picks and her adorable personality. And if by any chance you've never met her online, please visit her blog. big mama I promise you will love her. If not, you can call me a liar and take a sharp stick to my eye.

Sorry, I'm a little slap happy after being on the computer for the past 24 hours straight to finish the magazine on time.

So, enough listening to me- click on the cover to view the magazine!

And have a wonderful weekend.

You're Not Doing Enough!

2011-06-21T07:17:00.004-04:00

So, we declare our God to be the burden removing, yoke destroying One. But then we turn around and put the pressure on ourselves and others to DO more.
We exhaust ourselves trying to build a huge ministry and "keep up" with others.

If you relate to that in any way, check out my post on the Internet Cafe' ~ Ministry Counter. If not, go back to laying in the sun and enjoying your summer :)

Much love!
Sue

You're Not Doing Enough!

Plainwell, MI ~ Praise and Coffee Night

2011-06-16T22:40:00.017-04:00

What a great night!

Last October I met Kim deBlecourt at the Breathe Writers Conference in Grand Haven, MI. She highlighted her story in one of the classes and I was immediately drawn to her.

Adoptive parents always feel a sense of kinship with other adoptive parents and I couldn't wait to get to know Kim better. Kim had experienced a nightmare while trying to bring her son home from the Ukraine to Holland, MI and I was compelled to know more about her and her story.

She graciously wrote about it for the magazine and then came out last night to tell the whole ordeal at our Praise and Coffee Night.

You can read about it in our magazine here: Spring 2011

Or wait for the book "Until We All Come Home"...which is coming...AND they are in talks about a movie.
It will be an incredible movie!!

Kim, thank you so much for sharing your story with us!!

Connect with Kim on Facebook: Kim deBlecourt

Stacey Davis, Sue Cramer and Char DeMoore

Deborah Brine, thank you for sharing your Stella & Dot with us before heading back to Australia!

Denise Dykstra and Kim deBlecourt

Andrea Creech and her sweet Mom!

Anne Kirby and her best friend!

Check out our website if you would like to start Praise and Coffee Nights in your area! http://www.praiseandcoffee.com/

June Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

2011-06-01T06:23:00.008-04:00

Hello girlfriends!

It's June.
It's my birthday month!
So, to celebrate ME, I would like you all to come for cake and coffee on the 13th.
Oh, and if you could bring some cake that would be great! :)

As much as I would love that, I know you're probably not able to make the trip so I'm going to ask you to do something else for my birthday...

Since we know that God has created each and every one of us unique and beautiful, I want you to tell me what quality or talent that God put into YOU that makes you beautiful and unique.

I know, I know...you're like, "that freaks me out a little, that would be pride!"

But, it's not. I want you to share what the Creator has done in you.
Let's give Him the glory. He's made all things beautiful and you are included in that!

It's time to celebrate YOU.

And yes, that's what I want for my birthday!
Nothing blesses my heart more than when a woman embraces who God made her to be :)

SO...
if I draw your name on the 10th...no, let's make it on my birthday and give you til the 13th to enter...this month's praise is: Lysa TerKeurst's amazing book, "Made to Crave!"

Seriously, I love this book.
It is so encouraging and uplifting and I admit, I am crazy about Lysa too!

She is such a genuine sweetheart, I so wish I could sit down over coffee with her! I think we could chat for days.

You will enjoy this book tremendously!! I have!

In fact I think that if you want this book, you should pick one up or order it today.
If you win the contest, then just give it to a girlfriend. Trust me, this will be one you want to share, I've given away several.

Here's a quote from the book:

‎"Whatever your situation is, keep asking God to be your daily portion - of
companionship, provision, patience - over and over. One day you will find
victory over those things instead of looking back over a pile of tears and
crumbs."

Check out Lysa's website here:
Lysa TerKeurst

And then we have our awesome coffee from Barista deCasa!

Have you checked them out on Facebook yet?
Here is their page:
Barista deCasa
AND, don't forget to follow them on Twitter too:
Barista deCasa on Twitter
Click on the logo to go straight to their website and pick up some delicious coffee!

To enter the drawing, it's simple:

1. Leave a comment on THIS post.
REMEBER to tell me how God created you beautifully!

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win, or check back to see if you won. I can not stress this enough! Fill out your email on intense debate and check back here to see who the winner is.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.

AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Please tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

The drawing will be on the 13th and the winner will be posted to THIS post so check back!

And if you haven't read the magazine yet, be sure to check it out and share it with your friends. Our Summer issue will be out July 1st, here's a sneak peak at the cover...

Click here to read! Praise and Coffee Spring Magazine

Enjoy and we pray that you are Connected ~ Encouraged & Inspired!

EDITED TO ADD:

The winner is: JULIE!!!
Congrats and contact me with your home address Julie!

They're talking about us...

2011-05-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much Internet Cafe' Ministry Counter for highlighting Praise and Coffee Nights this week!

Check it out...

Praise and Coffee Nights

What do the voices in YOUR head say?

2011-05-23T08:50:00.004-04:00

I'm over at the Internet Cafe' today, come see me!

Direct link to article:
"The Voices In My Head"

Hot Topic ~ Infidelity

2011-05-19T10:07:00.006-04:00

Hello Ladies!

Let's talk.

Here's a hot topic for us...

Infidelity.

In light of the recent news about Arnold and Maria and his failings in their marriage...what do you think?

Would you forgive and continue in your marriage?

At what point do you draw the line and say, I'm done.

Or, how do you walk out forgiveness?

My heart aches for those of you that have actually faced this form of betrayal. I believe it is one of the deepest hurts a woman can bear.

I pray that if it is you, you would find wholeness and healing in the arms of the Lord. He loves you. He is the answer to our brokeness.

So...without judgement or condemnation of how any woman would handle such a thing...how do you feel about it personally?

Let's chat about it...comment here or on FB.

Much love,
Sue

May Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

2011-05-02T06:53:00.020-04:00

Note...if you enter, check back on the 10th to see if you won.

Hey Girlfriends!!!
This month we have another amazing CD to give away:

Laura Story's latest "Blessings!"
I know it will touch your heart and lift your spirit.

Love, love, love this!!!

And then we have our awesome coffee from Barista deCasa!

Have you checked them out on Facebook yet?
Here is their page:
Barista deCasa
AND, don't forget to follow them on Twitter too:
Barista deCasa on Twitter
Click on the logo to go straight to their website and pick up some delicious coffee!

To enter the drawing, it's simple:

1. Leave a comment on THIS post.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win, or check back to see if you won. I can not stress this enough! Fill out your email on intense debate and check back here to see who the winner is.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.

AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Please tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

The drawing will be on the 10th and the winner will be posted to THIS post so check back!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And if you haven't read the magazine yet, be sure to check it out and share it with your friends.

Click here to read! Praise and Coffee Spring Magazine

Enjoy and we pray that you are Connected ~ Encouraged & Inspired!

EDITED TO ADD:
Winner is Shellie Paparazzo!!!

What are you thinking about today?

2011-04-27T14:01:00.005-04:00

I'm still here I promise! I haven't blogged in for-e-ver. But here I am. Not a thought in my head...straight off the cuff, grab a cuppa coffee here we go.

Today I'm busy packing to fly out to the royal wedding.
Not. Really.

Are you into it?

I loved Diana, I still swoon when I see pictures of her in the dress.
But I'm not so much into this coming wedding.

Sure, I'll tune in to see her dress and the highlights, but really, it's not a big deal on my radar.
There are so many other things worth focusing on.

I know a lot of people that are walking through some serious stuff. Stuff that hurts. And it makes me think about where we would be if not for the love and comfort of God.

I'm not about to get all preachy on you but if you are hurting, and I know many of you are, I just want you to know that God cares.
He does.
If something is heavy on your heart, it's heavy on His too.

Bring it to Him. Chat about it with Him.

1 Peter 5:7 says:
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.

Pretty straight forward stuff.

Not sure what that had to do with the royal wedding, but thank you for roaming on my bunny trail with me.

What are you thinking about today?
Sue

When Someone is Jealous of Your Ministry

2011-04-11T14:10:00.002-04:00

Hello,

I'm over at the ministry counter at the Cafe' today.

When Someone is Jealous of Your Ministry

Stop over and join in the conversation!

Sue

April Giveaway and Spring Magazine launch!

2011-04-01T06:35:00.012-04:00

Hello friends,
I'm so excited about our giveaway this month! It is Mandisa's CD "What If We Were Real" (releasing April 5th) And then we have our awesome coffee from Barista deCasa!

Have you checked them out on Facebook yet?
Here is their page:
Barista deCasa
AND, don't forget to follow them on Twitter too:
Barista deCasa on Twitter
Click on the logo to go straight to their website and pick up some delicious coffee!

To enter the drawing, it's simple:

1. Leave a comment on THIS post.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win, or check back to see if you won.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.

AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Please tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

The drawing will be on the 10th and the winner will be posted to THIS post so check back!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok, now for the news you're been waiting for...the Praise and Coffee Spring Magazine is here.

Click here to read! Praise and Coffee Spring Magazine

Enjoy and we pray that you are Connected ~ Encouraged & Inspired!

Edited to add:
The winner is Leslie! The random number generator picked the first comment!
Congrats Leslie, email your home address to me :)
Sue

Don't just fit in!

2011-03-22T08:35:00.004-04:00

Hello,

I'm over at the ministry counter at the Cafe' today talking about "fitting in verses leading".

Stop over and see me and join in the conversation!

Woman, It's Time!

Florida Trip, Bloopers Included

2011-03-14T09:09:00.016-04:00

What a great trip, oh how this Michigan girl loves South Florida in March!

Before I even got out of the gate, I met a Twitter friend Lisa Lehmann aka @thebeadgirl she was also flying to Ft. Lauderdale, but I think she spent a little more time in the sun than I did :)
Check out her Twitter page and amazing jewelry on her website!
Studio Jewel by The Bead Girl

So basically I traded this:

For this:

And this:

We had such a great time! My sweet friend and ministry partner Melissa Mashburn and I drank lots of coffee while making plans for the ministry of Praise and Coffee Nights, including videos, but more on that later.

This is Jill, she is the pastor's wife at the host church for Melissa's Praise and Coffee Night. She is such a doll! She's from Michigan so completly understood my almost weeping at the beautiful weather we were sharing.

~~~
This is Melissa and I with Lisa, she traveled 3 hours to attend the Praise and Coffee Night! She even brought hubby and kids and stayed at a local hotel! She will be starting Praise and Coffee Nights in the Cocoa Beach area soon. It was so great to meet her as we've been online friends for a while.

~~~
This is Mel and I with Juliana, just one of the many women on Melissa's incredible team for Praise and Coffee Nights. Loved her! I think I need me a Juliana too!

And yes, I was the only one there without sleeves. They thought it was chilly, I was basking in the warmth.

And this is a shot of some of the girls! See them all congregating over in the corner? That's because they had the most beautiful cupcakes you've ever seen!!! AND tasted :)

And this is the shot everyone asked for...Melissa's famous back porch! It is heavenly. Wild parrots singing in the background while we visited over some cafe de'luche or something wonderful like that...from a beautiful little Argentia coffee shop.

~~~
And then there was Louie the Lizard that thought is was really funny to sneak up on me every chance he got. He looks huge in this picture. He wasn't that big. But you would have thought he was by my reaction. I'msuchagirl.

And then my husband took this of me after I was home.
Wool coat and snow on the ground. The booboo lip says it all.

It was a wonderful trip, I'm so thankful that I was able to go and visit with Melissa for 4 days. And believe it or not we actually accomplished a few things!

So many of you that want to host Praise and Coffee Nights but don't have anyone to lead, have requested videos so we made a few while I was there.

Check out our YouTube page for the "Praise and Coffee Conversations"

Feel free to show them on your computer at your Praise and Coffee Night!

They are all under 10 minutes and leave you with discussion ideas so it's super easy to host a Praise and Coffee Night now.

Just invite a few friends and plug us in!

(I tried to upload the videos to this page but after having the program crash several times and great chunks of hair pulled out of my head, I decided to just post links *insert clenched teeth smile here*)

Here is a link to the channel with all the videos: Praise and Coffee on YouTube

Here's the video: "What are Praise and Coffee Nights"

And here are the "BLOOPERS"

I hope the bloopers don't scare you away.

Giving Away Rebecca St. James CD's and Barista deCasa Coffee!

2011-03-05T06:30:00.008-05:00

It's such a good thing you girls love me because I fell asleep at the wheel again and completely forgot to post the March Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

I hope you forgive me. To make it up for you, I am giving away 2 CD's this month!

AND I will extend the giveaway to March 18! That gives you plenty of time to get your comment in to enter and tell all your friends about it too!

THE PRAISE
The CD's will be Rebecca St. James latest CD "I Will Praise You"
I've always loved Rebecca so I can't wait to hear this new CD and I just know we're all going to love it, so there will be 2 different winners for these CD's!!

THE COFFEE:
And then we have our awesome coffee from Barista deCasa!
I just want to give them a huge thank you for giving away coffee each month here on Praise and Coffee, they are the bees knees girls!

Have you checked them out on Facebook yet?
Here is their page: Barista deCasa

AND, don't forget to follow them on Twitter too:
Barista deCasa on Twitter

Click on the logo to go straight to their website and pick up some ah-may-zingly yummo coffee!

To enter the drawing, it's simple:
1. Leave a comment on THIS post.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win, or check back to see if you won.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.

AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Please tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

The drawing will be on the 18th and I'll post the winner to this post.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok, now that all the official business is done...how are you girls?

What's on your heart these days?

I want to share one of my favorite verses with you, in fact it's the verse that changed my life forever when I heard it and gave my heart to the Lord.

Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

It was 1984 and I was a desperate and lonely teenager. These words breathed life into my soul and I've never been the same.

I pray that today, whatever you are walking through, they will be life and peace to you.
Sue

EDITED TO ADD:

The winners are:
Terri L. won the CD and coffee of her choice from Barista deCasa
Jennifer won the 2nd Rebecca St. James CD
and Amber R. won the 1/2 lb Kona blend from Barista deCasa!!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Next contest starts April 1!!!

Should the "Mary's" look down on the "Martha's"?

2011-02-28T06:41:00.004-05:00

Luke 10:38-41
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came
to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and
asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by
myself? Tell her to help me!” "Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are
worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

As a highly motivated, busy kind of gal, I used to read this verse and feel instant condemnation.

How dare I be so busy?

I am such a loser. I will never be that calm, sweet, quiet gal who sits still for hours at a time…somewhere in a tranquil room, probably an empty closet, and talks to Jesus. I don’t know why I pictured her this way, I mean, who has empty closets anyways? I’d be sitting on old worn shoes or a pile of dirty clothes if I camped out in my closet.

But I thought that Mary, the one who chose “the better part”, was surely looking down her nose at this Martha who was busy fussing over the dishes in the sink and making sure to bring homemade cookies to her daughter’s class for treats while cleaning up the mess the puppy just made in the foyer.

For the rest of this post, jump on over to the Internet Cafe's Ministry Counter:

My Musings on Mary and Martha

Operation Beautiful ~ Let's Do This!

2011-02-26T15:29:00.009-05:00

If you haven't heard about this project, you must check it out.

I'm so impressed with this and it goes so perfectly with our mission to connect, encourage and inspire!

Let's do this girls, I'm starting today!

Here is a link to their website:
Operation Beautiful

Feeling left out of the cool girl circles

2011-02-23T15:54:00.005-05:00

So any other girlfriends here willing to raise their hand to this question...

Who else feels left out of the cool-girl circles sometimes?

Tell me I'm not alone in this.

Crazy isn't it?
We get thinking about how we feel outside of a certain circle of gals...all the while overlooking the circles that God has put us in.

What if God has us right where He wants us?
What if maybe the circle we think we belong in, would not be beneficial to us at all.

Maybe, just maybe the Lord wants us to be thankful for the people that He's put in our little sphere of the world and quit trying to belong somewhere else.

Proverbs 25:13 says:
Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!

Instead of worrying about what circle that we DO NOT belong to, let's try being this kind of friend to those in our life.

Be refreshing! Like an ice-cold mocha latte'!

I'm pretty sure that if we took this approach, we would deal less with rejection, loneliness and feelings of self-pity.

And besides that, in my book you are all so super cool and you can be a part of Praise and Coffee's circle any day!
So, carry on and coffee up!

More Sunday Ramblings and an Exciting New Thing to Do

2011-02-20T15:24:00.011-05:00

So it's another Sunday ya'll.

(I'm not sure where "ya'll" comes from because I'm a Northerner. I've lived in Michigan all my life. But it's possible that my hopeless adoration of big hair makes me channel my Southern self.)

I'm not planning as ridiculous post as last Sunday, but the night is young.

Today hubby is getting over the flu and is weak so it was easy to wrestle the remote from his clammy hands. Well, not really but he went upstairs to rest so Lauren and I are watching the Daytona 500. Well, technically I'm not watching it, but it's on TV. I'm playing on my computer. Catching up on blogs and tweeting with all my wonderful friends around the world.

I love how the internet has connected us.
I'm a big "connections" kind of gal.

In fact the tagline for the ministry of Praise and Coffee is "connect-encourage-inspire."
That's my passion.

I'd like to put a little disclaimer under that that says, not: preach-teach-lead.

Don't get me wrong, I CAN teach, sometimes I DO preach and I BELIEVE in good leadership, but really, my heart for the whole ministry of Praise and Coffee is to connect women and let the Lord do the amazing work He does in honest authentic -let's live this thing out together- relationships.

Note: to state what I hope is obvious, I have the utmost respect for ministries that do teach, preach and lead...just sharing my heart for this ministry.

Which brings me to another thought (careful, we take sharp turns on this blog!)...

There are:
Praise and Coffee Nights
Praise and Coffee Magazine
Praise and Coffee Runs
(go to the main website to see more about these: Praise and Coffee)

and now- in our quest for world domination- we are adding:

Praise and Coffee Cooks!

NO, not a cookbook. Oh for the love of donuts, there are plenty of cooking blogs out there doing a morethanfantastic job, I'm not re-inventing the wheel or the donut as it may be.

This will be to encourage women to get together with one-two or three girlfriends and prepare a full meal to bring home to their family that night.

Of course this adventure should include lots of coffee drinking, laughing and letting the kids play.

I am sure that as you get together, you will also sharpen one another and realize that you're not in this dance of life alone.

Doesn't that sound like fun?!

Denise and I making The Pioneer Woman's lasagna, it was incredible!!!

Denise and I have done this a few times and just loved it. AND may I add, our husbands were thrilled too! They even ask us now..."when are you two going to get together and cook again?"

Denise is actually the one that will be leading this new venture. Which primarily means that she'll be encouraging you all to do it, take pictures, send them to us and tell us how much fun you had!

There is no big sign-up or registration, we're not building an empire girls, remember:

Connect-Encourage-Inspire!

We just want you to do it and see what happens.

We will have a special section in future magazines to show your beautiful faces and meals off, so stay tuned.

Here is a link to the info on our webpage:
Praise and Coffee Cooks

And of course, check out our FB page and add your pics there too!!!
Praise and Coffee Cooks on Facebook

Well, that's all I have right now. I have to go save the dog. Lauren is flipping a coin and yelling "heads or tails?!"

The pup is about to get a quarter between the eyes...

No one else looks like me

2011-02-15T06:16:00.001-05:00

My heart broke.

Lauren had the day off so we went to the grocery store and then to Pizza Hut to redeem her book-it coupon that was burning a hole in her pocket. She was sorely disappointed when she realized that all she received for her coupon was a pizza. I think she was expecting balloons and pony rides, or at least a prize box from which she could pick a super ball or plastic necklace. Nope, just a pizza. But that's not the heartbreaking part, at least it wasn't for me.

As we sat there and talked she complained about her swollen lip. She had a slight accident while sledding the day before and her top lip was red and swollen making the scar from her cleft lip surgery even more pronounced than usual.

She was very self-conscious about it, constantly checking in the mirror to see if the swelling had gone down.

I assured her that it would go away and look just fine by the time she went back to school. This didn't satisfy her. I mentioned that it was right on her scar so it looked worse than it was. The minute I said that I saw the life drain from her beautiful brown almond-shaped eyes.

Her head dropped and she slinked out of her booth to crawl into my lap and weep.

"Mommy, why does my lip look like this?" she asked with tears streaming down her face.

With every mommy bone in my being aching I answered, "honey, you were born with a cleft lip and the doctor fixed it but it left a little mark but it will fade."

"No one else in my school looks like me, NO one." she lamented.

I held her tight and kissed every inch of her I could reach.

She calmed as I told her how beautiful she is and how special God made her. That she was also the only one in her class that came all the way home from China. This seemed to appease her for the moment.

As she climbed back in to the booth across from me I asked her to give me a great big smile so I could take a picture of her.

I know that not one of you looks at this picture and sees a "flawed" little girl, but you see her heart and passion and know that she is a precious gift of God.

I pray that you would remember this the next time you start to compare yourself with someone else. Think about how you wanted to convince Lauren that she is beautifully and wonderfully created by God...and look yourself in the mirror and say that same thing to your reflection.

The Father feels just as heartbroken when we compare ourselves and rate our own worth.
You are His daughter, He loves you.

I told you I was not a night owl

2011-02-13T19:34:00.008-05:00

So my husband's watching 3 different shows which is not unusual but tonight I would like to watch the Grammys and check out all the dresses and raw meat that might be worn.
He's not interested.
Currently we're watching the logging people cut down trees.
They just had a near miss that almost took the life of some young man but he narrowly escaped.

So I thought I would ~~ramble on about nothing~~ blog.

Many of you know that I'm a morning person. Which may sound mildly impressive with the whole "she rises before dark" thing hanging over our heads, but at 9 pm it's pretty pathetic.

I put Lauren to bed at 8 and then go back up the stairs three times for the usual questions:
1. What day is tomorrow?
2. Where's Macy? (the dog that sleeps with her every night but somehow always disappears at 7:45)
3. Is the monitor on?

After that, I am spent. If there is a fourth call for me, I almost start to cry. I'm just sure that the long walk up the stairs will be more than my legs can carry me and I will tumble to the bottom in a tired heap.

Which makes this post a dangerous thing to do. I'm curently only operating on 3 brain cells, and they've been worn to the edges today by Lauren's constant coughing and questions.

She asked me all day long if she has a cough OR if she was sick. Which is it?
And because I know that if I say she is sick, it will instantly become a much bigger deal, I try to stick with, "you just have a cough." To which she replied, "so am I sick?"

I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

So I rubbed Vicks into her chest, filled her vaporizer and tucked her in.

Tomorrow's a big day.
No, not Valentines, the carpenter's are finishing my pantry re-do.
Currently I have everything from my walk-in pantry displaced all over my kitchen counters and table. Not sure why but we had this overwhelming need to put custom shelving in all our mainfloor closets. It will be a great feeling when it's all done. But for now, it's just looks like I should be on Hoarders.

Ow. I just rubbed my eye. Vicks.

Speaking of Valentines. What a terrible time for me to be on a sugar fast. Ugh.
You may not want to talk to me tomorrow, I plan to be quite bitter about the whole situation.

Yes, I know. It was my decision. But it is starting to feel like a poorly timed decision.

My dear friend and trainer Casie (check out her brand new blog) is set on getting me healthier. First she encouraged me to start running and then she ~~tricked me~~ convinced me of the benefits of fasting from sugar for a couple weeks. Really, she's sweet and I love her bunches, but sometimes I wish I could be right...that chocolate cures all.

Speaking of chocolate.
Spring is coming.

I can not wait.
But I am a litte concerned about my gardens this year. When I say gardens, I mean flowers. Every year I think I might plant a vegetable garden but the garden fairies beg me not to make them watch it die an agonizing death.

I'm concerned about the newest addition to our family. Zoey.
She is our 5 month old German Shepherd. When she was 2 mos old she dug through the snow to my tulip bulbs. The ones I bought at Lauren's school for a fundraiser. They were the really ~~overly priced~~ nice ones promising huge beautiful flowers.

Instead, they became chew toys.

Speaking of snow, I hope ours all melts this week when it warms up. They are calling for near 40 degrees! Practically summer only colder.

Well, I know this didn't make much sense but I'd better stop now. I just yawned and my vision blurred. We're watching something else now. Still no Grammys.

Have a good night and a Happy Valentines Day and if you come walking by my house with chocolate you'd better watch out. I have a 5 month old German Shepherd and will tell her you look like a tulip bulb. The rest will be history.

Guest Post: Sandy Coughlin ~ Reluctant Entertainer

2011-02-08T09:58:00.007-05:00

I'm so thrilled to have Sandy guest posting today. We connected years ago when I first started blogging and I've watched God do amazing things with her ministry.
Her heart and passion is to help others find the lost art of hospitality and entertaining.

Of course this resonates with me as I love connecting and encouraging women also!
I wish Sandy didn't live on the other side of the country because I sure would love to ~~have her cook an amazing meal for me~~ have coffee with her and talk for hours!

Check out her website and grab her book "The Reluctant Entertainer ~every woman's guide to simple and gracious hospitality"

Family Unity, Marriage and Blogging
by Sandy Coughlin

Sue asked me to guest post today, and she knows me well because we've been following each others blogs for years now. I'd say we both believe in good, healthy, strong marriages and family unity.

Even if you say you know a perfect family – well guess what? You probably don’t know them very well.

Our family is not always in unity, but when it is — when my marriage is going great, I am meeting my children’s needs, we are spending time together, our family time around the dinner table is rich, our kids are on track and content, we are growing and living for God — then I am using my gifts wisely. That where blogging comes in ...

God has blessed me with a wonderful man. And the “center” of our growth as a couple comes from Him. But I recently told a friend that I gage where I am with my blog and priorities as a wife and a mother by using a barometer.

My barometer is this: How is this working within my marriage? And this is a question that we can ask ourselves about whatever we are passionate about.

If my marriage isn’t strong, then everything else seems to fall out of line.

• Is my husband in my corner? Is he in support of my passions?
• Am I making creative time for my marriage?
• Am I wowing! my husband and planning date nights?
• Does he know he’s the most important person to me (and my kids)?
• Is there tension or resentment between us?
• What is the tone when we are talking to each other?
• Am I always running off for girlfriend time?
• Am I listening to him?

If things are not good between us, these questions challenge me to get back on track. That is why I’ll sometimes say to a friend, how is this working for you and ? (hubs name here).

I’m tying this post to Reluctant Entertainer and blogging because I’ve learned that with entertaining, it can be a miserable event if I don’t have peace within my marriage and my family before it all begins.

It seems so empty if I barge ahead with plans if there is stress and strain in the home. It’s like walking into church and putting your “happy face on” when you just had a fight in the car with your husband!

Unity is important to me, as the hostess, to be real and open with my guests when they walk through the front doors. Real entertaining for real people.

How's the unity in your home, if you are married, and even (ouch! this could be a tough one) with the things that you are passionate about?

I’d love for you to share your thoughts!

Sandy Coughlin - Reluctant Entertainer
Twitter: SandyCoughlinRE
FB: Reluctant Entertainer

View her website: Reluctant Entertainer

February Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

2011-02-02T10:18:00.008-05:00

This month's praise and coffee giveaway is actually a Book & Coffee giveaway but I'm sure there will be no complaints when you see the book.

It's Candace Cameron Bure's book "Reshaping It All":

Written with our dear friend Darlene Schacht!

Check out Darlene's website here:

And of course you will also receive some AH-MAY-ZING coffee by our great friends Barista deCasa!!!
Have you heard about their candy bar flavor...it's to live for! :)
Click on their ad to visit their shop.

To enter the drawing, it's simple:
1. Leave a comment on THIS post. Drawing will be February 10th and the winner will be posted on THIS post then.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.
AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Feel free to tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

Drawings will be on the 10th and I'll post the winner to this post.
EDITED to ADD:

The winner is: Deanna from Home Haven Ministry!
Congrats!

Even At Our Worst, He's Still Gracious Towards Us

2011-01-28T06:58:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday girlfriends!

I woke to the sound of our puppy getting sick this morning at 5:30 AM, what a great way to start the day :)

I guess I could look at the bright side, at least I wasn't the one getting sick!

So, I wanted to throw out a word of inspiration to ya today out of the Message Bible:

Luke 6:31-36
"Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what
you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!

If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back?
Run-of-the-mill sinners do that.

If you only help those who help you, do
you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that.

If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that's charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give
without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it.

Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

So many nuggets of wisdom here.
I especially love that:
even when we're at our worst...He still is gracious towards us.

I hope you have a great day and wonderful weekend!!
Sue

If You Thought Oprah Was Bad...

2011-01-26T08:27:00.005-05:00

(If you wonder about that title, see my last post and the comments...)

Ok, I know this is a bit heavy...and long...but wow, I just had to talk about this. This is from Jesus and it is powerful!

I was searching the word "hopeless" in the Message Bible for a whole different reason, but ran across Matthew 23 and was really surprised how many times I found the word "hopeless" and the reason for it.

This is a word from Jesus for the Priests, Pastors, and religious leaders of that day, and our day also.

Though this is pretty rough, the very last verse brings us the hope we all need!

Matthew 23
Religious Fashion Shows
1-3 Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. "The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law. You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer.

4-7"Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.'

8-10"Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven. And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ.

11-12"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.

Frauds!
13"I've had it with you! You're hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God's kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won't let anyone else in either.
15"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned.

16-22"You're hopeless! What arrogant stupidity! You say, 'If someone makes a promise with his fingers crossed, that's nothing; but if he swears with his hand on the Bible, that's serious.' What ignorance! Does the leather on the Bible carry more weight than the skin on your hands? And what about this piece of trivia: 'If you shake hands on a promise, that's nothing; but if you raise your hand that God is your witness, that's serious'? What ridiculous hairsplitting! What difference does it make whether you shake hands or raise hands? A promise is a promise. What difference does it make if you make your promise inside or outside a house of worship? A promise is a promise. God is present, watching and holding you to account regardless.

23-24"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God's Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment—the absolute basics!—you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required. Do you have any idea how silly you look, writing a life story that's wrong from start to finish, nitpicking over commas and semicolons?

25-26"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the insides are maggoty with your greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisee! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something.

27-28"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You're like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin you're total frauds.

29-32"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You build granite tombs for your prophets and marble monuments for your saints. And you say that if you had lived in the days of your ancestors, no blood would have been on your hands. You protest too much! You're cut from the same cloth as those murderers, and daily add to the death count.

33-34"Snakes! Reptilian sneaks! Do you think you can worm your way out of this? Never have to pay the piper? It's on account of people like you that I send prophets and wise guides and scholars generation after generation—and generation after generation you treat them like dirt, greeting them with lynch mobs, hounding them with abuse.

35-36"You can't squirm out of this: Every drop of righteous blood ever spilled on this earth, beginning with the blood of that good man Abel right down to the blood of Zechariah, Barachiah's son, whom you murdered at his prayers, is on your head. All this, I'm telling you, is coming down on you, on your generation.

37-39"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Murderer of prophets! Killer of the ones who brought you God's news! How often I've ached to embrace your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you wouldn't let me. And now you're so desolate, nothing but a ghost town. What is there left to say? Only this: I'm out of here soon. The next time you see me you'll say, 'Oh, God has blessed him! He's come, bringing God's rule!'"

I hope this doesn't discourage you, but rather ENcourage you to find out the "God news" that Jesus came to bring...and let him embrace and love us the way He wants to.

Jesus is the truth. No other one or way. You want truth...you will find it in Him alone.

I Like What Oprah Said

2011-01-24T11:59:00.006-05:00

Last night as I spilled into my bed at a ridiculously early hour, I channel surfed across Piers Morgan interviewing Oprah.

I was excited because I am fascinated by Oprah.
The woman has a gift.
She knows how to get people talking and then compell them to start DO-ing.

She uses her influence to help others and I believe...though I may not agree with her all of her "beliefs" (but I probably don't agree with all of ANYONE's beliefs)...that she wants to provoke positive change in this world.

How can we not respect that about her?

I was struck by something she said. Piers asked her what her 'brand' is and she responded, "love, my brand is love."

Right there is the key to her incredible success. She loves people.

Of course we know this is not original to her, we find it here first:

Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message Bible)
Jesus said, " 'Love the Lord your God
with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.'
This is the most important, the first on any list.
But there is a second to set alongside it:
'Love others as well as you love yourself.'
These two commands are pegs;
everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."

Sure, we could all get hung up arguing about the dangers of Oprah's new age thinking, but I believe we can all agree that she's right on this one.

I like what she said, and I pray my brand would be love also. God's love.
Everything else hangs on that.

What say you?

The Winter 2011 Magazine is here!

2011-01-19T05:29:00.003-05:00

It's here!
The latest edition of our online quarterly magazine!!

Click to read: Praise and Coffee Magazine
You can subscribe on the website (right below the magazine) to receive the updates in your email.

I am having a blast with this magazine, it's my most favoritest thing of all I do!!
I hope you enjoy and give me reason to keep putting them out.

Thanks to the great team of women who wrote for it, and especially my sidekick and coffee guzzling buddy Denise Dykstra.

Feeling Discouraged, Tempted to Isolate Yourself?

2011-01-17T06:33:00.002-05:00

Feeling depressed, unmotivated? Struggling with discouragement and being tempted to shrink back and isolate yourself??

Check out my lastest article at the Internet Cafe'.
Don't Shrink Back Ladies!

Titus Tuesdays

2011-01-11T08:45:00.004-05:00

My good friend Darlene is starting a new meme on Tuesdays, you must check it out!!!!

Made To Crave

2011-01-05T13:20:00.002-05:00

Check out this awesome 3 minute video by Lysa TerKeurst, I plan to pick up this book this week!!
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

Happy New Year, how about a giveaway?!

2011-01-01T04:55:00.005-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year Girlfriends!!

I pray that 2011 is your best year ever. I hope you fill your life with the ones you love and live as one that is loved by the God who created you!!

I am busy working on the upcoming winter Praise and Coffee online magazine and so very excited about it and the opportunity to inspire and encourage you through this new venue!

It should be out the second week of January...watch for it!
Read our first issue here.
And if you would like to submit something, check out this link.

Once again we are starting the month and New Year with a giveaway!
Praise and Coffee for you, because we love you!

The winner will receive the WOW 2011 CD!

AND some delicious COFFEE from our friends at Barista de Casa!!!
Check out their fabulous coffee.

Follow them on Twitter: Barista de Casa

To enter the drawing, it's simple:
1. Leave a comment on THIS post. Drawing will be January 10th and the winner will be posted on THIS post then.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.
AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Feel free to tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

Drawings will be on the 10th and I'll post the winner to this post.

EDITED to ADD:

My sweet online friend Dori won this month!!! Congrats girlfriend!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T10:59:00.007-05:00

(L to R- Matt, me, Mark, Mom Cramer, Josh, Lauren-on Josh's shoulders, Dad Cramer and Stephanie.)

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas...I'm still a bit loopy from all the busy-ness, but it was a wonderful weekend!

Blessings to you and yours,
Sue

A Story with No Redeeming Value. Really, not sure you should waste your time on this one.

2010-12-14T06:29:00.005-05:00

I need to warn you, there are no redeeming qualities about this story.
It is just a snippet of the strange things that happen to me on a daily basis.

Denise, has crazy stories about her boys and family.

I have peculiar stories about the people that find me. Grocery stores, gas stations and even, as you will see, restrooms...

So, I went to Target last week to finalize my Christmas shopping. I went alone. It was glorious...being alone. I cherished every minute.

As is always the case, I stopped into the restroom as I walked into Target. May or may not have anything to do with my coffee addiction.

I walk into the stall and...and then I hear these women talking. I can tell it's a women (30-ish) with her mother. The daughter is complaining about a "lump."

A lump in her breast...the mother seems completely uninterested, as if she's just tired of hearing the daughter speak. I would soon understand this sentiment.

She asks her mother to feel the lump and asks what to do about it, the mother nonchalantly says, "it's probably nothing."

Then the woman explains that the lump is painful.

About this time I walk out of the stall and say, "if it hurts, you probably should get it checked out."

Her eyes got big as saucers and she exclaimed, "REALLY?! Do you think so?!"
She was obviously thrilled that someone wanted to engage her in this discussion.

"Yes," I said. "I would check it out."

"Do you think it's a lymph node?" she said, pointing to the lump.

"It sounds like it," I replied. "Have you had sinus problems at all?"

Again...she pracically leaped at me..."YES! I have! I've had a sinus infection and terrible drainage!"

She then went on to describe the drainage.

About this time, a friend that I have not seen in many years walked in and we both screamed, "HI!" and hugged!! My friend walked into the stall as the woman then asked me to feel her lump.

"Feel this, right here, what do you think?"

By now the woman's own mother walked out of the restroom leaving me there to feel her breast lump.

Hesistantly, I put the back of my hand on her lump area-ish.

"Yup, it's a lump, it could be that with all the sinus problems your lymph nodes are pooling and swelling," I explained.

Then.
It got even more uncomfortable.
Yes...this is possible.

She told me the story of when she was 19 (now 31), how she had a one night stand with a guy. She never should have, she explained, but it just happened.
Now, several years later, she found out, that he gave her h*rpes.

Yes.
This really happened.
Right in Target's bathroom.

I expressed my sadness at her unfortunate mistake.

What... else... could... I... do?

About this time my friend walked out of the stall and started washing her hands behind me.

I encouraged the woman to get the lump checked out and to have a Merry Christmas while she was at it.
She thanked me profusely for all my advice and walked out to find her mother who had probably driven away by now.

I turned to my friend who was drying her hands, shaking her head and giggling under her breath.

"I don't know how these things happen to me," I said.

We both burst out laughing and then spent 20 minutes catching up on the past 10 years.

So there you have it.
A glimpse into an experience that I wish was unusual for me.

Do these things happen to you?
I'd love to hear about it if they do! :)

I told you this story would have no redeeming value, but I am over at the cafe' today if you want to read my post, it might redeem your last 5 minutes. I hope.

How's your little light doing?

Thanks for the Love, Christie Love!

2010-12-10T19:48:00.004-05:00

Hello girlfriends!

I hope you're enjoying this season. I know it's busy but take a little time for a white-chocolate peppermint latte' and relax! (At least that's my vice, not sure what works for you!)

I am so excited because Christie Love, the Director of Marketing for Jennifer Rothschild Ministries has highlighted Praise and Coffee on her blog "Love Notes" today!!!

Thanks so much Christie, so glad to have talked with you and looking forward to all that God is doing through your ministry!

Follow this link:
Love Notes

Hugs!
Sue

December Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

2010-12-01T14:15:00.007-05:00

It's time for another giveaway and
this month we will have 2 winners!!!

The first winner will receive the WOW 2011 CD!

AND some delicious COFFEE from our friends at Barista de Casa!!!
Check out their fabulous coffee.

Follow them on Twitter: Barista de Casa

PLUS, you'll also get....this adorable"Adore" themed set of gift cards by Becky Schultea!
Check out her beautiful calendars for 2011 too!!!

A second winner will receive this calendar from Becky!!!
Filled with beautiful pictures and scripture, you'll love this.

To enter the drawing, it's simple:
1. Leave a comment on THIS post. Drawing will be December 10th and the winner will be posted on THIS post then.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.
AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Feel free to tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

Drawings will be on the 10th and I'll post the winner to this post.

Edited to add...and the winners are...
For the Praise and Coffee and cards: Tamrah T.!
For the calendar: Marianne!

But since you didn't leave any way to get a hold of you, I need you to contact me...email me your home address! :)

Be the Gift He Created You to Be

2010-11-24T06:19:00.009-05:00

Time to mix with family and friends, some of which will be wonderful...but for many it is a stressful experience.

I just want to encourage you to let the love of God touch you and everyone around you this weekend. Put those difficult relationships in His hands.

I woke up with these words on my heart today...

Be the gift that God created you to be.

Your life is (maybe I should say...it CAN be) a gift to those He connected you with.

Shine for Him because He lives in you.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, I'm so excited to see friends and family, I hope you are too!
Sue

PS: Just saw this and had to add it, enjoy!!

Who Are You Following??

2010-11-15T06:45:00.003-05:00

Hello!

I'm over at the Internet Cafe' today...

Be a Conduit for Him!

Be careful not to follow man...follow God! And if you're a leader...lead them to Him, don't worry about building a following.

This Song Changes Me

2010-11-03T12:06:00.005-04:00

Ok, I've loved this song since the minute I heard it. The radio goes up to the "you've got to be kidding" level whenever it comes on.

Then...I heard the testimony behind the song and it made me love it all the more.
I had to share it. I hope it touches you like it does me.

This song changes me.
And let me tell you.
I need some changing.

First the testimony video:

Then the actual song video:

Available on itunes, check it out!

You're welcome.

November Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

2010-11-01T16:41:00.005-04:00

It's November, for real!

This month the praise is:

Chris Tomlin, Glory in the Highest...
Time to get the Christmas tunes out!

You'll also receive some delicious COFFEE from our friends at Barista de Casa!!!
Check out their fabulous coffee.

Follow them on Twitter: Barista de Casa

AND, you'll also get....this adorable"Thanks" themed set of gift cards by Becky Schultea!

To enter the drawing, it's simple:
1. Leave a comment on THIS post. Drawing will be November 10th and the winner will be posted on THIS post then.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.
AND....check it out...we have some *NEW* buttons available now, update your sidebar!

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Feel free to tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

Drawing will be on the 10th and I'll post the winner to this post.

EDITED TO ADD:
Winner is Jeanne Cullip!
Congrats!!!!

Getting Back on Track!

2010-10-30T06:59:00.004-04:00

I'm sure many of you have received this as an email but I wanted to share it anyways.
My dear friend Casie is ~~kicking my butt~~ helping me get back on track with eating and exercise and I was reminded of this posting that I saw years ago.

I wanted to put it here to encourage any of you that might be in the same postition as I am and ~~gotten quite lazy~~ needing some encouragement!

Hope you like it!
Love,
Sue

God’s Pharmacy!

It’s been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish… all before making a human. He made and provided what we’d need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw.
We’re such slow learners…God left us a great clues as to what foods help what part of our body.

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye.. and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female – they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) mo nths to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of n utrition in each one of these foods (mo dern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actual ly bal ance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body’s cells. Today’s research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body

Giveaway at the Cafe'

2010-10-25T05:10:00.001-04:00

They sent this message just for you...

We here at the cafe want to help you during this glorious season to fall
into Jesus and experience His love like never before. How, you ask, are we going
to do this? Oh, my friends…we have some fabulous blessings in store for you.
From clothing, to jewelry, to books, to movies, to music, we have treasures
galore that will help you to fall into your sweet Jesus more.

This year our “Fall into Jesus” giveaway is a BLESSING indeed! “Fall”
Into Jesus Giveaway runs from today, October 25, 2010 through Thursday, October
28, 2010.

Two winners will be selected at random and announced on Friday,
October 29, 2010.

Head on over to the Internet Café find out how you can enter for your
chance to win one of two fabulous giveaway bundles.

Click HERE to go to the Cafe and enter!

Homemade Vanilla ~ start it now for Christmas gifts!

2010-10-21T08:23:00.006-04:00

My favorite morning radio team Tommy and Brook gave me a great idea for Christmas gifts...

Homemade Vanilla!

I am not only excited to make this for gifts but to have it for myself, there's nothing like real vanilla to make Christmas baking wonderful. Yum!

Hop over to their page and check it out, you're going to want to start it 6-8 weeks before Christmas so now is the perfect time!

The recipe is on October 20, 2010 for those of you that find this post later.

STAR 105.7 with Tommy and Brook

What Husbands Want

2010-10-19T07:19:00.003-04:00

Hello!
I want to tell you about an awesome site that has been doing a thought provoking series on "What Husband's Want."
The website is: The Generous Wife

The website is a wealth of information on marriage and has a companion site called The Generous Husband. The current article is titled, "The Other Intercourse"

You can also sign up to get encouraging emails for wives everyday.
Check them out today!

Also...a note that I will not be posting EVERY week on marriage but will still continue to post about it periodically.

If You Like Pina~ Coladas...

2010-10-12T10:21:00.003-04:00

I heard the "Pina~ Colada" song the other day.

I know you all know it.

I'm not looking for some huge spiritual message here...but I think sometimes if we think about the things that attracted us to our spouses, we might find that much of the "good stuff" we loved about each other has gotten buried in the busy-ness of kids, lunches, soccer games, church activities and WORK.

It just might be time to get "caught in the rain" again.

Just sayin...

Ever Been Lied About???

2010-10-11T07:50:00.003-04:00

Have you ever been falsely accused? Have others said things about you that were
complete lies or a cruel distortion of the facts?

If you answered yes to either of these, hop over and read my post at the Internet Cafe' today.

"Jesus Led With Silence"

Launching Praise and Coffee the Magazine!

2010-10-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's here!
I can hardly believe it.

I've had a dream of starting a magazine for years! Praise and Coffee the Magazine will be published online every season with the next one due out Winter 2011.

If you have attended or host a Praise and Coffee Night and would like to contribute to the magazine I'd love to hear from you!

Hope you like it...

Praise and Coffee the Magazine

October Praise and Coffee Giveaway!

2010-10-01T01:12:00.002-04:00

October is here!
The leaves are little slow in turning this year but we've had some beautiful weather here in Michigan so no ones complaining!

This month the praise is Chris Tomlin's "Hello Love".

You'll also receive some delicious COFFEE from our friends at Barista de Casa!!!

Follow them on Twitter: Barista de Casa

I have to say, their coffee is fabulous! I highly recommend the "Candy Bar" flavored blend- excellent!!!

AND, you'll also get....this adorable Autumn themed set of gift cards by Becky Schultea!

To enter the drawing, it's simple:
1. Leave a comment on THIS post. Drawing will be October 10th and the winner will be posted on THIS post then.

2. Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.

3. If you have any of my blog buttons on your blog, let me know in your comment and you will be entered twice.

4. Note: Past winners are eligible to enter again 1 year after they win.

Feel free to tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter about the giveaway and thank you if you do!!

Drawing will be on the 10th and I'll post the winner to this post.

EDITED TO ADD:
The winner is.... Megan from "What Megan's Making"
Congratulations!!! And check out her awesome cooking blog!!!!

Graceful She Ain't

2010-09-30T09:40:00.007-04:00

So Denise wrote these wonderful blog posts about our evening with David Baldacci, famous author that we had never read.

She did an awesome job, please go there and read all about it:
Part 1
Part 2

But she did not mention my epic fail as a women of grace...that I never said I was.

When I came back from having David sign my new copy of True Blue, his latest best seller, I sat down in true "Sue" form and slammed my knees in to the table leg.

Thankfully no one was at the table at the moment.

Except our drinks.

Our cider punch and coffee.

Did I mention we were at a very nice Country Club?

So here's the dark side of the evening that Denise failed to mention.

Just call me Grace.

Now what are you waiting for, hop over there and read about our crazy, onlycouldhappentous, kind of evening!

I have to edit this to add that apparently David Baldacci is also aware that we are posers.
See THIS.

Are You Beautiful?

2010-09-28T06:33:00.005-04:00

I've always loved this verse. I think I see something new in it everytime I read it.

1 Peter 3:1-4
The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands,responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.

How can we cultivate inner beauty?

I know the obvious answers are...read our Bible and pray. Of course, very good things!!

Let's look at it though in light of our current world.

Are we not daily screamed at as women to be outwardly beautiful?
To matter, you must be THIS size and THAT height with your hair and makeup on just so.

If God delights in gentle, gracious beauty, I think we should too.

I don't think it's UN-important to look good, but I think that (outwardly) beautiful-but mean and angry women are not beautiful at all.

Adding the word "grace" or "gracious" to beauty really ramps it up.

A beautiful woman is gracious. She shows grace to others AND especially to herself.

Are you gracious with yourself?

Are you gracious with your family?

Here are some other words for "gracious":
Elegant
Graceful
Refined
Merciful
Courteous

Obviously absent are things like: complains, resentful, angry...

Of course... and this could turn into a whole book...if we don't feel this (grace) for ourself, it will be very difficult to give it to others.

I think this verse is a powerful key to us walking in God's grace towards us and living loved:

Ephesians 3:16-19
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will
empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
17 Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.
19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. NLT

Receive His love and grace for yourself and out of that freedom, your life will show inner beauty!

There will be no pressure to "have your own way" and "right every wrong."

Forgiveness flows freely when we live forgiven.

God loves you. Cultivate inner beauty by living loved.

Your marriage will be stronger for it.
Praying for our marriages,
Sue

Regaining Sight of His Character by Darlene Schacht

2010-09-21T01:00:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited to have Darlene Schacht as a guest post today!

Bio from her site:
I'm a forty-something-year-old Christian mother of four whose children range in ages from eight to eighteen. My husband, Michael, and I l live in Manitoba, Canada, where we run a company that empowers writers to self-publish.

I'm currently wrapping up a book project with actress Candace Cameron Bure, which inspires women to reshape their body and soul. Published with B & H Publishing Group, Reshaping It All: Motivation for Spiritual and Physical Fitness is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

Darlene also has a new blog called Time Warp Wife:

I asked Darlene to write a blog post for Two shall become One and she sweetly agreed!
Thanks so much Darlene!

Ladies please leave her some love in the comments and make sure to visit her new website and Facebook page for Time Warp Wife.

Regaining Sight of His Character
By: Darlene Schacht

Countless experts on marriage have come out and said, “Men desire respect.” “Men want respect.” “Men need respect.” So what is this buzz word all about? When defining the word, we have to remember that respect is both a noun and a verb. Feeling respect for someone who’s admirable can be a lot easier than showing respect to someone who’s not. And let’s face it, girls, there are times when we all lose sight of the once admirable characters our husbands once had.

Let’s look at ways to put respect in action and start regaining the sight we have lost:

Let him take the lead.
Make your wishes known, but let him, as the head of your house make the final decisions. Joyfully accept the choices he makes. Grumbling, arguing, complaining or pouting are not becoming of a woman, and will turn your husband off.

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. – Proverbs 21:9

Have a good opinion of him.
Husbands have x-ray vision when it comes to our brains. They know when we truly value them, and when we’re putting it on. If we’re accustomed to judging every move they make, it’s time to bridle our tongue, and grab hold of the reins on our thoughts. Focus on the good, let go of the petty judgment.

Notice him.
As women, there are times when we like to be noticed for the way that we look, while men prefer to be noticed for the things that they do. Start noting the things that he does, whether big or small, and let him know that you appreciate the effort he’s made. For example, if you have a disagreement, and he apologizes to you, make sure that you mention his kindness later.

“Honey, I really appreciate your humble spirit. It meant a lot to me that you apologized,” goes a lot farther than saying, “I’m sorry too.” Kiss…kiss…kiss…

Don’t get me wrong, the kissing part is great, but take time to notice his effort.

Show consideration.
I’ve met a lot of mothers who show little consideration to their husbands when it comes to disciplining their children. Unfortunately I’ve seen a lot of naughty children as a result. When Dad makes a rule like “No eating in the van,” stick to that rule.

Your actions toward your husband are a living gauge to growing souls. They watch how we comply, and live accordingly. My husband has said things from time to time that I haven’t completely agreed with when it came to raising our children. One instance in particular was when I arrived home from a writing conference to find out that: “Dad told us we don’t have to do chores anymore!!” Apparently, he was having such a great time keeping house while I was gone that he decided to take over for the kids. Monday morning came, Dad was off to work, and the kids had stopped picking up after themselves.

Times like these call for a private meeting of the parents who work as a team. I make my request known to my husband, and together we weigh the pros and cons before going back to the kids with plan B.

Think highly of him.
It can be difficult at times to think highly of a man who’s stretched out on the couch with a bowl of chips on his chest, a remote in hand and little to no contact with you. Understood. We all have times when we’re frustrated that our man isn’t quite the prince charming we met years back in Wonderland. Bottom line is that in most cases, he hasn’t changed--our perception of him has.

Flowers, dates, kissing in the back-seat of a car, and wearing designer jeans, does not a Prince Charming make. But being there through the birth of your child, working hard to take home a paycheck, bringing his family to church, and taking care of you when you’re hurling over the throne, are noble features to be desired in a man. If he has done any or all of those things, he’s worth a second thought. Start to view your husband with high regard, and you’ll find much to be thankful for.

This Just In...

2010-09-13T10:26:00.004-04:00

Hello!
Well it's my first Monday with Lauren in school and I'm working in the office all day trying to catch up to the stuff I put off all summer.

Today I'm over at the Internet Cafe' posting at the Ministry Counter.
You can read the post here:
"Size Doesn't Matter"
Here's an excerpt:

"So often I talk to women who lead Bible studies, seminars or even Praise and Coffee Nights, and they are frustrated at the low numbers of women that come out to their events. Unfortunately, this can often come from our own insecurities as we look at our small groups as a form of rejection. Sadly, we can relate the size of our group to our own self-worth."

I also want to make a huge announcement!

Wait for it....

Ok, I can't take it anymore!
Praise and Coffee has partnered with the online ministries of Inspired Hearts!

Inspired Hearts Media is the go-to place for Christian women in the online community. This diverse group of women has been brought together by God to unite as one in purpose.

Here's a clip from their website:
"...They quickly realized that as the body of Christ, we are better together than we are apart so they partnered with other online ministries to bring you Inspired Hearts Media, a company seeking to bring you everything you need to grow and thrive spiritually using online media. With other ministries on board and supporting one another, they are able to reach millions of women on a monthly basis."

Melissa Mashburn (co-founder of Praise and Coffee Nights) and I are super excited about this new partnership.
They are such an amazing group of women, you have to check out their website.

Also, this page shows some of the gals behind Praise and Coffee...an incredible team of women! Behind the Media

We are all looking forward to what God has planned for this next year.
Look for:
~Online magazine
~more videos
~more Praise and Coffee Nights starting in YOUR area!!

If you are interested in starting a Praise and Coffee Night in your community, go to THIS page.

All you need is a couple of girlfriends!