Hi folks,
How's your Memorial Day weekend going, thus far? I hope you are all well and enjoying the hot and humid weather. (lol) Today isn't quite as humid, so I have been outside a little more often. When it's very hot and humid, I can't stay outside because of my heart. My chest tightens up and I can't breath. So, I don't stay out in this weather.
Tomorrow, of course, we honor all those military service who lost their lives while serving their country. It's very sad to think about the large numbers of men and women who encompass that total. So, for them, I say, "we thank you for your service and valor."
What have you all been up to, anything creative? I certainly hope so! I have to admit that I haven't done much in the creative line, in the last few days. I started another story to enter into a contest, but I haven't gotten very far on it. That is definitely on my "to do" list and soon.
I'd like to start another novel, but I haven't thought about a story line yet, and I can't start on without the story line and much research. I've been crocheting and embroidering a lot the past couple of weeks. I'm making Christmas gifts, but I truly enjoy doing both of these activities. I find it very relaxing. Do you crochet or embroider? If that answer is "no" perhaps you should learn how, so you can relax yourself after a taxing day of work.
Today, of course, is The Lord's Day. I hope all of you have set aside some time to give praise and glory to God. We all owe Him so much. I didn't have the opportunity to attend Mass this morning, but I did pray from my prayer book and I prayed The Divine Mercy Chaplet, as well. It's so strange how I can feel the presence of Jesus while I pray the Chaplet. I feel He is right there with me and for this, I give so many thanks to Him. He fills me with His Divine Mercy and His graces and He allows me to do His wishes. I am always so thankful for that. Without God, I am nothing! I hope you all feel this way, also. He should always be first and foremost in all of our lives.
So, for the remainder of your holiday weekend, I wish each of you a safe and happy holiday. May you and your families be safe and protected always.
Susan
PS: I just came in from outside and now I have hives. What's up with that? I suppose it's all the pollen in the grasses and trees. I hope you don't have this problem.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Happy Tuesday to all of you...
Hi everyone,
Okay, I have to say that this is the craziest weather I have ever witnessed here in South Central PA. Almost every day in May has had some rain, with temperatures in the 50's and low 60's. Now, they are forecasting temperatures in the 80's for the next five or six days. I can't stand it! We go directly from winter into summer and from summer directly into winter. What has happened to our spring and fall months.
One of the reasons I have always loved living here in Pennsylvania, is because of the change of the four seasons. I used to love seeing how things change as we progress through each new season of the year. That was one of the reasons why I would never move to California or Florida, or any of the other states where there's no big change in the seasons.
I have my own ideas as to why the world has been having such drastic weather patterns, which have been occurring during the past few years. I believe that God is trying to warn everyone in the world that He doesn't like the choices we have been making and that includes all the violence that has taken place throughout the world. So many lives have been taken because of all this violence; either through terrorism, vengeance, stealing, drugs, alcohol, reckless driving and senseless killings.
I often ask myself what I can do to change things in this world. My answer, of course, is "not much." But, what I can do, and each of you have the power to do, is to pray. Pray every day for peace and content in this world.
Each afternoon, during the three o'clock hour, I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Jesus, Himself, told Saint Faustina, that if we recite or sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet, He will send us His mercy and graces. Mercy is what this world needs and the only way it can obtain God's Mercy, is through us asking for it.
I know that even back in the time of Jesus, killings and robberies prevailed. But during that time, sins were so rampant because people were all born with original sin on their souls. But, what we need to remember is that God chose to allow His only begotten Son, who was born as a human being, to suffer and die on that cross. This was to save us all from being born with original sin. So, that tells me that we should all know better today and every day.
If you want to know more about Maria Faustina Kowalska, you can do a search using her name or you can go to: The Association of Marian Helpers. They are located in Stockbridge, MS. Her Diary, which contains all the conversations that Jesus had with her directly, is available for purchase, if you so desire.
Her is an excerpt from her Diary from October 1936: Today I heard these words: "The graces I grant you are not for you alone, but for a great number of other souls, as well.. and your heart is My constant dwelling place, despite the misery that you are. I unite myself with you, take away your misery and give you My mercy. I perform works of mercy in every soul. The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy. My mercy is confirmed in every work of My hands. He who trusts in My mercy will not perish, for all his affairs are mine, and his enemies will be shattered at the base of My footstool."
I wish each of you a great and blessed day today. Be safe and may God grant each of you His Divine Mercy. We all need it!
Susan
Okay, I have to say that this is the craziest weather I have ever witnessed here in South Central PA. Almost every day in May has had some rain, with temperatures in the 50's and low 60's. Now, they are forecasting temperatures in the 80's for the next five or six days. I can't stand it! We go directly from winter into summer and from summer directly into winter. What has happened to our spring and fall months.
One of the reasons I have always loved living here in Pennsylvania, is because of the change of the four seasons. I used to love seeing how things change as we progress through each new season of the year. That was one of the reasons why I would never move to California or Florida, or any of the other states where there's no big change in the seasons.
I have my own ideas as to why the world has been having such drastic weather patterns, which have been occurring during the past few years. I believe that God is trying to warn everyone in the world that He doesn't like the choices we have been making and that includes all the violence that has taken place throughout the world. So many lives have been taken because of all this violence; either through terrorism, vengeance, stealing, drugs, alcohol, reckless driving and senseless killings.
I often ask myself what I can do to change things in this world. My answer, of course, is "not much." But, what I can do, and each of you have the power to do, is to pray. Pray every day for peace and content in this world.
Each afternoon, during the three o'clock hour, I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Jesus, Himself, told Saint Faustina, that if we recite or sing the Divine Mercy Chaplet, He will send us His mercy and graces. Mercy is what this world needs and the only way it can obtain God's Mercy, is through us asking for it.
I know that even back in the time of Jesus, killings and robberies prevailed. But during that time, sins were so rampant because people were all born with original sin on their souls. But, what we need to remember is that God chose to allow His only begotten Son, who was born as a human being, to suffer and die on that cross. This was to save us all from being born with original sin. So, that tells me that we should all know better today and every day.
If you want to know more about Maria Faustina Kowalska, you can do a search using her name or you can go to: The Association of Marian Helpers. They are located in Stockbridge, MS. Her Diary, which contains all the conversations that Jesus had with her directly, is available for purchase, if you so desire.
Her is an excerpt from her Diary from October 1936: Today I heard these words: "The graces I grant you are not for you alone, but for a great number of other souls, as well.. and your heart is My constant dwelling place, despite the misery that you are. I unite myself with you, take away your misery and give you My mercy. I perform works of mercy in every soul. The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy. My mercy is confirmed in every work of My hands. He who trusts in My mercy will not perish, for all his affairs are mine, and his enemies will be shattered at the base of My footstool."
I wish each of you a great and blessed day today. Be safe and may God grant each of you His Divine Mercy. We all need it!
Susan
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Where does the time go to?
Hi all,
I don't know about any of you, but I think time flies by so quickly. I don't seem to have enough time to do the things I would like to do anymore. It's not because I run around a lot, because I don't. I just can't figure it out. Do you have any ideas?
I did go to Ocean City with three of my lady friends last Thursday, and returned on Sunday. But even down there, the time sped by so quickly and we didn't do much of anything. The weather really wasn't very nice, but it was nice to just be able to see the ocean and God's magnificent sky. Although at times, it was so foggy that we couldn't even see where the ocean ended and the sky began. I'm not complaining because I had a very nice time and enjoyed my time with my friends. I am thankful to God for giving us an safe and pleasant time together.
I entered a story into a contest a few weeks ago and I was considering writing another one to enter, also. You can enter up to three stories. I simply haven't had the time to even start another one. I need to get down to business and get started, but I also feel I have to keep up with my blog. It's so important to me, and I just need to make the time to write two new pages a week. I will make the effort to try.
What have all of you been up to lately? I hope you have found time to be creative, in one form or another. There are so many ways to express our creativity. We just don't realize all of them. Have you ever had any desire to write? If so, you really should take some classes first. There are so many guide lines for writing the correctly acceptable way.
I took my first writing course many years ago. It was a home correspondence course with The Children's Institute of Literature. That was a beginners course. It took me the best part of a year to complete that one. After completion, I took an advanced course, which was a bit harder, but I learned so much about the correct forms of writing. It was during that course that I started my first hard-bound novel for children. I loved every minute of it and when it was complete, I finished my novel and, actually, published most of it myself, with a little help from my daughters. I had a lot of help from my employer at the time. He allowed me to use his equipment to sew the signatures together, to glue all the book pages together and to make the covers and put them on the pages. He cut the books for me, as that antique machine scared me to death. I thought I'd cut my fingers off while trying to slice the pages to size. I will always be grateful to him for all his help. My three daughters helped me with the covers and I hope it gave them a new appreciation for books, just as it did me. I never looked at a hard-bound book the same, again. There is so much that goes into publishing a book.
Have you ever considered taking some courses on writing? Actually, those are just the first steps in having a novel published, whether it's non-fiction or fiction. After you've written it, then comes the step of proofing it and making sure it's laid out properly. Then, the publisher will only accept certain formats and you may have to reformat your manuscript before you can download it to their website. Also, if you try to sell it electronically, they also only accept specific formats. I'm sure for all you younger folks, who are very familiar with today's electronic gadgets, that wouldn't be much of a problem. But, for us older folks, it is one big headache, to say the least. But, I've learned a few tricks over the years I've been writing. I suppose you can teach an old dog new tricks, after all.
You can check out my last novel, "Prolonged Uncertainties," on it's page here on my blog. It is a novel about a twenty year old cold case. I truly enjoyed writing this one, because I stepped out of my comfort zone when I chose to write this type of novel. If you check it out at Amazon.com, you see it has a different cover.
Whatever you choose to do in the creative line, don't be discouraged! It truly doesn't matter if everything is perfect or not. Just do the best you can and don't be discouraged. I'm almost 68 years, and I refuse to give up because of my age. I will try anything new that I'd like to try. It may not be perfect, but it doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to be done the best you can. That's all that truly matters. Of course, you will need to take some courses first though. I don't care about making money from my novels and booklets, I just want to make one person smile or learn something new about their health and more importantly, to help them to know that the only person they can truly depend upon is God.
Check out my other pages here on my blog. All of my books and booklets are available on Amazon.com. I believe there are about 18 of them now. Don't give up no matter what your circumstances are. Determination always finds a way! Good luck!
Susan
I don't know about any of you, but I think time flies by so quickly. I don't seem to have enough time to do the things I would like to do anymore. It's not because I run around a lot, because I don't. I just can't figure it out. Do you have any ideas?
I did go to Ocean City with three of my lady friends last Thursday, and returned on Sunday. But even down there, the time sped by so quickly and we didn't do much of anything. The weather really wasn't very nice, but it was nice to just be able to see the ocean and God's magnificent sky. Although at times, it was so foggy that we couldn't even see where the ocean ended and the sky began. I'm not complaining because I had a very nice time and enjoyed my time with my friends. I am thankful to God for giving us an safe and pleasant time together.
I entered a story into a contest a few weeks ago and I was considering writing another one to enter, also. You can enter up to three stories. I simply haven't had the time to even start another one. I need to get down to business and get started, but I also feel I have to keep up with my blog. It's so important to me, and I just need to make the time to write two new pages a week. I will make the effort to try.
What have all of you been up to lately? I hope you have found time to be creative, in one form or another. There are so many ways to express our creativity. We just don't realize all of them. Have you ever had any desire to write? If so, you really should take some classes first. There are so many guide lines for writing the correctly acceptable way.
I took my first writing course many years ago. It was a home correspondence course with The Children's Institute of Literature. That was a beginners course. It took me the best part of a year to complete that one. After completion, I took an advanced course, which was a bit harder, but I learned so much about the correct forms of writing. It was during that course that I started my first hard-bound novel for children. I loved every minute of it and when it was complete, I finished my novel and, actually, published most of it myself, with a little help from my daughters. I had a lot of help from my employer at the time. He allowed me to use his equipment to sew the signatures together, to glue all the book pages together and to make the covers and put them on the pages. He cut the books for me, as that antique machine scared me to death. I thought I'd cut my fingers off while trying to slice the pages to size. I will always be grateful to him for all his help. My three daughters helped me with the covers and I hope it gave them a new appreciation for books, just as it did me. I never looked at a hard-bound book the same, again. There is so much that goes into publishing a book.
Have you ever considered taking some courses on writing? Actually, those are just the first steps in having a novel published, whether it's non-fiction or fiction. After you've written it, then comes the step of proofing it and making sure it's laid out properly. Then, the publisher will only accept certain formats and you may have to reformat your manuscript before you can download it to their website. Also, if you try to sell it electronically, they also only accept specific formats. I'm sure for all you younger folks, who are very familiar with today's electronic gadgets, that wouldn't be much of a problem. But, for us older folks, it is one big headache, to say the least. But, I've learned a few tricks over the years I've been writing. I suppose you can teach an old dog new tricks, after all.
You can check out my last novel, "Prolonged Uncertainties," on it's page here on my blog. It is a novel about a twenty year old cold case. I truly enjoyed writing this one, because I stepped out of my comfort zone when I chose to write this type of novel. If you check it out at Amazon.com, you see it has a different cover.
Whatever you choose to do in the creative line, don't be discouraged! It truly doesn't matter if everything is perfect or not. Just do the best you can and don't be discouraged. I'm almost 68 years, and I refuse to give up because of my age. I will try anything new that I'd like to try. It may not be perfect, but it doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to be done the best you can. That's all that truly matters. Of course, you will need to take some courses first though. I don't care about making money from my novels and booklets, I just want to make one person smile or learn something new about their health and more importantly, to help them to know that the only person they can truly depend upon is God.
Check out my other pages here on my blog. All of my books and booklets are available on Amazon.com. I believe there are about 18 of them now. Don't give up no matter what your circumstances are. Determination always finds a way! Good luck!
Susan
Monday, May 9, 2016
Another Monday comes...
Hi everyone,
Well, it was so nice to wake up to the bright shinning sun this morning, but since late morning, it is, once again, cloudy! Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. How's the weather where you are? I had to run out for a few minutes this morning, and since then, I have an allergy headache. I took some pills and it has helped.
Today I'd like to address the topic of death. Okay, I know no-one likes speaking about death, but it will happen to all of us, one day. For some it will be sooner and for others, it will be later. I was just notified, early this morning, that my nephew's wife passed away during the night.
I'm kind of conflicted about how I feel. She suffered from cancer for the past nine years. She was so strong, both for herself and her loved ones. I give her high praise for that strength and I am so sorry that she has died. But, I am happy that her suffering is now over. She's been so strong, both for herself and for her family, but I am sure that it was not easy. She was in and out of the hospital, more times than I can remember. It was a tough battle and full of pain and suffering, so for that reason, I am glad that she is finally free of that pain and suffering. I'm sure she is with God now and for that reason, I am happy for her. She'll never have to suffer, for any reason, ever again.
Of course, on the other hand, I am sorry for her that she will never see her family again, or they her. My nephew is a strong man and I know he will do whatever he has to do, for himself and for their son, who still lives at home. My sister flew out to be with them, weeks ago and she will remain there for as long as her son needs her. I'm glad he will have his Mother's love and help. He will need it.
There was a poem that I loved and had read at my Mom's funeral. I keep a copy of it in a frame on my cedar chest, in my bedroom. In it, it says: death is nothing at all...I'm only in another room...speak to me as you always have...share you're feelings with me...I am still here, just around the corner...call me by the old familiar names you always have!
That poem means so much to me and it truly helped me after my Mom and Dad passed away. I thought I'd send a copy of it to my nephew. He can share it with his family and perhaps it will help them like it helped me, at least I hope so.
How do you feel about your death? I suppose that's a question that we don't usually think about, but perhaps we should. I do think about it, but then, since I suffer from chronic congestive heart failure, I suppose I should. I recently saw a commercial on television which says, "Those who suffer from congestive heart failure never know if they will live to see tomorrow." This fact is true and I am always aware of it.
I am not afraid to die, but I do hope it won't happen anytime soon. Of course, it's not up to me and you when we shall pass away. It's up to God! I try to ask God's forgiveness of my sins on a regular basis because I want to stay in a state of His grace. I want to always be ready for whenever that time comes for Him to take me home with Him. I do hope that I have many more years here on this earth, to be with my husband and my family. I love them all so very much.
How about you? Do you ever think about dying and what will become of your soul, after wards? It's never too early to prepare yourself for your death, even if it's not for another twenty five or so years. That old proverb, "Be prepared!" applies to death also.
I'm not trying to be morbid today, rather just trying to bring you all back to reality. Two things we have not control over are: birth and death... they are both in God's hands.
I hope that all you Mother's out there, had a great Mother's Day, yesterday. As for me, I am blessed to have three loving and caring daughters. They are, and always have been, my Mother's Day gift to me. There is nothing in my life, that I am more proud of, then my daughters. Of course, my Sons-in-law, Grandsons and my husband, are right up there with them, also.
I thank God daily, for my family and my husband, because I never know when my day will come for God to take me home with Him. I need to always be ready. How about you?
Be safe and take care of your loved ones, always!
Susan
Well, it was so nice to wake up to the bright shinning sun this morning, but since late morning, it is, once again, cloudy! Oh well, it was nice while it lasted. How's the weather where you are? I had to run out for a few minutes this morning, and since then, I have an allergy headache. I took some pills and it has helped.
Today I'd like to address the topic of death. Okay, I know no-one likes speaking about death, but it will happen to all of us, one day. For some it will be sooner and for others, it will be later. I was just notified, early this morning, that my nephew's wife passed away during the night.
I'm kind of conflicted about how I feel. She suffered from cancer for the past nine years. She was so strong, both for herself and her loved ones. I give her high praise for that strength and I am so sorry that she has died. But, I am happy that her suffering is now over. She's been so strong, both for herself and for her family, but I am sure that it was not easy. She was in and out of the hospital, more times than I can remember. It was a tough battle and full of pain and suffering, so for that reason, I am glad that she is finally free of that pain and suffering. I'm sure she is with God now and for that reason, I am happy for her. She'll never have to suffer, for any reason, ever again.
Of course, on the other hand, I am sorry for her that she will never see her family again, or they her. My nephew is a strong man and I know he will do whatever he has to do, for himself and for their son, who still lives at home. My sister flew out to be with them, weeks ago and she will remain there for as long as her son needs her. I'm glad he will have his Mother's love and help. He will need it.
There was a poem that I loved and had read at my Mom's funeral. I keep a copy of it in a frame on my cedar chest, in my bedroom. In it, it says: death is nothing at all...I'm only in another room...speak to me as you always have...share you're feelings with me...I am still here, just around the corner...call me by the old familiar names you always have!
That poem means so much to me and it truly helped me after my Mom and Dad passed away. I thought I'd send a copy of it to my nephew. He can share it with his family and perhaps it will help them like it helped me, at least I hope so.
How do you feel about your death? I suppose that's a question that we don't usually think about, but perhaps we should. I do think about it, but then, since I suffer from chronic congestive heart failure, I suppose I should. I recently saw a commercial on television which says, "Those who suffer from congestive heart failure never know if they will live to see tomorrow." This fact is true and I am always aware of it.
I am not afraid to die, but I do hope it won't happen anytime soon. Of course, it's not up to me and you when we shall pass away. It's up to God! I try to ask God's forgiveness of my sins on a regular basis because I want to stay in a state of His grace. I want to always be ready for whenever that time comes for Him to take me home with Him. I do hope that I have many more years here on this earth, to be with my husband and my family. I love them all so very much.
How about you? Do you ever think about dying and what will become of your soul, after wards? It's never too early to prepare yourself for your death, even if it's not for another twenty five or so years. That old proverb, "Be prepared!" applies to death also.
I'm not trying to be morbid today, rather just trying to bring you all back to reality. Two things we have not control over are: birth and death... they are both in God's hands.
I hope that all you Mother's out there, had a great Mother's Day, yesterday. As for me, I am blessed to have three loving and caring daughters. They are, and always have been, my Mother's Day gift to me. There is nothing in my life, that I am more proud of, then my daughters. Of course, my Sons-in-law, Grandsons and my husband, are right up there with them, also.
I thank God daily, for my family and my husband, because I never know when my day will come for God to take me home with Him. I need to always be ready. How about you?
Be safe and take care of your loved ones, always!
Susan
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Just another rainy and dreary day!
Hi all
Well, if you live in South Central Pennsylvania, then you already know that it's been a rainy and dreary week here and it's to remain this way through the weekend. I have to tell you that I'm not liking this, not one little bit. All this dreary weather makes me feel sleepy and lazy. I stretched out on the sofa a little earlier, but couldn't fall asleep, so I just got up once again. How is the weather in your little section of the world?
Well, to change the subject, what have you been up to lately, in the creative avenue? I finished my story that I was working on to use in a contest. I emailed it to the publisher and now I will just sit back and wait to see if I hear from them. I don't really care about winning the money, but it would be nice to have my story published in their book. A person can enter up to three entries in the contest, so I was considering writing another one to enter. I have to think about it for a few days and then I'll make a decision. I'd kind of like to start another novel soon.
For anyone out there who is a senior citizen, and thinks that you cant achieve anything of value to you, because of your age, I want to tell you that you are wrong. It doesn't matter what age you are. If you still have your mind and some intelligence, then you're never too old to do what matters most to you. Of course, if that is jumping from a plane or going bungee jumping , then you may want to think about whether or not you want to take the chance of killing yourself.
I've never liked being told that wasn't able to accomplish things, that is, unless I tried it and proved to myself that I wasn't very good at it. But then, I've always had a knack for creativity and I feel so blessed for those abilities. They certainly give me my self-worth.
It's important for people, as they grow older, that they still have self worth and believe in their abilities. Never give up doing those things that you love, that is, unless they are illegal or damaging to you in some way.
This is my day to encourage all of you to find your blessings and then use them to do good for someone else. Even those sedentary folks can do something to feel good about. How about crocheting some scarves for next winter and donate them to a senior center. They feel good having a warm scarf to put around their neck for warmth. Or, you could use this summer to take some empty jars, fill them with some dirt and place a small plant into them. Then add a pretty little ribbon around the bottle. Then you can take them to a nursing home and give them out. There's always something you can do. Use your imagination and come up with something.
Just think about it! Have a good day and be safe!
Susan
Well, if you live in South Central Pennsylvania, then you already know that it's been a rainy and dreary week here and it's to remain this way through the weekend. I have to tell you that I'm not liking this, not one little bit. All this dreary weather makes me feel sleepy and lazy. I stretched out on the sofa a little earlier, but couldn't fall asleep, so I just got up once again. How is the weather in your little section of the world?
Well, to change the subject, what have you been up to lately, in the creative avenue? I finished my story that I was working on to use in a contest. I emailed it to the publisher and now I will just sit back and wait to see if I hear from them. I don't really care about winning the money, but it would be nice to have my story published in their book. A person can enter up to three entries in the contest, so I was considering writing another one to enter. I have to think about it for a few days and then I'll make a decision. I'd kind of like to start another novel soon.
For anyone out there who is a senior citizen, and thinks that you cant achieve anything of value to you, because of your age, I want to tell you that you are wrong. It doesn't matter what age you are. If you still have your mind and some intelligence, then you're never too old to do what matters most to you. Of course, if that is jumping from a plane or going bungee jumping , then you may want to think about whether or not you want to take the chance of killing yourself.
I've never liked being told that wasn't able to accomplish things, that is, unless I tried it and proved to myself that I wasn't very good at it. But then, I've always had a knack for creativity and I feel so blessed for those abilities. They certainly give me my self-worth.
It's important for people, as they grow older, that they still have self worth and believe in their abilities. Never give up doing those things that you love, that is, unless they are illegal or damaging to you in some way.
This is my day to encourage all of you to find your blessings and then use them to do good for someone else. Even those sedentary folks can do something to feel good about. How about crocheting some scarves for next winter and donate them to a senior center. They feel good having a warm scarf to put around their neck for warmth. Or, you could use this summer to take some empty jars, fill them with some dirt and place a small plant into them. Then add a pretty little ribbon around the bottle. Then you can take them to a nursing home and give them out. There's always something you can do. Use your imagination and come up with something.
Just think about it! Have a good day and be safe!
Susan
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