To Walk or Stay by: Lara Williams; a Book Review

To Walk or Stay by: Lara Williams; a Book Review

To have a friend, yes, even an online friend who pours her overflow of God’s blessings into your life is exactly the kind of friend I have in Lara. What’s more special to me is that she did so even before she knew I existed. Now, I’ve had tne honor to call Lara ‘friend’ for a couple of years and serve with her on the Hello Mornings Team. Yet, I didn’ know the depth of her walk through such a devasting valley. I knew however, that she does trust God.

Her new book, To Walk or Stay, Trusting God through Shattered Hopes and Suffocating Fears reminds me that each of us has something that we are being challenged by that few, if any know about. What Hope of yours has been shattered? What Fears have suffocated you? No matter the circumstance, we all can use a reminder to Trust God through it all & that He Keeps His Promises.You will find such Hope in this book, told against the backdrop of her valley in simple, honest voice.

Lara says,

“The ultimate point of this book is to show you how I wrestled before my God in the midst of a devastating valley and to testify to His faithful guidance.”

And, Lara has also already prayed for you. I too pray that you will be enCouraged by Lara’s book through which she pours an abundant overflow of blessings that spring from the depths of God’s Love. A Love that she dared to Believe in. We all have to make a daily choice. Will we Walk or Stay.

Be sure to pick up your copy of this New Book: To Walk or Stay. Trusting God through Shattered Hopes and Suffocating Fears.

Want even more blessings…visit Lara at: http://www.ToOverflowing.com

Please come back and let me know how Lara’s book has blessed you!
Love Ya!

100 pound loser ~ a book review & my renewed perspective

I had the usual struggles with weight and health that come with aging. At the age of 33, this 130 pound wife and mom of 2 was in the best shape of my life. Wham! Life hit me from behind. Yes, Literally, I & our then 7 & 9-year-old children were hit from behind by a semi. Yes, they are OK  That was exactly 14 years ago today. Now, our son will be 24 on January 6 and our daughter will be 22 on February 3. Praise \o/ the Lord for His Blessings!

That next year, while learning to live with ‘new normal life’, I ate and drank whatever gave me comfort, however temporary it was. Looking in the mirror one day, I discovered a frowning woman, whom I did not recognize…at first. As I looked closer, I found myself in her eyes and stared in silence, while awful reality seeped deep into my soul.

Soon afterwards, stepping on the scale at the Doctor’s office, I was horrified to learn the number that represented this stranger who looked at me in the mirror. The number confirmed my ‘new reality’. I had doubled my weight…in just. one. year. *long, slow sigh* From there I struggled from 260 pounds to 180 pounds. Victory! But then, life hit again. I was not prepared. I struggled still, yet, I found myself back to 220 pounds. Seems that I’ve been everywhere in between since. Today, my body weight is 195.8 pounds, a BMI of 33.42 (yes, I just weighed myself!), a renewed perspective, a long-term Goal of being a ’35.8 pound loser’ and Praising God that… 

I found myself this first week of the New Year 2013 sitting down to read this eBook called 100 Pound Loser: How I Ate What I Wanted, Had Four Babies, & Still Took Control Of My Weight – And You Can Too! by a sweet lady that I had kind of ‘met’ online via’ some twitter friends & her blog. I was thinking ‘This sounds like it will be a good book of encouragement. I’ll read this so I can share this encouragement with others. Maybe I’ll learn something new to help me lose a few pounds because the 30+ Pounds I need to lose, just seems out of reach for me now.’

I hear the word, Weight. And Ugh! Just the word brings on sad, frustrated, guilty & depressed feelings.  Do you look in the mirror and Smile? My answer was an un-hesitated “No. Not often”. So, when I read the Dedication of Jessica’s Book, “To every woman who has ever looked in the mirror and frowned: you are loved.” …hmm, I had a strange feeling that I might find more in this little book than just how to lose a few pounds. I was right.

Happy Surprise. Jessica is Not an Expert! I love that she is just. like. me. and I’m sure, just. like. you. She is a woman who wants to have a healthy body. I grew to like her more and more as I read. I felt as if we were having a conversation in my living room, each of us, curled up on either end the couch with mugs of hot coffee, a roaring fire in the fireplace, snow falling outside the window… Ahem…ok so yes, I like winter and I really liked her straightforward, conversational style of writing.

She is honest. She is authentic. She is simply sharing her story and perspective with humor and candidness to encourage us and cheer for us as we reclaim our health. Knowing there is someone else out there who experienced the struggle, has won the battle while still fighting the good fight provides a support. It will be a continued struggle. (I said she’s honest.) However, I can take control of my body. I am not alone in this struggle. When you read this book, you will know that You can take control of your body. You are not alone either.

As I was reading, I found that I could declare as Jessica did, “things had to change.”. I love that Jessica refers to 1 Corinthians 6:19 in her book. She gives great encouragement to all of us who have ever struggled with body image. I must admit that I struggled with body image even when I was at a healthy weight. Her idea of beginning with rejecting was a brilliant move! Nope…you’ll have to read it for yourself to see what I mean. All I will say is that my perspective is now in its proper place again…and will keep it there with the help of her many tips and insights.

I shared a little part of my story  with you so you may understand just how much Jessica’s story means to me. (gulp…those numbers are out there now!) I was taken by surprise at just how God is using Jessica and her book in my life at this moment…His Perfect Timing. Saturday, January 5, 2013 is the 14^th Anniversary of the accident. I am posting this review on this date because I am creating a Positive Moment to Remember on January 5ths in the future. I am excited to say . . . I have a Proper Perspective. -35.8 pounds is a ‘do-able’ Goal. I’ll be Celebrating all future January 5ths as a ‘Pound Loser-Health Finder’ Anniversary!

So…What do YOU have to Lose?! Improper perspective? A negative body image? Bad eating habits? Self-control issues? A few pounds or 100 pounds? 

No Matter what Your Goals Are this year, I know you’ll be encouraged by Jessica and her book, 100 Pound Loser: How I Ate What I Wanted, Had Four Babies, & Still Took Control Of My Weight – And You Can Too!

*Grab a Copy of Jessica’s Book HERE.

Jessica’s Blog ~ Muthering Heights and other Senseless Sensibilities

Thank You Note ~ Jessica, I offer my sincere, heart-full ‘Thank You!’ to you. One day this year, I pray that God Blesses you as He is blessing others thru your heart and the work of your hands. Also, that one day, I’ll be able to give you a {HUG} in person. For now…here’s a cyber {HUG}. Love Ya, Susie

*Jessica gave me a copy of her book for a review.  I am pleased & honored to help her spread the word about her book!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Morning Bible Study > Living Stones

><> It’s the week of September 23, 2012 and I’m staring Week 6 of my Hello Mornings Challenge.

My Prayer from Insights Learned ~ 1 Peter 2:1-12 ~ Bible Study Kept : Secure in His Hands Whatever I face. 

In these verses, Peter talks about Stones and Rocks…

Morning Bible Study

He references Isaiah 8:11-17 & they are so Encouraging
especially, when Isaiah continues in Isaiah 9:1-7 with the thought that…

we are now out of darkness and in His Wonderful Light
so we may Rejoice…

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and
the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

This Child who was born to us & this Son who was given to us
is the same Living Stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone.
The one who Trusts in Him will never be put to shame.

Peter learned about who Jesus is when Jesus turned to him in Matthew 16:13-19 …

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,
for this was not revealed to you by man,
but by my Father in heaven.
And I tell you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven:
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Like Peter, If we Believe, Trust in Jesus, we will never be put to shame.
Like Peter, When the Father reveals to us who Jesus is and we can say:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”, we can also know that:
_____ (enter your name) on this rock I will build my church, and
the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven:
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

My Prayer: Father, God, In Jesus’ name,
May we, like Peter, as aliens and strangers in this world,
remember that we are also
“a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God,
that you (we) may Declare the Praises of Him
who called you (us) into His wonderful light.”.
May we be the Living Stones that Shout Your Praises! \o/

Susie and Marilyn

My *Shout* of Praise ~ *Shout* of Praise \o/ ~ I Praise You, Father for the Blessings of being in Your Family and the Surprises filled with Wonder-Full Delights delivered just when You know we Need them most! \o/ I spent some time with Dear Family Friends who were unexpectedly in our area this weekend. ♥

 

Susie and Lydia

<>< What Praise will You *Shout* This Day!?! Please share your Praises in the comments’ section below!

May we Remember to *Shout* Praises\o/ every time we see a Stone…even if it is just shouted in our hearts! ♥ Love You, Susie

“Real-Life Time”=Ask for Help . . . yes, that 4-letter word!

One Critical Lesson I’ve learned: 
“Real-Life Time”=Ask for Help . . . yes, that 4-letter word!

‘Real-Life’…chipped nail polish…

Though humbling, asking for help of any kind is hard for us women/moms to do yet, it is an important Blessing for those we are asking. I used to think, “I can’t ask for help because I’m supposed to be helping others.” That is a…LIE. Do Not be snared by that way of thinking. 

Sisters, Please, if you haven’t, Learn this Lesson Now & don’t wait until ‘Life Hits you from Behind’ & you have no other choice but to accept or even plead for help & encouragement for yourself and the ones you love.

How do we Encourage One Another if we do not know there is a need & how that person needs the help for EnCouragement is not only words but also actions? Let’s have a Truth Moment, We all have need of help in the “Real Life” times and asking for help only makes our bond as Christian Sisters Stronger. We share our lives, the parts with our make-up on and our best smile on our faces but…we need to also share the parts that the smile doesn’t quite reach our eyes & there was no time for make-up. The times when pony tails & chipped nail polish while sporting the same t-shirt you wore yesterday is the fashion of the day. The times when children [and maybe our husbands] are cranky and Mama is too but, we have to go and Encourage/Inspire those others who ‘seem’ to have it all together. 

Also, Asking for help in the small, ‘only matters to me’ things is important. God cares about what His Girls care about. So do your Sisters! I have to remember to ask myself this, “What would I say to my sister if she were to ask for help about this __ ?” Or “What would I say to my sister if I found out she didn’t ask for help with that __ ?” these questions help my Perspective and my Attitude.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.! ~1 Peter 1:3

By the Way…Did you know? Asking for Prayer for yourself (& others/circumstances that affect others) IS a form of Praise! \o/ You are Acknowledging that God HEARS us + CAN & WILL DO Something about Your Request! \o/ PRAISE God that Jesus Gave us the GIFT of Prayer thru our Reconciled Relationship with Our Heavenly Father Thru His Death & Resurrection! Remember, He is our High Priest who Intercedes for us!

May You Be EnCouraged this Day to Share your ‘Real-Life Times’ with your Sisters. Now, I’m off to re-do my toenail polish!

I Love You, Susie  

Susie Cantrell ~ Mountain Ministry, Speaking

SusieMM413 ~ Susie Cantrell

Mountain Ministry ~ Philippians 4:13

Following her heartbreaking car crash in 1999,

“Hit From Behind” Our Car After the Accident  January 5, 1999

Susie Cantrell shares her testimony of God’s faithfulness when she was almost home with her children asleep in the back seat when they were hit from behind by a Semi. Since she is still on the long journey of healing, she has much to teach about the lessons that she learned and is learning at the feet of the Father.

Mountain Minsitry ~ Susie offers Encouragement for all of us making our way to the Mountain Top thru sharing Testimony & Teaching.

As a Christian Wife, Mom, Retired/Disabled High School Teacher, Writer, Artist & Speaker, please consider her for Your Next Event.

~ Women’s Events ~ Retreats ~ Conferences ~ Meetings ~

“When Life Hits You From Behind”

Includes A Unique Message for Your Group.

  ~”I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” ~ ~ Philippians 4:13

 Note from Susie ~ Hope this finds you JOY-Full. So glad you stopped by. I look forward to discussing your group’s unique personality, focus, format and needs. Contact info is found on the About Me Tab. Please, leave a comment below.

Love Ya, Susie

23rd Anniversary ~ John&Susie

Married August 12, 1988

Still in Love ~ 23rd Anniversary ~ August 12, 2011

On this special day, I am overwhelmed by Love &  so Thankful that God brought John & I together and keeps us together. Our marriage is a gift that has seen trials & victories and we know life will bring more of each. Walking together with our God, we will be able to face any circumstance as we continue this journey together.

Below is a prayer that is on a plaque that John & I have had since we were married. It holds much meaning & wisdom. I pray that it may be your prayer as it has been ours with God’s Love being the tie that binds together hearts & lives.

For His Glory,

Love Ya, Susie

Marriage Prayer

Gracious Lord,

You have joined us in marriage

that we may walk courageously

life’s journey in mutual love and oneness of purpose.

Make us patient and forgiving toward one another

as You have been toward us.

Protect us and keep us Lord,

in the hour of difficulty and temptation

According to Your tender mercies.

We stand together, united by Your love

for Your glory.

Amen.

(unknown author)

Humor

“Humor is one of God’s most marvelous gifts. Humor give us smiles, laughter and gaiety. Humor makes our heavy burden light and smoothes the rough spots in our pathways.”

~ Sam Ervin

Humor ~ bonding agent for families…at least for ours thru rough, unanchored storms.

Humor!

How’s your sense of humor?  Is humor a bonding agent in you family’s life? Please share your comments to enCourage others!

Thanks, Love Ya! Susie

Friends

* It’s YOUR TURN ~

True happiness consists not in the multiude of  friends, but in the worth and choice. ~ quote by Ben Jonson

 

Yes, It’s YOUR TURN to Tell Me What You Think! 

What is your reaction to Ben’s Quote?

Looking forward to hearing Your Thoughts! Be sure to comment on each others’ comments also!

Love Ya! Susie :)

Our Daughter, Martha’s 20th Birthday! :)

Our Daughter, Martha’s 20 Birthday ~ Thursday, February 03, 2010 

Good Mornin’ Glory!  Quiet Time Encouragement. Foundation Verse, John 14:5-31.

This Mornin’s Scripture ~ Psalm 139; Isaiah 62:10-12

          This mornin’ at 11:03 am 20 years ago on a Sunday mornin’, our daughter, Martha Linn was born.  I praise our Father in heaven for Martha. Also for her heart that always seeks understanding, for her smile that is always ready with a laugh and a song as well as, for her spirit that is always ready to be compassionate toward others.  She had a heart for God at a young age and was baptized on a Sunday in September of 1996. And thus, our second child was saved and had confessed her faith in Christ Jesus!

Martha Linn, Our Princess

          It is a precious thing to have a daughter and yet it brings out very funny reactions from fathers-to-be.  “A girl? Oh, that’s not fair!  That’s so not fair that she won’t be able to date until she’s 50!  And even then, no boy will ever be good enough for her!”  Yes, fathers are so protective of their daughters!  Our Martha was no exception because the moment she arrived, she had her father’s heart.  Yes, she was his little princess. She even had a bright pink button for her diaper bag that confirmed that she was indeed a princess!

          For Moms it is a little different.  We thoroughly understand with delighted hearts that we have a little princess since we are one ourselves. However, we also know a princess needs to be trained in ‘the art of being His princess’.    It is amazing how God has put His character into a father and a mother to symbolize just how He loves us so much.  A Father has immediate cherished love that wishes only to delight his daughter.  A Mother has immediate bonded love from the time they have spent together. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” 

          Of course, a Mom also wishes to delight her daughter’s heart and see joy in her eyes. Yet, she has a knowledge of the whole of a ‘princess personality’ that allows her to have insight from her own experiences. Yet again, there is a tendency to over-empathize so, the Lord provides a father to keep a balance and keep watch over both of the princesses in his house. This reminds me of Psalm 139 that describes how our Heavenly Father knows us intimately and is always with us…

           “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

          Yes, Our Heavenly Father knows us and makes sure that we know He is with us.  He also makes sure that we know He is with our children.  Jerusalem, the people of Israel were often described as a daughter. And just like Jerusalem, our Father wants for us to be described as Isaiah speaks of Jerusalem…read as though you are Jerusalem…

          For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, ^[a] and your land Beulah ^[b]; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.

1. Isaiah 62:4 Hephzibah means my delight is in her.
2. Isaiah 62:4 Beulah means married.

          Yes, we are the Bride of Christ, Princess of the King of Kings, Daughter of the Most High God! What a Precious Honor to help and watch her discover the Princess she is and walk along side her on her journey so far. One discovery her Heart has made is a Love for the Children of Peru and another is for sharing a message thru fashion of ‘Healthy Beauty’ to girls, youth & women everywhere. I can’t wait to see what the Lord reveals to her next as she is discovering His delight in her.

Martha Linn

It is my prayer for Martha (and all of His daughters) that they may know this Precious Truth.  May we live our lives seeking to shine our lights out like the dawn, a blazing torch. May others see our righteousness that we may be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of our God! May we know that His delight is in us, His daughters. His Princesses! ~ In Jesus’ name, Amen!

 Have a JOY-full day, knowing that “The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.’ “They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.”

Happy Birthday Martha Linn, Our Princess!  

Love Ya, Susie
 
 <>< “I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13, NKJV

Grace & New Fallen Snow

Mornin' Quiet-Time Thoughts

Early in the pre-dawn mornings, I often find myself awake. It is in these times of stillness that I know I will hear more clearly from my God… if I will just be still my own soul and listen. This morning was such a time. The new fallen snow was a blanket over our property as I looked out the window. I sat enveloped by the complete stillness of the peaceful, snow-covered scene tinted by the last of the cloud-filtered moonlight.
I could imagine all of creation tucked in by this comforter blanket of snow. Yet, much like disruptions in my life, I also knew there would be the tracks of our dog & the rabbits & of course those squirrels he’d chase disrupting the scene soon enough. My squirrel chasing life would wait for at the moment… there was stillness.
Stillness of nature and of my soul both pausing in our busy purposes to still enjoy being simply ‘the created’. And for this soul, pausing to know that unlike the snow which will melt away, I have the covering of Grace with me always. Grace thru the Son, Jesus’ sacrifice, allows me to enter the most peace-Full scene imaginable – The presence of God.

“Grace, like new fallen snow,
covers us and muffles the noise of this world
so that if we be still and listen;
we would hear the presence of God.”

~ quote by ~ Susanne Christine Cantrell 01-20-2011

I pray that you have a Blanket Stillness sometime soon as you recall the comfort of Grace in your life. OR, If you have no idea what I’m talkin’ about with this Grace stuff…Please, leave me a comment with a way to contact you asking “What’s Grace got to do with it?” & I will be glad to have a conversation with you.

Have a JOY-Full Day! Love Ya! Susie