Lent

Hey friends, I know things have been a bit slow here on my blog. To be honest, I like to try to share not just things about my life, but new ideas too, and I need to be a bit more inspired. I don't like to give you things you hear all the time. That's no fun!

But today's the first day of Lent, and during that time, my family abstains from things, foods, or actions in our daily lives that we can sometimes become a bit dependent on. This year, I'm only reading blogs/blogging in the morning before work so that my evenings can be spent doing other things. After coming home from work and then after giving piano lessons, I can be a bit tired, so I relax on my bed and just read blogs. I absolutely love it and there is so much good stuff out there, but I want to make time to let other things in like reading a book (haven't done that in awhile!), practicing the piano, working out a little longer, and just leisurely enjoying time with family and friends. Also this Lent, I want to try to get a few more miles in! My sisters and I are serious about the half marathon this year and I'm focused on getting it done!

If you practice Lent, what are you doing? It's always a fun challenge, and it's nice spiritually to free yourself a little and focus on all the good things that God has done. 

image via here

Never Forget

I am so proud to be an American. Through all of these years, we've stood tall, we've given our best, and we have sacrificed more than we ever imagined. I thank God for the heroes that have made our country great, and said prayers for the families who have tragically lost everything. I never will forget what happened that warm, September day in sixth grade, when all we could do was just trust and know that there would be better days ahead. Where were you?

We live in such a great country and have endured so much as one. My prayer is that we are all reminded of that solidarity and will come together for whatever will come our way.

Also I think that Morgan's reflection and {av}'s message about September 11th and dreams is such a great reminder. Go check it out.

God Bless America.

Thursday Thoughts: get to work

Source: beealittlebetter.com via Susan on Pinterest

Happy Thursday! I repinned this from one of my wonderfully wise friends and I can't help but love it. Especially since I've probably been needing it!

I won't explain to much about this, but since I'm starting from scratch (applying for jobs, having interviews) sometimes all I want to do is just sit around and wait. Be lazy. Not go the extra mile and do the extra work that it takes to show people that I want a job and that I'm good enough for what's out there.

Well I've been realizing I can't do that. I want to be proactive and show how deserving I am. So I'll start the day, pray, and get to it, knowing that I can do it. It's not going to be easy, but that's what work is all about. I want to show how deserving I am, how good I can be. I can't do that without a little guidance and a lot of hard work.

Don't be afraid to do the hard work to achieve your goals. It's worth all the pain and endless frustrating hours, I know!

Have wonderful Thursdays!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: an Irish blessing

Source: everythingfab.com via Susan on Pinterest

Around this time of year when many of us embrace our Irish heritages (or just pretend to be Irish, that's cool too!), I'm always reminded of this blessing that I learned a really long time ago. Originally, it was just a hymn that we sang in children's choir. Now, it has a lot more meaning to me. I see it as a tale of friendship and good wishes for someone else, or it can even be for yourself. Maybe this is because I've been watching too many romantic movies (and am up WAY too late!), but at this hour it's seeming very romantic to me!

Whenever I hear it, it just makes me smile (and I don't think you have to be Irish to appreciate it. My mom's heard it often enough and she still likes it! Not one ounce of my Irishness comes from her!). Share it with a friend this week, or just use it as a reminder for yourself. I wish all of you this blessing and more this week.

I'm excited for more Irish pride coming tomorrow for Friday's Fancies! I love this holiday!

~Susan

I'm saying a prayer

Source: kelleymaria.com via Susan on Pinterest

Today I'm saying a prayer for this day ten years ago. I'm remembering all the innocent lives lost and all of the families that lost big parts of their lives that day. No one deserves what those families have had to go through. I am hoping that they all stay strong on this anniversary and know that their loved ones are looking down on them.

Today I'm saying a prayer for the safety of everyone everywhere. We never know what will happen tomorrow, or even today, and I'm hoping that everyone stays safe.

Today I'm saying a prayer for all of our soldiers who have protected our country for this long. Our country would not be standing here without them and all of their help, all day everyday no matter how hard it has been for them.

Source: google.com via Susan on Pinterest

Today I'm saying a prayer for our government leaders. Ten years of decisions and judgments have put us here. I'm hoping that they will know in their hearts what will be the best for every citizen here.

Today I'm saying a prayer for the United States of America. Ten years ago, our nation changed. That fatal day changed everything, from the way we travel to the way we communicate, to the way we approach newcomers to our country. We have become stronger, and I like to think more united. We all need to remember why we're here. We need to take pride in our country and everything we stand for. I know I will be thinking of that today.

I hope you are all reflecting today as well. God Bless America.