Celebre, Célébrez, 庆祝, Celebrate!

Doesn't the word celebrate make you feel good? You just know there's going to be a party, a get-together with good friends and family or even having your own party! The fact is there is going to be cake! But I digress...


Today is Independence Day and Americans everywhere are celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I love seeing the American flag in front of homes. I love the parades and waving the flag proudly. I especially love seeing a little three year old waving one too! Fireworks are spectacular as well. I love all of the festivities! I decided to to share a few facts about Independence Day!

On June 24, 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote.

The first description of how Independence Day would be celebrated was in a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. He described "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations" throughout the United States.

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.

John Hancock was the first and only person to sign the Declaration on July 4, 1776.

On December 13, 1952, the Declaration of Independence (along with the Constitution and Bill of Rights) was formally delivered to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where it has remained since then.

In the summer of 1776, when the Declaration was signed, the population of the nation is estimated to have been about 2.5 million. (Today the population of the U.S. is more than 300 million.)

No one who signed the Declaration of Independence was born in the United States of America. The United States didn't exist until after the Declaration was signed! However, all but eight of the signers were born in colonies that would become the United States.

I am so thankful to be an American. I will never forget however, what I will always celebrate...

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; His love endures forever. #Psalm 107:1

I am so thankful to love the Lord and be loved by Him! I am not only thankful for my citizenship but also for all that he has given me. I celebrate everyday for love I am SO not worthy of! 

Have a wonderful 4th of July celebration!

This has been a contribution for Christian Writers. This month's theme is 'Celebrate'. Check out the links on the right side of the page for more wonderful posts!

The Treasure is Mine

Pirates have fought over you. Men have rushed to the west for you. Proud Olympian's wear you around their necks. Leprechauns protect you at the end of a rainbow. You've graced the heads of many kings and queen's. You've graced the teeth of many-a-rapper. You are edible.You are gold. You are a treasure.


"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6: 9-21

This month's theme for Christian Writers is 'Pursuit' and I cannot help but think of pirate's pursuit of treasure. If only thieves and those who covet badly take these verses to heart. People can be so protective of their things. There are gates around buildings and who can forget the great wall of China? But things in this world will die out. Everything we have is temporary. We should pursue a life for the Lord. After all, he's done so much for us and deserves our effort. Treasure will await us in heaven as a reward. Being with Christ is our reward! If you trust the Lord as your savior your life in heaven is eternal. Your blingy-bling will not go with you when you die. The house you worked so hard for, the shiny new rims you've worked hard to get. Guess what? Means nada in the end. Will you pursue the Lord? What do you consider as treasure?

Ever wonder what it feels like to be gold? I've got an idea, why don't you try this? Place your right hand on your left shoulder. (Yes, seriously!) Now place your left hand on your right shoulder. Now squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze. You are God's precious treasure. As undeserving of it as we are. The Lord gave his life for us, he loves us. He pursues us to no end. 




So while we let these guys enjoy their gold...

...let my life be the proof of your love and let me store up treasures in heaven.

For King and Country : Proof of Your Love

Burlap to Cashmere : Treasures in Heaven

The theme for the month of June for the Christian Writers blog chain was'Pursuit'. Tune in for July's blog! The theme is 'Celebrate'. The new list is on the right.

Leap for Love

The sun dipped low in the sky, creating a tidal wave of majestic colors. The deep abyss of blue’s and orange’s mingled together and created a bundle of joy that is purple. The breeze was an affectionate kiss of warmth and soothing comfort as it tenderly brushed by the tree branches. The town square was alive with laughter and life. On a simple wooden bench surrounded by trees and a newly lit lamp post, an old man sat comfortably watching the aforementioned laughter and life. His legs were crossed neatly and his hands, which had seen so much of life, sat primly on top. A father walked by with his two young sons and they greedily ate their ice cream. “I love you daddy,” the youngest one said in his squeaky little voice. The father affectionately rubbed the boys brown hair and said, “I love you too.” The old man, observing closely with his wise eyesight, smiled faintly. He had one son before, Richie, who died tragically in a motor vehicle accident in the late 50s at the tender age of seventeen. He remembered fondly taking his boy out fishing and hearing those beautiful three words. Feeling a faint skip in his heartbeat, he cleared his throat from the emotion swelling up and looked back to the crowd.

A group of teens laughed as they left the movie theater. Two boys kicked a trashcan and the old man narrowed his eyes, his favorite word popped naturally, ‘Punks.’ “Luke!” One of the girls in the group shouted angrily, “Pick that up! I’m not gonna get grounded again for hanging out with you!” Luke laughed with immaturity, picked up the black can and sang, “Miss Do-Gooder!”  “Heal the world!” The other boy shouted dramatically. The girls in the group laughed while the angry sister shook her head. Luke suddenly wrapped his arm around her as they continued to walk and said, “Aw sis, I love you anyway!” “Shut up!!” She shouted back and the group erupted into laughter. The old man was reminded of his own sister who had died twenty years earlier of a long illness. He smiled fondly; she would have never let him hang out with her friends.

There was a quick strong gust of the breeze and the old man’s hat toppled over to the ground. He reached down to grab it, but was wracked with coughs. He opened his eyes and saw a young, feminine hand sweep his hat up from the ground and hand it back to him. He looked up and saw a kind smile in return. What a friendly thing to do, he thought. There needs to be more people like her in the world. He nodded in thanks and watched the young woman walk towards a couple who began kissing in the middle of the courtyard. Suddenly, the young woman screamed and pulled the kissing couple apart, lunging at the other woman. The man, whose lips were red from his kissing partner’s lipstick, put his hands up helplessly as two officers ran over to break up the fight. As the women proceeded to pull each other’s hair out, the man put his hands in his pocket, began to whistle and quietly slipped away from the melee. The old man couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably. How unpredictable life was! He remembered his best friend Morty constantly being in the same situation. All through high school Morty couldn’t keep a gal because he was so smitten with all the attention he got from the other gals. Morty was handsome and charming. He could persuade a lady in white gloves to buy a mud pie. He and Morty were drafted in the war right after high school. Morty was killed the first night there. As the police took the two women away, the old man sobered. His hand wobbled as he reached up to wipe a tear that had gathered as he laughed. He stopped suddenly when more coughs continued to ravage through his lungs.  When he finally looked up, the air seemed to evaporate from his lungs altogether.

He couldn’t take his eyes off of a young couple walking together as they left a romantic Italian restaurant. The young man’s arm was draped protectively around the woman. The light from the lamps reflected the glint of a wedding ring on his finger. He grabbed the woman’s hand and kissed it lightly. She was wearing a matching wedding band. The old man was fascinated, hooked, he couldn’t look away. The man looked around secretively and plucked a daisy from one of the flower beds in the Square. He handed it to his wife and she smiled bashfully. As they walked closer to him, he noticed why he was so hooked; the young couples were both people with Downs Syndrome. A stern voice was heard, “Nicholas! Plucking the flowers is a huge no-no!” The old man looked behind them and saw an older woman supervising them. Nicholas laughed, put his arm on his wife’s back and hurried her ahead. The older woman began to chase them. It reminded him of his Poppy.  He could see her now, with her wild red hair and face peppered with freckles that turned white every time she yelled at him. They were childhood sweethearts, hating each other for so long before eventually falling madly in love. They had married in their senior year of high school and stayed together through thick and thin.

The old man began coughing again and when he stopped to take a deep breath, he felt a hand touch his own.  He looked up and saw the Lord. It had to be Him. He had the holes in His hands for proof. The old man couldn’t hear the people that had gathered around him in the Square or the ambulance in the distance. The Lord smiled at him and the old man cried. “Christopher…” the Lord said. Christopher fell to the Lord’s feet and said, “Thank you…thank you for saving me…” The Lord helped him up and gave him a big hug. “I love you,” the Lord answered. When Christopher pulled away he realized that he was in a green field. It was bright, but there was no sun. Suddenly, a figure ran to him. It was his Poppy. Crying uncontrollably, Christopher ran to her and they embraced. They weren’t old any longer, but young and vibrant. Chris looked up again and saw his son, Richie, who had accepted the Lord as his savior two weeks before he died. “Richie!” Chris sobbed. He was surrounded by love.

There’s familial love, there’s spouse love…then there’s the love of the Lord. Whatever love you’re celebrating today, leap for joy, leap for love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

(This was my contribution to the Christian Blog Chain on CW. The theme is 'leap'. Check out the other contributions through my sidebar. This is also my last blog for a while, it has been so much fun being a part of the chain since October of last year. I can't wait to join up again, hopefully in a few months!)

Friggatriskaidekaphobia!!!

What did you call me? No, I didn’t just use foul language, this happens to be a real word.  Friggatriskaidekaphobia (pronounced fre-ga-tris-kay-de-ka-fobia): the fear of Friday the 13^th. Ooooh.

And cue scary music.

This brings us to our quest: Never fear! God will always be by our side. 

Psalm 27:1

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”

It’s so easy to feel afraid of the unknown. It’s so dark and scary. Sometimes we wish we had a sixth sense that could let us see into the future. But really, what is the fun in that? If I know that in 5 years I’m going to be the next J.K. Rowling I’d take it easy, sit back and relax because hey, Harry Potter ain’t got nothin’ on me. Harry who? Uh huh. I wouldn’t work hard to actually get there. I’d be a narcissistic mess! But think about God’s word. The Lord is my LIGHT!  He’s my STRENGTH! Those are powerful words! The Bible doesn’t mess around. It tells you like it is. Whom shall I be afraid of? Whom shall I fear if God is by my side? Not even Voldemort.

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Moses is so right on!! He is telling Israel not to be afraid of ‘them’, the mighty and powerful enemy that is against them. Apply this to all things in your life. Yeah Freddy Krueger has knives as fingers and Jason is pretty scary because he walks after you while you run and somehow he still catches up to you, but really, why be scared of our enemies? Why don’t we pray for our enemies? “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

Psalm 56:3-4

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

You hear that all you scary movie characters? You hear that Boogeyman? Candyman? And any other monster?! You know, we see all of these fictional heroes use swords and special inhuman powers to beat the bad guy, well guess what I’ve got? That’s right, keep nodding, I’ve got God! Does that make me a super hero, I wonder? Oh the possibilities! With God by our side, we can do all things through Him which strengthens us.

I will pray that this quest will be successful for you! Let God be your comfort! Praise Him in the storm! Don’t let this day with all of its superstitions ever bother you! It’s the day God created. And if you have a fear of long words I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself: Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia!!!


(This blog was my contribution to the CW Blog chain on Christian Writers. Make sure you check out the rest of the posts this month! I've got the list on the right side of the page, like totally check it out!) 

The following is my contribution to the blog chain from Christian Writers.

Every day is a gift from the heart! We just lived out 364 days of 2011. Every time we get up in the morning is a wonderful gift from God.   It’s another chance to be angry because the car wouldn’t start or because you had a bad day at work. Another chance to be happy at a funny joke you heard or someone you love making you laugh. Or how about another chance to make someone laugh or smile? How will you live for the Lord this year? After all He has done for you, it’s only right to try and live for Him. Can you even believe that it’s going to be the year 2012? It still seems so unreal to me.

It’s time to think positive. Yes, there are days where you’re going to be sad, but you have to know that God is going to pull you through all of the dark times you may have! He will always be there for you! Surround yourself with positive people. Try to stay away from negativity and gossip. Be aware of what you watch on television and what you read. That reminds me of the Sunday school song, “Be Careful Little Eyes”: ‘Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little eyes what you see. There’s a savior up above watching over you in love so be careful little eyes what you see.’ It goes on to say, ‘Be careful little tongues what you say’, ‘be careful little feet where you go’, ‘be careful little hands what you do’. Our Savior is up in heaven watching us. The song holds true! In everything we do in the New Year, let it become the gifts from our hearts!

There will be 366 days, 8, 784 hours, 527, 040 minutes and 3, 162, 240 seconds in 2012. That’s right; next year is a leap year so we even have an extra day to work with. What will you do with all of that time? I would start with one minute at a time. Try to smile more! Try to give more! Every precious second is a gift. You aren’t guaranteed tomorrow so do what you can with the time you are given. Try is a great word. In our sinful nature, it’s so easy to fall. God knew we’d need a savior. There is a song from Among the Thirsty called ‘I’d Need A Savior’, oh it is such a beautiful song! It’s such an amazing reminder of what gift God has given to us.

You may not be able to control what people say around you, but you can certainly control what you listen to on the radio. Listen to more Christian music. Live out Loud! Show your love for your Savior. The world today shuns God. The world today wants you to keep Him quiet and not “shove God in our faces”. That’s a big WHATEVER from me! I’m going to keep sharing God’s word. I’m going to keep talking about salvation and how through Him I am on my way to heaven.

With any goal you have, put your everything into it! Put your heart and soul into any project you may have. Reaching the end of 2012 is not a guarantee, I’ve already said that. Not because I’m buying into the whole ‘World will end December 21, 2012’, but because every day should be treated as if it were the end of the world. Give your heart to every second! Don’t fall into any secular media trap, keep far away and continue to strive living in God’s word (another gift from God! Woo hoo!). He has sent His son to die for us on the cross, what a touching and amazing gift from the heart! You are special, God loves you, always remember this. I’m so thankful to have found Christian Writers this year. Have a safe and happy New Year everyone! 2012, here we come!

My rock and my fortress, my surety divine!

Nine Places

Hello again and thank you for tuning in to my blog! The following is my contribution to the blog chain from Christian Writers. I have been thinking hard about what I can talk about concerning the number nine. And here's what I've come up with...nine places I want to go. Now don't groan! I am not an accomplished traveler by any means. I've been to Canada, Puerto Rico and a few different states, but never any place I really wanted to go to, d'ya know what I mean? I'm going to list my top nine dream destinations. If you happen to be from one of these places or have visited one of these places, please don't brag too much in the comment section! It's just so amazing to think of all the wonderful places God has created!

Me in my favorite place to go, New York City!

Though there are many places I want to go in America, I want to share which countries I want to go. I'll start with the two that I've been to...

Blurry picture of me in Ottawa, Canada

9. Canada – Montreal (Best China town ever!), Quebec, Ontario, Toronto, I've been fortunate enough to actually go to all of these places. I drank milk out of a bag instead of a gallon! And not one Dunkin Donuts in sight, it's all about Tim Horton in these parts. I promise not to say, eh. (guess I just did!)

Puerto Rico in 2000 

8. Puerto Rico – Think about sitting in the warm green water under the hot sun. Drinking from a coconut, walking through a rainforest and diving into lush waterfalls.

7. Rome - Can you just imagine walking into history? When in Rome!

I'm not in this one but it's nice to imagine!!

6. Scotland – “They may take out lives, but they will never take OUR FREEDOM!” Okay, I'm so Americanized I automatically think of Mel Gibson's Braveheart. Yet I also think about the beauty this place holds.

5. Australia – Trekking in the outback, catching an opera, having a dinner party on a yacht with the sights, snorkeling, the Great Barrier Reef and so many other things. This is definitely a spot I would love to go!

My Precious!

4. New Zealand: Here's my next geek confession; I became interested in New Zealand after Lord of The Rings came out. I know, I know! But hey, that's how I came to know about this awesome little country.

3. Paris, France - J'ai simplement j'adore cet endroit. Je veux manger beau pain, du fromage et du vin. Voir la Tour Eiffel et colle mon nex a touristes americains! Oh la la!!

2. Ireland – I am so happy to say that I have close friends who live here so if I really wanted to go, all I have to do is make a few phone calls. The problem is 'when' of course. The majesty, the history, the castles. I want to see it all. The lush green open space, the simple farming life (not that you'll ever catch me milking a goat, it ain't happenin').

1. London, England – Brace yourselves because I'm going to say it: Yes, I was a huge Spice Girls fan. I even came up with my own Spice name...Mocha Spice...it's corny, yes, but don't judge me I was only thirteen!! I'm happily going to be cliché and talk about how much I want to see Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The shops, Hyde Park, the haunted tour (even though I don't believe in ghosts), Bedlam, etc. I can do a spot on English accent and love having afternoon tea. Doctor Who anyone?

Now don't get angry if I didn't mention or miss some really great places, but these have always been in the forefront of MY mind. I am absolutely aware that there are many other wonderful places rich with history and grand scenery. Isn't it wonderful that God made so many beautiful places?!

"God saw all that he had made and it was very good." Genesis 1:31

Check out December's blog chain starting tomorrow. My list is on the right. The theme is "Gifts of the Heart". 

Harvest Moon...and Other Things

This is my first contribution to the Christian blog chain for ChristianWriters.com.

The topic for the month of October is “Harvest”. When I think of harvest I automatically think of food. I guess it's only natural since I happen to love food. Do you know how many recipes you can make with all of the yummy harvest veggies? I can go on and on. See, I told you that I always think of food. I can easily write a nice little poem about all of the harvest goodies, but since my first post is on Halloween, I only find it fitting to speak about something a little “spookier”. Have you ever noticed the harvest moon? I find it quite beautiful and peaceful. It hangs low in the sky, which I know is just an illusion, and the color is so...autumn! I'm going to write this poem after I finish this paragraph, meaning I'll make it up as I type. I hope you enjoy!

Hanging in the sky so big and very low,

The color of your orb leaves a somewhat “scary” glow.

You come during the time of reaping a ready crop,

I love to gather the corn and watch the kernels pop!

I've gone off track again, I can't get food off of my mind,

I'm not writing this while I'm hungry, I'll be a little more kind.

Harvest moon, you are beautiful with your reddish-orange hue,

I feel so thankful for Gods blessings, He makes all things new.

Festivals take place under your vast unfading stare,

The harvest is prepared and before eating there is a prayer.

Under your watchful eye, a beautiful night breaks free,

I'll cherish this time forever, because forever is not a guarantee.

Harvest moon, keep shining your gloomy light,

I'll just sit here and watch you while stealing a little bite.

Carrots, corn and squash grew under your giant hood,

I'll try one of each and I hear that broccoli is pretty good.

I've learned that some people keep the last of what they have reaped,

And place it in the next crop for luck in grand heaps.

Thank you for your tasty veggies; of that I'm not immune,

Until next we meet again, my wonderful Harvest moon.

Wow, that was fun to write! Hope you enjoyed my first post and see you again next month! Please check out the column on the right for other Harvest topics from Christian Writers!

♥ Suzette