A "Toasty" Post!

It's not unusual for me to receive some great encouragement along the way, especially from well-wishers - sitting in the audiences where I am singing or speaking. Occasionally, someone may slip me a note saying, "Read this later. God laid this on my heart." And I always treat these special written gifts with great care and appreciation. Sometimes I've even had someone ask me to read their sentiments publicly, as if to say that not only do they have a word from the Lord for ME, but also to the congregation. And to that, I'm quite cautious - because you just never know. Well anyway, this past week I had a sweet woman come up to me in the middle of a Christian women's event, handing me her scribbles on a torn piece of notebook paper. I could tell that she was "moved" in some way and I wondered if I should read it right then and there. I stuffed it in my pocket, hoping that later this would be the "apples of gold in settings of silver" that I just may need; you know, the fruit of wisdom - the joy of inspiration - the moving of the Holy Spirit on a woman's heart, prompting her to write something profound and anointed. I got in my van driving down the interstate, when I remembered this special note in my pocket. I fumbled with my seat belt and squeezed my hand into my pocket and pulled out the note. Here's what it said, "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons; for you are crunchy and good with ketchup." Well, needless to say, I laughed out loud! I also could envision this woman, laughing her socks off with the thought that she GOT ME! I'm just thankful I didn't read it publicly! (Of course posting it on an international blog space, is an exception! Too funny not to post it!)

Coming to Dover, DE on June 23rd!!!

It guarantees to be a great evening of fun, food and inspiration - no doubt! Calvary AG Women of Dover, DE are kickin' off the summer with a great outreach event for all women! Bring a friend!

Hendersonville, TN is Home!

God has blessed us with a beautiful home in the Sanders Park lake region of Hendersonville, TN. My prayer has always been, "God, I would love a home one day - where I TOO can bless others with hospitality!" Well, He sure did a phenomenal job. We are a stone's throw from the marinas, boat slips, and hiking and biking trails. I couldn't ask for more! Plus my backyard is ALL pool. So, if and when you're ever in the area, please give us a holler! (That's what they say in the south!) This house is TOTALLY dedicated to the glory of God - a "soul spa", as I've been teaching for the last year or more. I am overwhelmed with HIS goodness, but also realize the importance of sharing the gifts HE has given to us.

So PROUD of my Annie!

Annie graduated from North Central University in Minneapolis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Business on May 8th! We were so very emotional and proud of her. Not more than two minutes after the ceremony, she got a call from SESAC, the performing rights organization in Nashville - offering her an internship. Amazing timing. God has always seemed to make a way for Annie. Thanks for your prayers!

Livin' in Nashville!

Yankees fair well down here in these there parts! As long as you say, "We love it here - and we're so glad we moved!" It's truth though...lots of energy and expectation in this city. Jeff and I are currently living in a furnished apartment in the Bellevue section of Nashville, but will soon move to Hendersonville after June 1st. It's been a whirlwind, needless to say! I've been on the road more than I've been here, but I'm hoping to decompress this summer -by the pool!! Jeff is the "networking guru" here - meeting everything and anything that has any musical bone in their body! We have loved watching the favor of God in so many venues. It was tough though to leave our son and family of friends up north. BUT, my guess is - they'll be visiting soon! The house is big enough to accommodate - so put your reservation in early!

A "Send Off" Concert - March 8th!

We'll be singing at First Assembly of God, 290 Whitehall Road, Elkton, MD, Sunday night March 8th at 6pm. This will be a great time of fun, inspiration and reminiscing about the wonderful memories of living on the east coast for fifty-plus years! Jeff and I are making the move to Nashville! We will STILL be doing concerts around the country, as well as speaking and singing for women's events. This is NOT a retirement from the road - in fact I'm busier than ever... Just a different place to call "home", as Jeff continues with his recording and producing career there in Music City. He's turned down offers in the past, many in fact. But this time is right and we have sensed a real move of God in our lives, in more of a supportive role as musicians and mentors.

The Irony of a "Clean Sweep"

Moving, whether across town or to a totally new location miles away, is always a real test on just how much "stuff" to keep. With every move there is a major detoxification that not only is literal but spiritual. Throwing out old boxes of memorabilia like my father's grade school arithmetic (there's a word for ya!) books, Ampex master tapes of Jeff's recording clients (about 30 years worth!) and boxes and boxes of receipts, kitchen stuff, baby things, dated broken toys, cribs,,,,, OH the list is unbearable! And the aching back of carrying this junk up and down the stairs pays the bodily consequence. I wonder why there are so many UNOPENED boxes from our last move back in 1989 from Jersey to Delaware. One box was marked (and I laughed out loud when I saw it), "Open NOW." It has been in my basement crawl space for twenty years. I guess the "NOW' is now - so I opened it! What I found was old kitchen utensils, musty tablecloths, dish towels and spices. That's pretty funny. Did I "miss" those urgent "OPEN NOW" items in the last twenty years? I think NOT! I never knew they existed. BUT when I saw them, I said, "WOW. I could have used them these last several years....". I'm glad that God reveals His word to us in increments of need. Some scriptures and stories of faith are read once maybe in our early years, tucked away in the basement of our brain, but then suddenly a box of awakening opens our eyes and ears when we see it again. OPEN NOW! Be sure to know that not every box I see am I thrilled to open. Some things would be better just loaded on the truck without dissecting. All is pitched and nestled securely at the bottom of the 12th Street dump here in Wilmington. I am a better woman to be rid of the stuff that was hidden for so many years. I'm also thankful though that this stripping, sorting, cleaning and downsizing is just what the doctor ordered for this fifty-something lifestyle! I am free to move on without hesitation or guilt. I'm thinking the moving van will be filled with expectation of what God wants us to do, and not the laurels of what used to be. One thing I had to reluctantly part with was this huge photo of Jeff and I in 1974. It was crumbling in my hands and deteriorating as it was exposed to the air. The fun part of that metaphor is: Jeff and Sue have never been stronger after 34 years - but the "old" us is ready to accept the new challenge! We will reserve the smaller Penske truck....thank the Lord!

Willow Valley Winter Retreat 2009

Dave and Millie Gable were the speakers for the annual winter retreat at the Willow Valley Resort in Lancaster, PA. What a blessing to see them after many many years! Thanks, Dave - for your amazing teaching and message on the prodigal son.

Duffields on CTVN

This was a special "Focus Four/Prayer One" program on Cornerstone Television Network, in Pittsburgh. The show aired in early December, 2008. Thanks to Ron and Cathy Hembree and Linda Wilson - for their belief in us over the years. I received several emails regarding this broadcast, so I truly believe there was a special anointing there that day in the studio. May your soul stir - this new year!

Crunching snow in Holland, MI!

I look like an eskimo here! OH, but I love to frolic in the snow - so much! And the air was so clean and fresh! It was a much needed oasis, amidst my busy fall and winter itinerary. Taking breaks is mandatory - for good health!!!

Facebook Frenzy!

Sure is fun - join Facebook and be my friend! It really is amazing to see how easily it is to stay in contact with friends. My kids think it's hilarious that their parents (or "rents", as they call us!) are hooked on FB!!! Fun stuff!

Wait 'til the video comes out!

OK - Yes, this about sums it up! My life IS hilarious! Shot during my "Lighter Side" segment at Women of Purpose, Hershey, PA with Kay Arthur! Notice the lipstick all over the microphone! I think I was doing my updated version (rap style!) of the former Christ Ambassador's theme song... To say "I got mail" over this one, is an understatement! Glad I could make you all laugh! Heavenly humor is just about the best therapy for anyone's soul!

WOMEN OF PURPOSE, HERSHEY!!! INCREDIBLE!

Don't know quite yet how to process this incredible weekend, but I tell you - it was life changing!!! Three thousand women worshipping together and laughing together and crying together - it was truly amazing. I was so blessed with an incredible band and worship team, under the direction of my wonderful husband, Jeff. Also thanks to Wendi Miller, Jackie Benicky, Faith Lorman, Frank Portaro, Hank Rogers, and Mike McElravy - for making me sound good with their incredible musicianship and love for God. KAY ARTHUR's messages were timely and compelling. There is, according to my standards, NO BETTER BIBLE TEACHER than Kay Arthur!!! We had a brief window of opportunity to personally talk together, and I was so humbled by her words, "Sue - you are a "seasoned" worship leader. I like that." It was also great to meet Kate Gosselin from TLC's "Jon and Kate Plus 8", she was incredibly funny and candid - but also shared her testimony of her faith. Amazing. It was so amazing to re-connect with my "old" friend, SUE DODGE, after all these years. We immediately connected, as if we just saw each other yesterday! What many don't know is that when Sue left the Speer Family in 1974, Ben Speer asked me to join them to replace her. Hmmm... "A Sue to replace a Sue"!!! I (unbelievably) turned Ben Speer down - I probably was a dumb teenager back then. But, Sue Dodge candidly said, "You would have had to fill my shoes??? That's a tough act to follow!" We laughed. It's great to see how Sue and Amos Dodge's church in Virginia is just growing. I met so many wonderful women at WOP in Hershey. I so wished we could just hang around and talk to everyone. The hugs were great - the reunions were heart-felt and blessed. I had to leave quickly on Saturday and catch a flight to Grand Rapids for a women's event in Holland, MI. I drove by myself on the PA Turnpike, trying to reflect on the whirlwind of 24 hours I just experienced. I have to say that in all my years of ministry, this was the most rewarding. Lots and lots of hard work went into this event. I thank Ruth Puleo for allowing me to use my gifts and talents for our Creator. I felt very free to be "me" and let Jesus shine through. My email and Facebook box was filled today on this Monday, with treasures from some special women - expressing their sentiments on this weekend. May we all be changed forever! There's just something wonderful about catching a glimpse of what heaven could possibly look like one day!

Fun times at Sandy Cove!

The "Selective Memory Getaway" at Sandy Cove for November was literally a blast! Peggy Dawson's character, "Maybell Jerkwater" had us ALL rolling! "Cousin Candy" was thrilled to be a part of it all (Candy Davison!) You can just tell by her face - isn't she having a time??? The Kitchen Band entertained us all. I had the "privilege" of playing the PLUNGER! What a riot! Yes, women come to the SMG's at Sandy Cove, to decompress, de-stress, and "forget" their troubles for a night. I loved seeing my dear friends from the South Seaville UMC in NJ! Their presence to this month's group was a hilarious and spontaneous mixture of joy and fun. Frances Drost spoke and sang, and blew us all away! What a great songwriter and speaker. I truly wonder if all the women, either those attending the over night or those just attending the brunch - had any idea what a divine appointment this was! AND we even line-danced to my song, "Steppin' Out"! I think that's a first for the brunch/lunch ladies! THEY LOVED IT! I think we'll be talking about this for quite some time!

A day with "Truth For Women" of Lehigh Valley!

What an extraordinary day at the Silver Creek Country Club with the Truth for Women luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 7th, 2008! It was so wonderful to meet new women as well as see so many "old" friends from our many years of travel! I brought my secret weapon (Jeff!) and the ladies adored his piano playing! They always do! But more than that, there was a special anointing in that place that day. Pictured here with me (left) is Sally Hall, out-going president of TFW and the newly appointed assistant to Kay Arthur and Precepts Ministries - also beside me is Jessie Seneca, the new president of TFW. These two women have been an incredible influence to the women of Lehigh Valley, PA. I am blessed to know them and also blessed to impart joy, comfort and inspiration to all the women who attended this day.