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Skip Day! We’re taking the day off work to hang out with our Brandsen Fam.
Time for some kayaking!
These pictures are from 2007 when Josh and I were in Alaska, but .. take away the jackets, the seals, the tide, the jellyfish, the tide, the kelp forest *gag*, the TIDE, the 3 a.m. searing pain in the arms from frantic paddling, .. and add 5 more Brandsens, some decent heat, and a relaxing summer day, that’s us.
My (cutest human on the planet) nephew Thomas and I have been jamming to a kids hymns cd this week while we hang out.. *insert laugh* And this one has really been in my head, can you see why?
“This is my Fathers world
And to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
His hand, the wonders wrought.
The birds, their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white
Declare their makers praise.
He shines in all that’s fair.
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
Oh let me neer forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet. <– sense a theme here? *wink*
The battle is not done.
Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied
And earth and heaven be one”
suzannebrandsen said:
WAAAUUUGGGHHHHHHHH!!! This FONT thing is making me crazy today!!! Please disregard the font/spacing issues on this post, I’m past the point with it.
Kara said:
Have fun! Enjoy time with family- and, by the way, that is one BEAUTIFUL skirt you and Josh have on. I love that hymn and am so gla you brought it up- also, the @girded with praise” song we love from the Cheney series has been in my head for a while “thy bountiful care, what tounge can recite, it breathes in the air, it shines in the night…” enjoy today!
Suzanne said:
The fact that you and Mark have CF and are still generally more physically active/able than I am may never cease to shame and amaze me. Have a great day!
Pat Buist said:
“Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and Heaven be one.”
I’ve sung that song a million times and never has that line jumped out at me as it has this morning! What a day that will be!
I’ve been outside watering plants and praying for the many that God has put on my heart–including YOU, Suzanne!! John 16:33 is so on my heart this morning–the verse where Jesus says: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart–I have overcome the world!” There is hope and VICTORY in Jesus. This is a special verse to me and recently I decided to read the preceding verses to remind me of context. I’d forgotten that just before this Jesus says “I say this to you so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble……” I’m claiming this promise for you, Suzanne, and continue to pray for God’s grace and peace to sustain you. Enjoy our Father’s world today!!!
Pat Buist
suzannebrandsen said:
Pat,
I LOVE that verse. I love it whenever anything comes up in our lives that we don’t like. It’s a reminder to me that we aren’t promised ANYTHING while we’re here, despite our expectations. But He doesn’t leave us here, in this. It just screams victory! I’m “taking heart” allllll the time. 🙂 How could we not?
Mary Ellen Arsulowicz said:
Good morning Suz! Just want to say that I Love you, and I am praying daily that the tumor is much smaller by the time they see it. God is so much bigger than all of this. You have always amazed me
with your wonderful heart and sweetness! God IS blessing!! Love, Mary Ellen
Mom B. said:
Looking forward to spending some time on the water with you and the fam and enjoying this day that the Lord has made!!! Hey I have also been singing that song this week ~”tho the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the RULER yet!” WOW Once again, sweet Suzanne, God has shown His presence to you and to ALL of us that love you SOOOO much!!!
Dave Brandsen said:
I will listen for your voice enjoy the day,
Love you guys
uncle D
Heidi said:
Suzanne…
Jess often laughs at me when she hears Landunn sing. It’s very often you hear him sing kids songs or hymns. “Danger Zone” off Top Gun is his favorite, well he calls it “Ding Zone”, but my point is… I love old hymns, they speak volumes and I thank you for the encouragement to play our Christian kids music today! We’ll have a dance party and think of you while were dancing. Have a blast enjoying the great wonders of Gods earth! I’ll be listening for you down here in Florida!!! 🙂
rpattenl said:
Here’s the one that’s been rattling around in my head for the last two weeks:
One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking of you.
Teach me today to do all the things that I have to do.
Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time.
My momma would call it “an oldie but a goodie!” 🙂 Since “our times are in His hands”, it makes good sense to me.
Happy Skip Day, Doll! It’s beautiful out there!!!!!
Kristi said:
Mmm … This post is leaving me singing one I haven’t sung in a while. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on “Kayleigh’s birth song …” I sang it incessantly while pregnant with her … but it’s such a good one for almost all occasions.
“In Christ alone my hope is found.
He is my light my strength, my song.
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
firm through fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease.
My comforter, my all-in-all. HERE in the love of Christ I stand.”
Love you … Hope your day off is awesome.
Aunt Kris said:
Enjoy your day with family & a day off! YEAH!
Love the song. Kara & I were singing it yesterday while we painted 3 rooms. (Lots of fun hanging out with one of my girls!) The song is a great reminder of just Who the Ruler is!
We’re off for up north. I’ll try to read your blog whenever we’re near wireless. : ) Praying for Wed.
Karen VanHolstyn said:
Just found out today about your surgery. Will be praying and following the blog. Prayer is an amazing power and so is the God we serve. We love you lots and can’t wait to see how God is going to work through this in your life. Thanks for sharing the picture and post from Barb. She is amazing, isn’t she?
Linda said:
Love the song and your connection to it! I think I heard you singing all the way in Grandville. 🙂
Love, Aunt Linda
Steve & Janice Q said:
We are praying for you, Suzanne. Keep on sailing with Jesus!
PS. We know your parents much better than we know you, but we also want to be part of your prayer support team. You’re a great communicator. Maybe you could ghost-write our prayer letters for us. 🙂