A Beautiful Start For The Week

Oh what a beautiful start for the week. It's set. Sunday is a long day. I don't do much on family connections. I tend to go with the flow of things. 

I geared up to watch the Super Bowl,

My goals for the week during my free time:

Post on Wednesday my blog challenges for week7
They are entitled. Eleven Year Old Duana DADE Ran Away From Home and A Friend.
Continue to update my In Remembrance in day by day form. 
Continue to search for DNA matches and obituary

I plan to work on week 8 themes
Post my Saturday by weekly blog.
Continue my dos for the week.

 Thanks for reading. 
Here's the Sunday message Anger Issues || Pastor Derek Vreeland 

 Blessings, 
S.A.Blakley 

A Surprising Week

 Feb 5
On the go and I didn't do much online. 
Post Sunday's by weekly bog
Looked on social media accounts

Feb 6
Worked on challenges
Future posted In Remembrance March list on the family connections groups on facebook. Bartlett, Dade and the Blakey Blakley WHITE Family Connections groups.

Typed up a list of DADE Family Connection members who passed between 2020 - 2022 
And need to add them to the current list of family members. 

Added more relatives to the branch of Isaac DAYD  

Feb 7
Worded on blogs challenges to post on Wednesday. 
Searched DNA matches on 23 and Me and Ancestors.
Email from a searcher of a DNA match
Checked obituaries. 

Feb 8
Post challenge blogs. Connected With Faris Lyle's Family via Social Media and My Hometown. 
Checked to see who are the famous people I'm related to on Family Search. 
Diana The Princes Of Wales is still on the list. The list changes from time to time. 

Copied the list of blogs for 52 ancestors challenges put in a notebook.
Found obituary of Clifford Allan Burton

Feb 9
 Word on next week's blog: Eleven Year Old Duana Dade Ran Away From Home .
Start Blog for the theme challenge of Friend. 
Typed up the Blake Blakley WHITE Family Connections April In Remembrance: Made copy
Snow came by surprise 

Fed 10
Worked on challenges for next week
Checked DNA matches
Watched online funeral of Bishop Clifford Allan Burton
Went to a basketball game

Feb 11
Fun Day
Went to two basketball games and had fun
Did a little searching DNA matches etc. Family Connections
Future posted on facebook group In Remembrance for one half of April 
Prepared for the Sunday Gathering
Geared up for the Super Bowl.

I continue to repost my challenges for the day of February on my facebook and Instagram accounts. 
I continue to watch the news in this changing world.

The massive earth quake in Turkey and Syria. It's sad.
God spared some lives in this horrible quake.

Objects being shot down from the sky, a second week. 
What's going on? 

Thanks for reading
A Surprising Week

Blessings,
S.A.Blakley 

7 weeks to go till I enter into my next decade. 

Let Your Light Shine

 
Oh, how beautiful the light shines in our darken world. Jesus is the Light of the world. He is in us as we are shinning  His light where we go. Let you light shine. 

 This is what I posted on one of my facebook pages " It was 57 degrees today. Okay groundhog.

There were people acting like Spring time has already started. Here I am all wrapped up like Winter time. Let me tell y'all, I know better. I'm not taking the bate. I've been there and done that. Still I'm wearing my coat. There's still a chill in the air.

I did enjoy being outside today. And tomorrow will be in the 50's too. The month of March will come. And Spring is coming early."

My goals for the week during my free time:
Post on Wednesday my blog challenges for week 6.
They are entitled. Eleven Year Old Duana Dade Ran Away From Home and My Hometown. 
Continue to update my In Remembrance in day by day form. 
Continue to search for DNA matches and obituary

I plan to work on week 7 themes
Post my Saturday by weekly blog.
Continue my dos for the week.

Hope all will enjoy the first full week in February.
Enjoy. 

Thanks for reading. 
Here's the Sunday message Break Forth Like The Dawn by Pastor Jacob Taylor. It was a good message

 Blessings, 
S.A.Blakley 

The Blessings

This is the day and every day is the LORD's day.
So, let's rejoice and be glad in it. Another week set to moving into
Enter in.

The Sunday message The Beatitudes   

This is good news. The sermon on the mount:
The Blessings from Jesus in Matthew 5: 1- 12

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Amen.

My goals for this week during my free time. 
Work on my blogs and post them for week 5 and bi-weekly blog. 
Continue on Benjamin DADE and his wife Lucy (SAMPSON) DADE lineage. 
Continue to search for DNA matches and obituaries. 
Have fun!

Thanks for reading.
The Blessings

Have a great week!
Have a Happy February! 

God bless
S.A. Blakley 

Gifts From God

When it snows, it brings beauty to land and all that surrounds it. It's a beautiful. I normally take pictures when it snow. But, photos don't do justice in which the eye can see. The view is like stepping into another space. When I see this. I'm left to admire the view in the moments of  time that I take to look. 

I can see God as an artist. All He creates to beautiful. I enjoy looking at nature. The skies and the land are set in our display for a purpose. 

Goals For The Week
Daily devotional, journaling , reading, meditation
Do what I need to do and what I should be doing and do my best to keep on track.
Post my blogs for week four themes: Education and A Family Member 
Rest, relax and have fun

I'm thankful for the people God places in my pathway. I believe that God brings people into our lives for a purpose. We learn from one another. May we see that those who are around us are gifts from God. And  our lives are a gift from God. All good things come from God.  

The Sunday gathering message It's All A Gift It was a good sermon.
 "It’s all a gift—all of it. Being, creation, your life, forgiveness, immortality, and the final promise that at the end of all things God will be all in all—it’s all a gift. "

Eleven weeks to go to enter into my next decade. 
I'm thankful that life is a gift from God. And all that God has given us is a gift. Live life in love. 

Thanks for reading.
Gifts From God 

Blessings
Susan 

My Strength And My Song

It was a beautiful Sunday. I enjoyed the view on the way to (and fro) the Sunday gathering. I'm thankful for those who stopped to chat with me. Christ Be All Around Me. 

Sunday is always a long day in the making for me. I continue to learn how to balance this day. I do like being out and about on Sundays. And now, I'm finally settling down. 

I continue to keep up on my journaling. But, I'm trying not to journal too long. I checked my DNA matches. I wasn't as long on social media as I am on Sundays. I'm slowing down more. 

The Sunday Gathering:
The message was Jesus Christ Is The True Lens Of Scripture by Pastor Brian Zahnd. 

The first two questions that's on the discussion small group for this message.

1.) What was the first Bible you received or purchased for yourself?
My first Bible I received was by Word Of Life Church, I responded to an alter call on September 17, 1993. and received the paper back cop of the New King James Version. I was a first time visitor as well. 

 The first Bible I purchased for myself, cost me  $1. I ordered it through the mail in the late 1980's or early 1990's. It was the hard copy of The Revised English Bible. I still have both Bibles. 

2. ) Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If you have memorized, share it with the group.
 The Lord is my strength and my song,

 and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and I will praise him,
 my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2 (ESV)

Thanks for reading.
My Strength And My Song

My goal for the week
I'm listing some of my blessings for this week. 
I'm listing my bees that bring discouragement. 
I'm thinking of why are these discouragement so?
And why do I return to them?

I will focus on the good of things. 
And pray about what distracts my thinking.

I have 83 days to go to my next decade.
I came to Jesus to be my LORD in 1983. 
This March 25th will be my 40th Anniversary! 

Blessings. 
S.A. Blakley

With New Beginnings

It's the 8th day of the year. Eight is my favorite number. I was born on the 8th, which is in 90 days. It's the 98 day of 2023. Back in Rhythm To The Beat of The 8th Day

I'm getting into the habits of my days that come. I did my Sunday dos before leaving the house. It was a beautiful ride to church. I made my way to pray before entering the sanctuary. I greeted some of the people who wanted to be greeted.

I gathered with church as we praised and worshiped our Savoir Jesus. The message was okay. Kings Shall Come We received communion and went on our way till next time we gather again.

Dawn of A New Day

This week is a start of new beginnings. I sensed it when I woke up this morning. I'm moving with the flow of things. Old things have passed away, new things have sprung up. I have to get use to read the newspaper online, this week. The papers for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The two printed copies are on Wednesdays with is advertisements and sales. And the Friday Weekender which is a cope we pay for. With New Beginnings I've been thinking about the things I no longer can do or things I choose not to do anymore. I'm creating new habits. I'm walking in the flow of what I set out to do. There is no more getting up going outside to get the newspaper in the early morning. I see the changes as that I have more time to do other things. I will have to get use to things I now longer do. My today's view I've been watching the NFL off and on this afternoon. I'm glad that the Buffalo Bills won. I'm watching Denver and The Chargers play. Hope You Had A Great Day! Thanks for reading. With New Beginnings 90 Days to go to my new decade. Journey Continues God bless you. S.A. Blakley The first two questions from the Sunday message "Kings Shall Come: online Study Guide Discussion sheet. January 8, 2023. Have you been in a castle, palace or large mansion? When I was out on the East coast on a vacation, I visited a Castle in the Clouds, and it was out of no where all by itself. I was amazed by what was in the Castle. I've been in large mansions out East. One was a 44 room mansion where a writer came to write her books.. Then there one, another I can't recall how many rooms but, they said that it had ghost living there. Have you ever ridden a camel or seen on up close? I've never ridden a camel but I have seen some up close in church on Christmas Eve and when I was in Israel in 1998.

Happy 2023! Merry Christmas!!

Welcome to 2023l! 


We crossed over into a new year this morning. As we were leaving the old year and stepped into the new year, I said thank You, Jesus!!!!. I make a toast and said cheers to the new year. 

 It's been a good start. It's time for me to take a nap. But, I decide not to do it  I'm keeping myself occupied. I'm not as tired as I should be. 

I did my morning dos. I prepared for the first Sunday gathering of the year.  I greeted some of the people. The message was good, It was entitled: The Holy Name 


The Christmas decorations are still up. The trees are also. We have 4 more days of Christmas to go. 

I'm heading into do some goal setting. I need to get back on track of things. The holidays has slowed me up. I need to get with it. 

Happy 8th Day Of Christmas!
Happy 2023! Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading.

God bless you.
S.A.Blakley

In 97 days,  my next decade begins. 

Here were first to questions from the small group discussion for The Holy Name that I seen online.  
 "1. What is the origin of your name? I did some googling on my first name Susan. 

"What's the full meaning of the name Susan?
Susan is a feminine given name, from Persian "Susan" (lily flower), from Egyptian sšn and Coptic shoshen meaning "lotus flower", from Hebrew Shoshana meaning "lily" (in modern Hebrew this also means "rose" and a flower in general), from Greek Sousanna, from Latin Susanna, from Old French Susanne. Susan.

Were you named after a family member? I wasn't named after a family member. .

2 . Did you have a nickname growing up?  My nickname is Susie and still is. 

Into The Christmas Season

 Happy Birthday, Jesus! Merry Christmas to all!
May we enter in and enjoy this Christmas Week and the Last Week of 2022!

We're into the Christmas Season.  Today, was a special Christmas to gather together as the church, Did you know that Christmas wouldn't  fall on a Sunday  again until 2033?  

The ending of  the Advent Season
I watched online the Christmas Eve candle light and communion services at 4 pm, 6 pm and 8 pm. It was beautiful. We heard the Christmas story of Jesus!  

After I turned off my tablet last night, I laid in bed. I started journaling until I was somewhat sleepy. However, I wasn't sleep, but I turned the lights out. I started praying.

I don't know how long I was up. But, normally, I could stay up till midnight. This time, I laid in bed. Because, the next day, we  would gather as the church on Sunday on Christmas Day.

As for last night, I recall looking at the clock and it was in the 10 pm,  then the 11 pm hour. I drifted off to sleep. Then I awoke up about ten till midnight. I prayed... then at midnight, I wished Jesus a Happy Birthday! I sung Happy Birthday to Him. 

I awaken again in the 4 am hour. Then I drifted back off to sleep. I was awaken by my fitbit. I laid in bed until I finally got up to prepare myself for the Sunday cchurch gathering. 

I made my way to the Upper Room  prayer chapel for the last time in 2022. I prayed. Then I  made my journey to the sanctuary to take photos of the Lord's Table and area. I went to greet some of the people in the foyer, wishing them a Merry Christmas!

The church Christmas gathering
We entered into our gathering and made our confessions. We worshiped, we sung Christmas songs, heard scripture reading and prayed. We listened to the message of The Christmas Angels. It was a nice message. I believe in angles. I thank God for them. 

We made our confessions and came to the Lord's Table to receive communion, We sung our last song. It was our last Sunday gathering in person for the year of 2022. A  blessing was spoken our us. We were sent out about our week with the words God bless, you, go in peace..

We got out about 10 minutes early. We had the opportunity to spoke with some friends. I  told some of them, I'll see them next year. I made my way home for the rest of the day. 

It's been an unusual start on this Christmas Day. It's not like any other. I received text messages from family members, friends and some greetings on social media. 

Praying for those who's are sick or have illness. Those who feel sad and alone; remember, God is with us in whatever situations that we are in. The Prince of Peace is with us. Everything is going to be alright. 

May we enter into the Christmas Season. Rejoicing in the good news of  God becoming flesh and dwelt among us. God sent His Word, His Son to be the Savior of the world. Amen! Merry Christmas!!

Thank for reading. 
Into The Christmas Season

God bless
S.A. Blakley  

Reflecting Over My Journey: Things Have Been Changing And More To Come

Every September is a new year for me. Also, it's the ending of Summer and the transiting of the Autumn Season. It's was a good transition. I'm coming along in my New Year.

Through the years, I've enjoyed the Summer months. Then the years come and go. Things change. We have to go with the changes.

Since the first Friday in June 2017 there was no Friday night gatherings at the church I've been attending.  I loved gathering with the church on Fridays. Well, things have changed.

I've adjusted to the changes. It appears that my Friday nights has changed as well. I'm back to what I somewhat use to do on Fridays. 

I will admit, I've been lazy on Friday nights during the months of June through September 2017. It took me a while to overcome the changes. I doing okay.

I've been doing other things on Friday nights. I rarely gone out. After 23 years of gathering with the Church on Friday, it' s takes time to want to do other things.

I have cultivated some new things over the months. I've been practicing things. I think I'm coming along with it. I used to not going. It appears that regular, Friday night gatherings is a thing of the past.

I would always look forward to Fridays. Sad to say, I don't anymore. Now, it's just another day.  I have a new attitude.

I'm learning to enjoy my Fridays and everyday now. I look forward to the day that I'm in . Not just the certain day of the week. But, each new day.

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I'm learning to do that every day. It's good to gather with the church on the set time during the week. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my every day life.

May we reflect back over things in our lives.
May we see the good in changes that come.
May we make the best of what we have in the time that we have on earth.
Amen!

Thanks for reading.
God bless you.
S.A. Blakley

Stepping Back In Time

Stepping back in times, Separate as it be
Sacred and holy, We're drawn to our knees

Rethinking our lives, What the Spirit leads
Turning our heart around, Teaching us, plant seeds

Recalling His goodness, Due time in our days
Be thankful, be kind, God's beauty display

Hope for tomorrow, Expressing always
Stepping back in time, Taking time to pray

Thanks for reading Poem #2399

Idea on March 4, 2014 at 6:01 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on August 29, 2015 at
11:32 AM at Color Me Red and on Sept 9, 2015
while reviewing this poem to post.

Preparing For Lent

Preparing for lent, The season awaits
Fasting and praying, In all through those dates

Rethinking our lives, The sin that's within
Focus on Jesus, His cross, way back when

In His suffering, Paid the price for all
Enter this season, To our knees, we fall

Relive the journey, Jesus walked upon
Journey to the cross, Soul awakes the dawn

Drawing closer still, Sacred time been sent
On this journey, Preparing for Lent

Thanks for reading, Poem #2392

Idea on Feb 25, 2014 at 5:55 AM on edge of bed by A/C
Re read and made some changes on Aug 1, 2015 at 12:26 PM
at Color Me Red and on Sept 7, 2015 while review this poem
to post.

Needing A Faith Lift

Needing a faith lift, Journey's path life feeds
By hearing God's Word, His Word, Jesus leads

Us into His Light, Beauty on display
Guiding us onward, Teaching us to pray

Building character, From stage onto stage
Developing faith, From one age to age

Continue the path, Life God's Word, He's true
Needing a faith lift, An updated you

Thanks for reading Poem #2365

Idea on Jan 29, 2014 at 5:44 AM on edge of bed.
Re read and made some changes on July 16, 2015 at 3:49 PM
at Color Me Red. August 7, 2015 while reviewing this poem to post.

Time For Reflecting

Time for reflecting, Thanksgiving from heart
Being so grateful, Living as God's art

Created by Him, From our mother's womb
Maturing in life, In Jesus in whom

Died to save the world, From death, sickness, sin
Redeeming our souls, Second birth, we begin

New life's journey road, Giving thanks and praise
Time for reflecting, Witnessing our days

 Thanks for reading Poem #2226

Idea on September 12, 2013 at 10:20 PM  in chair at south window
Re read and made some changes on 6 March 16, 2015

The Journaling Mode

The journaling mode, Its upon me now
Church, in life: first thing Thinking of God, Wow!

Can I write like this? Revelation, words
Of encouragement, To what I've then heard

Not from anyone, But wisdom here comes
Only by Spirit, Of God, how awesome

Re thinking the life, Given from above
The journaling mode, God's tender, kind love

Thanks for reading Poem #2219

Idea n September 5, 2013 at 9:35 PM at south window: Soaking feet
Re read and made some changes on 6 March 14, 2015

The Church Life Journey

The church life journey Reflections of past
What's in the making? What's going to last?

God's Spirit who leads, The way we should go
Making the path straight Moving in the flow

Some things will get tough, Have to stick it through
Hoping for the best, Is this word for you?

Keep with the good life, Gathering to stay
The church life journey, Always, we should pray

Thanks for reading Poem #2183

Idea on July 29, 2013 in chair at south window at 9:34 PM
Re read and made some changes on January 30, 2015 and
February 10, 2015.

Help Us To Get Through

Thinking, rethinking, while thinking this day
Tragedy in faith Need a place to stay

Can't understand this Why did this thing be?
It's not fair Jesus For we can't foresee

Help us to get through And comfort our souls
Hurting in waiting Please come make us whole

Cleanse our being While we come to pray
Help us to get through Guide us every day

Thanks for reading Poem #2097
Idea on May 5, 2013 on edge of bed at 10:13 PM
Re read and made some changes on September 16, 2014

Thankful For His Gifts

Thankful for His gifts In kingdom living
Each day we journey Serving and giving

Of ourselves daily In all that's to do
Making time worth it Each moment on through

The next thing that comes Be ready, prepare
As much as you can Challenges we dare

To do in season Use what God gives you
Thankful for His gifts His kingdom on through

Thanks for reading Poem #2095
Idea on May 3, 2013 on edge of bed at 10:45 PM
Re read and made some changes on 5 September 16, 2014

Look Into The Light

An aerie feeling Having this weird dream
Looked in the darkness Sensing a loud scream
How odd in doing The darkness moved away
The Light was guiding As Jesus displays

Drawing near to Him When darkness brings fear
Trying to scare us Yet the Light is clear
Exposing the dark In all of its lies
Look into the light Where Jesus, abides

Thanks for reading Poem #2066
Idea on April 4, 2013 on edge of bed at 9:59 PM
Re read and made some changes on April 5, 2013
and August 28, 2014

Come And Celebrate

Come and celebrate The goodness here in
Each day brings a lift From where we have been
Jesus made the way Set the captive free
Life is eternal For God let it be

Given through Jesus We belong to Him
Live life through Jesus We're His treasured gem
Gift so freely gives Where we long to be
Come and celebrate Lord, set us all free

Thanks for reading Poem #2062
Idea on March 31 March 2013 on edge of bed at 10:14 PM
Re read and made some changes on 5 April 2013 and
August 28, 2014