Technology Can Be Dangerous!

 I often say I know just enough technology to be dangerous!

I was always curious and fascinated by new things! I know! My mother would say, "Curiosity killed the cat!"

In the nineties, I took a soundtrack and using a dual cassette system, cut the track down to a time limit needed for a pageant! It was slow and tedious but I persevered and accomplished it!

I played piano by ear but wanted to learn to play by music and in my twenties, took lessons and practiced hours to learn an Easter Cantata to play for our church choir! Persistence once again was my virtue!! 

I've never backed down from a challenge and the more difficult the task, the more determined I was!  

I have little patience when someone blames their circumstances for not achieving a goal! Don’t get me wrong, I've cried and screamed “I can't do this” and "This is too hard," but I wouldn't give up! That wasn't in my nature!

Today, in our throwaway world, nothing exists as permanent! Appliances, eating utensils, and even relationships are disposable! 

I'm ready to go back to the old days when things were simple and people could trust their neighbors! 

BUT, I do want to take my cell phone with me!!

#Technology #Dangerous #CellPhone #Don'tGiveUp #Curious #Fascinated

An Unexpected Song

Karmyn sang this song during high school choral class at Texas High in 1990. I was listening to her channel on Spotify playing a recording of someone singing it. For several days it stayed in my head!

Finally, at Karmyn's suggestion, I looked up the lyrics and could see this was the relationship that Odis and I experienced!

Odis was my unexpected song

I realized that in 1973 when we reconnected; I did not understand it and could not believe I was chosen to have a love like this! Odis was pledging his love to me and I could see his eyes pleading with me to love him, writing to me he could not again live without me!

No matter how I tried, I could not rationalize why he had appeared from my past like an unexpected song that only played in our hearts! I had not felt these feelings for 15 years and was at a loss for words. I never thought I'd know the love I now was feeling. His smiling face had really thrown my world in a tailspin! It was an unexpected song that changed my life and played just for us!!

Lyrics:

I have never felt like this.
For once I'm lost for words.
Your smile has really thrown me.
This is not like me at all.
I never thought I'd know.
The kind of love you've shown me.

Now, no matter where I am,
No matter what I do,
I see your face appearing.
Like an unexpected song
An unexpected song
That only we are hearing.

#AGAINSTALLODDSWeFoundThePerfectLove

#AvailableAmazon

#MyLoveStoryInANutshell

The 13 Folds of the Flag

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, began following the Civil War on May 30th. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 and changed to the last Monday in May. Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service, while Veterans Day in November celebrates the service of all U.S. Military veterans.

I never wanted to discuss death! In my fantasy world, Odis and I would go in the rapture! When he tried to talk to me about it, I didn’t want to hear anything different! Odis was a planner and said, “I’ve written everything down and emailing it to you with a printed copy in my planner!”

When it happened unexpectedly, his instructions made a hard task easier! Odis was an Army Veteran, and one of his instructions was to have a flag-draped coffin with taps played at the cemetery!

As I watched the soldier make each fold carefully and meticulously, I did not realize there were 13 folds, our special number, and each one had a meaning!

Reading the reasons for each fold makes it more special, and the number of folds is icing on the cake!!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. 

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold honors and remembers veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives to defend their country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn to in times of peace and war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and flag against all her enemies, whether foreign or domestic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the ones who entered the valley of the shadow of death that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that molded the character of the men and women who made this country great.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for our country's defense. 

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews' eyes the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit in the Christian's eyes.

With the completion of the 13th fold, the stars are uppermost, reminding the soldier of the Nations' motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and all the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. It is a symbol of 'Liberty and Freedom.'

I love you, Odis, and thank you for your service to our country and your undying love for me!

Thank you to all fallen soldiers honored this day for the freedoms we enjoy.

Taps at Cemetery for Odis

#MemorialDay #honor #soldiers #ArmedForces #InGodWeTrust #FoldsoftheFlag

The Number Game from AGAINST ALL ODDS We Found The Perfect Love

God is the creator of numbers and our Supreme Guide! He created the Zodiac to be a gospel in the stars for biblical astrology. Man has used horoscopes that give your future instead of using God's Words to reveal a path to an overcoming life. Only God knows our future, and He never intended the stars for that purpose! God used the stars and numbers as symbols to foretell world events like the birth of Christ. 

Numbers have always fascinated me. I was thirty when Odis and I reconnected; he was thirty-three. Thru the ages, we have used the number 30 as a sign of physical and mental maturity, leadership, and refers to a significant event or responsibility. It was certainly a significant event and responsibility for us. We were in love!! I believe we were mentally mature to combine our lives, and history reveals it as truth for us!!

Jesus started his ministry at age 30, and Joseph was 30 when he became the second in command to Pharaoh in Egypt. David was 30 when he began his reign. Thirty-three is a numerical representation of the Star of David. Historian Josephus states that Adam and Eve had 33 sons. (Glad that wasn't a literal application for Odis and I) Thirty-Three means promise. It was our promise of love to spend the rest of our lives loving each other that made our marriage successful!

The number thirteen was significant throughout our relationship. Some dates just happened, others we planned. We met on February 13, 1958. I began my freshman year at 13, had my first job at 13, and my dad began his boot camp on March 13, 1943, when I was a few months old. On Friday, June 13, 1958, I prayed for Odis to come to see me, and he mysteriously showed up in my driveway a few months before we lost contact with each other! On September 13, 1958, Odis had his car wrongly decorated with wedding wishes when a couple married on our special day and went to our special place for a honeymoon.

Fifteen years later, we met again magically by a telephone call and met person to person 13 days later. Five months later, on October 13, Odis proposed, and we married in a Cinderella-style wedding on December 13. Yes, 13 was very special during our relationship. The love chapter is First Corinthians 13 and is no coincidence!

What is your special number?

We need every facet of our life to be Christlike

I was raised in church from birth! I knew nothing but Jesus! I strayed from my teaching in my teens, but when I rededicated my life to Him, I wanted everything to please God! I went thru my magazines and if I didn't think it would be something Jesus would read; I threw it out! I did that with every aspect of my life. What I wore, where I went, I wanted everything to be Christlike!

As our culture has evolved thru the years, we have allowed things to creep in that are not God-centered and God-pleasing! We need to return to Bethel! It begins with me and you! I want to do my part! Will I mess up? Yes, but I want to keep trying! When you are a baby and fall down, you get up and keep trying till you get it right!!

Have a Blessed Sunday!!

Where Did The “Girl Next Door” Image Go?

 GIRL NEXT DOOR

This is my editorial blog for today! 

When I saw my first pageant at around 12, the entire family watched as Miss America was crowned as our ideal “girl next door!’! 

The qualifications was to never been married or had a baby. As our culture “progressed” that later included abortion and as Vanessa Williams learned, porn was included!  

Now Connecticut has crowned the first non-binary candidate (gender neutral)!

Certainly not the image of Miss America’s of the past! I guess their acceptance of who the “girl next door” has changed for the MAO! 

Without swimsuit competition, this year's field of contestants will reveal larger women than in the past. 

Where did I get the name "Karmyn"??

 

What's In A Name??

I’m often asked where I came up with the spelling of Karmyn's name. When I found out I was pregnant in 1974, I wanted a unique name to fit the unusual circumstances of her birth! I had been told by my gynecologist in Houston several years earlier that I could not have any more children and I believed him! 

When Odis and I married, we discussed having children. I related what I had been told by my doctor and he said okay, but would love to have a little Suzie. 

When I discovered the surprise, I prayed and asked for a daughter, even telling God to change her if she was a boy, but God already had her planned! We knew her name had to be Sue, so I picked out 2 names, Karmyn and Krystyna, and let Odis decide between the two. I had never seen either spelling before and assumed they were original! We did not know the sex of children before birth back then but were so sure she would be a girl; we had not totally decided on a boy's name!

Since then, I’ve researched the spelling and found out that between 1880 and 2019, there were 755 births of Karmyn in several countries and represents 5 births bearing the first name of Karmyn per year on average throughout this period!

The name Karmyn implies a pioneering spirit, a natural-born leader, highly focused and achievement-oriented! A person who can endure hardships, tries new things, is confident, and energetic. She can decide independently but easily frustrated with too many unimportant activities!

I suppose I did well by giving my daughter the unique spelling of her name because it sets her apart! With all her accomplishments, she is the only one listed on the internet as a VIP with the name Karmyn! 

What is a Diva??

The Good Life??

After I jump in the shower, I'm going to sit in my private beauty chair while someone does my hair, and applies my makeup! Then my fashion expert will dress me and I’ll be ready to face the day after I adjust my halo!

Hold on Suzie! You have sheltered in place so long you are delusional!

I always thought the “life of Riley” would be like the description in my first paragraph. Then I watched the Crown! 

Seeing Queen Elizabeth take on that role as a teen, I realized the responsibility of the Crown! Life is never easy, even with wealth and fame! Today, even more so! With instant worldwide playback, your words can come back to haunt you!

You never know what goes on behind the four walls of someone’s life! While it looks like a glamourous lifestyle, there are always consequences to our actions, whether rich or poor!  

Paul had the right attitude in Philippians 4:12, "I have learned to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am." Amplified translation!

Let it be so in me, Lord!!

#Diva  #Crown  #Glamorous #Fame  #Wealth

Hashtag Gender

What's in a gender?

So you guys stay informed, there is a new gender classification! Besides male and female, we now have a “neutral” gender!

To be PC savvy, you can’t say he or she! Instead, use they, them, those, and you. I guess “you guys” is out! 

I suppose Sue has been a gender-friendly name for a while now! Thank goodness Johnny Cash was a boy named Sue!

I don't want to burst your bubble but the creator of the Universe said thousands of years ago, in scripture, that he created us male and female but either gender, male or female does not influence his respect for us! We are equal!

My birth made me, my experiences mold me, my faith strengthens me, and my hope is in Jesus!

#gender #male #female

Happy Resurrection Day

 

Today is Easter Sunday! 

More people attend church this day than any other!  Some go to show their new spring outfit while others go with a renewed desire to follow Jesus!

When Jesus said, “Follow me,” He wanted them to follow Him wholeheartedly and thousands did! 

My brain is analytical! I wonder, “How did Jesus speak to 5,000 people without a microphone?”  He spoke with power and authority and was heard! 

On this day that we celebrate the risen Lord, make a new commitment to follow Him with all your heart!  

Easter Controversy

 

Easter is this Sunday! 

Traditionally Good Friday is celebrated as the day Jesus was crucified and rose on Sunday! I have always questioned that and wondered how Friday to Sunday was 3 days and 3 nights in the grave!  

A lot of bible scholars now say different things, but most agree it was not Friday! I have friends who would defriend you if you said the crucifixion was on Friday! 

While the crucifixion is important, the resurrection is the key to salvation. If Jesus had not risen from the dead, he would have been no different from the other two who were crucified with him! But He did because He was the Son of God!

Don't argue over the crucifixion day but rejoice in the resurrection!

Happy Resurrection Day!!

An Easter Sunday Message from Sista Suzie

 

Sunday is Easter!  

Growing up, I always had a new Easter Frock complete with matching shoes, jewelry, gloves, and hat! In fact, my grandmother made sure I had a new outfit for Sunday night, you know, back in the dark ages when people still attended Sunday night services!??!! 

As a child, it was all about a new dress, and the dying of Easter eggs! You remember PasS Egg Dye??  If not, you're not old!

I checked out what was fashionable for 2021 and surfed the net to find out!

Some sites had a lot of casual pants I would not wear to Walmart, let alone church!  

Some high fashion clothing stores had florals and pastels but were on stick models, not something for an old fat lady! I found one outfit I liked, but the skirt alone was 500.00! Not happening!

After much collaboration with myself and my wallet, I decided to go with something in my closet! No one has seen me in a year and they will not remember what I wore two years ago since last Easter we were in shutdown mode! 

My husband always accused me of still having wardrobe dating back to my high school days! Even if that were true, I wouldn't be able to get my now 5’ 7” 175-pound body in a dress I wore when I was 5’ 8” and weighed 95 pounds! Ain't even going there!

Besides, I'm going to church with Diane. They really won't know what is new or not! 

Her church is mostly young people and their style ain't exactly my style. LOL.

Have a Happy Easter and don't forget the real reason we celebrate resurrection Sunday!! 

Growing up as a teenager in the 50s and 60s

 

Memories are wonderful. You can learn and grow from even the bad ones.  

My description of the fifties from my autobiography,

Against All Odds We Found The Perfect Love Copyright ©2019 Suzie Tyler

“1958 was a perfect time to be a teenager, but I need to add a Disclaimer... As an immature fifteen-year-old, I had not a clue about life. I lived in a Happy Days world with the atmosphere of Dick Clark's American Bandstand.

We turned gymnasiums into sock hops and danced the night away, bopping to Yakety Yak, At the Hop, and The Stroll. A student's life was carefree with no stress. Words like recession, terrorism, inflation, or Wall Street were not in our vocabulary. Twenty-four-hour cable news did not exist, and most young people had not experienced drugs. The biggest crime was smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, and stealing hubcaps or watermelons. And don't ask me how I know about these happenings. 

Today’s technology did not exist in 1958. There were no cell towers, Wi-Fi, or Google app. Most households did not have telephones, and long-distance calls were expensive. 

It is hard to imagine that today, where we stay connected 24/7 to the outside world.

Writing this chapter has reminded me how different life was in the fifties. Entering the world of modern conveniences should have made life simple, but it became more time-consuming. 

Sometimes I look back and yearn for that simplistic culture of innocence, but then I remember my cell phone and would not want to give up the communication available to us today. We have made significant trade-offs for our lifestyle. I hope it has been worth it.”

Hope you can relate to my memories. We didn't have cell phones or google but we made it!