Queen of the Vine

Happy Sunday Peeps!

Danny and Paul went to Comanche Park to walk, run and play. I am doing laundry, cleaning and now taking some time to relax and do my therapy -- writing a blog entry. I spent some time earlier reading a few of the blogs I frequent. Go here, here, here and here and here and here if you wish to be inspired, laugh and enjoy other marvelous women!

Beginning last September, we have been affiliated with a local nonprofit named Brighton. Paul was a part of their ECI Program for 10 months and made great development strides with the help of several wonderful therapists! And when I went back to work in February of this year, there was no question where Paul would spend each day - Bright Beginnings Pre School. They had a spot for him in January and it has been smooth sailing ever since! His teachers love and care for him so much! We are ever so thankful for them and the Brighton staff. He has flourished into a bright, caring and very silly little man.

One of SA's Fiesta Events is called Taste of the Northside. Like all other Fiesta Events - there is royalty to "officiate" the event. All the proceeds from this event benefit Brighton. Each year, three ladies campaign (raise money) to be crowned QUEEN OF THE VINE. So, this year--I am one of those gals. The campaign began in September and runs through March 1. The other 2 gals are really sweet and I know will do a fantastic job with raising money and awareness for Brighton. They are - the talented KABB anchor - Cynthia Lee and a former Brighton employee and current NISD teacher - Gina Monetmayor! All three of us took part in the Brighton Family Festival yesterday at Brackenridge Park. It was s fun time! If you live in SA, email me and ask me what you can do to help my efforts. You can also visit this site - read my bio and donate online. Every $1 raised = 1 vote! You can also mail Brighton a check - just be sure to reference Susan Niño so I get the points! Send it to the attention of: Holly Grogan. Brighton's address is: 14207 Higgins, San Antonio, TX 78217.

I mentioned this in an earlier entry - but I am a part of a new book club with other Christian Moms. I love it and them! The time I spend with these gals is EXACTLY what I have been needing the past 9 months! Thank you God for bringing me back to them! For our Nov meeting, we are reading Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul. I read the first three Chapters yesterday - and the only reason I put it down was our company arrived from Houston. After I complete this entry - I hope to read 2 or 3 more Chapters. I do recommend this to all women. It is glorious and reflective. Here are some thoughts and ideas shared and discussed so far....

Women = Holy Ground

From Psalm 45:11 - "The King is enthralled by your beauty."

We don't just have the desire for an outward beauty, but more -- a desire to be captivating in the depths of who you are.

Women are the handiwork of God in music and laughter....Her soul is alive and we are drawn to her. (this is what we should want other people to say about us)

I don't know about you -- but I desire beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil!

Do you feel that you simply getting by? I say--make a commitment to change! You must be willing to embark on a great adventure - it will take effort! But I think in the end - it will be worth it! You can think of it this way - a journey of the heart. Become the woman God had in mind when he made Eve...and then he made you - Glorious, powerful and captivating!

What is your design as a woman? Have you ever thought of it this way - the Eve is the crown of creation -His finishing touch? The pièce de rèsistance?

Beauty invites, inspires, comforts, is transcendent and is the essence of God. These ideals are the exact reason I made a conscious decision to seek out women who have inner beauty and truly love the Lord. Where negativity, rudeness, insensitivity and unselfish (and not self centered behavior) are all basically not found! I challenge you to seek out these women in your life. And if you hang spend time with those who are not inviting, comforting, inspiring and kind --be careful - they will bring you down.

Every woman has a beauty to unveil -- but will they?