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My Ester Year Begins…

My Ester Year continues.

Easter is coming and I’ve been thinking about the newness (if that’s even a word) that it offers us. It’s perfect for those of us Sistahs on this Ester journey. Jesus’ death and burial and then His resurrection was the end of what had been in a world where sacrifices were given over and over again to atone…now, this side of Easter - Jesus said on the cross. ”It is finished” The sacrifice has been given, once and for all (who will accept it). It begins the new with a resurrected Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide. We are NEW, with new mercies every day.

As we take this journey together, we’ll have days when the new mercies will be needed to start again. Grace is given by Christ who purchased our grace with his own blood. If we are healed by the stripes He endured, then my sistahs, we must endeavor to live healed lives with healed hearts full of grace for others and for OURSELVES! Have a beautiful Easter and remember Ester days mean we’re beautiful and getting more beautiful every day!

Easter proves it! You are loved!! Sistah Susie OHere’s something to encourage you today with this Ester year..it comes from Philippians 3:13-14. “One thing I do forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as a goal the price promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” Beth Moore’s book A Quick Word with Beth Moore (scriptures and quotations from Breaking Free…offers us some real encouragement as we try and do over and start anew. From this scripture, Beth offers this thought….God’s Word clearly expreses what a good and effective teacher the past can be. But the past will be a good teacher only if we will approach it as a good student, from the perspective of what we can gain and how God can use it for His glory. And if I may add my own little note to Beth’s it would be this….we learn what we can and we let go and leave behind that which only weights us down. I’ve read a number of lessons through the years, but I don’t still carry the books every day from which I got those lessons…carrying all of that is too heavy. I carry only the lessons, not the baggage. As we prepare and become more beautiful for the King…we should lose the baggage that can hold us back.Okay! I promised you ways that we could make this a special Ester year - and now here is a chance for Susie O’s Sistahs to take their Ester year on the road. We’re going to go on a mission trip to Honduras this summer and you could come along! I’m going to be taking about 75 to 100 of my closest friends and Sistahs to the capital of Honduras. It’s about a four hour plane trip to get there from Houston, and once we’re there - we’ll be able to help with some construction projects, some Bible studies with some of the local families and getting the chance to use what we’ve learned about ourselves to talk with others about Jesus! I’m so excited about this chance for all of us to take our Ester year on the road. Even if you can’t make the physical trip, we’ll make sure you’re part of this work, but I’d love to be surrounded by beautiful Sistahs along with all of the familie that are going to come with us! Yes! You can bring your whole family. If the money is an issue, your sistahs will join in prayer to help you get the support. We’ll have some ideas for getting support for this trip from people in your church and community too. Ester Year continues

Well, it’s officially a week into the Ester year and I’ve already needed the reminder that I’m going to say positive things to myself. You know how it goes, you’ve put on that pair of jeans right out of the dryer and it’s like break dancing to try and get those things on and zipped up. I immediately stood up and started talking to myself like I was a puppy that had puddled on the carpet, everything negative and stopping just short of the preverbial rolled up newspaper on the noggin! I stopped in the middle of the tyraid and remembered - you wouldn’t talk to anyone else this way. Stop. I did. I found ways to remember how to speak positives into my own heart. Afterall, preparing for the King, you wouldn’t talk to a potential queen that way! Besides, once I had the jeans on, they stretched a little and I hadn’t gained anything afterall. Wow! will I really let a waistband determine who I am for the day, good girl or bad girl? Not any more. I read Ester again this weekend. It’s interesting that she was chosen for her beauty and made MORE beautiful in that year. You know what that means for all of us that are walking this Ester year out together? It means we ARE beautiful. We’re not “whatever” and on our way to being beautiful, we ARE beautiful and working on becoming MORE beautiful. So, let’s choose today to act like a beautiful woman. We are going to BE what we ARE and are becoming. I AM beautiful. Say it. come on, you have to begin to say it - don’t just think it…say it. I am beautiful.

Day Three

Last night I was at the Beth Moore Bible study and the Praise and worship team was singing their hearts out…there was a line in the song they sang that said “one little word and he is defeated!” It was referring to a little word from God and the Devil is done! I got to thinking about that, one little word could defeat that which has been defeating me for years! So, I thought, “what word?” and then it came to me….the word for my (our)Ester year is “His” I am HIS. When the devil, or the defeating messages come into our mind and hearts, we will speak the words ” I am His“! When I think about the failures or even just the little mess ups I will remember that “I am His“. When I begin to think of the loneliness, of being single, or unfulfilled desires, I will remember, “His”. I am not alone, I am “His” and He is not ever going to leave me.

So, my Susie’s Sistahs in our Ester journey this day - our word to defeat all that defeats us, that leaves us feeling less than the chosen one of the King is simply - HIS!

Day Two and I’m working on a plan for us to take this journey together. We’re going to be working on the outward appearance, with diet and exercise. We are going to be working on the Spiritual side with study out of Esther and what we can learn from her story in the Bible. And we’re going to be working on finding ways to be our own best friend. One of the things I’m working on in my Esther year is self-talk. You know we would never talk mean or unkindly to someone else in our life. I’ve never stood in front of a friend of mine and said, you look awful today - you’re overweight and you are a mess! Yet, I don’t know about you, but standing in front of my own reflection in the bathroom mirror, I’ve said almost exactly that. Just like those words would be killer to my friend they are killer to me and my soul. If you’re doing that to yourself, you’re killing your own spirit and soul. When Esther was being made more beautiful in her year, I would venture to say no one in the Kings’ service would have dared to talk to her that way, even if they thought it was a motivational lecture. They would likely hear “Off with their head”if they did. Okay, we aren’t going to scream “off with your head” - but we’re going to all agree that as we take this year long journey together, we will stop saying hurtful, destructive things to ourselves. No more mean talk into the mirror or into our heart or head….only that for which will build up the body. Ephesians 4:29 says ” Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ” and that goes for self talk too! So, my Sistahs, we are agreeing to only say positive and life giving things to those around us and to ourselves!

Got a comment of your own? Feel free to blog along! You are loved! Susan

Day One

I talked about my Esther year beginning with my birthday March 9th and this is the first day of my Official year. Esther is a woman of the Bible who was chosen by the King as his wife and leading up to being taken by the King, she spent a full year being made more beautiful for him. . . inside and out. Because of her influence with the King she was able to save a nation. So, I’ve decided that I’m going to take my own Esther year, working on my health and outward appearance, working on my spritual and heart issues and making sure that I am staying in the scripture and putting beautiful things IN so beautiful will pour out. If you’d like to join me on this journey this year, I will be keeping up my blog on line of what I’ve been doing, I’m going to offer you some of the homework in scripture that I will be using. We’re going to have some special guests who will talk about ways to improve our health, our outlook, our self esteem and to just make us beautiful. You can send me your name and I’ll be praying for you, and you can pray for me, because Susie O’s Sistahs are going on our Esther journey this year!

You are Loved,

Susan

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 9:13 am and is filed under Susan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

80 Responses to “My Ester Year Begins…”

Connie Dove Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi Susan,

I heard about your “Esther” year and I would love to join. I’ve already started making positive changes on the outside, such as eating right and exercise but I need to get right on the inside.

I look forward to this journey with you.

God Bless,
Connie
Gail Carlisle Says:
March 11th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Oh wow, I just know this is for me. I am constantly being ugly to myself. I can love anyone, but I can’t love myself. I also was told by my doctor that I have got to diet and start exercising. He might as well told me I had to be tortured! ha! I’ve never had to diet in my life and I certainly have never bothered to exercise.

Susan, I really enjoy listening to you and I wish we could meet someday. You called me one morning at 5:45, just to talk to me and help me know somebody really cared! Thank you so very much!

Will there ever be a time that whoever is involved in this to get together and visit?

I am really looking forward to this! Thanks for allowing God to work so powerfully in your life!

Gail
Jenny Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 12:05 am
WOW! This sounds fantastic! I know God will be doing so much in you & through you!

In Him,
Jenny
Becky Domingue Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Thanks for doing this. I am currently in a situation where I am struggling on a daily basis. When I went to my associate pastor for counsel he told me that my situation sounded like the battle Esther. I now have Ester 4:14 pinned up on the wall in my office in five different bible versions. When the devil tries to attack I just tell myself that ‘I have been made queen for such a time as this.’

I enjoyed putting a face with the voice last night when you spoke at the Breaking Free, Beth Moore bible study. A friend an I go faithfully every week and it definately has help me with my current situation.

Again, thanks for doing this. Together we can all become beautiful.
Ruby Escalante Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Susan, thankyou for being so faithful in your calling. I am joining you in your Ester year. So please keep me in prayer. I’m praying for a beautiful heart, working from the inside-out.
I love my children and husband, but don’t show it through the tone of my voice.
Please keep me in prayer as I begin my Ester year.
Ruby
Faye Malone Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 7:53 am
This is the year for new beginings .This is yours with this new search for the beautiful person God sees you to be. God bless you as you grow..
Mary Ann Matthys Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Susan,
I was just listening to you as I drove to work. I am so glad you are doing this! Count me in!!! I am 51 and my life is getting ready to change dramatically. My husband is going into the ministry in the United Methodist church. He has just started seminary and in about one year we will be moving as he continues this process. I have been wanting to lose weight and exercise in preparation for this big change in my life. I am truly HIS and this process will be one more way to yield my life to God as I prepare to serve Him in a new way! Thanks for always encouraging those of us who listen each day! Blessings!!
Mary Ann
Fraisy George Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I would like to join you in your journey to become an Esther. I know that we can all accomplish our Esther journey as long as we have support. This will be an awesome journey and I thank you for your prayer and I will do the same.
kaaren mota Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Hi,

When I heard you begin talking about this one air it excited me! I am very pleased you opened this up to the listening audience. Count me in as another glad participant on this one year journey. I’ll be praying for you .

Regards,

Kaaren
Caroline Stubblefield Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Hi Susan……I would love to join your Esther year. I am 50 years old, and am really struggling with the outward physicial person. I know a lot of it is my age and I need help in coming to grips with the middle age figure changes. I am always striving to be more beautiful on the inside and your Esther year sounds just like what I need. I am going to really work on positive self talk today. Thank you so much for all you do to encourage us each and every morning, and I think you are BEAUTIFUL already!

Have a wonderful blessed day!
Tammy Mutina Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Susan, I’m so excited about this adventure. I’ve shared this blog with my mom who is up against kidney failure and a number of other health problems. My mom and I are also going through a Beth Moore bible study “Loving Well”. Your year of Ester is very timely…I’m so excited you are sharing your year with all of us sistahs. I’ll be praying for you and wish you the best.
In Christ
Tammy
Terri Garza Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I am very interested in going through this with you. I guess all of this is done by your blog? You said you would have speakers. Will they be on air? Looking forward to spending this time with you. I listen to you every morning.
Esther Sempruis Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:52 am
My middle name is Esther actually. I have started about 2 yrs ago or so using that suddo name at work since I do sort of customer service, sales and troubleshooting help for website customers. I love that name since the story of the bible reminds me of the queen I am meant to be. Also, surprisingly, some customers do make reference to the Esther of the Bible and makes me feel acknowledged. I want to join you Susan and truly honor Esther (Haddasah) and the members of our team. As queen of our Father divine kingdom we have privileges and responsibilities to ourselves and to others. I am pleased that I took the time to send this pledge today and look forward to the great journey of prayers and fulfillment.
Sue Fritz Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Hi Susan,
I am joining your “Esther Year!
I am SOOO guilty of putting myself down, I have always done it since I was a teenager, and I am now in my 50’s. I know it will be hard for me to “boost myself up”, but I feel it is time I do so. “I am HIS” and if God sees me as beautiful, who am I to think otherwise?
THANK YOU, Thank You, thank you for this!
And keep up the great ideas for us women!
Your Sistah in Christ,
Sue
Susan Hernandez Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Hi Susan.

I saw you last night at Beths study, (I was the one who screamed out Susan O really loudly, from clear across the sanctuary) I am too ready for new beginnings, I actually signed up yesterday for one of those morning boot camps at the park at 5am…I am ready to begin my transformation. We all need remember we are already daughters of the King, and he loves us, but I feel it is about ME loving myself the way God does!
Shel Patterson Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Count me in, sistah as one of your sistahs! I’m ready to roll over, roll on and roll out a new and improved me!

Shel
Melinda Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:09 am
This is such an amazing thing. Once I heard you talk about what you were planning I realized I was doing my own Esther Year. It is such an incredible journey.

This may sound silly but I am going to get fitted for a bra on Saturday. I have lost a lot of weight in the past few years and have no idea what size to buy. I have wanted to do it for the longest but kept putting it off. Now is the time.

I have also taken a class to learn how to put on makeup. I did the 1/2 marathon in Janaury - took me 4 hours 4 minutes but hey I did it.

A year from now Houston will be filled with beautiful women - inside and out.

Love,
Melinda
carol sue galvan Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Hello my name is Carol (SUE) Galvan I am a 40 yr old mother of three grown children. I am a faithful listener of ksbj and I would like very much to keep up with your progress this year I to am trying to better myself inside and out. I would also appreciate any prayer you can give me. Me and my boyfriend (54yr) of 11 yrs have resently seperated we lived together for many years out of wedlock. I know we both love each other very much but I think we have both decided to leave it to God and let HIS will be done we havent said more than a couple of words in the past couple of weeks I believe because we both want God to have time to do a work in us. I want so badly to run to him but I know that would only lead to us ending up in our same old situation. So I pray God is taking this time to bring us closer to each other but I fear God will decide against our relationship. I appoligize for the long story but believe me I kept it short. please keep me posted on how your progress is going and how your doing it. I will pray for you….. Thanks your sister in Christ Sue
Sue Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:23 am
HELLO
Princess Emma Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:25 am
This could not have come at a better time in my life, 2008 for me is a year of new beginnings. I like to be part of this Ester Year! I loved the movie One Night with the King - Ester Story. I have been working to be fit for my King (God) spiritually, emotionally and physically. I think one of the hardest things for me was to love myself just as I am. In this journey I hope to love God even more. I want to be the kind of wife that is good to her King - my husband. I realize that I needed to put God first before my hubby and even that was hard, for I wanted to please my hubby, yet God wants me to please HIM first then the rest will fall in it’s place. I want to embark with my Sistahs. Susan Thank you for this opportunity. Princess E
Annette Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:37 am
THANK YOU Susan so very much for doing this for yourself and in so doing helping others. We too often take the time for others boosting their self-confidence, praising their work ethic, complimenting their looks, helping them when they are down. But we don’t take the time to do the same the ourselves. I am so guilty of doing this to myself over and over again. And I hope that by reading your blog daily will help me to realize that I am beautiful and good at what I do in my work and personal life.
Lisa Mongiello Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Thanks for the encouraging words, Susan. I too, am single, could stand to loose a few pounds, & need to have my self esteem built back up. I have been seperated/divorced for 6 years now & can see God’s hand moving in this area already. I think the fact that we even realize that we need change is an amazing revelation from God, don’t you? My birthday wasin February & I did some self evaluation, too. I’m 45 & my “new” prayer is ” Lord, move the mountain or move ME”. It took a while to realize that my biggest “mountain” is myself! My motto is “reevaluate in 2008″. We are currently doing “Experiencing God” @ my church & I am praying Hab 1:5. I want God to ASTOUND me!!! Add me to the list, Sistah!!
Wendy Stal Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:43 am
How do I join this group? Loved your blog. There is a book called Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. This book uses the story of Ruth the whole time to help define how we are to be beautiful on the inside too. I really think you should read this to help all who are on the Esther journey.
Elizabeth Santillan Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:48 am
God is so awesome. I have searching for something in my life, a strong walk with God, taking care of myself, being a better person for everyone. God is so good and I know this is exactly what I need to join you and others in Esther journey. Thank you Susie for searching what God has put in your heart.

Your Susie O’s Sistahs,
Elizabeth Santillán
Sandy Langwell Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Susan…WOW! did I need this today. As I was praying this morning, I asked God to reveal to me His purpose for my life. I am 45 years old and feel like I’ve just been doing what it takes to get by my entire life. No more! My husband and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary last week and we have 3 truly incredible (grown - one out of college; 2 in) kids, but now I feel like it’s time for ME to discover ME. I so want that discovery to be spiritual, and I realized when you were talking about your blog a few minutes ago on air that this is my starting place - an answer to my morning prayer. I want to encourage you about the weight loss issue. Eighteen months ago I realized I was a complete wreck and the repair had to start with nutrition and fitness. We are a family of athletes but I sure didn’t look like it anymore! I had no energy and my mood reflected the way my body looked. I made the investment in myself to start eating better and exercising (which at the time was simply brisk walking 30 minutes - 1 hour) 3-5 times per week. I lost 20+ pounds and am a new personally physically. I have slowly been working on the spiritual me but tend to slide more than move forward. I am a Christian and attend church regularly but tend to talk the talk more than walk the talk. My husband and I listened to the Sunday night show on March 2 when Jordan Rubin was the guest. If you have not read his book Perfect Weight America, I would encourage you to buy it today. My husband has struggled with weight his whole life. We have bickered our entire marriage about him taking better care of himself but dieting was just too difficult. We are now reading Jordan’s book together and have discovered many of the reasons Mark has struggled all these years. We have also learned I am a protein processor and he is a carb processor so we each need to structure our eating around what our bodies process most efficiently. We don’t normally listen Sunday evenings, but I believe God was once again working that evening. We were in two separate vehicles returning home from a baseball game in Houston. My son, who was riding with my husband, called me and said, “Dad hopes you’re not listening to KSBJ right now.” Ha! KSBJ has been a blessing to our entire family for 2 or 3 years now and we tell everyone we know about it. I love listening all day, but you and Mike make me smile every single morning and make me want to be a better person. I am making the commitment to join you on your Ester Year. THANK YOU for putting yourself out there and inviting us all to join in.
Cathy Rohr Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I listen to you on the web, I live in Downingtown PA. I have been so blessed by your radio station, that I tell everyone about it. I am blessed to work for my church, which allows me to listen to whatever I desire. Thank you.

I am excited about your Esther year, I too need to work on being beautiful both inside and out. I have really allowed my outside to get “flabby” and I talk negatively to myself all the time. I need a nudge or two to get me started in the right track.

In November 07, I started reading through the bible in a year with some ladies at work. It has been very good for me spiritually, but I could still use some help with saying and acting in a manner that will bring glory to God. Thank you for starting this and opening it up to other women.
Emily Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Hi Susan,

Thank you so much for doing this! It is so important to feel beautiful inside and out, and I think every single woman in the world is and can be. and not only that, God wants us to feel beautiful, it was His design and I believe He put the desire in our hearts. I’ve started reading a book called “Beauty Secrets of the Bible” written by Ginger Garrett. I’ve just started, but it is wonderful. It give insights to what the women used during the Bible times to keep themselves beautiful inside and out. It gives homemade recipes for face wash and moisturizers and not only that, there is a 28 day devotional on spiritual beauty. I just wanted to say you are beautiful! and thank you so much for speaking out and starting this blog. You are an inspiration!
Love in Christ,
Emily
Lily Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Hi Susan,

I am so excited about this coming year. I also just had a birthday which was March 5th. And I was thinking what should I do different. And last Friday I heard you mention this great plan for your new year and I knew I wanted that for myself. Thank you so much for sharing this plan and I would love to be part of this great adventure. An adventure that will make a difference not only in us but the people around us will be impact as well. Send me information or direction on this. I can’t wait to see everyone’s story as the year unfolds.

Luv Ya,

Lily Garcia
God Bless!
Cyndi Cortez Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I love IT!! I AM HIS!!! I will remember that each time I feel a negative thought come into my head (especially about my body). Thank you for sharing and I will pray for Susie O’s Sistahs!!
Jane Dorn Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am
I would like to join the Susie O’s Sistahs Ester Year. How do I do that?

Jane
Brenda Zertuche Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I would like to join you in your Ester year.
Carole Andrews Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
This is great, will you please add me to your E-Mail list for days to come.

Thanks Carole
Lynda Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Thank you for your encouragement. Easter has always been my favorite holiday because it represents “starting over” or a fresh start. Through many tragedies and bad decisions on my part, I have needed many “do-overs.” I am going to mention your ESTHER YEAR concept to some ladies at my church and follow your lead. I think that we can be such an encouragement to each other and move forward in a positve way. Thank you for blessing me!
Jeanine Hembree Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
You are right in that we are most unkind to ourselves. I am divorced and live alone. My children are all grown and have lives of their own. There are times when I tell myself not only am I not beautiful, I am unloved. My head tells me that is not true, but the voice inside tells me different. I will be coming along in your Ester year.
Love,
B. J. "Wheezer" McGuire Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I hope that you will not consider me to old to want to be in my Esther year, since in July I will be 59. I started doing Weight Watchers back in May ‘07 and when you mentioned getting beautiful from the inside out, it was almost as if the Lord told me that was exactly what I had been doing and now here was others that could help and that maybe I could help. I want to be beautiful for my Lord and for His face to light up when he thinks of me and my future Sistah’s. So, I too would love to join and I look forward to the study of Esther and seeing how beautiful we all become in this next year and how the twinkle in our hearts and eyes shows to others….
Debbie Durham Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hi susan,
I live in Victoria about 2 hours from houston. I would love to become a part of Susie O’s Sistahs, even if i can only by reading your blog and listening to you in the morning.
I am 54 and also a single mother. I’m trying my best to be the kind of woman that i know God wants me to be. Listening to the morning show and listening to KSBJ at work all day has made a difference in my life. I know that I have a long way to go. I’ve made so many wrong choices in my adult life, and I’ve been searching for happiness looking in all the wrong places. Your and Mikes conversation about that this morning really hit home.
ps. I also want to be healthier. My self esteem has gone down as my weight has gone way up in the last 6 years since my divorce.
Again, I loved reading your blog and look forward to reading it every day.
Debbie Durham
Laurie Mattingly Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Susan:

I met you a few years ago at a retreat for the women at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church — so I think you may enjoy the tongue in cheek humor I’m about to share with you. My mother just sent me this funny email and when I read it I thought I would share it with you as a “warning” — just in case you get TOOOOOOOOOOOO beautiful during this Esther year!

Here is the joke: A middle aged woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near death experience. Seeing God, she asked,’ Is my time up?’ God said, ‘No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.’

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, brow lift, lip enhancement, boob job, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. After her last operation, she was released from the hospital.

While crossing the street on her way home, she was hit and killed by a car. Arriving in front of God, she demanded, ‘I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn’t you pull me out of the path of the car?’

God replied,’Giiirrrlllllll, I didn’t even recognize you.’

Enjoy!

Laurie Mattingly
JaCkIe Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Hi Susie!
God bless you!
You know I was listening to you this morning and heard about your Esther year, and I was like Oh my goodness!! In our church we have small groups for the youth that get together every Friday. Our group it’s just girls and we starting reading the book of Esther, and we decided to study each chapter in depth. We just finished chapter 2 and it’s so interesting and amazing how God works.
I don’t know what I have to do to join you, but I definitely want to. Just like God used Esther, I want Him to use me. And I should start with how I am and see myself from the inside…
I’m really excited for what you are doing!! Many blessings!!
Brenda Zertuche Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I would like to join you in your Esher year.
Cas Frost Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Hey Susan, I was in my closet this morning (where nothing fits) and I was thinking about you talking about having an Esther year, and thought I want one too. But I don’t know where to start. Then I hopped in the car and there you were!! Telling us we can too and helping us figure it all out together. You are such a huge blessing to us all! Thank you! Count me in please. I wanna be a sistah. Cas
Ramona Bernsen Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
An Ester year sounds like the perfect focus for my 50th year that starts next week.
I need a health, beauty, and spiritual makeover. I am a divorced/remarried mother who is dealing with a difficult ex. I take it out on my wonderful husband God sent me and I feel so bad that he gets my ‘ugly’ that he doesn’t deserve. My sisters in Christ at work told me about this so I guess we will all be working on our Ester Makeover this coming year. God bless you Susan. I miss you when you are not on the radio. Count me in!!!!
STEPHAN BABICS Says:
March 12th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
SUSAN
I’M SO GLAD YOU TOOK MY ADVISE AND GOT THE BETH MOORE CONNECTION . ON YOUR ESTER YEAR JOURNEY I WOULD SUGGEST FOR YOU TO MAKE FASTING A PART OF YOUR CHRISTAN WALK THEN WATCH AS THE LORD REVEALS HIMSELF TO YOU IN A MIRACULOUS AND WONDERFULL WAYS . KEEP UP THE THE GOOD WORK YOU ARE LOOKING GOOD .(2CORINTHIANS 9:8)
Irene Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 7:58 am
I would like to join you in your Esther year. I want to be ready my KING
when he comes. Please give me more information.

God Bess,

Irene
Raquel Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Susan,

First let me start to say that the Book of Ester is one of my favorite Bible book. I’m 23 yrs old and I am overweight. I feel “not beautiful” most of the time and I feel like I have nobody to help me or understand me. I have a beautiful sister that wants to help me loose weight, but she takes it to personal, she pushes me, but not in a encouraging way. My mom has tried to help me, but she makes it all about herself. I depend alot on my family. I feel that I don’t make any decisions by myself and I don’t know how to stop thinking of others (not that it is bad), but every time I want to do something for myself my mom or my sister change my plans with “I need to do this” “I need to do that” “Can you do this for me” “Can you help me do that” and no matter how much I want to do something for me I feel like if I don’t help them I am selfish and a bad daughter/sister and in a way that’s how they make me feel. I love them so much but I want to learn to love myself too. I’m glad that you are doing this and that hopefully I can learn how to priotizes my life. I ask for your prays and if anybody else that is joining feels like praying for me that would be great.

God please help me see what you see in me. I know that you love me and you want me to be happy. Please help each and everyone who for whatever reason are joining Susan in this Esther Year. Give us the strength to continue and the wisdom to see your glory in us. And as Esther did, let us fullfill your purpose in our lives. In the name of Jesus WE are WINNERS! Amen
Robin Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 11:02 am
I was there the first morning you began talking about your Esther year. I have spent a large part of last year trying to bring myself back to where I was before the baggage. My journey has not had any structure, just a lot of trying and failing and getting up and trying again. When you began talking about an Esther year it gave my journey shape and I immediately wished somehow this was something that could be done as group. Imagine my excitment yesterday morning when I learned there were others like me and that the thought and idea was going to take on an identity. Count me in.
Kimberly Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Hi Susan,

You are beautiful and most of all funny. I enjoy you every morning. I think you have a lot to offer a God fearing man so I would like to invite you out to a never been done Christian Singles’ Mixer. I am assisting in bringing it together and so far we have the participation of twelve area churches. Email me back and I will send you the flyer. It will be a safe, alcohol free, smoke free function in your kneck of the woods. You can come incognito. Put a red rinse in your hair, put on some glasses and come on out. Take care and God bless. Keep on keep’n on!
Patti Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I would like to come along on this journey. I know the God has great things for me this year and I can’t wait to see them.
Alice Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I love this! I often think when I am exercising or shaving my legs (is that too personal?), etc. that I am getting ready for my “king”. Truth is I think I do a good job on the outside, but the inside definitely needs work.
Susie, I hear you talk about your struggle with weight and every time I think, “I need to email Susie and tell her what God did for me”. So…. I don’t know if this is the venue…. (if not I hope someone will make sure this does not get published here).
I struggled with weight my whole life,,,,, yo-yo’d, up and down….. I could not have controlled my eating if my life depended on it….. literally. It was like a monster I could not control….maybe for a little while… but I would always go back to eating.
I topped out at 190lbs.. and I am 5′1″. A friend of mine gave me a book called “The Diet Alternative” or “Scriptural Eating Patterns”. The premise of the book was that, if when God fed people, he fed them in the morning (the Israelites in the desert… Elijah), they ate till they were “filled”, and then at night, that this must be the perfect way to eat. After all, God is perfect.
The idea was that you eat in the morning, whatever you want, nothing restricted (”all things are good”) until you are “filled”… not stuffed, but well satisfied. Then, you do not eat the rest of the day and use this as a fast to break the power food has over you. You eat again at night, until you are filled. Then nothing until the morning.
I did this for a few weeks (it’s been over 10 years now… I honestly do not remember how long)….. and one day, I was making a peanut butter & jelly sandwich for the kids, and I started to lick the knife (yes…. I admit). And I stopped myself…. said “no”… I am fasting (or whatever). Then … a funny thing happened. I felt something like when you have been holding something really heavy, and you put it down…. you feel like “whoosh”… kinda light for a second (does this make sense?). I thought it was odd, but didn’t think much of it. BUT…..I noticed after that, I didn’t struggle not to eat anymore. It was not that I had control, it was that the DESIRE to eat was gone. And I have not struggled since.
It was a miracle…. and it has been so long ago that I don’t tell people about it much anymore. I SHOULD!!!
I know that this eating plan will NOT work for everyone…. health concerns, etc…. BUT…. the idea can be tailored to anyone. Maybe not snacking from lunch to dinner, and then not after dinner, could be a fast (when you are “fasting unto the Lord”, it is somehow a little easier to refrain from that twinkie).
The “whoosh” thing might be a little weird to some, but I feel like it was God finally “lifting” that burden from me.
AND HE DID! HE DID!!!!
My weight has been under HIS control for 10 years or so. And I can KEEP myself attractive for my “king” (of over 22 years!!
Jane Says:
March 13th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I heard you on the way to work yesterday and I knew it was a God moment for me. God revealed to me 7 years ago at a Ladies retreat a promise from the Book of Esther that was fullfilled with the birth of my grandchild and I am expecting great things as I take this journey with my sistahs to prepare for my King.
Jewel Lamb Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Susan,

Thank you for starting this journey and for allowing others to go with you. I look forward to the changes in my life as a result.
Marisol Renteria Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Hi, Susan I am excited inj oining you in the Esther year. I know God will help us.

God Bless
Marisol Renteria
Susan Stark Says:
March 14th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Thank you for speaking God’s blessing’s to me. I am new in the area and been drawn to your radio station for the wonderful, positive input I receive through listening. I am challangeed and excited to journey with you and the Sistahs, unworthy as I am, I will become a better me. To God be the Glory Great Things He Has Done and will do.
Brandy Says:
March 16th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I think this is wonderful. My birthday was the 15th and is when I make my “New Year’s Resolution”. I started thinking that this year should be a time of preparation; I wasn’t sure what I was preparing for I just knew I kept hearing that still small voice say “preparation”. Then I was listening to the radio on my way to work (as I always do) and heard you talk about your Esther year and how she prepared for a year to meet the king; the second I heard you say “prepared” my heart sank; I knew this was it. I think this is great, sign me up!!
Janice Wade Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 6:55 am
I’m showing up a little late here, but I want to put my name in, too. Susan you are such a blessing to so many people! I am 51 and have been married for about 1 1/2 years now (my second). My new husband is so positive and sweet–when I talk about losing weight he just compliments me and says I look great–but I’ve gained 18 pounds since we were married and I feel badly about that and want to correct it. I’ve had two surgeries and I’m sure the weight has something to do with hormones (but probably also with dinners out and a much shorter exercise routine than when I was single). I feel sure working on healthy living and God’s good thoughts will enable me to see success in my aspirations. Thanks for the inspiration and support!
Filomena Andringa Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 8:11 am
This morning on my way to work I heard Susan tell that you should wear green or orange – however what she did not mention was the Northern Ireland was mainly protestant they wore the orange to protest against the Catholics that celebrated St. Patrick’s day. If you go to a strictly Catholic Irish celebration wearing Orange you might just get a punch in the nose.
Marisol Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Hi, Susan I am excited for you. I would like to join you in your Ester year. I am willing and want to try to loose weight. That is my biggest challenge. I want to loose 40lbs, which is kind of hard but I know I can do it. Because I have God on my side. Today will be my first day of exercising. So, please pray for me. Thanks, GOD BLESS YOU, MARISOL
Kathy Lumpkin Says:
March 17th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Susan,
I have been wanting to stop & write you. I think that this Esther year idea is fantastic. I am one who did not have alot of self-esteem. Through the years I have & am still learning that everytime I want to put myself down, I stop & ask God to help me. I would like to join your Esther club if you start one. Thanks for the idea of being positive w/yourself. You know it is easy to be positive w/others, but sometimes hard to be that way w/yourself. I pray for God to use me and bless me everyday. Again, thanks for this wonderful idea.
Lajuana Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Good morning, my Susie O’s Sistahs!!

Wow!! What an incredible thing we’ve got going here. I’m so glad I joined. You see, I’ve been putting myself down all week b/c we’re having a special service at church on Good Friday and I just knew I wouldn’t be able to get into (and look nice in) the shirt that I have to wear. But then I read Susan’s post for this week. And I was again reminded of why I…we are here. To make ourselves more beautiful for our King. I did just as Susan said…I said out loud “I am beautiful.” I didn’t just think it…like I have many times before. But this time I said it out loud. And what a difference it makes hearing yourself say that!!! I am so looking forward to the journey with all my “sistahs” and I can’t wait until the day that I get to meet everyone.

Stay blessed and STAY POSITIVE
Lajuana
Jess Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I love it!! I am HIS! That is so wonderful..what a weapon against the assault of the enemy on our minds. The devil would so like to keep women down, feeling bad about themselves, or just feeling INVISIBLE…do any of you ever find that is easier to just be invisible? But, we are His, and our light should shine :).
I admit, I have struggled with my appearance my whole life..i am 37 now…and remember dealing with this issue since i was 12. Wow..thats a long time.
I also love that it is an Esther YEAR…not an Esther month. I tend to want quik solutions for longterm issues. I am looking forward to a whole year of having permission to focus on being the person God dreamed me to be when he concieved me in His heart :).
Leslie Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I heard you talking about your Esther Year on my way to Sonic this morning for my Route 44 Diet Cherry Coke and their new cinnamon snacks. After reading your blog and comments, I know I’m doing very little to improve this temple of the Lord. Thank you for the challenge!!!
Cyndee Dabelgott Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Susan,

I listen to the morning show every day on my way to work. I just love the laughter, fellowship and joy that you and Mike bring over the airways. I have to say that I don’t understand why you are so hard on yourself. True beauty does come from within and it is obvious that you care deeply for others and just to be able to bring laughter to ones heart is such a contribution. I am turning 50 this year and I am overweight and not a real beauty. But I decided that my outward beauty is just that. A surface beauty. My heart belongs to God and I know through Jesus I can touch lives with my faith and service. That is not to say that I don’t try to live a healthy life. I made the decision last year to start eating properly and exercising. I haven’t lost any weight, but I know health wise I am improving. I am improving my inside as well with bible study and commitment to God’s work. I have you in my prayers and I pray that all of these ladies that are joining in will be filled with God’s spirit and hope and they will be the most beautiful creation. They will be beautiful for the King.
June Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I’m so excited!!! Susan I remember you talking about the “year of Esther” on your birthday, and it made me realize that I too need a fresh start, a fresh look at myself inside and out.

I’m turning 40 in June - so sister let me tell you, I need a year of praising God, and chaning myself inside and out.

You are a blessing, Peace be wtih you
BLANCA FUENTES Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am
SUSAN :
THANK YOU TO FOUND THE TIME TO HELP ALL OF THAT WE ARE IN THIS
SITUATION BECAUSE I’M ONE OF THE ONE I ALWAYS TALK TO MY SELF
VERY NEGATIVE ALL THE TIME.
THANK YOU AGAIN,
BLANCA
BLANCA FUENTES Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 11:38 am
IWOULD LIKE TO JOIN YOU IN YOUR ESTHER YEAR . I’LL BE WAITING FOR MORE INFORMATION.THANK YOU.
Karen Says:
March 18th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I want to be a part of you Esther year. I have just come out of an 8 year relationship and I need to find myself again. I lost sight of who I am during those 8 years. I hope with the support of friends in this group that I will once again be able to like who I am and really grow in my spirituality. Please count me in too !
Adriana Olivas Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Hello! I would love to be a part of your Esther year. I constantly struggle with myself to become closer to God and allow Him to guide my entire life. I am negative with myself with regards to my relationship with God, harboring guilty and doubtful feelings. I want to break from this and strengthen my faith and commitment to Him.

If you have any further information about this Esther year and the upcoming Honduras trip, I would love to hear about it!
Susan Hernandez Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Good morning all you princesses out there. Susan, this morning you spoke about a lady who is really not beeing treated right at work. This makes me sad, because I remember that same feeling, so I quit, I know this lady probabbly cannot do this as I believe she is a single mom

Things turned around, and I prayed; and got very specific with my prayer about the kind of job I wanted, and low and behold at the age of 49 it happened. I was blessed with a great job, and I am really happy. We need to invite our sister “Rhonda” who called in to join this group of sistas.

Lasdies have a blessed Easter……Sue
Cheryl Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Your day three entry is my story as well. I am single, have been for many years. I came back to Christ two years ago and the journey is thrilling. I still battle the doubt and wrong thinking. One change recently in my life is how I wake up. No longer do I hear BEEP BEEP BEEP in the morning. My radio is tuned to KSBJ. I can’t tell you how many mornings I hear, “You’re not alone, I hear you call” coming across my radio first thing.

What an incredible blessing you have been in my life. Thank you so much.
Cheryl - I will be working on my own Esther year along with you!
Desiree Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Thank you Susan! I have realized how negative I can be towards myself, I can be my own worst enemy. But no more! This is so uplifting. I too am a single Mom and struggle so many days. I am joining the Susan’s Sistahs! We need all the positive reinforcements in order to battle that nasty devil. Love you Susan and thanks again. I have begun my Esther Year.
Princess Suzanne Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Thanks Susan for all your support to all Women. I’m in the Golden Years and need the challenge. Esther, here WE COME honey.
I will commit to a year of praying for the Esther Ladies. Let’s Do It!!
Frenetta Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Susan,

I have not been listening to your radio station so I did not know about your Esther Year. I am going to explain something to you that will bless your heart and encourage your journey. Do you know that last Friday (03/14/08), I was sitting in my home office and I was thinking about how I need to refresh myself, lose weight, eat right, study more, develop better relationships, work on the internal and the external. The Holy Spirit reminded me of Esther and how she took one year to beautify herself. As a matter of fact the scripture actually states “she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.” Additionally, she ate special food (special diet). After this time, Esther gave of herself to save her people, this came from the inside. The text does not state it but I imagine that there was some internal work going on, as well. Esther loved herself and she knew the love of God and that love she knew permeated her decisions.

I started listening to 89.3 on last Monday (03/17) and this morning is when I heard about your Esther year and my mouth dropped open—-I was so amazed at the connection but knew that God is telling me that I am on the right track. So, I thought I’d share my story.
Melissa E. Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 9:27 am
This is very exciting! Susan, for the New Year I made a promise to get my life on track inside and out. I have been a single mother of three since my divorce in 2001 and then this past September I was thrust into the roll of full time care giver to my elderly grandmother.
As a single parent my concentration has been on helping the kids cope with the divorce and do well in all other aspects of their lives. I know I am just like any other mother out there, you put your kids needs above any of your own.
I AM very happy that I can take care of my grandmother in her time of need, she and my grandfather had a profound impact on my life growing up by the examples they set, showing compassion to everyone that they met and their involvement in their church and community. It has, however, been very difficult to see her health decline so dramatically and the once vibrant, outgoing, positve woman turn into a very bitter, negeative person. The stroke has left her very limited in her mobility and her mental capacity is declining rapidly. She recieved another major blow this summer when she found out her daughter had stolen a very large sum of money (hundreds of thousands of dollars) from her by tricking her into authorizing transactions while she was in her care. Our pastor has counseled with her for many hours and there has been legal action taken to make sure no more money can be stolen but she has not been able to move past this. She dwells on it daily and lets it keep her up all hours of the night, which means I am up all hours of the night as well and then I have to get up again at 6am to get the kids off to school.
Being a full time care giver is like having an infant in the house all over again, except that I am lifting a full grown adult rather than a ten lb baby. I have to say that the negativity has drained me to a point I have never known. My house never seems to be clean anymore and I am always tired and on edge. I was so exhausted on New Year’s that I fell asleep at my own party! When I woke up I was so embarresed! I vowed then and there that things were going to change, that I have to concentrate on my health and mental well being and put my trust in the Lord to help me stay positive through this. I was a little late on the health thing, by the end of the first week of the new year I ended up in the hospital for over a week due to blood clots in my leg and right lung. Susan I was only 30 at that time! They cannot figure out what caused the clots but it took out about half of the capacity of my right lung. I am doing better now but I will most likely be on medication for the rest of my life. I have joined a gym and am really trying to watch what I eat. I have also been looking into home health care and a house keeper to lighten the load a couple days out of the week. My dr. has put me on medication to help me lose some weight too … it is going to be a long road ahead but I really feel like “The year of Esther” is a blessing from God to help me through this. Thank you for your willingness to do God’s will and share in your own journey!
Elizabeth Conyer Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Susan- I would love to join your Esther movement.
I am looking forward to this journey.
Hope you have a Christ filled Eater with God all things are possible.
Patty Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Susan, thank you for talking about your Esther year yesterday, I had heard you talk about it before, but today is My Birthday, so I want to join you to make this my Esther year also. I live alone and sometimes I get lonesome and we can feel sorry for ourselves, but I always remember what a friend we have in Jesus. Thank you always for your encourging words. Have a Happy Day!
Priscilla Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Your Ester project has been a Godsend to me. It came just at the right time in my life. Count me in.
On the young lady that called in this morning feeling that she never knew where she stood on her job, and expecting the worse. She should ask the supervisor for a meeting at the supervisor’s convenience. At the meeting, ask for honest feedback on what she is doing well and in what areas she needs to improve. There are many generations at work these days, with different communication styles and “unwritten expectations”. A good book on this is “Generations at Work”. If things don’t improve at work… be proactive not reactive… starting seeking other employment. Throughout it all, pray for guidance and his will be done. God provides for us and loves us deeply. I will be praying for the young lady. Keep up the good work at KSBJ - you are awesome!
JoAnn Says:
March 20th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I am really excited about your Esther year journey. I am approaching the big 60 and hopefully, wisdom does come with age. It has taken me many years to realize just how beautiful I am to the Lord. A book that helped me on this journey is “Captivating, Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul” by John and Stasi Eldredge. I recommend it to every woman looking for that affirmation she yearns for. God bless you.
Rexanne Petter Says:
March 20th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Wow Susan! I have been working on a new me since being SAVED on Oct 30, 2005. It took the death of my beloved husband of 36 years to really find and Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior (even though I have known God my whole life) These last 3 years have been an Awesome learning experience for me, however, Satan still keeps telling me that I am worthless. My small Church Home, SBC Pearland, has been growing and many miracles have taken place as we all there are of One Accord and the Holy Spirit has been reigning down on us. I now know that I am Beautiful. I grew up being told that I was Fat, Ugly and very stupid. I think that mental abuse is more difficult to overcome that physical abuse. I want to join you in an Ester year. I have already started working on myself mentally and physically and look forward to continuing along with Susie O’s Sistahs! KSBJ has been my station exclusively for these last 3 years. I really enjoy the Morning show and feel a kinship with you and Mike. I love your choice of words. “I Am HIS” I will use that from now own. Thank you so much and God Bless. I am your Sistah.
Estella Ramires Says:
March 20th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
This is so great. I feel close to all of the comments the ladies are saying. I too need to be a Ester inside and out.
I listen to your morning show every morning on my way to work and i love your ideal. I look forward to this journey with you.

God Bless
Estella
brenda Says:
March 20th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Susan, Thank you for this excellent opportunity to work on myself and my self image. I am looking forward to the journey! Please count me amongst your Sistahs!
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