Blah-bug

The New Year is always a time of new invigorating ideas, thoughts, and of course, resolutions. My 2008 is starting with a new book contract with New Hope Publishers. I am excited to experience and write this book on the Names of God. I anticipate a deeper relationship developing with my Jesus as I delve into His character and divine attributes.

Oh, but today is only December 31st. The blah-bug strikes. Today is a day for reconciling checking accounts, tax payments, and cleaning off the top of my desk. As I type, I have piles of paperwork that needs to be completed, before I can begin enjoying the New Year. Yup, I have the blah-bug.

I hope it’s not contagious, as my husband’s desk looks just like mine. Let’ me know if the blah-bug strikes you.

See you next year!

Christmas Haze

I spent Christmas in Nebraska with my daughter-in-love's family. It was a white Christmas entwined with green pine needles and bright blue sky.

If only, I could have enjoyed it to the fullest. I came down with the coughing, hacking, runny nose, sore throat crud that seems to be sweeping the nation. All I wanted to do was sleep for 24-7. My Christmas pasted in sort of cold-flu haze.

My husband, Mark, was trying his best to make me comfortable, but then he slipped and sprained his ankle. We both ended up at the doctor's office. Memories!

Still Christmas is Christmas! Thankful for our faith, family and friends we enjoyed a Merry Nebraska Christmas. We celebrated the birth of our Savior with a toast of cough syrup and Tylenol.

Jammie Days

Today and tomorrow I have declared as "jammie days" for myself. I am not going shopping, cooking or wrapping presents. I will stay in my pj's and read in front of the fireplace. It's my Christmas present to myself.

For most people, Christmas is exhausting. I have a friend who went to 14 parties in 14 days. YIKES! Now I enjoy people, but I prefer to have lunch or coffee with a close friend, rather than mingling with a mass of people who all wish they were home in their jammies drinking their apple cider, instead of dressed in their holiday best attempting to make small talk.

Traditions--I gave up sending out Christmas cards years ago. One day as I was addressing the gazillion envelopes I realized I really hated the chore. I picked up the whole stack and threw them away. It was the end of a "tradition". Speaking of discontinuing traditions, I read a great article by Tony Woodlief in Today's Wall Street Journal. Here's the link: my essay in The Wall Street Journal today. Read and think about your own holiday traditions. For myself, my new tradition will be lounging around in my pajamas for a least one day during the holidays.

I wish you cuddly jammies and sweet apple cider days.

Susanne

Christmas Clutter

I love Christmas, however, I dislike the Christmas clutter. The wrapping paper, bows, and miscellaneous stuff that clutters up my home.

Tonight, my husband and I boxed and bagged gift after gift. Whew! Now we have gifts stacked in little piles from one end of the house to the other. A new kind of clutter that is neatly and prettily wrapped.

But the joy of family and friends during this festive time, outweighs the Christmas clutter and the holiday hassles. So, tomorrow as I stir up some fudge, mix a batch of caramel corn and simmer some apple cider, I'll be thankful for the privilege of Christmas clutter. And as Charles Dickens, wrote in the Christmas Carol, "And God bless us everyone!"

Susanne

A Blogger's Favorites

As a new blogger, I would like to share some of my personal favorites blogs. Of course, all my Proverbs 31 Ministries blog friends are the best of the best. But in addition, I would like to share the following blogs that I find fascinating, touching, and inspiring.

http://rebelpilgrim.blogspot.com

http://christianlovestories.blogspot.com

http://www.tonywoodlief.com

Enjoy! And let me know what you think of these blogs!

Run into the arms of Jesus,Susanne

Time Flies

My how times flies by. It's been almost a month since I wrote. I think my life has calmed down enough that I can write be faithful in my posts.

Here's what has happened since November. A dear friend of mine lost a son in a violent murder. Her eighteen year old son, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. My friend belongs to the same small group as I do and we have grieved with her as if it were our own child. Sadly, this same friend lost another son to cancer a little over two years ago. My heartaches for her.

On a happier note, I flew my son and daughter-in-love with their two baby girls into Salt Lake City to visit my mom. My mother has MS and had not seen her two great-grandchildren, yet. We surprised her. (Almost gave her a heart attack!) It was a wonderful four days, until I was to take my son and his family to the Salt Lake City airport. The airport was closed, because of a blizzard.

We debated what to do and then decided to head for my home in Las Vegas. So to make a long story short, we arrived eight hours later. They stayed here for three more days. So, I had all my grandchildren here, Emily, Brianna and Michael. What a joy! Tiring, but fun, fun, and more fun.

Until next time,

Susanne

Friendship

Last Friday I spend the day with one of my best friends. Usually, we only have to an opportunity to call or email each other. However, this time she came to Las Vegas on a short family vacation and we spent a day together. Bliss!

A friend, especially this friend, is a gift from the hand of God. He placed her in my life, my ministry, and my heart. God special delivered her to me when I needed someone in my life. She filled a gap that no one could fill, but her.


So, on our day together we ate, we laughed, and we talked about life. When it was time to say good-bye we both were stoic. (At least until I shut the car door, drove away and bawled my eyes out.)

Friendship—an irreplaceable treasure from God.

Honey Crisp Apples

I discovered a delicious harvest snack last year—Honey Crisp Apples. Their sweet, succulent crispness delights my taste buds. They are a perfect snack when the weather turns cool and the leaves crunch beneath my feet.

There happens to be just one problem with my newfound craving. The price of the Honey Crisp Apples exceeds my apple budget. However, I have decided that the fruit is worth the expense.

Which brings me to today's topic—the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) This fruit, too, is not cheap. The price is being willing to give up our self-will to the will of our Lord. We have to pay a price to produce a rich harvest of this fruit in our lives, but this fruit is worth any sacrifice.

Will you join me in the harvesting of this blessed fruit?

Let’s run into the arms of Jesus,

Susanne

Puppy Love

This week my sister-in-law, Karen, and I went on the search for puppies. We are on the hunt for Shih Tzu pups. Of course, we fell in love with all the ones we visited. It was puppy love at first sight.

It probabaly will be awhile before we make our "purchase." I want two. She wants one. We want them to be sisters from the same litter. So, it will take a few months to find the perfect threesome.

Anyway, puppy love is a joy.

Susanne

Football Season

Football has returned to our family. Sunday, Monday or whenever football rules the men in my life. (And some of the girls.) It's Baskin-Robbin's season for "quarterback crunch." Chicken fingers and pizza become part of the food pyramid. Various team fans lounge on the couch. Dallas Cowboys and the Raiders bring the most cheering or groans.

Oh, the fun of football! Gotta go,it's almost kick-off.

Susanne

Michael Brandt

He's here! Michael E. Brandt arrived on August 23rd, 2007. He's adorable as you can see--blonde and cute as a button. Michael is my third grandbaby, but my first grandson.

We are enjoying him have him close by. I can run over to squeeze him anytime I want. What a blessing!

Pins and Needles

I jump every time the phone rings. “Is it time?” I wonder.

My son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first baby within a week. My daughter-in-law, Wendy, looks ready to pop. Her belly button is pointing straight out and up. It salutes the world announcing, “A baby boy is about to arrive!”

They promised to call the minute they think she is having regular contractions. So, I linger by the phone with anxious expectation. I wait for it to ring and praise the Lord for His faithfulness in life.


But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children. (Psalm 103-17.)

10,000 Boxes

I just moved from one house to a new home. It wasn’t far. Only about five miles, but it was exhausting. I felt as if I packed 10,000 boxes. Then, I needed to unpack them. One week I emptied endless boxes into the correct cupboards and closets. I am still not finished. It seems as if I still have 500 boxes to go. Moving is overwhelming.

However, it has given me a new appreciation for Abram and Sarai.

Then the Lord told Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you. So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people who had joined his household at Haran—and finally arrived in Canaan.
Genesis 12:1, 4-5 (NLT)

Abram and Sarai moved “all his wealth” which would have included camels and sheep. They couldn’t rent a moving truck. The couple slept in dusty tents. Sand filled their sandals as they traveled to their new home. Plus, Abram was seventy-five years old. YIKES!

My moving adventure has caused me to pause and consider “all my wealth”. Although, my wealth fit into tidy cardboard boxes the move truly did seem as if I had 10,000 boxes of stuff. Stuff, I really do not need or use very often. I admit I have grumbled about the inconveniences of moving all my wealth.

However, after reading about Abram and Sarai, I think I will stop the grumbling and with gratitude go unpack my last few boxes. I will be thankful for my new home and for the abundance that God has blessed my family.

Now which room is box 499 in?

Susanne

A Rejuvenating Summer...

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Summer—a time for a break from the ordinary day-to-day grind! The hot summer days make me lazy. But at times I feel guilty for not being on the go every minute. It’s hard to be still and just be. I'm reminded that even Jesus suggested His disciples needed rest, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 )

Let’s take time to rejuvenate. Enjoy the priceless moments of sunshine. Dance in the shade. Leave footprints in the sand. Squirt the hose and make water drop rainbows. Sleep in a hammock. Play “kick the can” with the kids. Read a book just for fun.

Time flies and before we know it, we will be hauling out the Christmas boxes. (Only six more months!) Yikes!

So, as you run into the arms of Jesus this summer, let Him swing you around and around. Have fun and enjoy your summer!

Staying in touch with God...

“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11 NIV)

I attended Bible Study Fellowship for six years. The study ran September through May. I would study and learn so much about God’s Word during those nine months. My thoughts were fed with Scripture. In response to that daily study time, my attitudes and behavior were much more Christ-like.

Each year when summer arrived, I resolved that I would study one of the books of the Bible on my own. You know, nothing too rigid or outlined. But what I discovered was that without a Bible study book to work through, I drifted away from reading the Bible all together. By the time September rolled around, I was grumpy, crabby, and not so Spirit-filled. Hmmm . . .

I admit I am a slow learner. Finally after years of this cycle, I realized my personality change had something to do with my lack of quiet time spent with the Lord and His Word. This needed to change! What I discovered worked best for me was to have a Bible study picked out before Memorial Day. I chose studies that were not too in-depth, but ones that still kept me in God’s Word.

I would encourage you to do the same thing. Find a Bible study to do this summer while vacationing, sitting by the pool or one that fits your daily routine. I have listed a few great summertime studies. Let’s continue to run into the arms of Jesus this upcoming summer.

No Bones About It...

Spring is in the air! However, more importantly this is the month we celebrate the foundation of our Christian faith—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Regardless of what James Cameron spouts on TV, there are no bones to be found, because Jesus Christ resurrected from the tomb.

Recently, my home church held a service to help explain the Christian faith. There was a panel of four people who are now believers in Christ. Three of the people on the panel came from different religions. A Jew, a Muslim and a Mormon, explained their previous belief systems. Each religion held one thing in common and that was good works were required to please their god and to enter into heaven. I was the person who represented Christianity. I didn’t have much to say except that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God, the Father. He did the good work for us, so we might have eternal life. We just have to accept Jesus as our Lord Savior.

Many people said after our Sunday services, “It just seems too easy.”

Yes, hallelujah! It is that easy!

“All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3 NLT)

Let’s celebrate Easter!

Linking Arms...

This month as we run into the arms of Jesus, let’s consider whom we might link arms with and bring to the heart of God. Is there someone in your life that needs to know the love of Jesus?

Today, I pondered what my life might have been like if someone had not cared enough to tell me about Jesus and the Cross. The very thought frightens me. I can guarantee I would not be the woman I am today. Jesus rescued me from a life of complete chaos and self-destruction.

Please read the following verses and allow them to speak to your heart.

Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20 MSG)

Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. (John 4:35 NIV)

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20:24 NIV)

Do you know someone who is lost in the crowd? Do you have a friend who needs you to run with them to the heart of Jesus?

Linking Arms with you,

Our Valentine

February brings cold weather...
but warm hearts.

I pray this finds each of you warm and toasty with the love of Jesus filling your hearts to overflowing.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the signs of “love” are everywhere. Let’s remember in this symbolic month of romance that only Jesus Christ can fill our heart’s desire for love. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9). So no matter whether we are single or married, let’s remain in His love.

Jesus desires to become our Prince, our Valentine, riding in on His white horse for us. Visualize this image of Christ.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. . . His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God . . . On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of kings and lord of lords (Rev. 19:11-16).

He is our eternal Valentine! Doesn’t it warm your heart?

Let’s run to Jesus,

New Year = New Approach!

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
- Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

I used to make New Year’s resolutions. The resolutions usually centered on losing weight, more exercise, or keeping my ironing from piling up into heaps. Unfortunately, I always reverted to my old behaviors by about the third week in January. Can you relate?

However, I do have one tradition that begins each January. I purchase a new devotional book and prayer journal. These new quiet time tools help me to start the New Year in a fresh approach in seeking the Lord Jesus’ will for the new year. The past is behind me and the future is in God’s hands. It’s a new beginning.

Let’s begin this year together in learning “to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.”
I have listed in the resource section some of my favorite devotionals that will aid you in your own devotional times. Grab a notebook and jot down your thoughts and prayers as your spend time with the Lord Jesus in 2007.

Not only will they help you to recognize and recall answered prayers, but also they will be a legacy of God’s faithfulness in your life.

Listen, I hear Him calling to us…
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place . . .”
(Mark 6:31 NIV)

Happy New Year!