A Posse of Peeps

One of my favorites things about Christmas is that I seem to get together with most of my friends during the month of December. And we usually eat. (Isn't that part of the "merry" of Christmas?) This year I had tea with a my dear friend, Marti. She brought me a basket of homemade biscotti that looked like they came straight of biscotti bakery. Delicious!

One of the highlights was getting together with my Tuesday night Bible study group. We are a posse of peeps who love each other dearly. This summer we traveled to Myrtle Beach to laugh and sun together. For Christmas we went out to a fancy restaurant to exchange laughter and calories.

I pray that every one of my blogger friends finds a "posse of peeps" to love, laugh, and live life together in 2009.

God Bless Us Everyone!

It's Christmas Eve. My family is preparing to go to church and have our traditional potato soup. Another one of our traditions is to watch A Christmas Carol Our favorite version is the one with George C. Scott. He makes a mean bitter-hearted Scrooge. The story begins with Mr. Scrooge seeing the face of his dead partner, Marley, in a door knocker. Creepy! A couple of years ago we were in London and I found a "Scrooge" door knocker. I took a picture and think it is a perfect example of Scrooge's experience.

By the end of tale,Scrooge has changed his heart toward God and his fellow man. In the end of story he is described by author Charles Dickens as "Scrooge was better than his word. He became as good a friend, as good a master and as good a man as the good old city knew...Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the onset.

Tonight as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let the world laugh at us. Yet let's invite them to Christmas service with us. Let's be kind-hearted. Let's be generous in callous world. Let's proclaim the good news of Jesus--the Baby, our Savior.


And as Tiny Tim,the little boy in A Christmas Carol, would proclaim, "God bless us every one!"

Winter Wonderland

Amazing! It snowed in Las Vegas today. My grandson, Michael, was even able to build a snowman. It is a rarity for snow here. It happens about once every five years. I was so delighted that I took a "jammie" day and stayed home. I made my "world famous" carmel corn and took time to ponder the blessings of the season.

I read Psalm 116 and echoed it's thoughts. "I love the Lord." Today was a Christmas type of day filled with peace and tranquility.

Speaking of tranquility, we had our Scheppmann Family holiday part yesterday. We played a holiday version of Pictionary. My sister-in-law pulled the word "tranquil" from the box. How do you draw that? She gave up.

I guess because of today's beauty, I would draw snow in Las Vegas and carmel corn.

A Weekend of Gifts

This past weekend, I spoke at Forest Home in California for a holiday retreat. Bless those poor women's hearts--I had laryngitis and I rasped my way through the entire weekend. But the wonderful thing about serving the Lord Jesus Christ is it not about me--it is about Him.

We celebrated His upcoming birthday and His gifts to us. He is our Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace and our Everlasting Father. We celebrated the gift of friendship. I am still celebrating my new friends.

Cyndie Sterner--who organized the entire event--Great job!

Mandie Pinto--who led us to the throne of God. Check out her website www.mandiepinto.com

Shawn Baker who used her talent of massage to help my sinus's clear up.

Quite a weekend! It blessed my Christmas stockings off!

Karen Ehman and The Twelve Days of Christmas

Hey blogger friends, if you're tired of shopping and would like to have gift for yourself hop on over to Karen Ehman's blog. She is doing a Twelve Days of Christmas giveaway. Her blog is http://www.karenehman.com/

I love giveaways! Thanks for hosting a fun Christmas blog event, Karen.

Cyber Shopping?

Tomorrow is Cyber-Monday. I have already decided on a few things to buy. I have to admit online shopping is my favorite way to shop. Lazy or too busy? Both.

However, my husband and I just made an emergency run to Target for a great deal. Everywhere I looked online didn't compare with the selection or the price. I can't disclose what we bought because "someone" might read this blog.

Anyway, I was just browsing through Amazon.com. Usually, their electric book, the Kindle, pops right up with an offer to purchase. It didn't pop up. So just snooping I looked it up. It's completely sold out with a waiting list and a note it will not be avaiable until after Christmas. Hmmmm. . .a very popular item. I have heard great things about it, but am doubtful I could make the switch from paper books to electronic books. I am curious to know if any of you have a Kindle and what your opinion is?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Have a great Cyber-Monday!

My Music Award to Joelle

My husband and I watched the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night. I am definately happy that Carrie Underwood won an award. She's beautiful and so was her song, "Just a Dream." She received a standing ovation.

Now I have my own standing ovation for Joelle. Joelle wrote a song in response to my Bible study, Perplexing Proverbs. Hop on over to my website www.susanneonline.com and listen to it. If you would like to contact Joelle she can be contacted at: www.myspace.com/roknjo She's one in a million and I am on my feet clapping for her. THANKS, Joelle!

Now here's my go at a country western lyric.
My dog ran away down the road. Then I cried tears as big as a toad.

OK, OK, I'll keep my day job and just write books and devotions.

Our Future

At this time last week many of us were standing in a line to vote for various leaders of our nation and communities. We asked ourselves, "What is our future?"

Every generation asks that question. My father, a Marine, fought in World War II. He enlisted at the age of 17. He fought overseas for an uncertain future--but believed he could make a difference. His love for the United States never wavered. He would salute whenever our flag passed by. He was a veteran--he loved his country

What is our future? There is a simple answer to that question. Our future is our past--our veterans.

And our future is our children. Let's commit to teach them to value our United State's history and to value the freedom we have been given. Let's instill in our children--our future--the love of democracy.

Birds in My Mustard Tree

This week I celebrated a birthday--my spiritual birthday. It's been years, but it seems like yesterday when I accepted the grace of Jesus. It was then that my faith started as small as a mustard seed.

However, the Lord has slowly grown my faith. My faith increased through trials, temptations and tragedies. But it has also increased because of God's incredible blessings in my life.

As I review my spiritual life, I am grateful for each small seed, each strenuous step. I praise Him for the blessings of my family who has traveled this journey with me.

My faith began as a small mustard seed, but God has grown the faith seed into a full-fledged faith tree, so large that the birds of blessing have come home to roost.

Thank you, Lord for Your faithfulness.

If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)

Look, See, Clap!

I spent the last week in Minnesota. It happened to be the peak change for the leaves on the trees to change. It was breath taking--remember I live in the desert of Nevada.

For every brilliant tree I saw, I wanted to shout, "Look! Do you see the glory of God spilling forth?" Please don't take His beautiful artwork for granted. Look, see, and praise Him. Don't miss the beauty of this season--open your eyes and clap your hands for God's unique handiwork. .

The Gerunds of Life

In the world of creative writing authors should attempt to steer away from gerunds. What is a gerund? Well, a gerund is word that ends with "ing". Editors state that a "ing" word slows the reader down. So they prefer, if at all possible, the writer reword the sentence to elimante the gerund.

Now I was thinking about this as I was finishing my next book manuscript and I thought my whole life is INGs. Throughout any given day I am:

cleaning
writing
grandma--ing
excercising
eating
shopping
talking
emailing
texting

Do you see what I mean? Everyday is filled with the gerunds of life. These INGs of life do not slow us down, they keep us busy. There are certainly times I wish I could elinamte some of them from my day, but I don't think it would slow me down. I would just replace the missing ING with a differnt ING activity. Life is busy!

Thankfully, besides all the busyness we can add to our list of INGs, laughing, resting, napping. Life is good, let go through each day enjoying it. Let's not let the gerunds of life slow us dowm!


But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Debates, Debacles and Destiny

Last night I met with my Bible study small group. We are studying the parables of Jesus. We discussed the religious and political leaders of that time, which of course, led to today's leaders.

We discussed the debacle with the economy. We shared our thoughts on the candidates and the upcoming debates. All of us had differing opinions, except for one. The one truth that we agreed upon is that we serve the King of kings--the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is no debate on this issue for our group. This is our destiny.

For myself, I am blessed to be a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Proverbs 31 believes that everyone should have one destiny--eternal life with Jesus. I am proud to be a partner with this ministry and to give my time and money to help expand the kingdom of God.

At this time, uncertainty and crisis in our nation, why not cast your vote for something that will last for eternity? Help Proverbs 31 Ministries to further God's kingdom by becoming a monthly partner. Help us to bring God's peace, perspective and purpose to today's busy woman.

For more information to: http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/index.php

Put aside the debates and the debacles for today. Let's further the kingdom of God, it's a destiny that is eternal.

America at Its Finest

Saturday night my husband and I attended a small town rodeo in St. George, Utah. It was packed with families dressed up in cowboy boots and big belt buckles. Snow cones, nachos and hot dogs were feasted upon with great enthusiasm.


Before the start of the rodeo they honored all of the U.S. servicemen who have given their lives for our freedom and they prayed for the men and women who are currently serving our country with honor. They brought out American flags and they sang the national anthem. The announcer prayed for the evening and thanked God for the freedom to pray and to play in freedom. Truly it was America at its finest.


Please let's not take our freedoms for granted. If you are not registered to vote, please go register. The freedom to vote in an election should not be taken lightly--vote. Let's keep America at its finest.

A Day Off ?

My favorite commercial on TV right now, is a State Farm commercial. (Of course, it could have something to do with the fact my husband is a State Farm agent.) Anyway, I digress. The ad is the one with the young woman sitting in the airport with her laptop. She's complaining about how busy her life is and then she says, "I haven't had a day off since the 3rd grade!" Oh my! How I relate to that statement.

Life is so busy all the time. Even when I plan a day off, something happens, like my water heater ruptures, the car breakdowns or someone invites us to something that I feel we just can't miss. Honestly, it's been like that since the 3rd grade.

Currently, I am holed up finishing up my next manuscript. For the next ten day, my life is married to this manuscript. Once it in the hands of my editor. I am taking a day off!

In Hot Water

Every time my husband is gone away from home for an extended time a "home crisis" occurs. Once the freezer in garage went out. I came home to discover blood running down my driveway from the unthawed meat! Gross! The list of these type of "trials" could go on and on.

As I said in my last post, my husband is in Milwaukee being a Harley biker. I'm tucked away writing the manuscript for my next book. Everything is calm and quiet. Until I trot out to the garage to get myself a diet Pepsi. Stop! Wait! Water is running through the garage and and down the driveway. Oh, great! The hot water heater ruptured--now I have no hot water and a soggy garage. Oh, well. What did Peter say?

"I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine (1 Peter 1:6,7 MSG)."

Okey, dokey! I will rejoice in the streams of hot water until the plumber arrives. Now what did I go into the garage for anyway?

A Harley Hog's Wife

My guy's a Harley guy. I love him dearly, but a two week motorcycle trip across country is a bit much for me.

My husband is off on a two week motorcycle trip with one of his buddies to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (We live in Las Vegas.) So for the next couple of weeks, I am watching chick flicks, staying up late, sleeping in late, plus eating all kinds of girly type of foods.

However, I can't wait to be serving meat and potatoes to my man again. I miss him a ton.

On another note, I was asked about my thoughts on The Shack. I did blog about it a couple of months ago. I just listened to the audio version of the The Shack. My personal opinion is the book is much better than the audio version. The audio version sounded amateurish.

All right, I am signing off. I have a movie to watch.

My Little Boy Blue

On Saturady we celebrated my grandson, Michael's first birthday. I wondered how the year past so quickly.

Grandmommy Barb and I reminisced about what we were doing a year ago. (Waiting anxiously for baby to arrive.) We were allowed the honor and privilege of being in the delivery room. Now a year later we sat together and celebrated his life of one year.

The exceptionally talented, in all areas, Grandmommy Barb created the monkey cake.

Times flies! Enjoy your family.

Nightmare Comes True--But Results in a Bargain

My biggest phobia is anything than crawls with six or eight legs. Just the thought of insects and spiders almost cause me to experience anxiety attack. My nightmares consist of bugs scampering across my sheets and onto my skin. I awake brushing "things" off of me and my husband, Mark, shakes to me reality "Susanne! There are no bugs"

So, I was in a store the other day considering a new computer case. I held it. I opened zippered pockets. I sniffed the new leather. I opened the bag wide to inspect its depth. Unfortunately, I disturb a very large, ink black cricket. It leapt onto my hand and twitched itself awake.

I screamed! I jerked! I danced as if I was on hot coals. I threw the bag.

The store clerk almost died of fright, too. (Not from the cricket, but by my frantic antics). She apologized repeatedly. Although she was jittery about insects too, she gallantly swept it out the door. Again, she apologized profusely.

My pounding heart slowed to a regular beat. I apologized for my over reaction to the critter.

We both stood looking at each other with embarrassment. Finally, I broke the awkward silence.

"Uh, I'll take the computer case," I said.

She responded with, "Well, I am giving you a twenty-five percent discount, for this unfortunate incident.

A nightmare come true--a bargain--I am still trying to figure out if was worth it.

Older than Dirt

Hey, I am back! I have to tell you that my dear friend Lysa has the best blog. I have laughed and thought to myself, "My goodness she has a funny life!"

Well, I guess I need to revisit my own daily life.

Recently I went to Myrtle Beach with four of my dearest friends. We ate tons of seafood, sat on the beach, laughed, shopped and decided to get a henna tattoo. Four of us headed into a store front that advertised henna tattoos. We trounced into the store to be greeted by a guy who had more body piercings than I have pores. We smiled. He scowled.

"We would like to get henna tattoos," I said.

"We're out of paint." he said.

"Out of paint?"

"Yeah, go across the street to the beach store," and he turned his back to us.

Hmmm. . . maybe he didn't want to mess with four very out of place women who were looking for a little adventure.

So we trotted across the street to the beachware shop. Still smiling, "We would like to get a henna tattoo, please."

"We don't do henna tattoos here, but there's a place down the street. Let me give you directions," said a very nice young man in his twenties.

He gave us the name and detailed instructions on how to drive there. As I listened, it didn't seem to me hat it was very far away.

"How far is it? Could we walk?" I asked.

His face turned serious and he reviewed each one of us closely.

"It's about a block and half away. Y'all look like you're in fairly good shape. You might be able to walk it."


Did I hear him right? Did he think that we "old" ladies might not be able to walk a block and half? I did hear him and he was serious. We thanked him and left somewhat deflated in our adventure.

We toddled off to the next store where we all finally got our little old lady type of tattoo and felt quite young as we sported our henna trophy back to our beach cottage for the night. It was about 7:00 pm. Hmmm . . .

In Faith,

Birds of Feather or Otherwise

I have two dear friends, Margaret and Debby, who are book lovers like myself. Now that doesn't mean that we always like the same books, but it so fun to share our thoughts on each book. Both of my friends are now reading Three Cups of Tea. I am excited to hear their opinion on the book.



My stepmom raved and raved about a book titled, The Patron Saint of Liars. I read it, but I haven't called her yet to tell her that I didn't care for it at all. Now, I am not sure why I didn't like it, maybe the story of mothers given their children up for adoption, hit too close to home for me. (When I was forty-five I found out I had a full-fledged brother who was only 11 months older than I am. He was given up for adoption by my parents--it was a well kept secret for 45 years. ) Maybe I just didn't like the story line--it didn't come to any crisis point. I kept thinking to myself "And so . . ." Or perhaps I just didn't understand the author's intent. Anyway, I need to call my stepmom and let her know. No go--on The Patron Saint of Liars.



I tried to read Crime and Clutter a Christian mystery. I couldn't make it to the second chapter. It didn't grab me, and for me not to finish a bood is very unsual. But I just can't couldn't make myself read it.



Right now, I am between books. Let me know if you know another great summer read. I am going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with five of my birds of feather friends and would love to have a excellent book to tote to the beach.

Books, Theology, etc.

Wow! Lots of comments on some of my past blogs. Amy asked about being responsible to our call and our to biblical accuracy in writing.


Absolutely! As I write and speak the verse from James 3:1, " Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly" comes to mind. YIKES!

I always work to be doctrinally sound and within the context of the Scripture of the verses I am using. However, I think our own personalities will show throughout the writing. I think of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John they all wrote through their own experiences and personalities guided by the Holy Spirit.

I am currently working through a revision for one of my books. The editor was out-sourced from the publishing house. (Meaning she's not on staff, but contracted to edit). As I read through her comments, the one thing I find is that we "view" our Lord God very differently. Does that make either one us of right or wrong? No, but our life experiences, our churches, and our personalities tend to influence our writing. Does Andy Stanley write like Charles Spurgeon? Does Beth Moore speak like Nancy Leigh DeMoss? No. However, they all try to the best of their abilities to stay scripturally accurate.

All that to say no matter what we do for Jesus, let's make sure we are doing our best for Him.

Comments?

Home Again--Jiggedy Jig

I am back! I was only home for four days in June! I traveled from to Minnesota to North Carolina to Phoenix to Rome to Phoenix and finally arrived home late on July 3rd.

I spent time with my “Chick-a-dee Peeps in Minnesota. We celebrated Briana’s first birthday and taught Emily to ride a tricycle.











Then I was off to She Speaks! in North Carolina. What a wonderful experience being with my more than five hundred and fifty sisters in Christ. I am always amazed at multitudes of stories that are revealed during three short days. My heart breaks for the pain, yet my spirit rejoices in knowing that God is at work for eternal purposes. He never wastes a sorrow.

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)


After She Speaks! I was off on a cruise my husband achieved through his work. We flew to Rome and went on a cruise. I had the privilege of standing on the island of Malta—where the Apostle Paul shipwrecked and bitten by a viper. Thankfully, I wasn’t shipwrecked, nor did I spy any snakes.

Anyway, I am home. It’s July! I am ready to celebrate summer in my own backyard!

Not My Cup of Tea

I finally finished Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Although this book is a New York Times Bestseller, I found it tedious. I didn't come away as inspired as I anticipated.

This true story is about Greg Mortenson dream to bring education and a school to Pakistan. I admired his grit, determination, and sacrifice. However, I found written story moved slowly. It was a challenge finish reading this book and toward the end I sped read.

No pun intended, but this book just wasn't my cup of tea.

The Shack--Revisited

The USA Today featured a story on The Shack a book that I previously wrote about on this blog. The Shack is fast becoming a book phenomenon. . It is a self-published book, which has over 1,000,000 copies in print, much controversy, and New York publishers scrambling to get their hands on it.

However, there is now a strong backlash against it. Below are two quotes that were printed in the USA Today (5/28/08).

Albert Mohler, a leading theologian of the Southern Baptist Convention, which takes the Bible literally, trashes The Shack in his weekly radio show, calling it "deeply subversive," "scripturally incorrect" and downright "dangerous."

Says Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle: "If you haven't read The Shack, don't!"

Here’s my take on the controversy. Make your own opinion. Read it yourself, because it is hot topic in our culture. How can you discuss it with friends if you haven’t even read it? It is a water cooler discussion and a blog topic—be informed! A couple a years ago, I attended Jerry Jenkin’s “Write for the Soul Writers’ Conference”. I sat in a workshop with 75-100 other Christian writers. The instructor asked, “How many of you have read The DaVinci Code? No one raised a hand. (Of course, maybe they didn’t want to admit it.) The instructor scowled and said, “Shame on all of you! How can you write with relevance on the Christian world view, if you are not aware of what people are reading and discussing around the water cooler.”

Hmmm . . . I believe he is right.

Personally, I liked The Shack. As I stated in my previous blog, it is a fiction book. It is not a theological treatise. Did I agree with everything written within the pages? No. Do I think the book has value? Yes. It has value because the book has gone mainstream. It speaks of God’s love and our worth. To me that is great starting point in any conversation where we might share our faith in Jesus.

Read it yourself! I would love to hear your opinion.

The Stinkiest

I could never finish reading C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. I found it boring--a real snoozer. However, a friend recommended that I listen to it on my I-pod. I did and enjoyed it immensely. In fact, I plan on listening to it again. I liked the narrator's tone and British accent. It made feel as if I was sitting in the "Eagle and the Child" chatting with C.S. Lewis, eating fish and chips, and discussing the truth of faith in Jesus Christ.

It's a small book, but packed with information.

Mere Christianity once refreshed my memory on much of basic Christian theology. It teaches on God's love and human sin--especially pride. Pride is at the root of all sin. It's the stinkiest. It all began in the garden of Eden and still plagues every human being. Pride creeps in quietly. It justifies itself. It feels good.

For myself, I find it starts in my thoughts and progresses into actions. It stinks. My friend, Micca Campbell, once said, "You are never more like Satan than when you are seeking your own glory." C.S. Lewis agrees.

Here's my take away from listening to the audio book of Mere Christianity. Christianity is easy. Jesus made it easy. However, resisting our own pride is difficult. I recommend Mere Chrisianity as a reminder and a excellent resource on how to battle the stinkiest sin of pride.

Thought Provoking

Over this long weekend I read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. He is the author of The Kite Runner, also. Both books are excellent. I doubted I would like A Thousand Splendid Suns as well as the The Kite Runner. However, to my surprise and delight—I liked it even better. Both books are set in Afghanistan and are very thought provoking. Although fictional these books give insight into a world that is foreign to us.

I could not put A Thousand Splendid Suns down. One night I stayed up to 2:00 AM, so that I could finish it. I highly recommend this book. It will spark compassion to pray for women who are locked into any type of repressive culture.

After finishing A Thousand Splendid Suns, I started reading Three Cups of Tea. It is a true story of a man whose goal in life is to bring education to girls who live in the Middle East that have little or no education. Again, I wasn’t sure if I would care for this book. However, I am finding it fascinating. I will let you know after I finish it, whether it is a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

But if you want a thought provoking read, run to the library and check out A Thousand Splendid Suns, it will only take a three or four suns to read it.

Prince Caspian

All right, I didn’t read it—I listened. A while back, I purchased the complete dramatic Narnia series from Focus on the Family. So, I decided to listen to Prince Caspian before I see it in the theater. It was a complete delight.

I highly recommend purchasing this set of CD’s for a great summer listen. The whole set of CD’s runs about $45.00 and makes for 22 hours of entertainment. They include all seven of books in the Narnia series, including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. If you are planning a road trip this summer, the miles will slip by. If you are flying, download them onto your MP3 player and enjoy the flight.

Focus on the Family did an amazing job with C.S. Lewis’s stories. They are dramatized, so the characters come to life. These unique stories will mesmerize your kids. And you will experience the magic of childhood yourself—what a way to begin the summer!

Blogger Summer Book Club

Book Addiction

After blogging about the book The Shack, I got to thinking about other great books that I have read recently. Then, I thought, “I bet there are a lot of fabulous books out there that others could share about with me.”

So, here my thoughts for the next couple of weeks. I am going to share with my thoughts on some the books that I have read recently. And you can share with me! For the next two weeks lets share about fiction books that we have adored, hated, or just didn’t understand. The do not have to be Christian books.

One of my all time favorite books is The Kite Runner. It is a sad intense book, but so moving. It’s a book set in Afghanistan about two boys and their friendship. It reveals the brutality of the human heart in so many ways, but it also shows that love does win out in the end. I have not seen the movie, but everyone told me it doesn’t hold a candle to the book.

So summer is just days away. What books are out there that will make for a great summer read?

The Shack

As I wrote in my previous blog the book, The Shack, impacted me a great deal. I feel jump-started to start writing my own book again. Let me quote a snippet from the back cover.

“In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?””

Author Eugene Peterson endorsed the book by saying, “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim Progress did for his. It’s that good!” Those are strong words from one of the great Christian theologians of our time.


The Shack is not a theological treatise. It is a fiction book, with a fresh telling of God’s love for us—a love and compassion that we cannot ever fully understand this side of heaven. I thank God for granting artists, musicians, and authors the gifts and talents to reveal afresh the goodness of God.


“To prepare God's people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Ephesians 4:12 (NIV)

Glory!

Now I Understand

Now I Understand . . .

By nature I am not a procrastinator. Well, until I signed a contract in January to write my next book.. The book’s working title is “Dancing with Abba” and it is about developing intimacy with God. My life message is “Learning to trust God” by examining His nature and characteristics—His intrinsic goodness.

It just sometimes life circumstances seems to dictate otherwise. I know that “all things work to good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” I believe that with my whole heart, soul and mind.

But in 2007, I watched as two of my friends dealt with horrific tragedy in their lives. I was stunned by the enormity of sadness in my own heart. Thoughts of how unfair life is hung in my as gray clouds above my me. I dealt with a feelings of inadequacy as I struggled to find ways and words to comfort my beloved friends. Cancer plagued one friend. My other friend endured the discovery of the murder of her oldest child.

These two incidents created in me a major writers’ block. I held no desire to write. I had friends praying for me. A dear friend in Nebraska, who helps me with editing, finally emailed me and said, “We’ll just have to see what God is up to in your life.” So I sat and waited as my manuscript deadline crept closer.

Suddenly last week, I felt an urge to write again. Thoughts popped into my head that needed to be jotted down. Feelings, anecdotes, and Scripture verses were scribbled on index cards, so I wouldn’t forget them. However, I couldn’t find the time to actually sit down to write. Last week was busy with company, weddings, etc.

Then . . .

I went to church on Sunday and a friend showed me a book. “Have you read it yet?”

“No, but I have it at home. My mom told me to read it about a month ago. I just haven’t had time.”

“Read it,” she said. “We have to discuss it.”

So, I read The Shack. Amazing! Now I know that God wanted me to read The Shack before I began in earnest the writing of my own book. This book allowed me to get past the shock and pain of what happened in my friend’s lives. The Shack is a fiction book, but it reveals the story of God’s love like no other book, other than the Bible, that I have read.

Please find a copy and read it. You can buy it at Amazon.com or your local bookstore. I would love to hear your comments on the book.

But beware--it's unlike anything that you've read before.

Susanne

Life in Las Vegas--Continued

Recently I read one of my favorite bloggers, Tony Woodlief. He wrote a blog about Las Vegas and titled it “The City Where No One Smiles.” The link is http://www.tonywoodlief.com/archives/001340.html#001340. It was an excellent commentary about the tourists who visit the Strip and the emptiness in their hearts. He wrote of the people sitting in the casinos, “All had flown to Las Vegas, the sleepless city; the city that knows how to keep a secret, the city of lights and fortunes, and every blessed one of them looked liked someone waiting execution.” He goes on to say they are trying to fill the “great Empty.”

Unfortunately, what Mr. Woodlief says is quite true. Fortunately, Las Vegas does have hundreds of thousands of people who smile, because they have found the great Fulfillment—Jesus Christ. Although this is a dark city of sin, we also have the some of the brightest lights in the world—our Christian churches. Our churches love God and love people.

For those people who are empty, they just might discover the smile of their soul. Because when the empty hearts step into the light of World, smiles illuminate their souls even in Las Vegas.

Life In Las Vegas

I spent last week in chilly Minnesota. Spring time is just beginning and the trees were just starting to green up.

Last night I flew home to Las Vegas. As we were flying across the Nevada desert I looked at my husband and said, “Tell me again why we live in Vegas?” (My husband is a native Las Vegan and his entire family live here.)

But it’s all in person’s perspective. As we left the plane, everyone began talking on the cell phones. I heard a man say, “This city is unbelievable. It’s great.” His perspective of flying over the city was one of wonder. The glittery neon lights were not even on yet. It only late afternoon, but the Las Vegas wowed him.

Actually, I don’t mind living in Las Vegas. (I do wish it was greener. But hey, I can fly to Minnesota.) When you live in Vegas it is just like any other community. OK, we do have slot machines in the grocery stores. I live 25 miles from the Strip. The only time my husband and I go down there is when we have visitors who insist on seeing “Vegas”.

More than thirty years ago, I moved to Las Vegas. I remember thinking to myself, “This is the most God forsaken place I have ever seen. But, I was in for a surprise. God has not forsaken the people of Las Vegas. His Light shines bright here.

There is that saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” Underneath the Light of Jesus, I have bloomed in the Nevada desert. I raised my children here and they bloomed, too. Would I choose to live in Las Vegas? Hmmmm . . . No. But I want to be where God wills for me to be. And for right now, it’s to live in Vegas. That’s why we live here.

Another Day in Computer life

OK, so I get my emailed problems resolved, then I receive a notice that the "higher powers" have locked my blog because it looks like suspicious spam. Now my question is why would they pick me out of a bizillion people who blog? Or why can't they block the real spammers who send me unwanted stuff everyday?

Wait, I feel my indignant self climbing on a soap box. I'll stop and just say, "I am back." As of this moment, I think I can email, blog, etc. We can only hope . . . as I said, "Computers you can't live with them and you can't live without them."


Susanne

Computer Complications and Email Errors

I can’t live with them and I can’t live without them—computers. Right now I have a 911 emergency call into a computer fix-it company. I can’t send email. And I am only occasionally receiving email.

Recently, my husband and I ate at the Outback Restaurant. On each table coasters sat with witty little sayings to entertain the waiting hungry customer. I read, “I built my son a tree house, he built me a website.” I wish I had a child or even a distant disliked relative that could fix my email. Computer complications and email errors bring the term, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” to a reality in my life.

So, if you sent me an email and I haven’t responded, now you know the story.

Talk to you soon--hopefully,

Susanne

500 Miles of Friendship

A couple of weekends ago my trip odometer registered 520 miles. The drive from Las Vegas to Southern California is about a five hour drive. I drove with two girlfriends to our home church women’s retreat. I had dreaded the drive and the California traffic.

However, with girlfriends in the car to split the gas costs, to keep me laughing, to help with the driving the trip flew by. We giggled. We shared our hearts. We prayed. Before we knew it, the road trip was over.

Late on Sunday night, I snuggled underneath the sheets and thought about girlfriends. What would life be like devoid of friends? I know my life would be lackluster without all of my dear friends. I believe life would be a slow sad process without their companionship.

So Connie, Shelley and Teresa, I want you to know I had a blast on our retreat weekend. God wowed with us Friendship and you blessed me with your friendship.

It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!

Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.

By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (MsgB)

Goody-Two Shoes

Sticks and stones my break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Ha!
Recently, I was asked to speak at a retreat. I was the primary speaker with another secondary speaker. I spoke the first night and felt very connected with the all the women. The next morning, the second speaker began with the words, “Who is this good-two shoes woman?” She meant me.

It was a very uncomfortable moment for everyone. Then the thought struck me funny and I started to laugh. Me a goody-two shoes? I wish! My past is black as coal dust with sin. And my everyday life is spotted with a kaleidoscope of mundane sins. It is only by the blood of Christ that I have any goodness in me at all.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,
so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV)

I say, “Hallelujah!” If by the power of my Jesus, I have been created into a “goody-two shoes” I take that as the highest of compliments.

Double Portion

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"
"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied. (2 Kings 2:9 NIV)


Several times in the Old Testament a “double portion” is mentioned. I recently experienced the blessings of a double portion in my own life. The first night my son was in the emergency room, I stayed the entire night. My daughter-in-law couldn’t stay because of their darling seven-month-old baby, Michael. I sat in a metal chair throughout the night. I read a book. I listened to my i-pod. I never felt sleepy. I never dozed off.

The next day, I took care of Michael. My daughter-in-law took the day shift at the hospital. Again, I was full of energy. Sleep never overtook me. I bounced the baby, strolled the baby, and felt like a million dollars. (Whatever that feels like.)

Here’s the thing, by nature I am wired-tired. I need lots of sleep, but that day God gave me a double portion of His Spirit which is full of power and energy.

Praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness!

Late Night Phone Call

I just hate it when the phone rings late at night or too early in the morning. It happened to me at 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning. I knew it was either a wrong number or bad news. I hoped for the first option, but it was the latter—bad news.

My son’s throat had swollen shut and my daughter-in-law was taking him to the doctor.

Yesterday, four days later, my son was released from the hospital. It was a long and exhausting four days. But thankfully, he is on the road to recovery.

Life is topsy-turvy. One moment you are sleeping sweetly and soundly and then suddenly you are turned upside down on the hardwood floor of life’s difficult circumstances.

Thankfully, Jesus is there to wrap us His healing arms of comfort. What would we do without His peace that surpasses understanding?

Sunny-Side Up Day

Spring has arrived in Las Vegas. It's forecast to be a warm 80 degrees with no winds. A perfect day!

However, I feel like staying under the covers and going back to sleep. My attitude toward the feels heavy and cloudy. Bad news burst through my door yesterday and decided to spend the night. Now it feels as if a depression may take its vacation in my bedroom.

But again, it's a choice. It's all about attitude and how I have the ability to take control of my thoughts and actions. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans12:2a NIV)

So, because I serve the risen Christ, I will, by choice, make this a sunny-side up day instead of cloudy gloomy day of depression. I choose a sunny-side up day because, "He is risen, indeed!"

Indeed!

Over the past few days, I have heard the phrase, "He is risen!" Somewhere from the recesses of my memory the return phrase, "His is risen, indeed!" as sprung from my mouth.

Indeed! He is risen! Today for our Easter service our church had people's whose lives have been dramatically changed by the risen Christ. Dozens of people without saying a word, held signs that spoke of their previous lives before Jesus. Then they flipped the signs with the victory of Christ now in their lives.

Meth addiction--Drug free.

Insecure and unloved--Loved and secure in Jesus.

Cancer--Healed.

Suicidal--Abundant life.

This Easter message was so powerful. I know I often take for granted what the risen Christ has done for me. Somehow, I lose the gratitude of what took place on the Cross and accept it as my due. Lord Jesus, forgive my arrogance. Return me to wonder and amazement of the resurrection in my life. Christ is Risen--Indeed!

Faith Fun

He scowled at the children. His brow furrowed into itself as the kids scooted down the hallway. Their shrieks bounced off the walls and their laughter echoed into the courtyard. He cringed and stomped down the corridor to put an end to the nonsense taking place in the church.

I was one of the children whom the “the man of God” threatened with a fire and brimstone. The lecture seemed to last for an eternity. My first thought was church was not a fun place. My next impression was that God must be like the man with the mean personality.

I now know that God loves children and laughter—thankfully.

The best influencer to bring children to the heart of God is to make Him appealing to a child’s heart. I want to make my faith fun. My three grandchildren are all under the age of two. I would like to have some suggestions for faith fun.

Anyone want to share some fun-filled, faith-filled ideas?

Easter Invitation

Don’s parents never ventured into a church with him. But a neighbor invited him faithfully to church every Sunday. He went. At the age of eight, Don, gave his life to the Jesus. For years he rode to church with a neighbor. When Don was older he hopped on his bike and peddled himself to church.

All because a neighbor cared enough to invite a little boy to church, all because someone obeyed the command of Mark 16:15, Don, will have eternal life.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15 NIV)

Easter is the perfect time to invite someone to church. Easter is the time for a new life to rise up with Christ Jesus.

The Shepherd's Arm--A Park Bench

Years ago, my friend sat on a park bench. She wasn’t thinking about God. My friend didn’t consider God in her life—ever. She had been raised in an agnostic home. Intelligent and philosophical she lived her life.

Then the wind blew a piece a paper right into the lap of my agnostic friend. It was a tract that spoke of the love of Christ. It stated, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) The sun shone bright, but the light in my friend’s heart sparkled even brighter. The words of nonsense—became words of eternal knowledge. The plan of God made sense to her.

That day an agnostic on a park bench became a child of God for all eternity. Sounds too simplistic—doesn’t it?

The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
(Psalm 119:130 NIV)

A God who Sees

I grew up in northern Utah. My hometown was small and behind the times. (Even today, it appears to be caught in a time warp of the 1950’s.) When I was growing up, the town was predominately populated by Latter Day Saints, more commonly known as Mormons. Mormons hold strong moral ethics. They stress exceptional family values in order to be able to be in a good relationship with God.

Oh, boy! That left me believing I would never be close to God. A fourth generation alcoholic, he had no clue how to be a faithful husband or a good father. He would disappear for days only to come home in a drunken stupor. Family dysfunction and spiritual darkness hovered in our home.

My mentally ill mother spoke in garbled phrases of schizophrenic fear. She loved me desperately and tried her best to care for me. However, life centered around the committee of voices she heard in her head. The confused and scared little girl in me believed that God didn’t see what happened in my home.

However, my impression of God’s eyesight was mistaken. He doesn’t need contacts, glasses, or eye surgery to see invisible little wallflowers in the dredges of life. God sees every little girl, in every circumstance, everywhere. He is El Roi, the God who sees.

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." (Genesis 16:13 NIV)

He saw me.

To be continued on Monday.

How Long is the Shepherd's Staff?

In just a few days, the sun will rise on another glorious Easter morning. The Son’s radiance will shine into our lives.

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:3 NIV)

Between now and Easter I want to explore how long our Shepherd’s arm is . . . what miraculous stories are there concerning our Savior and His love for us. I will share my own introduction to Jesus. How He saw a little girl who was on the road to being a guttersnipe. Nevertheless, He wooed me to being to a princess in the Lord’s kingdom.

“But they are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm.”(Deuteronomy 9:29 NIV)

A Quiet Time

Every so often, I catch up on life. Right now, I am in one those places. It’s such an unusual stress-less place. All my correspondence is update. (OK, I am a little behind on my blogging). But emails and phone calls are all taken care of for the moment.

So, this weekend my husband and son went to the Las Vegas NASCAR race. I took my dogs and went away to begin on my next book. It’s hard to set my butt in a chair and write when I am home. There are so many distractions—phone calls and emails. And then, of course the whole domestic scene of laundry, cooking and cleaning.

This time won’t last long, but for a few quiet days, it just me, my dogs, computer and Jesus. My book’s working title is Dancing with Abba. So, I am hoping to learn some elegant dance step with my Beloved.

A Friend of the Heart

A few friends become friends of the heart. You know they would do anything for you and you would do anything for them.

You are able to share the dark places of your heart and they never love you any less for all the darkness.

They walk the journey of life with you. Friends of the heart travel with you in joy, sorrow, sickness, fear and faith. When they can't physically walk, they bend their knees in prayer and go before the Father.

Friends of the heart--a gift from God.

Pray-er Friend

One of my cellophane friends is also my prayer partner. We meet together most Mondays to pray for our kids--her three and my three. We are honest and open with each other about our children's strengths and weaknesses.

Over the past few years we have seen amazing answered prayer in our kid's lives. I want to encourage you to find a friend that you can pray with on a regular basis. I promise life will never be the same.

Here are a few of the answered prayers for our children:

• Gradual maturity
• Marriage
• Deeper walk with God
• A prodigal makes contact
• Financial more responsible
• College decisions
• Grandbabies!
• Better communication

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

HALLELUJAH!

Cellophane Friends

Friends should be a vital part of our lives—real friends.


Girlfriends—how would I define that term?
Women that I know and like.
Friends that hold me accountability to a high standard.
People who are authentic.
Gals who can laugh at themselves. (And with me.)
Friends that invest in the relationship—it’s not a one-sided relationship.

Cellophane girlfriends wrap themselves around each other with giggles, tears, silence, hope, encouragement, compassion, empathy, and love. Cellophane friends bind their hearts together with clear authenticity and strong love.

For the Love of Friendship

February is the month of love. This month I am will write about love—the love of friendships. Scripture highly encourages us to commit to one another in friendship. Why? Because we were made for community.

In the beginning of the book of Genesis God created the various components of our worlds. After each creation He said, “It is good.” However, Genesis 2:18 reads, The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Then, He created Eve for Adam wouldn’t be alone. Well, we know how that turned out. But, I digress . . .

It’s not good for anyone to be alone. Hence, we need friends. For myself, my family can’t meet my emotional needs as well as a girlfriend. Sometimes, I just need a friend to listen to might rants and raving—over a self-induced pity party.

I would love to hear about your friendship. As I blog, chime in on what you have discovered, in the arena of friendships.

Unhealthy Relationship

I admit it. My relationship with my laptop computers has moved beyond healthy. Together, my laptop and I, carry on a co-dependent relationship with each other. Sadly, I am emotionally attached to my computer. For my laptop, it just feeds into the unhealthiness of my dependency.

When I am away from “laptop dearest” anxious thoughts arise. Unable to check my email, my mind drifts from the tasks at hand. And the comfort that flows when I finally sit down to type, promotes a sigh of contentment.

However, I am not the only one who seems attached to their computer. I fly around the country, a lot. I wait in airports for hours. Here is what I have noticed. At least fifty percent of people now fly with their laptops. Of course, this phenomenon slows down security for everyone, especially the person traveling with the computer. But that doesn’t seem to deter anyone. Men used to be the primary people lugging a computer through the airport, but not anymore.

Now it seems as if more women travel with their computers. I watch them place them on the security belt, hoist them back over their shoulders and hurry to the nearest electrical outlet to plug them in.

I wonder what programs and sites these women are connecting to as they sit in hard plastic chairs or on the dirty airport carpet. Are they as anxious about emails as I am? Are they visiting chat rooms, are they working, or are they just needing the comfort of their computers. Who knows? Maybe all these things apply. But, I do know that I am one of thousands of people who feel the need to be with their computer.

Strange isn’t it how electronics have changed our world within the last ten years.

Brrrr . . .

I am in Minnesota and its cold. It has been as low as 13 degrees below zero. I thought my nose had been frostbitten, but my son said, “It’s frost-nipped.” Whatever! My nose is sore, red, and scaly. It feels frostbitten to me, a girl from the deserts of Nevada.

Nevertheless, it’s worth the frigid temperatures to visit my son, daughter-in-love, and my granddaughters. Emily is 21 months and Brianne is eight months. They keep me blessed and busy.

It is interesting to watch them mature and become electronics savvy. Most of their toys are replicas of computers, cell phones, and MP3 players. Amazingly, they owned an I-pod before I did. My husband just brought home an early Valentine’s gift for me, a darling blue I-pod that I am attempting to learn to use.

Stay tuned. More thoughts on the tsunami wave of electronics that have bombarded our daily lives. However, for now, I need to shut down my laptop and head to bed.

In Praise of a Prayer Shield

“I can do this on my own!”

So began my ministry as the Women’s Ministry Director at our church plant years ago. I believed erringly that if I diligently nurtured my own walk with the Lord, ministry would just fall into its proper place. I was mistaken. Ministry became misery.

I struggled to find time to spend with God. Yes, I loved him. However, now that I worked vocationally for him, the prayer time I longed for eluded me. My personal devotions became drudgery. They seemed to be just another chore crowded into an already busy day. I discovered the tasks of ministry and the needs of people exhausted me. I swung back and forth with the desire to resign or to be obedient to what the Lord had called me to do— lead a women’s ministry program.

For months, the indecision tormented me. It was my personal Garden of Gethsemane. Should I quit? Or would I obey his will? Just when I felt I could not continue, a handful of our people went to a prayer conference. They came back fired-up with new ideas. What did they want to implement first? A “prayer shield” for the pastoral staff.

Oh great! Just another thing to do, I thought.

As they explained the prayer shield to me, I relaxed. It didn’t sound like anymore work for me. Instead, it was designed to support and protect the pastoral staff at our church. In order to begin a prayer shield, each pastor needed seven people committed to pray one day a week for his or her needs. On a weekly basis, one designated person of each of the pastor’s prayer shield would agree to call for the prayer requests, and then dispatch them to the rest of the shield for prayer during the upcoming week.

They explained that all I needed to do was to decide whom I would like to pray for me, and then give the point person of my prayer shield updated requests each week. After six months, a new prayer shield would be formed for me, so the shield would remain fresh and active. They noted, “Even the Apostle Paul asked for prayer, “Brothers, pray for us.” I Thessalonians 5:25.

“Ok, ok.” The prayer shield appealed to me, and it sounded doable.

Within just a couple of weeks of my prayer shield forming, I found myself with a lighter heart. My private devotional time revived with a fresh breath of the Spirit. Things didn’t seem so overwhelming. Ministry moved from misery to manageable.

Could it be the prayer shield? I wondered to myself.

Two years later my ministry suddenly changed directions. Although, I began to serve God in a new capacity, I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that I still wanted a prayer shield. I asked a few close friends if they would be part of my new prayer shield. They agreed readily. I email them updated prayer requests. Often my requests reflect ministry needs, but just as often, they represent personal cares and concerns.

Now after more than three years of unceasing and powerful prayer shield protection I no longer wonder if it assists my ministry. I know my prayer shield provides the necessary support and balance I require in ministry. James 5:16 states, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Oh, so true! Can ministry still wear me out? Are there more tasks than time? Yes, but with my prayer shield standing in the gap for me, I can manage ministry, instead of ministry managing me.

What experiences have you experienced with prayer and ministry?

New Beginnings

I just came home from speaking in Phoenix on the topic of new beginnings. Here's my thoughts for new beginnings in our lives.

God's mercies begin anew each morning. There is a new beginning each day. Isn't that amazing to think that each morning when we open our groggy eyes a new beginning awaits us?

A new beginning with relationships. Each morning we can wake up and have a new beginning with the people we love. Let's learn how to cultivate our friendships in a new way every day.

Myself--each moment I have a chance to begin a deeper relationship with Jesus. It's never too late. He is waiting with wide open arms for me to jump into His lap and begin again to develop intimacy with my Savior--every day.

I like new beginnings? What's your take on new beginnings?

Interview on TLN

A busy morning! I was interviewed about my study, Perplexing Proverbs. At the last minute, they switched from the network studio to our local Lemstone Bookstore.

It is always a blessing to be able to share about God's goodness in our lives.

Ready, Set, Seek!

Ready, Set, Seek!

The blah-bug has dissipated. And I am ready for the New Year.

¬After a very hectic seven months in 2007, the end of the year brought a restful hiatus. With manuscripts sent to editors, speaking events winding down, and my new house feeling like home, I relaxed. I read a few great books. I enjoyed precious time with my family. I reflected on the birth of our Savior and the priceless gift of my relationship with Immanuel—God with us—Jesus.
Now with enthusiasm and renewed energy, I am excited about what the Lord Jesus will bring about in 2008. How about you?

“Hear my voice when I call, O Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord, I will seek.” (Psalm 27:7-8 NIV