Shrinking Yourself to Please Others? Pressing Through the Fear

Recently, as I was scrolling through my twitter feed I came to this post by Christine Caine.  It spoke to me and I’d like to share my thoughts with you.

I posted this meme on Facebook with a brief comment that truthfully could have given  ample space to all kinds of imaginations.  So, let me clarify why this spoke to me.

On face value it could be taken as a passive/aggressive statement.  The context of one’s personal situation will determine how the reader perceives the statement.  I would have worded it differently had I written it myself.  I didn’t post it as an “in your face” statement. What struck me most when I read it was the beginning sentence — “You will never fulfill your purpose if you have to shrink yourself in order to stay connected to people or things.”  

Hmmm, words for deep reflection right there!

I would reword it by saying, “It is difficult to reach your goals if you have to shrink yourself in order to stay connected to certain people or things.”

As I have matured in Christ, one of the things I love most about this season in life is the wisdom that accompany’s it.  Such satisfaction to be at peace and to have worked through most of the challenges of youth and young adulthood.  Fr. Richard Rohr’s book “Falling Upward” was significant in helping me understand where I am in life.  The move to Texas along with having a new business brought lots of changes over the past few years.  Christine’s words reflect part of my journey.

We’ve moved often. I’ve moved so many times in life that the thought of it was not necessarily exciting.  It meant rebuilding again.  (If you’ve never had to do this, let me assure you it is one of the hardest things to do, starting over in a new place.)  Ugh, I hate it!  When you are younger you haven’t built anything , but the older you are the harder the move is.  You are formed, you’ve solidified and grown into something solid and strong.  You’ve built relationships and friendships that support you.  You have sacrificed and poured out precious moments in life with others.  A bond took place, your life was planted … So, uprooting it is hard.

Here’s how this story unfolds for me … 

Every time we’ve moved my first goal was build relationships.  I purposefully want to become a part of community.  It’s important.  It starts by becoming a part of a group.  School, church, sports, where ever there is activity geared toward group participation.  I know how to do this and can make the necessary adjustments with little trouble, I am a people person.

What Christine’s encouragement spoke to me, which the reader doesn’t know is, God has been speaking these same words to me for a year.  I’m pretty sure her words were to encourage those stuck in trying to please others rather than do what is in their own heart.  Especially if you have a call on your life.  God has things for you to do that only you know.  Having the confidence to follow or respond to these desires can be frightening.  Some people don’t have trouble with this, like the type A personality.  People like myself, who would much rather support someone else, need a push to put themselves forward.  One of my greatest challenges is seeing my own value, however, that is changing for me…

I didn’t really like the part where she says, “They don’t love you, and never did…” That’s  likely not true, maybe they don’t recognize your true value.  How many times have we not seen or empowered others.  I think its better to say, “You can do it, be confident in who you are.  You know what’s right, so follow that.  Do what you know God is calling you to do.  Trust Him.” Memes fall short in that they make broad and overreaching statements.  This is about healthy boundaries, something we learn as we grow.

It takes courage to leap into the unknown.  That’s all this was for me, it was another encouragement to continue to do what is in my heart without fear.  Other people don’t stop us unless we allow them to.  God is our strength.  Not everyone will agree with us, or support us, but when we are sure that God is leading us, (especially when one has been at this thing for 37 years), we need to go ahead and step out of the boat!

I had the opportunity to go to a Cross-Encounter at my home church recently.  I have to admit, the thing I fight often is fear, ( fear of failure, of rejection, of people’s opinions).  I was encouraged by Christine Caine’s meme because it spoke to a place of weakness where God is speaking.  He is calling me out into the scary unknown.  I’ve gotten my toes wet, but quickly pulled back.  However—I know that God is calling me out of the boat.  I am saying  yes to the call and to follow where He is leading me.  This means that the path might be different from yours, and even off the old path I’ve traveled for so long.  He encouraged me, back in November 2016, “Be fully who I have made you Susan.  Don’t apologize or minimize anything I’ve done in you.  It’s not important for others to know or understand, no… what is important is that you trust and follow me!”  Following Him means to me that I need not fear to take the turn in the bend.  To go to new places and TRUST fully in Him even as the path may be unfamiliar to me!

Shalom friends! I love you!

“ For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Version

 

Consider The Lilies of the Fields

Inspired by a vintage fountain pen, the “Swan” produced by Mabie Todd Pen Company, circa 1920’s, and filled with Iroshizuku Ina-Ho, a Japanese gold ink .

“…If you wish to be a writer, write…”  Epictetus

The sausage is slowly baking in the oven.  The washing machine is humming, and churning away in the background.  Mmmm, a delicious smell floats into my office from the pork-a-licious fat drippings in the pan. I’m at my desk, flipping through Instagram on my computer while paper and pen await.

(“Instagram”… Friends from every corner of the world.  A global community. Urban, and country, its life through the portal of photography…) I enjoy each picture I encounter.  I’m poised, I’m ready.. now Susan… write!

Today is Saturday, January 14, 2017 — “I am good at the analog, yet I know the digital is important too.”

REFLECTIONS

I sat quietly this morning, listening.  The birds were singing.  Hmmm, how happy they sounded.  I was drawn to the kitchen window hoping to see them in action. (Birds are so beautiful you know.)  As I stood there watching, my thoughts went to the scripture in Matthew’s Gospel…“consider the lilies of the fields…”  I search for my bible, then I look for this verse, I found it!

Matthew 6:19-34 is Christ’s teaching on money, possessions and worry.  He connects our desires, and our focus on what we naturally think gives us life, (the pursuit of all things material), to the deep debilitating energy of worry. I had forgotten that He also used the birds in this discussion.  I am looking and listening as I re-read this account…

“…Look at the birds, they don’t plant or harvest or store in barns for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren’t you more valuable to him than they are?  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”   (vs. 26,27 NLT)

My meditation for 2017 is ~rediscovering the sacred in everyday life.  I am looking for God in every moment.  I treasure life, its precious.  There is tremendous beauty to behold.  If I’m looking, and intentionally noticing, I’ll learn the art of enjoying life.  I know how to worry,  I think most of us do because we are human.  It is the most natural thing to do. Yet,  Jesus is guiding us toward a deeper truth that life is more than ” the business of gain” …the hustle and bustle driven by the basic need to survive.  He turns our thoughts toward a  world unkown.  A world where God, our heavenly Father is actively involved in our daily living.  How interesting that he chose the birds and the lilies, things very present, all around us, yet unknown unless we pay attention.

I hear the Lord saying… “Listen.” “See.” “Notice.” So, ok, I need to stop and…

“Look at the birds, for they…”

“Consider… the lilies of the field, they …”

Thank you Lord, I am encouraged by this observation today.  How beautiful and in sync those birds are.  How lovely and alive they seem, completely comfortable, and at home here in God’s good earth.  I am reminded again that we have to look deeper than the surface, as there is mystery, beauty, hidden treasures to be found.  Slow down, look, listen, observe, and reflect.  God is present.  The sacred is found in the everyday, ordinary, mundane moments in life. I am reflecting, looking at the beauty around me and I’m reminded that in all of God’s amazing creation, my life is valuable because I am human, I am created in the image of God… can I trust Him?  Yes, I can because… He cares for me!   The Kingdom of God is not seen so easily with the natural eye, it takes some refocusing.  It’s hidden but can be seen if one turns to see…

Jesus is our guide, choose to follow Him.  God’s Kingdom is known and experienced through the Holy Spirit who Jesus sent.  As we choose to follow Christ, Holy Spirit makes his home in us and leads us, showing us the way of the cross…

Finding the Sacred…

Life is sacred

 

Finishing The Race

As 2016 gets into full swing, I am looking ahead.  The past is gone and today we put into motion that which is or is to come.  One of the things that I keep meditating on this year is “finishing the race.”  There are many distractions and situations that can pull me away from making everyday new with Christ.  There are all kinds of natural things that can draw me away from the Kingdom.  As I’ve grown in the Lord I’ve come to realize there are many things that appear on the “spiritual” side of life that are not truly Kingdom purposed. 2016 is a year of focusing in on the important, Christ-centric motives and characteristics of the Christian Life.  Not only have I reach a natural age of maturity, but I’ve come to a strong, solid age of spiritual maturity as well.  I am so fixed in my relation to Christ and the cross.  My roots are really deep in the well of life.  These two scriptures are something good to meditate on as we continue our journey into circa 2016:

Philippians 4:4-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

And

Hebrews 12:1-3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

Although I titled this “Finishing The Race,” I don’t see it is as a competition with others.  I see it as a determined decision to follow Christ into His Kingdom and let His revolutionary life transform me in the midst of a world that is in complete contrast to it.  And so, keeping my eyes fixed on him I won’t get off track. Living this way means that I will have to say no to the crowd on the side of the road, and pressing straight ahead keeping the cross in front of me. Because like Paul wrote in the letter to the church in Galacia

Galatians 2:20-21 Living Bible (TLB)

“I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not one of those who treats Christ’s death as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping Jewish laws, then there was no need for Christ to die.”

I am leaning into, relying on, and fixing all my thoughts and desires completely on Him.  My life is no longer mine, but fully submitted to my Glorious King.

Have a very blessed 2016 my friends!

Go deeper in the life of Christ, seeking Him over all else!

I love you!

As The Eagle Soars

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

Isaiah 40:27 – 31  (New Living Translation)

 

“O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? Oh Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. He never grows week or weary. No one can measure the depth of his understanding. He gives power to the week, and strength to the powerless.  Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion, but those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will walk and not faint. 

What a beautiful word picture!!!  This amazing ability to soar up, lifted by the wind, higher and higher  —yet like Pilgrim, from the classic “The Pilgrims Progress” by John Bunyan, I’ve found myself in all kinds of situations along the lower path, known to us as the valley.

The valleys, Ugh!

Those difficult times of questioning…  “When God, when are you going to come rescue me?”  The feelings and emotions wrestled with there — the choking, suffocating, fear infused, self doubting moments— deep periods of unbelief.  We’ve all been there… and they’re hard to maneuver sometimes.  But it’s here in these darkest places where we learn to TRUST.  Learning to lean in, and rely on, the Character of God, this is what it all boils down to!

He is FAITHFUL and TRUE.  This is His character.  In chapter 40 in the book of Isaiah, we see the Prophet, moved by the Holy Spirit speaking of the vastness and supremacy of God.  Yet this great and powerful being, Who holds the heaven and earth together, is Israel’s Faithful Helper.  This word picture, when planted in our mind, helps us to see God’s will for restoration.  Why is this important? because without understanding, we stumble around in the dark.  When we are stumbling around in the dark, we miss all kinds of things.  Another thought to consider is — How can we trust a God who says one thing, yet does another?  Does He express both good and evil towards us? Or, are there distinct characteristics between darkness and light?  These are questions that need answers.

Speaking of darkness, It is the complete opposite of light.  Jesus is the Light and Life of Men.  We get off track by not staying focused on Him.  He is the complete expressed image of God.  Everything must process through the redemptive work of Christ.  If it doesn’t line up with redemption, we need to reconsider it.   The church today needs to remember Christ’s anger was aimed at the religious, hard-hearted, pharisee.  With all of their “cult of religion,” they were no closer to God than those they judged.  God is Love.  Let’s try to remember this in all that we do and say… 

God is a patient and kind Father.  He is committed to keeping us on the right path.  Never far away at all.  To our natural eyes and senses, it’s hard at times to perceive Him.  Faith and patience the two power twins come along side and lift us up.  They are the unseen forces, like the wind.  These two super powers when joined together blow a powerful gust of the Spirit’s anointing which will carry us up.  The illustrated example is beautifully spoken by Isaiah, just when Israel was in need of major encouragement.

Isaiah 40:1 starts off with “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.  How beautiful!  God said, “Be comforted my people, I love you, I am here for you!”

If you are in need of help, strength or encouragement today, let this insightful picture of the eagle, as he glides on the wings of the wind, go deep in your heart and mind.  Reach out with TRUST, believe that God wants to rescue you.  Your life is important to Him, as Jesus shared, “Consider the Lily’s of the field, how much more your Father in Heaven cares for you…”  (Matt. 7:28-30). And then Jesus asks the crowd, “Why do you have so little faith?” 

Friends, resist the urge to believe God is bearing down on you with oppression to teach you something, no, that’s the work of darkness.  He is in the valley with you, leading you out.  Look up to heaven, where your help comes from, because your help does come from the Lord!

Isaiah spoke encouragement to God’s people then, let these words speak the same encouragement to us today! THOSE WHO WAIT (trust in, believe on) THE LORD, will have wings like the eagle and… THEY WILL SOAR WITH RENEWED STRENGTH.  GOD WILL RESCUE THEM.

Seeing through the eye of FAITH changes everything!

Silah!

Blessings Friends

His Joy, My Joy — Inspired by a Facebook Post

I was inspired to write today because of something someone posted on my FB wall.  Thank you Sande, I needed a little nudge to get some words out.

90 Lbs lighter, and feeling so good.

 

 

Almost two years ago, I was grossly over weight and very unhealthy physically.  I was also in recovery from a crisis that our family went through two years before that.  Although the crisis hit us in August of 2009, it had been on it’s way for some time.  I wrote a post on this blog which I will link to at the end if you’d like to read it, it’s about shame.  Oh boy, that was such a tough time.  Praise God he brings us through, and always, if we co-operate with Him, He makes all things new.

Since August 2009 I have been on a journey of discovery right along side recovery.  I might say that  “in the journey of recovery, I have rediscovered who I am”.  There are many things that we face in life, some we choose, others we don’t, but when we end up in crisis what we do in the decision making process will determine the outcome of our success.

My friend mentioned that since I have lost weight I am expressing more joy and reaching out wider.  — You are right girlfriend, but it’s not simply the weight loss, it is more that I have encountered Christ in a deeper, richer way.  In the midst of the valley, in the darkest night, His incredible LOVE was unveiled before my eyes.  In the sparkle of my life, what may have seemed good or wonderful really wasn’t. There was something missing.  His voice was dull, and I have discovered that a lot of my time was spent on trying to reproduce what I was learning from others instead of really allowing the Holy Spirit to have His perfect way in me.  Now —not that I didn’t know Him, I did, it’s just that now, I know Him more..

In the depth of despair there was the most brilliant light. The most powerfully sustaining person, carrying me to safety under His Glorious Wings.  He brought  me out of a deep dark pit.  He has set my feet on solid ground.  His Grace was/is sufficiant and the power of forgiveness has delivered me from the power of bitterness, pain and sorrow. I have traded my sorrows for His Joy. He has caused me to overcome all the power of evil.

Preaching In Guatemala April, 2013

My joy not only comes from meeting a goal that I set, but it comes from a personal wrestling with Christ, His Spirit, and His Truth. I can truly say as did the man who wrote the old Hymn… It Is  Well… “Yes, it is well, it is well, with my soul.”

I have one thing I’d like to really say today, only one last IMPORTANT request.

Friends, reach out today to the only ONE who really can make all things new, reach out to Christ, our Risen Redeemer, the ONE who through His sacrifice and disciplined, faithful work… opened Eternity to you.  Embrace Him, take hold and never let go.  His ability is far superior to any gift or strength known to man.  It’s not just about a sinner being saved by grace, but it’s about coming to a Kingdom that is ruled by a life changing King.  A Lord who understands His subjects and paid all He had to give them the Kingdom of His Father.  A Kingdom that is ruled by grace, and truth. It is empowered by faith which works by love. It is a place of true freedom and If we only believe, we can receive…

This JOY, His JOY is the strength of  my life.

I love you!!

Scripture references: Ps 40:1-3,  Hebrews 4:14-16,  Revelation 21,   Romans 10:9,10,   Hebrews 11:6

This is the post from 2010 if you’d like to read it.  Unashamed

Updates From Guatemala

Well, finally, I am back to blogging again.  I am learning the art of media and the published word.  It has been a real learning curve for me, but very worth it.

My trip to Guatemala was another successful one.  In fact I would say it was one of the best ever.  I taught my class 3 consecutive times, which meant that I taught 8 out of the 10 days I was there including Sunday’s trip to Huehue.  I was pretty exhausted at the end.

The students were wonderful.  Hungry for the Word.  I am always so amazed at how the Holy Spirit opens their hearts through the teaching.  When we look through the controversial scriptures of Paul, they are usually a little apprehensive as to what is to come.  At the end of each exegetical study, they are amazed at how much sense it makes when approached with the knowledge of the Greek or Hebrew.  In fact asking the right questions of the letter, or text, will help us know to what he meant.  In each instance, there are statements made by the apostle that simply do not make sense.  These confusing teachings make more sense to us when we understand the times and the people they were written to, discover the meaning in the original language, and then see how they relate to us today.

I want to thank you so much for all the love and support you given over the years, I simply could not do this without you.

God bless you dear friends!!
Susan

Missions Update

A Women’s Heart Conference

Well, another successful trip with lots of interesting testimonies. I thank you so much for your prayer support. I really felt the strength of those prayers this trip.

I had an unusual time this trip. The travel was great, no problems with any of the flights or the six hour trip up the mountain to Huehuetenango. In fact it went so smooth I was pleasantly pleased. The first day was great too. Rest, visiting with the Pastors de Sotos and the leaders of the church. It was just a perfect day.

Tuesday evening began the Bible Extension Classes. When I found out how they had set the class up, and for how long, I knew I would have some trouble. You see in Central America, there is a cultural mind set that men are king, and women are there to serve them. They sincerely believe that women were created to tend to and take care of them first and for most. Now, I realize that we still fight this attitude here at home, but it is not like there. The women are so beat down and oppressed. It is heart breaking. So, I had an experience that changed my life on this trip.

I was given about 4 hours to teach a 20 hour class. Of course, can anyone say…SCRAMBLING!! I knew I had to highlight the most important points of this theme. I knew it was going to be a challenge; and challenge it was! The students came 20 – 30 minutes late, so that meant that now my class was down to about 3 hours. With an interpreter the time is cut in half again, so now we are talking about 1 1/2 – 2 hrs of good teaching. “Ok Lord, here we go” was all I could think.

So, I will try to make this long story short– At the end of the first night a man in the class verbally assaulted me and challenged me with these words. “I will be back tomorrow to prove everything you just said is false and you are not a bible teacher, you are a woman teaching error.”  Wow, I can’t tell you how that made me feel, but I stood my ground. There was a lot more to the conversation but those were the parting words.

Wednesday night he did not return, to my surprise, and happiness… it could have been a big problem if he had hijacked the class.  So I thought all was well and kept going. The Prison Ministry and Women’s Meetings were wonderful. God came, people were touched, set free and blessed. So many shared how much they were blessed and challenged. The women were beaming with joy after the ministry and teaching. I was overjoyed!

Saturday evening, after the Women’s Conference, the Pastors had a nice meal for the speakers in a beautiful restaurant. All was perfect, the cherry on top of the cake… until we went back to the pastor’s home for cake, what happened next will surprise you and the cherry, well it was gone!

Much to my surprise, the people bringing the cake were the couple of which the husband was the man who had challenged me. We didn’t speak when he entered, there were many people there. All of a sudden I heard him speaking loudly to the husband (who is also a Pastor) of one of the other women speakers. I heard him say all kinds of things and knew he was talking about me. HOWEVER, he was speaking lies right in front of me to this man.  All in the room heard him. The other man was saying,  “that’s horrible, that’s error, she said that?” … I was beside myself and didn’t know what to do. my heart sunk! I literally sat speechless in the chair and thought, “what do I do now?”

“Take me back to the hotel please, I just want to go home.” I said to Pastor Ubaldo, who was in the kitchen in another conversation filled with praise for the challenge I had given to the women police officers who came to the meetings. The folks in there were so excited about what I had shared…

I could not sleep Saturday night knowing I had to preach in the morning, knowing that this man had just poisoned others towards me.  Remember, he didn’t come back to hear the conclusion of the teaching so he was confused as to the facts.  I tossed and turned all night!!  All I could think was I want to go home now, forget this Place with all it’s machismo mentality.

“Oh God, please help me. I don’t want this trip to end on such a sorrowful note. After all you’ve done for the people here, Lord, bring the victory, please.”

Well, Sunday morning came, the Pastor and his wife (who were staying at the same hotel as Maya and I,  she was a speaker too) took us to church.  As we went to the car, they were very cool to us and informed me that, he and the man telling lies were going to have a Men’s Conference very soon.  To this I just spoke up and said, “Why, to correct what you think I said and taught?”   The wife (a speaker at the conference) said, “Well, yes, you said…  ” to which I replied,  “No I didn’t say that, and please get the CD so you can hear for yourself what I really said.”  I told them of how he attacked and challenged me the first night.  They were both taken back and then looked at me with huge question marks across their faces. The dialogue began…we did a lot of talking on the way to the service.

As I was standing in the front row, waiting for them to invite me to bring the message, I thought…

“all I am going to do is stand up, tell them God loves you, say thank you for everything, and sit back down.”

As I was thinking those things, the Lord spoke to my heart.  He said, “FEAR NOT SUSAN, I AM WITH YOU!”    He gave me the message to preach which would solidify what I was not able to get out completely in 3 hours and when I stepped in the pulpit, the PEACE OF GOD came.  I began with, I know there has been some confusion concerning the teaching in the Bible School. I know that many of you were told that I said..”blah, blah,” but I would not be a Godly teacher if I left you in a state of confusion. I began my message, I had no fear, and I preached one of the clearest, most concise messages ever. HALLELUJAH!!!

The men’s faces showed their amazement. They realized that they had made a mistake. The atmosphere changed. The other man (who started it all) did not apologize but came and gave me a big hug.  He actually said he’d like to come to visit our ministry one day. On the way to Xela, to see my kids, Pastor Ubaldo told me that what I preached was amazing and that it was exactly what those men needed to hear.   He said, “wow, Sister Susan, it is so good what you taught, there is no question to what you did or didn’t say, IT’S VERY CLEAR TO US NOW!”— I, Susan was amazed, talk about the Power of God in action!! Praise be to His Holy Name!!

I am a daughter of God, a woman, wife, mother, and a teacher/preacher/pastor, and a professional. I walk in humility and love and will work at keeping Christ center in all I do! He is my life and as I go I reflect him in all things. My desire is that all men, women, and children will see and know Him through me.

This is a quick update, a newsletter is coming out soon with more info.

I love you my dear friends and partners. Thanks for all the love, support and prayer, I could not do this without you!

God richly Bless all the works of your hands!
Susan

A Mighty Wave

>Ministry Update

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Pastor Marion and I getting ready to fly up to Xela April 2010

I hope that this post finds you well and prospering in the Lord. God is so faithful to tend to us. His love is so amazing. His strength is a constant in a world that is filled with many challenges and surprises. I am always brought to a tender heart of thanksgiving when I remember how faithful He is with me. I pray that you will find this same strength and peace, this resilient force of love, as you face each new day.

I had mentioned earlier in the year about a trip to Honduras, C. A. I will not travel there this year. I have been given another opportunity to go back to Guatemala to be a part of Living Water Teaching’s October Medical Campaign. I was in Guatemala back in April and the trip was wonderful. I taught the Women in Ministry Class. I was a guest on a local TV Station, and went to the Capital as a guest speaker at a women’s meeting. It was such a successful trip. I have such a heart for helping women find their place in this world and to teach them about how important their lives are. So many women in Central America do not have the opportunities we have here in the states. So, encouraging and strengthening them is one of the most fulfilling things I do in life.

I shared in a previous blog about the challenges we faced last year. My husband had a job change and was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. It was very difficult for our family. With the love and support of our very good friends and family we are all doing just great. Thank you so much for everything. I know that your prayers kept us strong as we faced the emotional struggles. We do not have words to tell you how thankful we are and how much we love each and every one of you. It’s very humbling to find that you have friends who are willing to see your weaknesses, and still believe in you. This is a true treasure in life!

I am posting this now because I have labored over my fall schedule and I just recently made the decision to go.

Many of you gave liberally to my Costa Rica trip, and my Guatemala trip this spring. In fact, for each trip I came within pennies of the budget. We purchased some books on leadership for the Pastors and staff of Zoe Church, Heredia, Costa Rica. Pastor Rene told me that the staffs of both the school and the church were encouraged. They made new commitments to work together, supporting one another. After hearing the teachings on “servant leadership”, they were challenged to see the needs of others as important and take each opportunity to build the team.

Thank you for making both trips possible. The outcome is that the people who we ministered to were changed and touched by God. Some gave their lives to Christ, while others grew deeper in their relationship with Christ, and with others.

I have the opportunity to travel again to Guatemala, with Living Water Teaching on the October Medical Campaign. I have gone on at least 8 LWT Medical Campaigns in the past. (LWT is the ministry where we served as Country Directors from August 2000 – December 2004). I usually served in the pharmacy, where I was the supervisor in the last 2 campaigns I attended. This time however, I will be serving in the “Prayer Area”. To work in this area you need knowledge of the language.

This has been a dream of mine; to be able to go on a campaign and work in PRAYER! My Spanish wasn’t strong enough to do this until our last year in Guatemala. Now, I can hold my own quite well. Pastor Marion and I have talked and she has asked me to work here. The campaign hosts a clinic where 3,000 – 5,000 people may attend. Every person is presented the Gospel at the end of their trip through the clinic. This is the area I will be working—- I am in awe about this.

As I prayed about going I felt that the time would be focused on touching the people in a different way than I had before. I keep seeing people come up in my prayer times and I sense that God has divine appointments for me.

I am posting this today and asking if you would again, prayerfully consider giving into this next trip. The dates are October 18 – 28. The trip cost is $800.00. There is a deadline for the trip cost which is October 4th. Airfare cost is around $600 – $800 as well. (On the side bar, there is a link to the Ministry Website where you will find the address if writing a check, or a link to secured on line giving through PAY PAL).

Thank you so much for taking time to pray and see how God would have you partner with me on this trip. I pray God richly bless you, as you give, and that His love be increased in you, as you reach toward Him. Your financial support is such a blessing to me. I couldn’t do this without you.

Please feel free to email, or write me with any prayer requests you may have. I am praying daily and would love to pray for you during this time. Also, I’d love to hear about your testimonies of victories won. We are walking together you and me, brothers and sisters in Christ.

I love you!
The journey continues…

>A New Day

>I am very excited to finally get this blog off the ground.

Back in 2008 I had a desire to create a blog. I started this not just to write what was on my heart, but to hear what is on yours as well. Dialogue was my vision.

We moved to Syracuse a few months after creating the blog. Many internal changes took place. The natural changes and the transition of coming to a new church, a new town, were difficult. I couldn’t get my thoughts straight. I wanted to post but couldn’t find a starting point.

Getting the Ministry up and running in NY has been so wonderful. I am in a place where God is building Susan. I have given the last 23 years to my husband, my girls, and to other ministries. I have served well. Today, it’s my turn. I stepped out, moved forward, I am speaking up, and I am entering into uncharted waters so to speak. I am so excited. The dam has busted loose.

When I was a young women, in my early 20’s, I gave my life to God. He came into my life with such power. I never knew that there was anything like it. Once my Spiritual life was open, and I could see that there was no turning back. Salvation, water baptism, baptism in the Holy Spirit, a new prayer language, all these new experiences that had not been a part of my religious upbringing. I sensed the call immediately. I heard the Lord say to me…

“Susan, come, follow me and I will make you a fisher of men.
I will teach you how to capture the lost, to open my Word to others, and build my Kingdom.”

As I write, I intend to bring the entire story together for you. I believe that it’s a story worth telling. As you follow me in this blog, you will gain wisdom on how to be a seeker of truth, a disciple of prayer, a lover of worship and an overcomer.

This is a NEW DAY for both Henry and I.

It has taken many years, through many travels to get us to this place with God. We are here and I am at peace. I’m embracing my destiny.

Romans 8:35-39 speaks so deeply to me. God doesn’t promise that life would be easy, but that the trials of life would be CONQUERED THROUGH HIM!

One day as I was struggling this past winter, the Lord said, “Susan, you have to get your story out. You have to share with others where you’ve been. You are a living testimony of my strength and power. Your story will transform many. Speak, don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” I realize that I’m not the only one in the fight against fear. Most of us fight this on a regular basis. FEAR NOT!! Is the exhortation over and again in the scriptures. Fear not my friends, fear not!

One of the things that is a reality of discipleship is this. God, will want to use you. Sometimes in saying “yes”, you will find that you may be called to be an example. It may not be just what you thought would happen when you said “yes”, but are you willing? The cross was humiliation for Christ. He said that each one of us have our own cross to carry. We had better understand what this is and become willing to walk with it, to be made an example of, or we will stay shallow, carnal Christians forever.

So Praise God, I am a daughter of the Most High God! Redeemed, delivered, transformed, and free. My Joy is in Doing His will. I love His Word and the Comfort of knowing that I have eternal life In Christ. Each day is filled with new and exciting opportunities.

Jesus, I’m Yours…

The Journey.. it’s a NEW DAY!