Speaking of writing & speaking. . .
May 1, 2008 | quotes
Have I ever realized that I can bring to God things which are of value to Him . . . Not Divine, colossal things which could be recorded as marvelous, but ordinary, simple human things which will give evidence to God that I am abandoned to Him?” — Oswald Chambers
I started a small group. It is filled with a diverse group of friends, church family, and people from the community who have a desire to write or speak. I plan to teach the basics: how to brainstorm, how to use life experience, how to approach editors, how to tighten your outline or mss, but first I hope to set a foundation.This quote is a perfect example of that foundation. Not just a foundation, but a rock. A sturdy place where we can bring ourselves, our smallest gifts and talents, and watch Him make them great or applicable in his timing and plan. I will never be anything but ordinary in my own efforts, but when I invite God to be the fire and breath and heart of what I do, it goes places I never anticipated, and does a work I could not do on my own.
The response to the group has taught me a lot. Darrin is 31, and he’s discovering he’s very talented. He was once addicted to pornography and the addiction almost cost him his life. (Read his story here.) He wrote a piece called “Eleven” the other night, and it’s powerful. His excitement over this new venture is infectious.
But in addition to the writing, we are also finding friendship. Kari, Gloria, Doris, Karen, Rocky, Lisa, and others are coming together and sharing their lives.
I’m glad to be a part. . .
Posted by Suzie @
4:00 am |
Who Stole My Church?
I’m reading an interesting book right now titled “Who Stole My Church?” by Gordon McDonald.
I first thought it was nonfiction, but surprisingly it’s fiction–sort of. I recognize the characters in it. In fact, I go to church with some. I’ve run across them as I’ve ministered. Good people. Backbone of their local churches.
Not sure what to do with the changes in their church, or the way that Christ is presented, or what in the world the words “postmodern” or “emerging church” means anyway.
I’m reading with an open mind, and actually liking this book a lot. There is no agenda, but rather a good conversation between sincere people trying to figure out what the church should/could/can/does look like and why that is important.
Suz
Posted by Suzie @
1:14 pm |
Discipleship
Our work begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation; we are not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace; our work as His disciples is to disciple lives until they are wholly yielded to God. One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit. ~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest
Posted by Suzie @
5:20 am |
Crosswalk.com: The Mom I Want to Be
I found this great in-depth article on Crosswalk.com over the practical steps in my book, The Mom I Want to Be
Become the Mom You Want to Be
Whitney Hopler
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Editor’s Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of T. Suzanne Eller’s book, The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future, (Harvest House Publishers, 2006).
You want to give your very best to your children. But if your own parents were inconsistent while you were growing up – or if they neglected or even abused you – you may never have learned how to be the kind of mom you want to be.
No matter what problems you experienced growing up, though, you don’t have to repeat your parents’ mistakes. God will help you become a healthy mom who can rise above the past to leave a legacy of love for your children.
Here’s how you can become the mom you want to be:
(more…)
Posted by Suzie @
5:57 am |
love to see the fire ignite
Over 70 small groups have launched in the last 30 days in my home church.
Our pastor thought it would be a great way to shut the “back door” of the church, losing people because they haven’t connected with friendships or they are struggling and don’t know how to share that with others in a big church setting.
We have groups for scrapbookers, quilters, hikers, fitness, Bible study, choir, fishing, married w/young children, married w/no children, parents of teens, seniors, etc. . . . and my group is for people who have a desire to write and/or speak. (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
8:43 pm |
When things don’t go the way we hope
My mom is sick. We received the call last Thursday and I rushed to the hospital. (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
4:55 pm |
A poem for parents of teens
April 21, 2008 | family
May my teen make wise decisions today, putting
Yesterday’s mistakes behind her
Trusting God, growing, learning
Excelling in the things that matter long-term
Entering new territory with confidence and hope
Never doubting that I am praying
Affirming her in spite of a culture that
Greatly doubts what one teen can do
Every day I trust you, God, because I
Realize you love her even more than me
Posted by Suzie @
12:22 pm |
Interview with author, Miralee Ferrell
I just finished the fiction novel, The Other Daughter. I invited the author, Miralee Ferrell, to talk about her new book and the issues behind the story.
Suzie: Miralee, this is your first published book. Tell us a little bit about your writing journey.
Miralee: Hi Suzie, it’s great to have a chance to chat with you. I started writing seriously with the thought of publication three years ago. The Lord spoke to me through a special speaker at church when he prayed for me. He felt the Lord was saying that I needed to be writing, and whatever I chose to write should be published. I prayed about it for over two weeks, and decided the Lord was nudging me that direction.
I started by writing my memories since my husband and I met 33 years earlier, with the things we’ve encountered and the spiritual applications. From that, I moved to short stories (non-fiction) and had three of them published in magazines. Then a friend and fellow author suggested I try Christian fiction. I didn’t think I could do it, but came up with a story line who’s inception was an incident in our past, then embroidered and changed it fiction. (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
11:03 am |
swap and hop with Lysa
One of my favorite people is Lysa TerKeurst. We met as speakers and I loved her spirit, how fun she was, her absolute honesty, and commitment to encouraging others.
Lysa has a blog and receives TONS of hits every day talking about motherhood and life. Today she’s sponsoring a swap and hop, giving away a prize to the person who needs help with organization.
Sadly, I think that’s me. This is my home office; and this is the cleaned-up version! Note the pile of papers on the printer. The pile of books waiting to be read (on the desk next to the laptop). The mess of wires on and under the desk as I work with two computers, my MP3 player, a webcam, two printers, scanner, fax, and more.
I work at least 8 hours a day in this office and it should be more organized, more friendly and welcoming, but I think I missed the designer gene.
The prize today is a makeover from Karen Ehmen, organizational guru.
Karen, look at this! I need help. . .
Posted by Suzie @
9:13 am |
Love this quote. . .
“Extraordinary communication has little to do with speaking skills, educational background, or preparation. It has everything to do with God showing up. The words of Jesus are impossible to misinterpret: “Apart from me you can do nothing”. What is it about the word “nothing” that we so often have trouble understanding?”
From the article, Extraordinary Communication: Sermons that Go Beyond the Ordinary by Glenn Wagner
Posted by Suzie @
4:58 am |
