Waiting Children
My daughter attended She Speaks with me in Charlotte, NC, this summer. She came into the room one night holding a picture up of a little girl from India.
“It’s my new Compassion child,” she said. “I’m a sponsor.” She held out the picture.
The little girl was different from the other pictures I had looked through that afternoon. I had wondered how people could choose among such beautiful children that pulled at your heart strings. This child looked angry. She stared at the camera, her eyes dark, her mouth a straight line.
“That’s why I chose her,” Melissa said. (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
4:29 am |
Want to listen to an interview?
I loved talking with the ladies at WLGT Blog Radio, Sandra and Sarah. We talked about The Woman I Am Becoming, discussing things like twentysomethings and faith, twentysomethings and relationships, twentysomethings and community. For all you twentysomethings who will later read this post on Facebook, tune in and let me know what you think. I love hearing what you have to say. Always.
Go to WLGT and click on my interview (2nd from top)! Have a great listen and let me know what you think.
Order The Woman I Am Becoming: Embrace the Chase for Identity, Faith, and Destiny.
Posted by Suzie @
4:19 am |
Impact for Life Book Drive!
UPDATE!
Three checks have arrived: $25, $21, $35 (THANKS!)
Mel, Director of Impact for Life is excited that the news of this amazing ministry to women in prison is being shared. My hopes are for a miracle - the five loaves and fish kind — will you join me?
It’s rare that I step outside my comfort zone to ask anyone to help with a cause. It’s a hard thing for me to do.
But last February I traveled to Denver, CO to a conference. While I was there, I checked out a ministry in The Springs called Impact for Life. It’s a ministry to men and women in jail, but also to their families, especially their children.
Impact for Life believes that when an inmate is freed, that there must be a support system in place to help them, and their families, succeed. They start inside the prison, holding mini-conferences in prisons across the nation. They work with chaplains to create libraries and to provide books, audio materials, and support material to help them grow as a person, as a mom or dad, and in their faith. This is a complete volunteer nonprofit organization.
And it’s changing lives! (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
8:51 am |
What I’ve Learned. . .
One of my favorite bloggers shared “What I’ve Learned” on her blog today. As I approach my 49th birthday (September 1 — send gifts and chocolate!), maybe I’m at a place that I can say I’ve learned something, too.
I’ve learned. . .
- that failure only happens when you try something new, so I’m willing to fail
- that being healthy isn’t about looking good, but living life fuller
- that kittens will always make me happy
- that cheesecake is worth the calories
- that you don’t have the people you love in your life forever, so love them in all the right ways today
- that holding a grudge is a huge waste of time
- that most small things are just that…small things
- that I’ll get there, so slow down and enjoy the drive
- that being religious can be far from what Jesus lived and taught
- that my words DO matter
- that it’s important to jump on the bed once in a while just to do it
- to walk through open doors because you never know what you’ll find on the other side
- that people that hurt you are really hurting inside
- that there are no important or unimportant people — every person has a story and every person is worth knowing
- that hanging out with family brings me joy
What about you? What have you learned? I’d love to hear from you!
Posted by Suzie @
10:05 am |
Pursuing Your Passion
Tomorrow I will speak at a Leadership Conference and I’m pumped! The topic is Pursuing Your Passion: Doing What You Love w/o Thought to Money, Fame, or Kudos!
Passion is a watered-down word that is used to describe everything from realationships to Godiva chocolate to our career choices. It’s a great word, but what does it really mean?
I’m passionate about writing.
Really? That’s awesome. What if I asked you to write a 100,000 word book on the joy of calculus? Is it still true? (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
3:10 pm |
ICRS - Staying home
It’s been interesting this week. I’m on several writing and speaking loops and the buzz is all about ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). They are talking about flights and shuttles and hotels, and interviews and book signings, and get-togethers.
And for the first time in eight years, I won’t be a part.
But it’s okay. I’m not supposed to be there this year, and I’m at peace with that. Other things are taking precedence and financially it just doesn’t make sense. I expected to nose dive when the buzz started. I love ICRS.
Last year I had two books coming out, one with Kregel and one with Harvest House. I had TV interviews, radio interviews, dinners and brunches and late night hang-out time with some of my favorite authors and speakers. I changed clothes at least twice a day, sometimes more as I jetted from one event to the next in the Hotlanta sun. I got to meet musical artists and hear their new songs and CD’s. I listened to speakers like Rob Bell. I perused the massive ICRS floor where publishers presented their new titles. I spent time sitting with good friends who LOVE the same things I do, like ministry and writing, and talked shop. I was one of the authors at the Personality party, an event where I got to meet some of my favorite writers.
But there was one moment that was better than all of those. A transforming moment.
I was in line holding a plate filled with delicious breakfast. It was a Harvest House Publishers brunch. Stormie O’Martien and her daughter sat nearby. Emilie Barnes and her sweet husband, George, were at the table behind me. Reps and media filled the room, waiting to visit with these A-list authors. Suddenly an arm slipped through mine.
“Sit with me,” the woman said, standing near me.
I turned. Kay Arthur.
“Yes, mam,” I replied. (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
11:33 am |
Mentoring and community service
Two months ago I bumped across our city in a small green bus (school colors) with 20 freshmen girls and a few adult friends. We traveled to Bennett camp, a summer facility where disabled children and adults have an awesome time.
Our goal was to get rid of hundreds of small to large branches and sticks that had fallen during a severe ice storm earlier in the winter.
It wasn’t fun, as in picking up sticks and flicking off tiny ticks that climbed up your legs and arms, but it was fun connecting with these girls. (more…)
Posted by Suzie @
6:33 pm |
