Adventures in Living

When I Am Alone

2012-02-06T08:11:00.002-05:00

"Mom, I felt alone today," my ten-year-old said to me as we walked home from his new school. The last few months had been a difficult transition from a small Christian School into a larger Public School. My son looked at me with his blue eyes, pleasantly surprising me with what he said next.

"But then I prayed and I didn't feel alone anymore. God was with me."

"Yes, Joel," I replied with a smile. "God is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us." Placing my hand on his shoulder I quoted the family Bible verse in Deuteronomy 31:8 that my parents had taught me and my siblings growing up. "And the Lord, He it is that does go before us, He will be with us, He will not fail us, neither forsake us, fear not, neither be dismayed."

Really, we are never alone when we trust in Jesus our Savior. We may feel alone, but like Jesus said in John chapter 16: 32, 33 in the days before he went to the cross to die for our sins, "Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

This is what I have tried to teach my children through the years. That no matter what happens, no matter what trials and difficulties we face, our Savior Jesus Christ will be with us and help us through. Our Heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love!

Remember, when you trust Jesus as your personal Savior, He will never leave you. He will be with you today and all of your tomorrows!

The Chocolate Truffle Caper

2012-01-27T08:40:00.001-05:00

My youngest tucked his last Lindt milk chocolate truffle from his Christmas stocking into the candy drawer in December and announced, "Anyone who eats this candy owes me $50!"

My husband handed me a wrapped Lindt chocolate the other day.

"Where'd you get it?" I asked.

"From LeighAnn (our niece)."

"Let's leave the empty wrapper in the car so Joel can see it." I snickered thinking of what my son might do if he thought we ate his precious candy.

True to form, an explosion happened moments later.

"WHO ATE MY CANDY!" My ten-year-old huffed and puffed like a fire-breathing dragon. "I TOLD YOU. YOU OWE ME $50!!!"

"I'm sad to inform you Joel, that when you get home, you'll see that your candy is still there."

The moment he walked into the door he raced to the candy drawer and yanked it open. He held his prized chocolate in his hand and looked at me.

"Why don't you eat it?" I asked.

"No, he cried. "I can't."

I patted my son on the shoulder. "I'll buy you more for Valentines Day."

How quickly do you think that candy disappeared?

God's Personal Message for You!

2012-01-16T12:10:00.001-05:00

For God so loved the world (that means You)

that He gave His only begotten Son (that means Jesus),

that whoever (that means You) believes in Him (that means Jesus)

should not perish but have everlasting life. (that means You)

For God did not send His Son (that means Jesus)

into the world to condemn the world, (that means You)

but that the world (that means You) through Him (that means Jesus)

might be saved.

John 3:16,17 explained

What will YOU do with this message?

Only One Life 'Twill Soon Be Past, Only What's Done for Christ Will Last

2012-01-09T10:19:00.007-05:00

These words came to my mind this morning...

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

While the Bible is very clear that our good works do NOT contribute to saving our souls (only by faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross can we be saved from our sin and be given a home in Heaven), we are called to good works. It is an EVIDENCE of our salvation. What we do for the Lord here on earth has everlasting value. It contributes to our standing and our rewards in Heaven.

There are many things in life that can crowd out what God wants us to do. Let's remember that we have a limited amount of time to serve the Lord.

C.T. Studd (1860-1931)

C.T. Studd wrote a poem after hearing the same two phrases. A native of England, he attended university and was an elite Cricket player. However, he realized how short life can be when his brother became seriously ill. He understood that the sport and the fame that came with it paled in light of eternity. God worked in his life to be a witness for Christ through Dwight L. Moody meetings. C.T. met with missionary Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission, spoke at evangelistic meetings at universities in England and Scotland and later began his missionary journey sailing to China. His motto was: "If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." To find out more about the life and times of C.T. Studd and other missionaries, click this link to the Wholesome Words site.

“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”
— extra stanza —
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

C.T Studd

Speak the Truth in Love

2012-01-05T17:44:00.003-05:00

I believe the little things in life matter.

My godly grandmother would often stop and speak to people and give them a compliment, encouraging them in some small way. I have watched my mother do the same through the years whether with people she knows or she meets in her daily life. I try to do my best to speak words of comfort and joy to people along life's journey, although there are times (like today in Panera Bread) that I fall short. I am thankful for God's forgiveness and that He is still working on me.

What about you? Don't be afraid to speak hope into someone's life today.

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:15

Below is a portion of a story about "Truth Telling" from Elizabeth Elliot's website. She lost her first husband in the 1950s when, as a missionary in Peru, Jim Elliott was martyred (along with four others) by the Auca Indians. Amazingly, she went to be a missionary among the very tribe members who killed her husband, living with the Aucas for two years. Their story was told in a Hollywood movie a few years ago.

Recently I met a friend for lunch whom I had not seen for twenty years. As I approached the restaurant I was thinking the usual thoughts: Will she have changed much? Will I recognize her? Will we be able to find things to talk about?

I saw her as soon as I got there, and I knew that if I said, "Why, Helen, you haven't changed a bit! " it would be a bald lie. The truth was that Helen was beautiful now. She had never been a beauty in college. The years and her experiences (some of them of a kind of suffering I knew nothing about) had given her a deep womanliness, a kind of tender strength. Her eyes glowed, there was passion about her mouth, and the lines of her face revealed a strength of character she could not have had when she was a college student. So, instead of the usual pleasantries, I simply started with the truth. I told her what I saw in her face. Of course she was taken aback, but I am sure that this unorthodox beginning did not render further conversation more difficult. We were able to get down to the real things in life, things that matter and that had changed us both, rather than spending an hour on the ages of our children, their mates and careers, and our latest diets and recipes.

We all know that the truth often hurts. We use this cliche as a defense for having hurt someone, and sometimes it is indeed necessary to tell this kind of truth. But there is truth which does not hurt--truth which encourages and surprises with delight and gratitude. What if a teacher sees that a colleague of hers has succeeded in breaking down the resistance of a pupil who has been the despair of the other teachers, the talk of the faculty lunchroom? The change in the student is noticed, a sigh of relief is heaved, but who goes to the teacher herself and says, "Thanks! You've done what the rest of us couldn't do!" How many are free enough from themselves to recognize the worth of others and to speak of it honestly?

A lady who is a good many years older than I tells me often of the aunt who was a mother to her throughout her childhood. "Auntie'' impressed her with the need to tell the truth--the welcome kind--and she would add emphatically, "Tell them now." My friend calls me on the telephone--sometimes to thank me for a note or a little gift, sometimes to tell me what my friendship means to her.

"You remember what Auntie always said," she will say, ''so, I'm telling you now." There would be no way for me to exaggerate how she has cheered and helped me.

I was talking with a lady who had been a missionary for forty years, and I noticed that she had exceptionally lovely hands. "Has anyone ever told you your hands are beautiful?'' I asked. The dear soul was so flustered one might have thought I had committed an indecency. She looked at her hands in amazement.

"Why . . . why no. I don't think anyone ever has!'' But she saw that I meant it, and she had the grace to hear the truth. She said thank you.

"Tell it like it is," is the watchword today. But suppose it's lovely? Suppose it's actually beautiful? C. S. Lewis said that the most fatal of all nonconductors is embarrassment. It seems to me that life is all too short to let embarrassment deprive us and our friends of the pleasure of telling the happy truth. Suppose the boy who does your lawn does it fast, trims it perfectly, and takes care of the tools? Suppose the clerk who waits on you happens to be the most gracious one you've ever encountered? Suppose even that your husband--when you stop for once to look at him, to think about him as a person and as a man--seems to you to be the best man you know?

Tell them.

Tell them now.

Copyright 1988, by Elisabeth Elliot

A Christmas Quiz - test your knowledge of biblical truth vs. holiday tradition

2011-12-28T08:03:00.003-05:00

This Christmas, during the most holy season when we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, let’s stop for a moment to test our biblical knowledge. First, read the Scripture passages below and then quiz yourself with the following seven questions to see if you can separate biblical truth from holiday tradition.

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree

went out from Caesar Augustus that all the

world should be registered. 3So all went to be

registered, everyone to his own city. 4Joseph also

went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,

into Judea, to the city of David, which is

called Bethlehem, because he was of the house

and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with

Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6 So it was, that while they were there, the days

were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she

brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped

Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a

manger, because there was no room for them in

the inn. —Luke 2:1,3–6 (NKJV)

7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the

wise men, determined from them what time the star

appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,

Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when

you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I

may come and worship Him also. 9 When they heard

the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they

had seen in the East went before them, till it came and

stood over where the young Child was....11 And when

they had come into the house, they saw the young Child

with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped

Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they

presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they

should not return to Herod, they departed for their own

country another way. —Matthew 2:7–9,11: (NKJV)

This quiz in an excerpt from a free PDF booklet from Answers In Genesis entitled Uncovering the Real Nativity. AIG is a ministry that answers questions on the origins debate, the Bible, Christianity and other topics. For more information about AIG, click this link.

Now, are you ready to take your quiz?

True or False?

1. Mary was in labor when she got into town,

so Joseph had to take whatever lodging

he could get.

2. The Bible uses the Greek word kataluma—

translated “inn.” Kataluma means “small

hotel.”

3. The Bible says that Mary and Joseph spent

the night in a stable.

4. The innkeeper told Mary and Joseph there

was no room for them in the inn.

5. The innkeeper’s wife brought water and

towels to Mary and assisted in Jesus’s birth.

6. The Bible says there were three wisemen.

7. The wisemen were present the night of

Christ’s birth.

Believe it or not, all of these statements

are false.

Answers to the quiz:

Q1. Mary was in labor when they got into town, so Joseph had

to take whatever lodging he could get. False—“And so it was,

that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that

she should be delivered.” Luke 2:6

Q2. The Bible uses the Greek word kataluma—translated

“inn.” Kataluma means “small hotel.” False—Kataluma is

best translated “guest room.”

Q3. The Bible says that Mary and Joseph spent the night in a

stable. False—There is no mention of a stable, only a manger,

but we now know through archaeology that there was a

manger in the lower level of the average house of the area.

Q4. The innkeeper told Mary and Joseph there was no room

for them in the inn. False—There is no mention of an innkeeper

in the biblical account of Christ’s birth.

Q5.The innkeeper’s wife brought water and towels to Mary

and assisted in Jesus’s birth. False—There is no mention of an

innkeeper’s wife in the biblical account of Christ’s birth.

Q6. The Bible says there were three wisemen. False—The

Bible tells us there were three gifts, but it does not tell us how

many wisemen were there.

Q7. The wisemen were present the night of Christ’s birth.

Probably false—The text doesn’t really say, but if you carefully

read Matthew 1 and 2, you can see that Jesus could have been

as much as two years old when the wisemen visited Him.

For more detailed information about the kataluma, see: “The Manger and the Inn,” by

Kenneth Bailey, PhD

Jesus - The Sweetest Name I Know

2011-12-13T16:29:00.007-05:00

Joel (on left) with his friend Ben

Lately, my ten-year-old son has had a fascination with the meaning of people's names. He recently looked up his name, Joel, which means Jehovah is God and so it multiplied from there. He looked up the meaning of his brother's name, my name, his dad's name, his grandparents names, his cousins names, his friends names - you name it and he looked it up on an app he downloaded on his I-Pod Touch or on the computer.

God loves names too - namely people and God felt it was important enough to include genealogies in the Bible, especially the genealogy of Christ our Lord. As my son and I read through Matthew chapter one the other night during family devotional time, we saw how Jesus was in the line of King David, just as God promised the coming Messiah would be when He came into the world.

God tells us what the name Jesus means. Jesus means Jehovah Saves and God explains in Scripture, specifically in Matthew chapter one along with other references, that Jesus came into the world to save us from our sins. (see Matt. 1:21)

What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus! In the words of one of my favorite songs: "Jesus is the sweetest name I know and He's just the same as His lovely name. And that's the reason why I love Him so. Oh Jesus is the sweetest name I know."

Matthew 1

¹The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
²Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
³And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
⁴And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
⁵And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
⁶And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
⁷And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
⁸And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
⁹And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
¹⁰And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
¹¹And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
¹²And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
¹³And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
¹⁴And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
¹⁵And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
¹⁶And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
¹⁷So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
¹⁹Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
²²Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
²⁴Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
²⁵And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

A Day of Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T10:48:00.004-05:00

A Day of Thanksgiving

by Susan Kelly Skitt

Whilst leaves on the trees of November fall,

I think about my favorite blessing of all,

Of that time of year when family gathers,

Sitting round the turkey and platters,

Thanksgiving Day with loved ones dear,

Thanking God for each one here.

And even though we are missing a few,

We hold in our hearts, each one, it's true.

For we know one day at God's banquet table we'll eat,

We'll gather together at a wonderful feast.

So as I bow my head to pray,

I'll thank my Lord for that wonderful day!

As I sat down today to write this poem, I thought about all the wonderful family gatherings at Thanksgiving. I remember when my grandmother would lovingly bake her homemade potato stuffing and golden, pastry pies. I miss my Nanna and the joy she brought to our family. Her life, love and prayers have left a permanent mark in our lives. I think about other loved ones that are missing, some who have gone home to Heaven and one that is missing this year because of studying abroad for college - my oldest son, Jared. This will be the first Thanksgiving he hasn't been at home. In God's time, we will all gather together at His banquet table and feast at a wonderful supper prepared by the Lord. I look forward to that day of purest pleasure, where we will see each other and our Lord Jesus Christ, our God and our Savior who loves us with an everlasting love!

Revelation 19:8-10 King James Version (KJV)

⁸And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
⁹And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
¹⁰And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Life and Liberty

2011-11-13T07:51:00.003-05:00

Life and Liberty

by Susan Kelly Skitt

I am blessed to be an American,

For I live in a land that is free,

Bought with the blood of our brothers,

Who fight for life and liberty.
There is no greater love, the Bible says,

Than when a man lays down his life for a friend,

To guard and protect, to help to defend,
Our country to the very end.

In this same way, we can know God's love,

On the cross He lay down His life,

Jesus shed His blood to save us from our sin,

He is the ultimate sacrifice.

There is no other that can save our souls,

From the penalty that sin demands,

Jesus conquered death,

He gives us life and breath and us carries in His hand.

I am blessed to be a Christian,

My soul Jesus has set free,

Bought with the blood of my Savior,

Who gives me life and liberty.

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

2011-10-14T08:39:00.008-05:00

Wolves in sheep's clothing are leading God's flock astray. It is happening in churches all over the world! Maybe it is happening in your church! Do you know what is true and what is false? Will you be able to tell a wolf in sheep's clothing?

I posted a reprint of a portion of the October 13, 2011 article from Around the World with Ken Ham, a daily e-article from Answers in Genesis. I did this to encourage each of us to study the Word of God so we will not be led astray with wrong information. Sadly many people who call themselves Christians twist the Word of God and try to say that everyone has their "own interpretation".

The Bible says in II Peter 1:19-21, "¹⁹We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." [KJV]

What is right? What is wrong? How do we know how to interpret the Bible? By comparing Scripture with Scripture and studying God's Word. The Bible gives us absolutes that clearly tell us what sin is and our need to repent. We either believe the Bible is the literal Word of God or we don't. It's that simple.

Here is a portion of the AIG article:

Recently, a supporter of Answers in Genesis was asked to preach in a church. He preached on John 10:22–30. A leader in that denomination happened to visit the church and hear this sermon. After the service, this denominational leader talked to this friend of AiG who had just spoken. He wrote down an account of how the conversation proceeded with her:

She and a pastor started talking about hermeneutics after the service saying that scripture is open for interpretation. Here are a few quotes and my responses:

Dr: “Many believe that even John 14:6 can be interpreted to mean something different … it all depends on your education and training. That is why we value education in the PCUSA”

Me: ”So does this mean there are no absolutes in God’s Word and I make the choices for God’s [W]ord?”;

Dr: “Homosexual ordination should not be the main subject but Christ” (in light of them now allowing homosexual pastors)

Me: ”So where does repentance work in this equation? Mark 1:15 Jesus Himself said repent and believe. As a church should we not point people to turn from sin?”;
(she quickly changed the subject)

Dr.: “I’m not going to argue. I’m . . . supposed to listen to everyone and not sway either way. You cannot judge a gay couple that is committed to a relationship. We need to wake up and be conscious of the times even in this country – gay people are not going away …What we need to do is teach people how to defend their faith because few know how to.”

Me: “The reason few know how to defend “the faith” [is] that there is too much confusion in the church if you are telling people that God’s Word is open to anyone’s interpretation.”;

Dr.: “The most important thing is my faith and how I believe … Plus, Jesus never spoke against Homosexuality”;

Me: ”Jesus spoke clearly about marriage being between one man and one woman – I quoted “Have you not read” in Matthew 19:4 ? This comes from Genesis as He instituted this …God judges sin. Especially to the unrepentant man or woman. We simply need to read Genesis about two cities Sodom and Gomorrah which is also echoed in Jude, Romans 1, 1 Cor. 6, etc. I have parents asking me for God’s Word because their kids are confused. Should we not show them God’s Word or would it be best to send them to the Homosexual club nearby?”;

Dr.: “That’s where we can argue about interpretation …Are you also going to tell me that the Heavens and Earth was made in 6 days?”;

Me: ” Did God not tell us in His Word there was evening and there was morning?”;

Dr. ”So you believe in a literal 24 hour period in Genesis?”;

Me: ”God Himself tells us in Ex. 20:11: For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.”;

Each time I used Scripture she would change the subject. All she would rely on was “it depends which seminary and education you have been through” (Man’s [w]ord).

Lastly, she promoted how tolerant she is and those like her. Yet I covered the fact how intolerant such tolerant people are when someone has another view that comes verbatim from Scripture. I knew I could not misrepresent our Lord and His Word even with a high-level executive. I recalled Jesus’ words “if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my father.” I felt so passionate about “defending the hope within me” and can clearly see how all these denominations are rotting away because of compromise and false interpretation of God’s Word.

1 Tim 6 even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ , and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words , from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth , who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”;

May each of us learn to detect the wolves among us and learn the Word of God so we will not be devoured by Satan's schemes and attacks.

Live the adventure,
Susan

The Treasure of Fall

2011-10-04T19:29:00.001-05:00

by Susan Kelly Skitt

Whistling wind, swaying pines, russet colored leaves, pumpkins on vines; Warm apple cider, spiced cinnamon cake, caramel wrapped apples, memories to make. These are the sights and sounds of Fall, my most favorite season - God's treasure for all!

What Do You Need to Believe Differently About God or Yourself?

2011-09-24T06:05:00.001-05:00

Here's a quote I like from today's Stepping Stones E-Devotional entitled, How Much Do You Resemble Your Father? "Write down what you need to believe differently about God or yourself so you can become all that He designed you to be."

My thoughts: Often we have wrong thoughts about who God is based on misguided views or opinions that are not founded on the Bible. So how do we know who God is and what to believe about God and ourselves? Read God's Word - the Bible and we will find out the truth! When we get to know God personally, our views will begin to change and He will transform us!

Tomorrow Had Come - Guest Blogger Jessica Kirkland

2011-09-23T06:56:00.004-05:00

Good day my friends. It's been awhile since I've posted here at Adventurous Living. Many times over the last weeks as I've been reading my Bible I've thought, "I'd love to share this or that on Adventurous Living." But alas, my discoveries in Judges and now I Samuel are written in my journal at home. Hopefully sometime soon Lord willing and as time allows, I will post.

Soccer season is in full swing for my ten-year-old son, yes, I can hardly believe that this week was his tenth birthday! It feels like yesterday that my husband and I were asking God to give us a child together. I had a son from my first marriage. After my first husband died, I was afraid I would be alone for the rest of my life. But God taught me that even if I was to raise my son on my own and even though there were times that I'd be lonely, I'd truly never be alone because Jesus was with me.

God answered the longings of my heart and brought along my husband Jim. After Jim and I were married we hoped to have another child. For many years that did not happen. I feared it would never happen. Until one day God in his infinite mercy said, "Yes" to our pleas.

Fear can take many forms. Fear of the unknown has always been a struggle for me. The "what if's" can sometimes become paralyzing if we don't turn our anxieties over to the Lord. God wants us to like I Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all our cares on Him, because He cares for us!"

So when I saw the opportunity to host this guest blogger and the topic matter of fear, I thought it would benefit us all. When I read the Bible verse used at the end of this post, I thought about how God used that verse many times in my life in a powerful way when I was struggling with fear after my first husband's death.

Well, enough talk from me, let's see what my guest blogger, Jessica Kirkland, has to say about the topic of fear.

Tomorrow Had Come

by Jessica Kirkland

In every season of life, the Enemy would whisper the lie that I would “never make it” to the next. I believed it. Time and time again, I thought his words held power. As a young child, I never thought I would live to see my school years. Once I entered school, I never thought I would live to see the next day, next grade, or milestone in life. I listened to a very real enemy, even though I didn’t want to. Even though I came from a strong, Christian family, I felt powerless to stop the lies. Fear gripped me, stole from me, and taunted every careful step I took.

I gave my heart to Christ at six years old, yet fear still held me tight. Though I had renewed hope, the whispers and lies continued to flow and drown out truth through every season. When, I heard the words that burned a hole straight through, I was nose-to-nose with what appeared to be the sum of all my fears.

“Mrs. Kirkland, you have congestive heart failure. If your babies are born now, they will probably not live or be severely impaired.”

I was twenty-six weeks pregnant with triplets. In the beginning, I had been pregnant with quads, but had lost one child at 14 weeks. I never imagined we might all go meet Jesus on the same day. I mourned the thought of my husband walking through life alone. I grieved for the children that would either die, be disabled on this earth, or grow up motherless. And I burned with anger, not just because of the oxygen mask strapped to my face as I struggled for breath and life, but for twenty-five years of allowing Satan to tell me that I would never make it to tomorrow.

Tomorrow had come.

As nurses whirled around me, I prayed Acts 17:25 out loud, “…You give life and breath to everything, and satisfy every need.” I pleaded with the God I personally knew through a relationship with His Son, Jesus. I knew He had a plan for my life that was good according to Jeremiah 29:11. In my humanity, I struggled with the thought that death might be His plan for us on that day.

Today, we are parents to three healthy five-year-olds. You would never know they were born nine weeks premature. The joy that Satan has stolen from me in 30 years, through a spirit of fear, is great. I imagine if you strung each lying sentence end-to-end, they might wrap the globe. Yet, I have promised to tell others of God’s miracles in my life and do my part in setting captives free. Tomorrow had come, but so had Jesus, and it is He who has defeated the grave.

“For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Author Bio

Jessica Kirkland

Jessica Kirkland lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, Robb, and five-year-old triplets. She is an author and speaker whose greatest passion in life is to see young families grow deeper in their walk with God. Jessica's newest adventure includes launching Christian Apps 4 Kids, which seeks to draw kids closer to Christ one app at a time. A recent release is a book app that addresses fear and scary nighttime sounds called The Sounds of Night, designed for kids ages 2-8. It is currently available on iPad, iPhone and all Android devices. When Jessica isn't writing, you can find her cheering her boys on at the soccer field, or watching her little girl at the dance studio.

To find out more about her current writing projects,

connect with her at: http://www.christianapps4kids.com

or on her personal blog: http://www.jessicakirkland.com

To purchase The Sounds of Night at iTunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-sounds-of-night/id456046823?mt=8

To purchase The Sounds of Night in the Android Market:

https://market.android.com/details?id=pro.roar.thesoundsofnight&feature=search_result

A Matter of Trust

2011-08-01T10:33:00.023-05:00

Where do you place your trust? It's a question I often ask myself. While reading my Bible, studying for children's Bible lessons and even in my leisure reading of Christian fiction novels, the topic of trusting the LORD pops up time and time again.

When I think of the true story in the book of Genesis of Joseph's life, I remember how he trusted God even when things seemed out of control. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, falsely accused, put in prison and seemingly forgotten for years. But God never forgot Joseph and Joseph trusted God through it all. God had a plan and Joseph believed that God was trustworthy, even when Joseph didn't understand. And no matter what happened, whether good or bad, Joseph trusted God and gave Him the glory. Joseph's life story has been an example and an inspiration to me throughout my life.

A children's church lesson I prepared recently was entitled Misplaced Trust. When the Israelites faced the Philistines in battle, they thought they had a lucky charm by using the Ark of the Covenant. Instead of trusting in the LORD to deliver them, they looked to an object instead. When Eli's wicked sons Hophni and Phineas took the Ark into battle, the Israelites were defeated and many people died. Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Remembering the name of the LORD means that we depend on God's character and promises.

I just finished a novel by Alison Strobel entitled Reinventing Rachel. The main character, Rachel Westing's life started unraveling and she questioned "Where is God?" Instead of trusting the LORD, her life spun out of control into a pit of despair. Thankfully, there was a glimmer of hope at the end of the book, but it was sad to read how wounded and bitter this young woman became. She made terrible choices as she walked further and further away from the LORD. I kept thinking as I read, "Just trust the LORD. I know your life doesn't make sense, but just keep trusting Him."

When my personal life felt like it was spinning out of control after my first husband's sudden death at the age of twenty-eight, I knew that I needed to keep trusting the LORD. I knew the alternative would be to live a bitter and ruined life. In so many words, it was either sink or swim. As I trusted God, He gave me His peace that passes all understanding. You can't experience that peace until you fully trust Him. Nobody can make the choice to trust the LORD for you. You need to surrender and trust the LORD yourself.

When we know God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we can grow closer to Him by reading the Bible. I've learned that God is good and His love and mercy is everlasting. God is our perfect Heavenly Father and He knows us inside and out. Psalm 139 says He knit us together in our mother's womb. He knows what we need and when we need it! It's easy for us to begin to forget that truth when troubles come our way and life doesn't go according to our plan. But when we trust in the LORD, He promises to help us every day of our lives, through the good and the bad. Psalm 9:10 says, ""And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." What an amazing promise from God!

Where are you placing your trust today? In a person, a place, something you can see with your eyes or touch with your hands? Are you trusting in yourself? I challenge you to get to know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Grow closer to Him every day by reading the Bible. As you get to know Him better, you will learn to trust God who is our Creator, our Savior and our Sustainer. He is trustworthy!

Live the adventure,
Susan

He Leads Me

2011-07-05T07:13:00.002-05:00

He leads me by still waters... He restores my soul.

Hold Fast

2011-07-01T07:35:00.000-05:00

But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul. [Joshua 22:5]

My Inheritance

2011-06-20T13:28:00.003-05:00

My inheritance is not found in earthly riches. I was reminded of that today while reading my Bible in the book of Joshua.

Growing up a pastor's child, we didn't own much in the way of earthly riches. We lived in the church parsonage, a house that the church owned and allowed the pastor's family to live in. When we moved to a different church, we moved into a house that was not our own. However, wherever we lived I was with my family and it was home.

Joshua talks about the land inheritance that the tribes of Israel would receive east of the Jordan. The last verse of chapter thirteen says, "But to the tribe of Levi Moses had given no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as He had said to them." Joshua 13:33 It wasn't the first time the Levites, the priests of Israel, had been told that their only inheritance was the LORD. The Lord would provide for them as they served the LORD.

Although I am not physically a daughter of the tribe of Levi, I am a spiritual descendant of Abraham. Galations 3:29 says, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Because I am a child of God through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I am an heir of Christ. On this earth I may not have much in my bank account but I have all I'll ever need in Jesus. I can say with joy and confidence that the LORD is my portion and my exceedingly great reward.

"The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." Lamentations 3:24

"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward." Genesis 15:1

Lord, help us to be satisfied in You. You are everything that we need both now and forever. Remind us today who we are in You - a child of the KING!

Life's Road

2011-06-09T06:29:00.002-05:00

Life's Road

by Susan Kelly Skitt

Life's Road is...

Not always smooth,

not always easy,

not always clear.

But...

We can trust God

to know what's best for us.

We can pray to God

for direction and help.

We can learn from God

the lessons He wants to teach us.

God's Word is a lamp to our feet

And a light to our path.
Read His Word,

listen to His voice,

obey His commands.

These truths I have learned;

These truths I am teaching my children.

God will go before us,

God will be with us,

God will not fail us.

He will never forsake us.

Fear not;

Neither be dismayed.

Blessed Assurance

2011-06-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! 
O what a foretaste of glory divine! 
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, 
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, 
visions of rapture now burst on my sight; 
angels descending bring from above 
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 
 
Perfect submission, all is at rest; 
I in my Savior am happy and blest, 
watching and waiting, looking above, 
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song, 
praising my Savior all the day long; 
this is my story, this is my song, 
praising my Savior all the day long.

Seek the Lord thy God

2011-05-25T12:33:00.000-05:00

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." Deuteronomy 4:29

The Curse of Captain LaFoote Book Tour

2011-05-24T10:31:00.005-05:00

Book Summary

RICKY BRADSHAW has never sailed the Caribbean Sea, searched for buried treasure or battled pirates on the deck of a Spanish Galleon. He’s never fallen through the floor of Davy Jones’ locker or watched an old fisherman morph into a porpoise. All Ricky knows is his lonely life with his widowed mom in a tiny apartment overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. But all that changes on a snowy Christmas Eve when Ricky’s apartment building burns down and he suffers a seizure, falling into the chilly waters. Suddenly Ricky finds himself thrust into a world where there is surprising beauty on every island, danger around every corner and great honor and glory ahead of him—if only Ricky can summon the courage to survive the curse of Captain LaFoote.

Author Bio

EDDIE JONES has authored four non-fiction books, one young adult novel, and written over a hundred articles that have appeared in over 20 different publications. He is co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and a contributing writer for, CBN.com, Common Ground Christian News, The Ocracoke Observer, and Living Aboard Magazine. He’s a three-time winner of the Delaware Christian Writers Conference and a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and Boating Writers International. Eddie sails, surfs and writes in North Carolina. For more information see: http://www.captainlafoote.com/.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Tell us about The Curse of Captain LaFoote.

EDDIE: When my boys were young, I'd tell pirate stores on the bow of our sailboat. The lead character was Captain Stinky Foot. Captain Stinky Foot was named after my youngest son. If you've ever spent any time on a boat in August with a crew of unwashed young males then this needs no further explanation. I've always been fascinated by the stories of boys snatched away from London and Bristol and forced to serve before the mast. Seems to me life at sea was more fun than peeling potatoes. And more dangerous.

So The Curse of Captain LaFoote is a pirate tale awash in buried treasure, romance and dead men's bones. The truth is, this book and the ones that follow in the Caribbean Chronicle series are love stories. For Ricky Bradshaw, the hero of the book, the story is a quest to find his father, soul mate, and purpose in life.

What is your lead’s wound?

EDDIE: A friend suggested that I let my lead have epilepsy. She said when she has an episode she sort of zones out—like daydreaming except she can’t stop it. She also said she knows when it’s about to happen. That she smells something like burning wires. So I gave Ricky epilepsy and finished the story.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized the book had a larger purpose. I met another woman at a writer’s conference whose son has epilepsy. During the conference, her son suffered a seizure — the first one he’d ever had without his mother present. The look on her face that morning convinced me that Ricky Bradshaw could be a champion for those suffering from epilepsy.

It’s not cancer or heart disease but over three million Americans live with epilepsy. If the sale of this book can raise awareness, then the book has done its job. For each book sold, the publisher and I will donate “a few pieces of eight” — half a sandy dollar — to the foundation’s Heroes Among Us program. Our goal is to raise ten thousand dollars in honor of Ricky Bradshaw.

What is the spiritual message in your book?

EDDIE: That courage cost. Near the end of the book Ricky has the chance to go back to his old life. We get to do the same thing, go back to our old way of doing things. But Christ says there is a cost for doing the right thing. Ricky faces that choice.

What takeaway value do you hope readers receive after reading this novel?

EDDIE: There are a lot of other deep and important themes explored in the book too. Things like what the poop deck is and why cruise ships no longer use them, the secrets inside Davy Jones' locker, and why you shouldn't walk downwind of a pirate who's just eaten turtle soup.

Seriously, my goal in writing this book was to spur the imagination of young readers. Boys especially. I wanted to create within them a desire to read and set sail for a life of adventure, wherever that journey may take them. Even now I can see Ricky standing on the sugar-white sands of that island just south of Hispaniola. I am that boy. And so are a lot of other boys.

My Book Review of The Curse of Captain LaFoote

2011-05-24T10:27:00.006-05:00

Growing up my mom always told me, "If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say it." That's difficult to do when reviewing a 252 page book that I could only get through to page 60 and that's only because I said "yes" to hosting the above book tour for The Curse of Captain LaFoote on my blog.

So, in all fairness, let me first tell you what I liked about the book. Any good critic tells you both positive and negative.

The author uses vivid description. I could picture the pirate. Here's an excerpt from page 49: "Suddenly, the blindfold came off. I blinked against the harsh glare of the sun. The squire, making a slashing motion across his throat, stepped away and joined the other men lining the ship's rail. A giant man with black boots reaching almost to his knees stopped next to me. I looked up and saw that his face was nearly hidden by a long, tangled beard of greasy pewter hair. He wore a dark red frock with large gold buttons and embroidered mortarboards on the shoulders. A black sash tied tight around his bulging waist kept an arsenal of knives and pistols from falling to the deck."

At times the author uses interesting dialogue like on page 53: "In a low voice he said, 'We're a ship of war, Squid, not an island freighter hauling mangos and livestock. You came aboard the Black Avenger you best be prepared to stand before the mast. Is that your intention?' His breath carried the foul odor of tobacco and tooth decay. I stared straight ahead, refusing to answer. Not for fear, though there was a good bit of it. But because I was holding my breath waiting for him to back away.'"

However, I feel the author fails to create a story that makes the reader care about the main character enough to want to know what happens to him. When I first saw an opportunity to review this book, my initial reaction to the title and cover art was, "That looks corny - a foot? Really?" But I thought I'd give it a chance. After all, I love adventure stories and I have two sons, one age 19 and the other 9 who enjoy the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

The Curse of Captain LaFoote is the first in a series of the Caribbean Chronicles. It's by a Christian author, Eddie Jones, (who also looks like he will be at the Christian Writers Conference I will be attending this summer) so I thought I'd give it a look and see what my boys thought. The book says it is a Teen/Tween & Middle Grade novel. My ever alert husband pointed out to me and questioned what was written on the inside cover. It says that the book publisher, Port Yonder Press, gives The Curse of Captain LaFoote a PG rating for violence and light adult themes.

I asked my 19 year old son who is home on college break to do me a favor. "Please read this book and let me know what you think? The main character has epilepsy."

He looked at the cover and his brow furrowed. "The Curse of Captain LaFoote?" His voice sounded skeptical.

"Please?" I pleaded. "You're an avid reader. Let me know what you think from a guy perspective."

He picked up the book and read to page 20 and then plopped it on the couch.

"Well?" I asked. "What do you think so far?"

My son sighed. "I can't read it. The writer is all over the place."

"Can't you read it to find out what happens to an epileptic boy?"

"Sorry, Mom. It feels like I'm having a seizure reading it."

I sat down next to my son. "Can't you even read past the beginning to get to the pirate part?"

He looked me in the eye and said, "Mom, the main character is like a robot. He has no feeling when a pregnant woman jumps out of a burning building and plunges to her death. He goes and eats pizza like nothing happened."

"I was bothered by that too," I admitted. I thought about the main character, a fourteen-year-old boy with epilepsy growing up with a widowed mom who is a truck driver and is always away from home trying to support her family. "Maybe the boy was in shock?" I offered, trying to find an answer to the boy's strange behavior.

"Mom," my son said with censure in his voice. "I don't care what kind of shock you're in. You don't act like that."

And that was the end of the story for my son. Like I said, I read to page 60 trying to give the book a fair shake then finally put it down. The storyline wandered and made no sense. It was confusing and not very interesting. An avid reader myself, I didn't care what happened to the main character even though he had the hope of finding his long lost dead father in a land of pirates.

So, I leave you to decide for yourself whether this book is worth a read. Here is a link to more favorable reviews and a book video trailer. www.captainlafoote.com

No matter what we do or where we go, let's set sail and live the adventure of a life with Christ!

Susan Skitt

Is May 21, 2011 Judgment Day?

2011-05-20T13:17:00.004-05:00

There is much talk these days about Judgment Day. Some people believe the Bible says that Jesus will return on May 21, 2011. But what does the Bible really say?

Matthew 25:13 says, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (KJV) For a person to claim they know the day and hour that Christ will return is wrong! The Bible warns us that there will be false prophets. We can see an example of a false prophet versus one of God's true prophets in Jeremiah chapter 28.

So how do we know who is right and who is wrong? We need to be discerning students of the Word of God. II Timothy 3:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (KJV) Acts 17:11 says that when the apostle Paul came to the people in Berea, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (KJV)

A good reference tool to understand some of the more important divisions of Scripture is Dr. C.I. Scofield's book, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth. This book covers topics such as: The Jew, The Gentile, and the Church of God; The Seven Dispensations; The Two Advents; The Two Resurrections; The Five Judgments; Law and Grace; The Believer's Two Natures; The Believer's Standing and State; Salvation and Rewards; and Believers and Professors.

Make no mistake, Jesus will return one day for those who are saved by grace through the death and resurrection of Christ. We can trust Jesus' promise in John 14:2,3 that He will return when He says: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (KJV)

Dr. Robert Zweitzig in his audio message entitled Beware of Deception: Answers to Harold Camping outlines three key points where Mr. Camping is dead wrong - Calvary, Prophecy & Destiny. To listen to this audio sermon, click here. To view PDF notes of Pastor Zweitzig's sermon, click here.

In conclusion, we can know for sure that Jesus will NOT return on May, 21st! To say that you know when Christ is coming back is not only adding to the Word of God but directly contradicting it! Let's all be diligent students of God's Word and check what people say against the Bible just like the Bereans did in the days of the apostle Paul.

The Cost of Healthy Eating

2011-05-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

I'd like to share an article I wrote today on one of my other blogs. Since January, I've been following a healthy eating plan by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my daily menu. By keeping track of portions and getting a proper balance of nutrition, I have lost 21 pounds and am now maintaining a healthy goal weight. My prayer is that as we yield our hearts and minds to the Lord, He will help us make good choices that will care for our bodies that are God's holy temple. Blessings to you all today!

I've heard people say, "It's too expense to eat healthy."

In the past, I've been guilty of saying those same words in order to excuse myself for my poor eating habits. No doubt keeping fresh fruits and vegetables stocked in our refrigerators can add to the food budget, however I'm discovering there are ways we can help ourselves and our families and not break the bank.

To begin with, let's get creative and think of a few unhealthy items that we can we cross off our grocery lists and then replace them with good alternatives.

Another key to a healthy lifestyle is to examine our buying habits. I admit that I struggle with frequent supermarket trips and impulse purchases. Displays with bold lettering that say Buy One, Get One Free or words like Discount or Sale catch my eye. While sales can help they can also add up to extra items and wind up hurting our wallets. When we learn to curb our impulse buying, we will then have the money we need to purchase healthy foods for ourselves and our families.

If we view the cost of healthy living in just dollars and cents we will ultimately bear the fruits of our decision. Our choices yield a cost to our health and our bodies. Today when I stopped at a local discount grocery store, I realized that healthy eating is not out of our reach, even if we have limited funds. For example, let's examine the items I bought today and their cost.

Pineapple - $.99
3 lb. bag of Gala apples - $2.99
5 medium bananas @ $.39 a pound - $.81
6 oz. blackberries - $1.99
1 lb. strawberries - $2.88
1 lb. bag of peeled baby carrots - $1.48
6 oz. bag of Quaker mini-cheddar quakes - $2.48
1 box of five 100 calorie bags of Doritos - $2.18

Total - $15.80

Careful choices help us reap benefits in our budget, our waistlines, and our overall health. When we find ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our eating plan each week, we will be helping ourselves and our families - and that is priceless.

Wait and Seek

2011-05-14T17:27:00.000-05:00

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." Lamentations 3:25

Reflections of Prayer and Praise

2011-04-26T15:35:00.006-05:00

A cool breeze rippled the water on the lake. The morning sun reflected on the surface, shimmering like gold. Gazing at the beauty before me, I shifted in my seat. How often had I stopped at this picnic bench shaded by a grove of trees to sit for a few moments to rest and pray during my walks at the park? It was like my own private outdoor sanctuary tucked away from life's busy pace.

Today as I prayed, my heart felt heavy. The weight of a thousand questions lay on my mind like a boulder the size of a mountain. Would God intervene? Yes, I knew he could - a thousand times - yes!. He promised in His Word that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed that He moves mountains. But would He choose to move this mountain? That is a question that only God and time will answer as I pray to my Lord, asking him for help and healing.

After my first husband's death nineteen years ago, I wondered if my prayers for protection were for nothing. I knew God heard my prayers, but He choose to answer them in a different way. Oh how the hurt squeezed my heart. Like a disappointed child who didn't get the present they thought they deserved, I wondered how God could let this happen. But as I turned my hurt and disappointment over to God, releasing it into His Almighty hands, I began to see a different picture.

I saw the picture of a cross high on a hill called Mount Calvary where Jesus suffered for my sin. I saw the boulder rolled away from the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried for three days and nights. I heard the voice of the mighty angel say, "He is not here. He is risen, just as He said."

As I reflected on these events in history, I was reminded once again that I serve a risen Savior whose love and compassion for people was so great that He willingly lay down His life so we would not perish but have everlasting life with Him. And whatever may happen in this life is allowed by God for our good - yes, even times of suffering. I don't begin to understand how, but like a parent who administers medicine to a sick child, God gives us what we need - even when at times its a bitter pill to swallow.

When we know Christ as our personal Savior, our suffering on this earth is only temporary. There will be no more crying or pain in Heaven. But for those who choose to reject Jesus death and resurrection as payment for their sin, they will have a suffering that will never end in a literal lake of fire. That grieves God's heart. That is why He sent His Son, Jesus - so nobody should have to perish!

Whether God chooses to intervene and give healing this side of Heaven, He hears our prayers and He cares. He is working out a far greater plan than we can ever imagine. How each of us fits into that plan is up to Him. All I can do is bring my heart's burdens to Jesus and lay them at His feet. He promises to carry the heavy weight for me. He loves us that much - yes, for all eternity.

I stood and stretched, breathing in the scent of fresh air. I felt somehow stronger - revived. Whatever you choose Lord, your ways are always right. You will be our help and strength. You are our peace as we trust in You. You told us in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." I give today and all my tomorrows to You. I am yours. My family is Yours. Help me to trust You with all my heart, my soul, and my mind.

As I walked across the grass to the path leading home, a single tear slid down my cheek. I looked into the blue sky streaked with wisps of white and sang, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures hear me lo. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." To You Jesus be all the glory and praise - forever.

Kicking, Writing and Publishing

2011-04-19T09:16:00.011-05:00

Hi my blogging friends. It's been awhile since I've written here. I've missed you all!

I've been busy but aren't we all in one way or another? For our family we are in the height of Spring Travel Soccer with our youngest son kicking his soccer ball in the State Cups Competition which took us on quite the adventure - nearly a three hour ride in one direction to Lewisburg (near State College) for one of the games!

On the home front I continue to volunteer at my third-grader's school for their creative writing class and I've been doing some of my own creative writing at home. Lately, I've been focusing on development of our new church website which will be unveiled Lord willing very soon. I can't wait to include a link on my sidebar when it's done.

As far as my personal writing, I just found out that two of my stories were selected for a new book that will be coming out the end of the summer. Praise the Lord - the way He opens doors never ceases to amaze me. While I won't become rich writing devotionals (this book you get a whopping $10 per story - I've been paid everything from $0 - $50 for longer stories), I have the privilege of sharing the hope and help of Christ with others. Like the Bible says, I'll lay up treasures in Heaven where moth and rust will not corrupt or thieves will not break through and steal.

For any aspiring writers out there, from my experience writing for many different books as a contributing author, a writer signs a contract for the story or stories the publishing house selects, agreeing to their terms of publication. For this book, I sent in seven short devotionals, following the writers guidelines for format style and content (ie: theme - in this case God's love in action). Two stories were picked by the editing team to be included in Love Is A Verb Devotional book by Gary Chapman. When you send in a story, it doesn't mean that they will pick one. I've had rejections for books before - it's part of being a writer. The important thing to learn is to not give up and keep learning the craft of writing.

As with most book publications of this type, publishing houses look for a well known name like Dr. Chapman and will put together a book often using other not well known names (like me). With these types of books, you the writer are considered a "finalist" and the publishing house has the right to not use your story if at the last minute they choose to drop it. That's been the understanding ever since I've been published as a contributing author for my first time in 2005. One time a publisher did drop one my stories after I singed a contract, so it can happen. I don't get overly excited until I hold the finished book in my own hands!

The publishing house will now edit the story. For the most part, my short stories change very little through the editing process. (If you write a longer story or a whole book there usually is much more editing involved.) I try my best to self edit and have others read and review it before submitting - which is a good tip for all you writers out there. Always get another set of eyes or two to read what you wrote and offer suggestions on what may or may not be clear. The publishing house also has the right to change your title. There was one time a publisher did change one of my titles - from My Guiding Light to A Family Verse (I liked my title better - it tied into a line in my story), so it can happen.

For this book my titles as of now are Happily Ever After and Lawn Care Blessing. As the time gets closer and after I potentially get my one free contributors copy from the publisher once the book is complete, I plan on ordering a book for a give away for a winner on my blog. As with book publications of this type, contributing authors like me do not receive any further payment or what the publishing industry calls "royalties" on book sales. Sometimes we are allowed to order books at a discount for a limited amount of time. It all depends on the publishing house. All the book proceeds go to the publishing house and the names you see on the book cover. That's just how it goes. But for writers, getting published in numerous books builds what the publishing industry calls "writing credits". It's like your resume of writing.

People keep asking me, "Sue, when are you going to write your own book?" Well, that day may be coming soon. I'd appreciate your prayers as I look into a topic matter that God has put on my heart and research what God would have me to do with it - whether in novel or memoir form.

Thank you for joining me on my many adventures. I pray that each of us will follow Jesus, the light of the world, every day of our lives! I look forward to talking with you again soon. Today, may you feel the warmth of the light of God's love in your life and may you shine brightly for Him!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:16

Live the adventure,
Susan

Since I Have Been Redeemed

2011-03-04T16:08:00.000-05:00

I have a song that is playing in my head today taking flight on the wings of my heart. It's a beautiful hymn that speaks of what Christ has done for us on the cross. I pray that it speaks to your heart today. I am glad, Since I Have Been Redeemed.

I have a song I love to sing,
Since I have been redeemed,
Of my Redeemer, Savior king,
Since I have been redeemed.

I have a Christ who satisfies
Since I have been redeemed,
To do His will my highest prize,
Since I have been redeemed.

I have a witness bright and clear,
Since I have been redeemed,
Dispelling ev'ry doubt and fear,
Since I have been redeemed.

I have a home prepared for me,
Since I have been redeemed,
Where I shall dwell eternally,
Since I have been redeemed.

Since I have been redeemed,
Since I have been redeemed,
I will glory in His name;
Since I have been redeemed,
I will glory in His name.

This Is The Way, Walk In It

2011-02-26T14:32:00.001-05:00

Your ears shall hear a word behind you,

saying, "This is the way, walk in it,"

Whenever you turn to the right hand

Or whenever you turn to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

Studying the Word

2011-02-17T10:53:00.019-05:00

This blog post is in honor of my dad who turns sixty-eight today. My dad is a wonderful man, kind, generous, and loving. He cares for his family and has lovingly taught his children and now his grandchildren about God through the truth of the Bible.

As a mom, each day I realize the importance of teaching our children, bringing them up in the most holy faith. When my sons were infants, I dedicated my children to the Lord and promised to care for them and bring them up as Ephesians 6:4 says, “In the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I am reading in the book of Deuteronomy, it is where I am on my reading through the Bible chronological calendar, and was struck again with the importance of teaching our children and grandchildren about the Lord. (I don’t have any grandchildren yet, my oldest is a freshman in college – but someday, Lord willing if he marries, I hope to experience the joy of being a grandparent!) Reading through the Bible from cover to cover, (which I have done before), is a great way to gain perspective, not only about the truth of the Word of God, but on how God wants us to live.

Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.” This solemn warning was from Moses to Israel, but it certainly applies to our lives today.

Along with teaching my children at home, at the independent Bible church where I attend, I’ve had the privilege for many years to teach children from the Word of God. Right now, I am teaching a wonderful Bible study from Answers in Genesis called “It All Begins With Genesis, Building a Biblical Worldview.” The course focuses on Genesis chapters 1-11, the foundation of a Biblical worldview. Any worldview (there are many ways people look at this world) is determined by their understanding of God. The origin of every Christian doctrine can be found in Genesis – creation, the fall, judgment, and redemption.

The children have completed an overview of Genesis chapters 1-11 and are currently taking a closer look at the passages. They are using methods of Inductive Bible Study that help the student ask questions like, “Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?” We have been analyzing Genesis chapter one for many weeks, highlighting key words and phrases in the text to help us gain a better understanding of who God is and what He says.

We are in lesson 5 now that addresses the worldview question, “Who is God?” by looking at the role of the Trinity in creation. It also introduces the next steps in Inductive Bible Study (Inductive Bible Study means the Bible is the first place you go – the Bible is your “primary source” and includes observation, interpretation, and application the Word of God ), word studies and cross-references. The word “Trinity” is not used in the Bible, however we use the word Trinity to refer to One God, eternally revealed to us through three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.

While the term “Trinity” is attributed to Tertullian (c. 160-230), Tertullian’s words are NOT inspired - they are not equal to God's Word. Always measure like a good Berean (see Acts chapter 17 about the people in the town of Berea who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being taught was right) what people say in light of the Word of God. If what someone says or writes doesn’t agree with Scripture, it is wrong – it is heresy. The evidence of the eternal Triune God in the Scriptures is overwhelming – God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One and they are eternal.

Jesus says in John 10:27-30, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” Colossians 1:15, 16 says about Jesus, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” Hebrews 1:1, 2 says “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Also check out John chapter one (click here for a link), Romans chapter one. Romans 1:20 says, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (click here for a link to the whole chapter.) Jesus created all things and sustains all things. All things were created by Him and for Him.

Throughout the Bible, God teaches us about Himself, revealing Himself to us in three eternal persons, however He is One God. Matthew 28:19,20 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen." So what does Genesis 1:1, 2 say? “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness wason the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

The children learned the Bible was originally written in Hebrew for the Old Testament (the first 39 books), and in Greek for the New Testament (the last 27 books). The Hebrew word used for God in Genesis one is Elohim. Elohim is a plural noun that is used with a singular verb.

Since my dad is not only a good dad who taught us diligently from the Word, but he is also a Bible teaching pastor and Hebrew and Greek professor at a seminary, I asked him further about the Hebrew word Elohim. He wrote the word in Hebrew on a piece of paper for me to take to the kids to see (they loved that and wanted to copy it down in their notes – they thought it was cool to write a word in another language with squiggly lines and dots) and my dad reminded me that Hebrew reads right to left. So if you read the word Elohim from right to left, how does the word Elohim literally translate? The word “him”, pronounced “heem” with a long “e” means “these are” and “El” means “God”. While “El” is singular, “Him” is a plural ending in the Hebrew. The word for God used in Genesis one is a plural noun that is used with a singular verb, “created”. Elohim (the triune God), created.

Also in Genesis chapter one, verse two God the Holy Spirit is mentioned in reference to His role as Creator. As you read further in Genesis chapter one when God created man on the sixth day, what does God say in verse 26? “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over allthe earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Notice the words used: “let us”, “our image”, “our likeness”. God uses the words us and our. God is One God, eternally revealed to us through three persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Our finite minds cannot fully understand that – our God is so great, who can grasp everything there is to know about Him? However, our gracious Heavenly Father lovingly reveals Himself to us through His Word: the living Word – Jesus and the written Word - the Bible. The Holy Spirit is our teacher too.

While I admit that this is a long post, it is clearly not an exhaustive study on the subject. I wrote this to emphasize to my readers the importance of studying the Bible, reading texts in context, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and measuring everything whether written or spoken in light of the written, inspired, unerring Word of God. Does it agree or disagree with the Bible?

My prayer is that you will see the truth of the Scriptures and believe. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Won’t you listen to God today?

Live the adventure,

Susan

*Edits made on paragraph eight by blog author on on 2-18-11

No Other Argument - (Reprint)

2011-02-12T07:55:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it's fun to visit the past. From time to time I like to repost articles from my blog. This particular post is from a 31-day journey I took reading through the book of Proverbs. (Original post - 9/20/07) The event I wrote about took place at a "Christian" Writers Conference. My prayer is that the Lord will impress on your heart today that the Bible is God's Word and what God has written is truth. We can trust God's Word because it is His! God does not lie.

Proverbs Journey – Day 21 “There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD.” Proverbs 21:30

My palms grew sweaty. The more the man in front of the classroom taught, the more I knew what was being said was wrong.

“The Bible is not a valid argument,” he said with great conviction. “If we want to communicate to change lives, we cannot use the Bible as a source of authority. We believe it by faith. The Bible is an acceptable argument…”

My stomach had that funny feeling, kind of tight and sick all at once. I looked at my notes and thought to myself, “Didn’t he just define an acceptable argument as having a slight chance of not being true?”

My heart hammered in my chest. Should I raise my hand and say something in front of the class?

I could have, maybe I should have, but instead I chose to wait until after the session ended. Gathering my notebook, I waited until the well-known speaker, teacher, and author finished talking with people in the college classroom.

“Could I speak with you a moment?”

“Sure.” The man with his neatly trimmed white hair and polished loafers stood next to my desk.

“I appreciate that you want to reach people for Jesus,” I began. “But I have to disagree with you when you say the Bible is not a valid argument. The Bible is truth - it is the only truth there is in this dark world because it’s God’s Holy Word. Believers in Christ will be held accountable for letting people know what the Bible says whether they chose to believe it or not.”

He stood with his head slightly tilted to the side; his forehead creased; his eyes squinted.

I continued, “The Word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword…”

The university lecturer joined me in quoting the rest of Hebrews 4:12. (click here to see the rest of the verse)

“Thank you,” he said and nodded towards the door. We continued to talk while walking down the hall and then went our separate ways.

No matter what modern thinkers say, people need God’s wisdom, God’s understanding, and God’s counsel. We cannot reach people for Christ without the truth of the Bible. It is God’s Holy Word. Without it, we wouldn’t have any thing of lasting value to say. The Bible says in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (KJV)

Sure, we need to meet people where they’re at, relate to them, Jesus did that all the time when he lived here on earth. But there is only one valid argument that will stand the test of time: The Bible. Like the words of the old hymn say, “I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me!”

How do I know? The Bible tells me so.

Live the adventure,

Susan

My prayer today:
“Show me, Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.”
Psalm 25:4,5 NJKV

A Zeal for God, but Not Based on Biblical Knowledge

2011-02-09T14:52:00.005-05:00

In my last post, Scripture vs. Tradition, a writer commented that “the Roman Catholic Church believes in all scripture.” While I believe many Roman Catholics have a zeal for God, it is not based on Biblical knowledge.

I do not agree that the Roman Catholic Church believes in ALL Scripture. Why? Because Roman Catholicism not only contradicts the Bible but they dare to add to the inspired Word of God. The Bible says in II Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Proverbs 30:5,6 tells us that, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." When the book of Revelation was complete, the Word of God was finished – that means God is not revealing new revelation. A solemn warning is given at the end of the book of Revelation not to add to or take away from God’s Word.

Can a person say they believe in Jesus Christ - that He is the way the truth and the life, and that no one comes to the Father but through the Son (like John 14:6 says) and then DENY as the Roman Catholic Church does, that justification is by faith alone? The Bible says in Galatians 2:16, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."

When a person adds good works as the RCC does to Christ’s finished work on the cross (Hebrews 7:21-28), they are directly opposed to Scripture. When you read Scripture in context, you will see that it does not contradict itself. I challenge my readers here at Adventures in Living to read through God's Word, comparing Scripture with Scripture. This is how you will discover the truth!

I have read the entire Bible through cover to cover, from Genesis to Revelation, numerous times. I do not say this to boast, but to help people understand that I believe the truth of the Bible. God's Word from Genesis to Revelation teaches justification by faith. While I do not claim to be a scholar, I do claim to be a sinner saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. And here, today on my blog, Adventures in Living, I boldly and unashamedly take a stand on the Word of God - that the Bible is God’s Holy Word and it is truth! (Romans 1:16) (John 17:17)

The Bible says that good works are an evidence of faith in Jesus Christ – good works do not contribute to salvation. (Ephesians 2:4-10) The RCC catechism teaches that salvation is not by grace, but by merit. The RCC says that “we can merit for ourselves and for others all the graces needed to attain eternal life. (2027) The RCC says that salvation is through faith plus works – that people can obtain their own salvation and at the same time cooperate in saving their brothers through good works and indulgences both for the living and the dead. (1471-1479) A Salvation of faith PLUS works is a lie and is directly opposed to what God says in Scripture.

The RCC also teaches that Mary is the sinless co-Redeemer. “Without a single sin to restrain her, she gave herself entirely to the person and work of her son; she did so in order to serve the mystery of redemption with Him… being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” (494) This blasphemy against the Word of God was instituted by Pope Benedict XV in the early 1900’s. Nowhere is this found in Scripture! There is only one sinless One – the Lord Jesus Christ – God Himself in the flesh. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

The Roman Catholic Church has added to God’s Word. Adding to the Scripture is wrong! How can a person claim that Mary is the sinless co-Redeemer and then in the same breath say that Jesus is the sinless Son of God who takes away the sins of the world? You can't have it both ways. It's Jesus alone who saves! There is One Redeemer - Jesus - Almighty God and he does not need any help! I Peter 3:18 says, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." Acts 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

This reader also commented that the, “Catholic Church follows traditions that have been in practice since the very early time of the Church Fathers.” The true apostolic church which includes everyone born of the Holy Spirit by hearing and believing the Gospel of Salvation (Ephesians 1:13) is the Body of Christ and they will submit to Jesus Christ and His Word as the supreme authority for faith and truth.

By adding to God’s Word, the RCC is an apostate church that has departed from the faith of the apostles and as a result believe and teach “another gospel”. Apostates began departing from the true church even in the days of the apostles. The apostle Paul warned about this in Acts 20:29-30.

With this apostate “Christianity” came their own gods, statues, relics, and pagan practices.

What does God say in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-5?

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.”

You don’t have to look far to see the images that are “bowed down to” in the Roman Catholic religious system of belief.

By the 12^th century, the Roman Catholic Church became a powerful institution. The pope offered crusading armies earthly riches and eternal bliss to kill all those opposed to papal supremacy.

In 1545, the Council of Trent, not only declared tradition to be equal to the authority of Scripture, but also dared to say their tradition had become the Word of God.

In the 1800's, the infallibility of the Pope was proclaimed by Vatican Council.

Do you see the change in the Roman Catholic traditions? God's Word doesn't change.

Jesus said in Mark 7:13: "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." Like the Pharisees in the days when Jesus walked the earth, the RCC has nullified Scripture with their tradition! (Mark 7:1-14)

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" Psalm 19:7-15 KJV

Scripture vs. Tradition

2011-02-05T09:38:00.006-05:00

Someone recently wrote to me that she, a Catholic, believes that she and I differ on doctrine. I believe that according to what Scripture says that we differ on much more. Let's take a look at the major differences between Scripture vs. Tradition here at Adventures in Living.

The following is an excerpt from Proclaiming the Gospel literature entitled Roman Catholicism, Scripture vs. Tradition that compares The Gospel of Grace vs. the Gospel of Roman Catholicism. I've used this summary to show the major differences between what the Bible says versus Catholic tradition, denoting paragraphs in parentheses in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Click on the Scripture links below to read the Scripture verses at Bible Gateway.

The Gospel of Grace reveals - Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection - I Corinthians 15:1-4
The Gospel of Roman Catholicism reveals - A religious system of sacraments, indulgences, purgatory and prayers for the dead (1032, 1472-79, 1498)

Gospel of Grace - Salvation is only through Christ - Acts 4:12
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Salvation is through the Roman Catholic Church (846)

Gospel of Grace - Salvation is a gift of God's grace - Ephesians 2:8,9
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Salvation is merited by doing good works (1815, 1821, 2010, 2027)

Gospel of Grace: Salvation is by faith alone - Ephesians 2:8,9
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Salvation by faith plus the law, sacraments, and good works (1129, 1131)

Gospel of Grace - Salvation is attained by Christ - Romans 5:9
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Salvation is attained by man (2010, 2027)

Gospel of Grace - Salvation is at the moment a sinner believes the gospel - Ephesians 1:13,14
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Salvation is a process from baptism through purgatory (161-2, 1254-55)

Gospel of Grace - Salvation is secured by God - John 10:27-30
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Salvation is never assured in this life (1036, 2005)

Gospel of Grace - Sins are expiated by Christ's blood - Romans 3:25
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Sins are expiated by suffering in purgatory (1030-31)

Gospel of Grace - Salvation glorifies God alone - Ephesians 1
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - Mary and all the saints are also glorified (1476-77)

Gospel of Grace - The work of salvation is finished - John 19:30
Gospel of Roman Catholicism - This work continues with daily sacrifices (611, 1405)

A friend of mine who grew up Catholic told me that after someone shared the Gospel of Grace with her, God used the following Scripture to open her eyes to the truth of God's Word. She is now a Bible believing Christian, saved by God's grace through Jesus Christ. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5, NKJV) It's Jesus Christ, God the Son, who finished the work of salvation on the cross and it is Jesus Christ who ever lives to make intercession for us to the Father. We pray only to God through His Son.

To add or take away from what the Bible says is to believe a "different gospel". II Corinthians 11:3 & 4 says, "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicitythat is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!"

What gospel do you believe? Are you trusting in Jesus Christ alone to save you from your sin or are you trusting in the tradition of men? I believe the Bible is the holy, inerrant, inspired Word of God and in II Thessalonians 1:8 & 9, God says that "those who do not acknowledge God nor heed the good news of our Lord Jesus... will suffer the penalty of eternal ruin."

God does not want anyone to perish. He loves you! However, salvation rejected means an eternity in Hell, separated from God forever. God does not want that for you. He lovingly desires all to come to know Him as their personal Savior through the finished work of Christ's death and resurrection.

Won't you trust in Jesus today to save you from your sin? If you would like to know more about how to receive the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, click here. Jesus promises a home in Heaven to all who humbly believe on Him. Praise God for His mercy and grace!

Decorating on a Dime

2011-01-25T07:29:00.001-05:00

Long before it was in vogue to recycle, my grandparents were doing it. My mom's dad was a wallpaper hanger by trade. I remember watching him work and my grandmother saving colorful wallpaper scraps to later glue onto various sized empty, clean cans. She would make decorative pencil cup holders out of old soup cans and give them as gifts.

Recently, I came across this picture in a home magazine and thought, "Wow, this is what my grandmother did!" It inspired me to think about ways I could re-purpose items in my house to help ease the family budget. I'll admit, I love to shop and buy "new" so finding ways for me to save money is a challenge.

God's been reminding me about what he says in Luke chapter 16, verses 10-12. The following verses are from the Amplified Version.

"He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]?"

God wants us to be wise in our choices. I'll admit, that is hard for me when it comes to budgeting. It's an area that I pray God will continually show me what to do so I may be faithful to His calling - sharing the true riches of the love of Jesus Christ with others.

In what ways do you save money or recycle items to help ease your family budget?

Ode to My Sister Pam

2011-01-18T11:21:00.002-05:00

My sister Pam with her husband and oldest son

Today is my sister Pam's 40th birthday. Over the weekend, we celebrated with a surprise party - (and it really was a surprise!) At the party, I read a poem I wrote for her. There were a few teary eyes, including mine! Really, where has time gone? It's so good to know that all our times are in God's mighty hands.

I thought I'd share my poem with you today. I love my family. I love my two sisters, my brother, my parents, my husband, children, nieces, nephews, and the list goes on. God has truly blessed me. He is so good. In turn, I pray that I will be a blessing to others and never fail to speak of God's great love!

Ode to my Sister Pam

by Susan Kelly Skitt

Happy Birthday, Pammy dear, can you believe it’s your fortieth year?

We’ve lived by God’s grace through the years, We’ve laughed and we’ve cried both kinds of tears,

It’s like people say, “Where has time gone?” But I remember one January dawn, when you were born.

God answered my prayer, with a blue eyed sister with golden hair.

Pamela Annette, with marshmallow cheeks, I held you and kissed you for weeks and weeks.

Then something new happened one September day, another sister with whom to play,

Our little sister, Wendy Jeanne, with eyes the color of a cocoa bean,

She made our sisterhood complete, a trio, a team that could compete,

In sports, but never with each other, just three little girls - then came our brother.

Daniel Robert, oh what a surprise, we hardly could believe our eyes,

A brother, wow, what could we do, with this little man with eyes so blue?

We picked him up, we carried him around, we dressed him up, we dressed him down,

Three big sisters with one little brother, we acted like we were his little mothers,

We played and we learned, and we grew and we grew, three little sisters and our brother too.

We learned about God, we learned from His Word, we read the Bible where God’s voice is heard,

Through the Bible, we came to know, how great is God’s love, how His mercy He shows,

God sent His only Son to die, so we could live in Heaven on high,

In Heaven Jesus prepares our home, where we’ll live forever, we won’t be alone,

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we are saved from our sin, we are not lost,

And that means forever, my sister, my friend, we’ll spend together, when our life on earth ends,

We’ll be together in our Heavenly home, and worship God before His throne,

Praise the Lord for parents who taught us to see, God’s infinite mercy for you and for me.

We’ve seen God’s grace through the good and the bad,

We’ve prayed and we’ve played, such fun times we’ve had,

You give from your heart, you help and you bake, you whip up pies, cookies, and cakes,

You care for your husband, your children, your home, you take time to listen, to pick up the phone,

To call and to help people in need, to make them some food, to do a good deed,

Your life is a testimony of God’s great love, a gift from our Heavenly Father above.

And now that this little poem is through, I hope you know that this is true:

That you are cherished by your sister, Sue.

A New Start to a New Year

2011-01-09T22:14:00.007-05:00

I've been a bit silent on the home front here at Adventures in Living. For the next few months I'll be tracking my weight loss journey on Weighing In With Sue. It's a new blog I began to journal my quest to living and eating in a healthy way using Weight Watchers as a tool. Don't worry, I'll still be writing here about faith and family.

But in order to be a healthy mom, I decided last week to return as a Lifetime Member to Weight Watchers. By getting weighed in weekly (until I reach my weight goal and then it's monthly) and attending meetings as I'm able (they give great tips and recipes) it helps keep me accountable. I joined for the first time in my twenties while in college when those extra ten pounds appeared and then again after my two pregnancies. Each time I lost and maintained a healthy weight until I stopped doing what I was supposed to do.

In recent years I would like to blame my twenty plus pound weight gain on age, really, I have noticed a difference in my metabolism after hitting 40. However if I'm honest, the last few years I haven't been as careful about my food portions and choices of snacks. I've still tried to buy lower sugar this or lower fat that, higher fiber this, and more recently organic that. I exercise and feel better when I do. I know what to do with regards to food but there is a difference with head knowledge and actions. Somehow every time I'd start to try to eat right, it wouldn't last more than a day or two.

As I think about eating healthy and actions, my mind is drawn to I Corinthians 6:19, 20. "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you. whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

I want to live my life in a healthy way to glorify God. God has given us a variety of wonderful foods to enjoy and it's for our good. Our body is God's temple and we need to learn to treat it with respect. Tonight I cut up some strawberries instead of reaching into the cookie cabinet for a second time. That's a step in the right direction. I did have two homemade chocolate chip cookies earlier, but that's okay. I fit it into my eating plan for the day. It's much better than what I had been doing - at times 5 or 6 cookies in a day. (And I seriously wondered how I gained the weight?)

So, as I move forward in this year of 2011, I want to live my life for the Lord in both body and spirit. As I nourish my spirit through reading the Word of God, prayer, and going to a Bible teaching church, I want to nourish my body with good foods and regular exercise.

How about you? In what ways do you strive to live a healthy lifestyle in both body and spirit?

Read and Share Bible Winner!

2011-01-04T08:12:00.000-05:00

And the winner of the Read and Share Bible is:

SHARON

Sharon, please email me at susanskitt@verizon.net with your shipping information.

Thank you everyone for entering this giveaway and for your wonderful comments!

My 9 year old son had fun picking the winner from the hat.

God bless!

The Read and Share Bible Book Review & Giveaway

2010-12-28T10:03:00.002-05:00

“Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them. You must love and accept God like a little child if you want to enter heaven.” (Pg. 334 Read and Share Bible taken from Luke 18:15-17)

If you were one of the children who got to sit on Jesus’ lap, what would you say to Him?

Questions like these make the Read and Share Bible a useful tool for parents or anyone teaching children about God. The Read and Share Bible is delightfully illustrated and will capture the attention of children. But what makes this lovely hard-covered Bible storybook unique is how it will encourage children to think through questions and information that will stretch their knowledge of God, His Word, and what God wants them to do.

As I paged through over 200 best-loved Bible stories in the Read and Share Bible, I saw many wonderful Bible stories like Jonah and the Big Fish. At the end of Jonah’s true tale, this is what you’ll read on page 289: “Every time we disobey, we get into trouble. What would be a better choice?”

As a mom, I believe these types of prompts are an important way to help kids think through what they would do differently after they have done something wrong.

Gwen Ellis, the author retelling the Bible Stories in the Read and Share Bible, says, “As I selected the stories for the Read and Share Bible, I decided to include, not only well-known Bible stories, but also some that rarely appear in Bible Storybooks. They, too, are significant in understanding God’s love.”

Each story has a Scripture reference to make it easy for you to read more about the story from the Bible. Like the true story from First Samuel chapter four entitled, “Losing the Holy Box”. Here is an excerpt from the Read and Share Bible on page 188 about the Ark of the Covenant: “When Samuel had grown up, there was a war. God’s people decided to take the Holy Box into the battle. When they did this, they did not follow God’s rules. Guess what? The enemy captured the Holy Box of God and took it home with them. God’s people were sad.” God’s people knew the rules, but decided not to follow them. What do you think about following rules?

For more information about the Read and Share Bible, please click on this link for Tommy Nelson. You can find more excerpts of the Read and Share Bible on facebook at Facebook.com/TommyNelsonKids on the Read and Share tab. In addition, you can find a short video on YouTube about the Read and Share DVD Bible by searching for the Read and Share Bible.

And now for an exciting giveaway! If you would like to be included in a drawing for a FREE copy of the Read and Share Bible, please tell me in your comment of this book review post. I will announce one winner on my blog on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. So please spread the word – all are welcome to enter this giveaway of the Read and Share Bible from Tommy Nelson! Even if your children are grown, you may know someone who could use this wonderful book – so please, enter the drawing. Check back in one week and if you are selected as the winner, please email me at susanskitt@verizon.net with a way for me to contact you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Read and Share Bible at Adventures in Living. Remember to live the adventure that God has for you!

A Christmas Cookie Classic

2010-12-23T12:22:00.003-05:00

My oldest son asked me the other day, "Mom, are we ever going to make thumbprint cookies?"

A friend had delivered a tray of cookies to us that included, you guessed it - thumbprints. I hadn't made them in years! My youngest son (age nine) didn't even know what thumbprint cookies were. Had it really been that long?

"Oh, they're fun to make. You get to press your thumb into the dough and fill it with yummy stuff," I replied.

I thought about how much I enjoy popping these little jellied gems into my mouth. Maybe that's why I haven't made them in years! So, out of my old and very disheveled recipe box I retrieved my mom's tried and true version of this timeless cookie classic.

Click here to get a copy of my family recipe for Thumbprint Cookies at Susie's Kitchen Blog. Enjoy!

The Mysterious Missing Jesus

2010-12-20T22:41:00.003-05:00

“Oh, no! Baby Jesus is missing!” I exclaimed pulling into my driveway. Our neighbor’s lighted manger display of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus was minus their most important figure this year – Jesus! Glowing plastic replicas of Mary and Joseph gazed adoringly at an empty spot on the lawn. I grinned, wondering about the mysterious missing babe in the manger.

The case of the missing Jesus made me think how the absence of Christ is so prevalent in today’s holiday celebrations. What is this Christmas Season of the year all about? It's about a baby that was born in a stable two thousand years ago in the nation of Israel. The Bible tells us that Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He was the God of the Universe come down in human form to save us from our sin.

One day we will all stand before a righteous God and give an account for our lives. We will be either sentenced to Heaven or to Hell, not according to what we have done, but according to whether we have asked Jesus to forgive us of our sin and come into our hearts to be our personal Savior.

Jesus paid the price our sin demanded. He gave up His life for us on the cross and then rose from the dead three days later. He offers free access into Heaven to all who trust in Him. That's why He came and that's what Christmas is all about!

Please, don't allow Christ to be missing in your Christmas or your life! Admit your need for Him today and invite Him into your life to be your personal Savior.

You can pray words like these:

Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I know you are God and that you died to pay for my sins. I believe you rose from the dead like you said. Please forgive me of my sin and come into my life to be my personal Savior. Thank you for dying for me and help me to live for you. Amen.

The Greatest Gift of All

2010-12-13T12:31:00.002-05:00

Here's a few words I wrote today about this wonderful gift-giving season of the year - CHRISTMAS! As you read, try singing the words to the tune of Jingle Bells. Enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas!

The Greatest Gift of All

by Susan Kelly Skitt

Dashing to the mall,

On a cold December day,

To the stores I go,

Singing all the way,

Gifts to buy for kids,

Gifts to buy for friends,

What fun it is to shop and sing,

The joy it never ends.

Oh, buying gifts, giving gifts,

Giving all the way,

Makes me think of God's great gift,

How Jesus came to save us,

Buying gifts, giving gifts,

Think of God's own Son,

He is the greatest gift of all,

Oh see what God has done.

Jesus gave His life,

To save us from our sin,

His blood He shed for us,

Eternal life to win,

No more sting of death,

No more fear and strife,

Ask Jesus Christ to save your soul

And you'll have eternal life!

Oh, buying gifts, giving gifts,

Giving all the way,

Makes me think of God's great gift,

How Jesus came to save us,

Buying gifts, giving gifts,

Think of God's own Son,

He is the greatest gift of all,

Oh see what God has done.

A Thankful Heart

2010-11-23T14:27:00.008-05:00

"Mom, there's something downstairs..." My nine-year-old son pressed his face against the outside of my bedroom door this morning trying to lure me out of my room. It was two days before Thanksgiving Holiday and he was off from school.

"What is it Joel?"

"You have to get up and see."

I swung my legs out of bed and grabbed my robe. "Okay, I'm coming."

I padded down the steps and saw a surprise waiting for me on the kitchen island. A cereal bowl, spoon, and container of milk sat surrounded by three cereal boxes. A blueberry muffin was placed to the right of the bowl.

"This is for you. You have to look around," my son said grinning ear to ear.

To the left of the bowl was a note printed on lined paper, written by my third-grader. It read like this:

to: mom

This is what you desrerved.

(picture of a smiley face)

P.S. I Love you!

"Wow, you made breakfast for me," I said. "And even gave me a choice of cereals." I wrapped my arms around my son and hugged him tight. "Thank you. That was very nice!"

"See," he continued pointing, "I even gave you your cell phone in case you had to do stuff."

I peeked at my cell sitting behind my cereal bowl and chuckled to myself. "That was very thoughtful Joel."

"And I even put a cushion on the chair for you," he said staring up at me with big blue eyes.

"That's extra thoughtful," I said, looking at our hard wooden stools surrounding our kitchen island table.

I slipped into my seat and tipped one of the cereal boxes. Square bits of oatmeal clacked into the ceramic bowl. After topping it with a splash of milk, I took a big scoop of crunchy cereal into my mouth. "Mmm... this is a great breakfast." I turned to look at my young son, whispering thanks to the Lord for his gracious hand of provision.

Joel leaned against the kitchen counter with a satisfied grin watching me eat.

"Thank you sweetie. You are very thoughtful."

"I just wanted to do something nice for my mom."

I thought about the Scripture verse that says children are a heritage from the Lord. My heart filled with tenderness looking at my nine-year-old, freckled face, blue-eyed heritage. God is good. I am so thankful.

What are you thankful for today?

Speaking Topics

2010-11-22T11:11:00.002-05:00

Wherever you may be on life's journey, God wants to walk with you. He wants to be your forever friend. That is the foundation of my speaking ministry. I am a Christian, Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar graduate, I hold a SkillPath Certificate in Effective Communication, and I have taught in women and children church ministries for over twenty years. I look forward to hearing from you and helping your group with practical information that is firmly rooted in the Bible. Please contact me to schedule a talk for your next event.

Adventurous Living: Walking by faith on life’s journey
What happens when life takes some unexpected twists and turns? Susan takes you on her personal journey of tragedy to triumph. Discover how God promises to guide you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Adventures in Motherhood: Finding the key to a balanced life
Susan unlocks the mystery of how you can live a life with less stress, more strength, and a new motivation. Get ready to open the door to the amazing plan God has for you.

Adventures in Prayer: Discover God’s answer to life’s big question
Have you ever wondered what God’s purpose is for your life? Susan uncovers examples of people whose lives were dramatically changed through the power of prayer. You’ll discover Bible treasures that will change your life forever.

A Family Connection: God's plan for lasting fulfillment
God has an important plan for the family. Explore the way the Bible reveals for all the families on the earth to be blessed. Does God's way of blessing match our own expectations?

Hickory, Dickory, Doc: Connecting With Children
Are you wondering how to build relationships with the children in your life? You'll find practical information with creative ways to relate to children and tips on communication. There’s no time like the present to begin! Can be adapted for school or church settings

Joy on the Journey: Secrets to Living Well
In today's fast paced world, learn how to slow down and enjoy life. Susan will reveal five secrets that will motivate you to embrace life’s journey and live well. Can be adapted for corporate or church settings

Journaling Workshop:
This hands-on workshop will motivate you to journal life experiences. As a published contributing author to numerous inspirational books, Susan teaches the benefits of journaling, types of journaling, how to journal, and gives you an opportunity to begin with a journaling exercise. An additional segment is available for writers interested in tips on how to get published. Appropriate for any setting

Testimonials:

If this was for no one else today, it was for me. God knows exactly what we are going through and encourages us at the exact moment we need it. Thank you so much for being willing to allow God to work in your life. I was so blessed by today. Tammi K. – College Student

Your message was right from the heart. Janet P. – Elementary School Teacher

Susan ministered to our M.O.P.S. group (Mothers of Preschoolers) with tenderness and honesty while sharing her life’s story. Clearly, she understands the challenges of being a mother, but more importantly, she understands the heart of a mother and her desire to be the best one she can be. From her own tragedies and disappointments, she offers hope and encouragement that is only found through a relationship with Jesus. Amy T. – M.O.P.S. Coordinator, Davisville Church

Susan's journaling workshop was enthusiastically received by the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship. She is a gifted speaker who effectively connects with her audience through sharing her life experiences and providing practical help and encouragement. - Marlene Bagnull, Founder & Director, Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference

Stand Firm on the Rock of Christ

2010-11-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

by Susan Kelly Skitt

When cold winds blow whipping to and fro,