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I am changing the location of this blog. Please see my blog located at www.susannescheppmann.blogspot.com.
See you there, Susanne Scheppmann

But Wait, There’s More!

A couple of days ago I told you about the Christian Book Expo in Dallas March 19th-22nd. But wait, there is more. Not only will there be over 200 authors to meet and sign your books, but there is going to be a “Picnic with the Authors” sponsored by Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

Here’s your personal invitation from AWSA!

You and your friends are invited to have lunch with bestselling Christian women authors for our first ever luncheon with the authors INSIDE the Dallas Convention Center. Come to meet the women you already know on the pages of your favorite books, enjoy our book giveaways, prizes, book signings and more. Please have a bite to eat with us!

When: March 21st
Where: The Christian Book Expo at the Dallas Convention Center’s Women’s Luncheon Conference room
Time: 12:30 – 2:00 pm
How to purchase a ticket(s): Click HERE

Every table will be hosted by one of the many authors, myself included, who are sponsoring this special event. There will be great food, good conversation and fantastic books. What more can an avid reader want?

Please join us at the Christian Book Expo and the Picnic with the Authors!

Not Alone

One of the things that I believe in is sharing our stories with others.  When life is shared it helps lift the burden of pain.  And it intensifies our sense of joy when we experience answered prayers.  In so many circumstances of life we often feel we are alone—that no one else has ever experienced the same feelings.

We especially feel isolated when we experience difficult times with our children.  Perhaps because of fear or embarrassment we do not allow others to know what is going on in our lives as hurting parents.  A parent is not alone.

Below I am listing several resources and books that parents of a wayward child may find useful.  Please peruse the list and make use of resources that will help you know you are not alone.

Teen Challenge:  http://teenchallengeusa.com

Exodus Ministries:  http://www.exodus-international.org

Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppmann @ www.susanneonline.com  or www.amazon.com

If the Prodigal Were a Daughter by Janice Chaffee @ www.amazon.com

Prodigals and Those Who Love Them by Ruth Bell Graham @ www.amazon.com

Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children by Allison Bottle @ www.amazon.com

Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter by Janet Thompson @ www.amazon.com

If you have other resources, please share them with us on this blog.  Because we are not alone—we have each other and more importantly we have the Lord.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  John 14:16-18 (KJV)

A Partner in Prayer,

Susanne

House of Holiness

House of Holiness 
  Psalm 93:5, Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord. (NIV)  

My husband Mark likes a clean house. Fortunately for me, he also enjoys vacuuming.  We joke that our vacuum covers more miles per week than a NASCAR driver. The noise of suction vibrates throughout our home on a daily basis picking up small particles of food, dirt, dog hair and who knows what else. 

Now here is the weird part;  most of the time I do not notice or can’t see what the vacuum collects off my floor, until I empty the vacuum bag.  Shock washes over me each time I replace the dusty bag of dirt. I realize all that appalling stuff snuck into my carpet uninvited. 

While my home stays clean from sundry floor dirt, keeping my home in a state of godly holiness requires daily diligence as well.  Psalm 93:5 describes God’s house as, “holiness adorns your house for endless days.”  I believe our own homes should reflect holiness as well, because God commands us, “. . . be holy, because I am holy. . . (Leviticus 11:44 NIV).”   In addition, in the Old Testament the priests in God’s house were told, “You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean. . . (Leviticus 10:10 NIV).” 

Although these verses apply within the Old Testament laws, we are called to be holy priests today. Twice in 1 Peter we are told we are a “holy priesthood.” So I must ask myself, What is common or unholy in my home?   What has snuck into my life that God considers appalling in His sight? 

The way I determine if something needs to be removed from my home-life is by asking the following types of questions:

• Would my favorite outfit be modest enough to wear to the door to invite Him into my home?
• If Jesus were sitting with me, would I read this book?
• Could I invite Jesus to watch my favorite afternoon television show and watch it guilt free? 
• Would I want to share my popcorn with Him as I watched the latest video released?
 
Even though our answers might differ to what we believe is appropriate for our own homes, we must be diligent to seek God’s heart on what spiritual housekeeping He desires in our lives.  For myself, a good guideline is found in  Philippians 4:8, “ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (NASB).”  These words from the Apostle Paul help me to determine what needs to stay and what needs to go in my home.  

An example of this type of decision applied recently in my own life.  I had watched a movie on TV that I enjoyed, so much I decided to purchase it.  However, when I began to watch the movie, the vulgarity of the language shocked me.  I realized the network television has edited the profanity from the movie.  It was not honorable, right, pure, or of good repute.  I discarded the movie into the trash.  Unknowingly, I had brought “spiritual dirt” into my home. 

Just as I clean my grimy floors frequently, I battle to keep my home godly. Now if you will excuse me, I hear my husband running the vacuum.  I believe I will go run a spiritual vacuum throughout the house, because I often bring home bits and pieces of things that God would not find pleasing to His eyes.  How about you?  Do you need to run a “spiritual vacuum” throughout your home?   

My prayer for today:

Lord God, reveal to me anything in my home that would not be pleasing to You.  Help me to discard books, movies, or any other type of entertainment that I would not be proud to share with You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application steps: 

Change your vacuum bag.  Examine the junk that accumulates inside it.  Then walk through your home with your eyes open to discover what “spiritual housekeeping” you might need to accomplish today.  Ask God to open your eyes and mind to items that He might not find pleasing.

 
Reflection points: 

What areas of my home need a spiritual remodeling?

Does my clothing model Christian modesty?

Does my personal entertainment reflect that I serve a Holy God?

 
Power verses: 

Leviticus 11:44, “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves about on the ground.” (NIV) 

Leviticus 10:10-11, “And so as to make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean, and so as to teach the sons of Israel all the statutes which the Lord has spoken to them through Moses.” (NASB) 

Psalm 101:3, “I refuse to take a second look at corrupting people and degrading things . . .” (The Message)

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (NIV) 

Psalm 65:4, “Blessed are the chosen! Blessed the guest at home in your place! We expect our fill of good things in your house, your heavenly manse.” (The Message)

Distinguishing between the Holy & Common

This morning on the Today Show they interviewed teens.  (The video is available online to watch.) Then they interviewed three experts who discussed teens’ views on sex, drugs and alcohol.   They talked about listening to your child–good advice.  They discussed allowing your child to drink or smoke pot in your own home. I felt they leaned toward saying to your child, “Of course, let me teach you how.”  But they never gave a definitive answer on that one.  (Probably because of legal issues!) 

As I watched the “experts” skirt the true issues at hand I recalled the phrase found in Leviticus 10:9-10.

“For the generations to come.  You must distinguish between the holy and common.”

My girlfriend looked up the verse in her Bible and it read, “between the holy and secular”.  Interesting.   Of course, we can’t remove everything from our lives because we live in a secular world, but I believe we can be intentional in what we allow to be in our lives and home.

Of course, this whole thought can throw us in “parental guilt” paralysis.  With thoughts of, “if only I had done. . . “  As parents we have enough guilt without heaping another garbage pail of guilt on top of ourselves.  So don’t allow guilt to consume you over past mistakes.

However, is there something I can do now to change my home to bring about a more holy environment?  Ponder it.  Are there outward behaviors I can alter to illustrate my own intent to walk in closeness with our God?  Regardless of what our children say or do, they still watch our own behavior.  They watch us closely.  Do we walk our talk?

Think about it today.  Reflect on what  you can do to model holiness to your children. Tomorrow, I am going to share a devotion I wrote on this topic for Proverbs 31 Ministries several years ago.  

Blessings,

 

Dry Bones

    He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
    I said, “O Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
    Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” (Ezekiel 37:3-6) 

He used to love to break the turkey wishbone. We would pick the meat off the carcass, search for the wishbone, and set in on the windowsill to dry. Each day, my little boy would ask, “Is it dry?” 

Finally, the day would arrive, and the bone would be white and brittle. We would each hold an end, make a wish, and tug. The wishbone would snap! A big grin would spread across my son’s face, “I won. Mine is longer; my wish will come true!”

Now it is my son that has spiritually dry bones. He roams in a secular world that shrivels his soul and sucks the truth of God’s Word out of him. I witness the withering of hope, joy, and the promise of abundant life in my son.

Oh, but I know the Living Water. I don’t wish, I pray. My God is able to breathe life into dry bones again. One day soon, I know my son will say with a big grin, “The Lord is good. I am no longer dry bones, Mom. Your prayers have come true.”

Sovereign Lord, can the dry bones of _________________ live? Only You know, O Sovereign Lord! Allow ________________ to hear Your Words. Say to _______________ “I will make breath enter you and you will come to life, then you, _______________, will know that I am the Lord.” I pray these words, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Excerpt from Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents–Copyright 2009 New Hope Publishers  Written by Susanne Scheppmann

Check out the D6 Conference

Please see this information concerning a wonderful conference designed specifically to help build the parent/child relationship.  This conference in September held in Dallas will be a life changing event.  This information is directly from the D6 website.

“The vision of The D6 Conference is to champion a movement of parents connecting with their kids spiritually to transfer their faith and life values.

 

How many hours a week do your kids spend at church? One, two, maybe three. It’s nearly impossible to think that the youth pastor, children’s pastor, or small group leader could be the primary spiritual influence over the lives of our kids. According to D6 (Deuteronomy 6:5-7) that’s a job for dad and mom.

  

Parents are involved in sports, homework, and hygiene, but many parents find it challenging to connect with their children when it comes to their faith. Therefore they choose not to interact or dialogue with their kids about the most critical issue in life. The results are staggering: we are losing a generation of kids, and this is having an enormous impact on the future of the church.”

Want to know more?  Here’s the website:  http://www.d6conference.com

 

 Hope to see you there in September!

 

 Susanne

 

In a World Long Ago

Edit this entry.

Recently, I have been using a tag-phrase of “Peace for the Past, Hope for the Future.”  This phrase is certainly true of my own past.  I had a semi-dysfunctional childhood and a very rebellious adolescence.  For example, when I was fourteen my goal in life was to go to reform school.  Why?  Because all of my friends were there, of course!

 

I skipped school.  I swore like a sailor.  I was kicked out of school twice.  Do you get the picture?  If not, please see below. J

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Now let me add a disclaimer to this.  The pipe did NOT have anything in it.  (I wanted it to, but it was an antique pipe from my great-great-grandfather who smoked “tobaccy” in it.)  I wanted to “look” cool so I posed with the pipe.  I was 13 at the time and was basically unaware of drugs until I went to high school—but we’ll save that for another blog.

 

Then right before I turned sixteen, my stepmother loved me into the arms of Christ.  I was not an easy one to love, but she did it well and geniuinely.  She didn’t make me into a “salvation of the soul project.”  She just loved and told me about the unconditional love of Jesus.  The day I became a Christ follower my life began to turn around.  Of course, it wasn’t an overnight process and I have had quite a few stumbles and flat on my face falls. But, the power of Jesus Christ in my life changed not only my life, but the lives of my future children and the distant future of my grandchildren.  Get the picture?  If not, see below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Today, because of prayer and because of our Lord Jesus, we have Peace for the Past, Faith for the Future!

 

Methamphetamine Addiction and Freedom

I just finished the book, Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff.   It is the true story written by a father whose son became addicted to meth.  It is a heart wrenching story of decline, rehab, sobriety, and decline in meth—over and over again.  The book’s facts on meth and other drugs are astounding.

 

Now, it is not a Christian book.  So beware of language and such.  David Sheff (the father) has no relationship with God.  He mentions that throughout the book.  However, he was told by rehab professionals, “You will believe when you’re through this journey with your son.”   Although he does not have a salvation experience, by the end of the book he has turned toward God to pray, “Heal Nic.  God please heal Nic.” 

 

Although I have never faced this type of addiction with my children, I know many parents who have with their children or even with themselves.   I recommend the book if you are searching for more information on methamphetamines.  I cannot say it is an “uplifting” book, but it is compelling to the end.  Below is a brief review of the Beautiful Boy found on Amazon.com.

 

 

“This is a stunningly written, intense and emotional memoir of a father’s struggle to deal with his brilliant, charismatic, and caring son’s addiction to methamphetamine. It is honest and authentic and raw and heart-rending and fascinating. It is unforgettable. As I read, I felt many emotions for both the father and son—everything from anger to sadness to grief to fear. I felt as though I was right there on the emotional roller coaster with the author.

Even if you have no personal experience of a loved one’s addiction, you will be moved by this father’s struggle to cope with his son’s substance abuse turmoils. Despite methamphetamine being this country’s most problematic drug, many of us, including me, know very little about it, and may not initially feel too interested in finding out. However, the author’s struggles and emotional journey are so poignant and compelling that any reader will find themselves caught up in this memoir, will benefit from what they learn and most of all, will be glad that they read it. If you know and/or love an addict, this book will be even more important—it will be vital—as you will find much to identify with and perhaps even be able to better process some of your own emotions.”  Review by O. Brown on Amazon.com com.

Thankfully, our Lord Jesus is stronger than any addiction.  He was sent to free us from the torment of prisons we place ourselves in with poor life choices.  No matter what your child is struggling with, know that God wants to set her free from the oppression—and you, too.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”
Luke 4:18-19 (NLT)

Scarred (A Devotional)

Scarred

           

    “But he was pierced for our transgressions,

        he was crushed for our iniquities;

    the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

        and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV) 

 

The bullet grazed across my friend’s cheek upward toward his forehead. The physician in the emergency room told him that he was lucky to be alive. My friend just shrugged his shoulders and exited the sliding door. I could see revenge in the depth of his eyes, framed by the purplish-red slice that would soon become a scar for life. 

 

I wish that was the only scar my friend brandished. However, pockmarks from the methamphetamines mix with the freckles on his face. Tracks the size of pinpricks from heroin needles run up and down his inner arm. Hepatitis wastes his liver. And those are only the physical marrings–the scars of drug abuse penetrate his heart and mind.  

 

The fire of hatred and revenge sears my friend’s soul. The years of drug abuse twists his thoughts. His personality is lost in the torment of heroin highs and downer lows. Peace of mind eludes him as the potent drugs delude his senses.

 

Thankfully, no one, not even my addict friend, is beyond redemption and healing. Jesus loved the scarred people of society. He hung on the cross for every heroin addict. He died for those filled with hate. He rose from the grave so that every addict and drug dealer could experience the full extent of God’s love through His nail-scarred hands.  

 

Lord Jesus, help my friend to know that You were pierced for his transgressions. Grant him the understanding that You were crushed for his iniquities. I ask that my friend accept You as Savior and be healed by Your wounds. Touch my friend with Your nail-scarred hands. In Your Name, Amen.

 

 

Application Steps: 

Search your local library or the Internet for information on helping family or friends with drug addictions.

 

Set an appointed time each day to pray exclusively for your relative or friend to find freedom through Jesus Christ from the drug addiction.

 

Reflections: 

What words of encouragement can I give?

 

How can I offer assistance without enabling my friend or relative?

 

Faith Builders:

Isaiah 61:1, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” (NIV) 

 

Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (NIV)