Archive for category: Random Thoughts

One glance at the Grand Canyon, a laughing hyena and Niagara Falls shows that we serve a God of creativity. And because HE is creative, He loves to pour His creativity into His children.

Check out one of my favorite Scriptures from the Message:

“Live creatively, friends.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.

Don’t be impressed with yourself.

Don’t compare yourself with others.

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians 6: 1; 4-5).

What happens when we allow God to lead us outside the box?

“Promise Keepers” happens.

“Women of Faith” is launched.

“Passion” conferences” explode.

Hillsong goes global.

Revival sweeps through churches.

If we become spiritually comfortable, we grow stale. In fact, we can get so comfortable that we stop stepping out in faith to take risks that we easily took in earlier days.

God wants to use us!

But if we aren’t living in obedience to Him,

He’ll easily find someone else to do the job.

He’ll find someone who’s willing to step out in faith.

One who believes faith and risk often go hand-in-hand.

He’ll use someone who’s willing to think outside the box that we’ve become trapped in.

Yellow Cab could have created Uber.

Hilton could have created Airbnb.

ESPN could have created Bleacher Report.

Wal-Mart could have created Amazon.

So why didn’t they?

They became comfortable where they were.

And now—those who were willing to think outside of the box—are giving them a run for their money!

Let’s not make the mistake of becoming too comfortable.

“Live creatively, friends. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians).

Thoughts?

I’ll be speaking seven times in Leesburg, VA, this weekend and would appreciate your prayers.

Has it been a rough week?

Do you need some encouragement?

“The One who formed you says,

‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are Mine.

When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Do not me afraid, for I am with you’”

(Isaiah 43:1-3; 5 NLT).

My precious Dad entered heaven this week. We had his funeral
service today. He was ready for heaven! And I’m so grateful for the
wonderful spiritual heritage he left me.

I’m speaking in Salem, OR this weekend and would appreciate your prayers.

Jesus told us to go into all the world and spread the gospel.

We know this as the Great Commission.

(See Matthew 28:18-20.)

Each summer I take people on a two-week international

missions trip so we can do just that! Will you pray about joining me this summer?

We’ll be going to Peru.

It’s an amazing trip!

Yes, it’s missions come to life . . .

but it’s also packed with the flavor of

old fashioned revival,

adventure,

and brand-new friendships!

The dates are June 26 to July 9, 2017.

(We ask adults to arrive on June 24 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.)

What will we do?

We’ll minister to orphans, in schools, do work projects at churches,

set up a medical clinic, and we’ll present the gospel through

a 22-minute pantomime drama.

It’s powerful.

It’s unforgettable.

And it’s genuine ministry!

I’ll be speaking to our group each evening.

We’ll be staying at a beautiful place outside of Lima.

I’d LOVE to have you join  me!

Who can come?

Adults, students, medical personnel, counselors.

I call it “Never the Same”—

because you truly are NEVER the same after experiencing this!

I need you.

Will you pray about joining me?

For more details go to:

www.NeverTheSameMissions.org

When you fill out the application, write “Susie Shellenberger”

at the very top. This will alert the people handling the applications for me that we know each other, and they’ll process your application much faster.

Let me know your thoughts, OK?

As I count my blessings this Thanksgiving,

I’m truly grateful for

the holy Trinity:

God, the Father, who created all things and who loves me

enough to send Jesus, His Son, to save me from my sin

and to die for me and grant me mercy, grace and forgiveness—

and the Holy Spirit who guides me daily

and reminds me of the Truth in Scripture

and who empowers me to live the Christian life.

I’m grateful beyond words that Christ is ALIVE—

that He actually conquered death

and is preparing an incredible home for me in heaven!

I’m so thankful for godly parents who have given me a wonderful spiritual heritage . . .

and my godly brother and his family

who love me and pray for me,

and for godly friends with whom I can discuss spiritual truths

and share prayers requests and burdens.

I’m grateful for YOU . . .

for reading my little blog week after week

and praying for me when God prompts you.

You’ll never know what a difference your prayers make

when I’m exhausted and lonely in a hotel room

and miles from home.

On a lighter note . . .

I’m thankful for the smell of brand-new shoes,

all the primary colors,

the taste of raw cookie dough,

the sounds of my two dogs

when we’re wrestling,

cuddling

or talking,

OKC Thunder basketball games,

Stephane’s yummy tossed salad that no one can make like her,

Jennifer’s homemade dressing,

Kent’s special stash of cokes-made-with-sugarcane-sugar-in-a-bottle stored in the garage fridge,

and even the annual Thanksgiving family Ping-Pong tournament

that I never win.

God is good.

What are YOU grateful for?

Please share!