Eric Suddoth's Blog, page 30

Where Is the Line? Cancel Culture

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I’m not trying to spark hate or division, but I’m sincerely asking a question. Civilized and reasonable discussions are appreciated.

Where is the line in cancel culture?

If there is a line? Who draws that line?

And if the line is drawn, is it a line drawn in sand that can be moved or in concrete which would be hard to be moved?

This week a friend and I were talking about the growing concern with human trafficking involving children and the disgusting pedophile community.

She asked, “So do you believe in the concept of age fluid?”

“What?” I asked.

“Age fluid, the idea you are the age you think you are. It’s a thing.”

I sat in shock. And thought how? How can people say this is allowed?

I tell people all the time that I don’t feel my age as I’m nearing 40. I tell them in a positive tone that age is just a number and it doesn’t define me.

But at the end of the day I know I’m a 38 year old man even if I feel young at heart. I say I’m young at heart to energize myself to not settle in becoming a couch potato, which is so easy to do.

But I would never pretend or tell other people that I’m really 17 years old and since I’m that age I can date a 17 year old girl. If that isn’t sick enough, say I’m a 5 year old man and would like to have a relationship with a child at that age.

This is just flat out sick and wrong.

But what is also sick and wrong is the trend in people considering this line of thinking in the last few years.

So once again, my questions up.

Where is the line? Who makes up the line? And how firm is the line?

I hope most people would agree that this line of thinking is immoral, but it saddened me in my research of the age that young girls can be sold into marriage around the world. In some countries there isn’t an age requirement for parental consent marriages. So, a family could allow their young, young daughters to be married to a much older man.

This greatly saddened me.

And my thought goes deeper, if we continue down this cycle of cancel culture, could it eventually lead to allowing everything?

If we cancel everything, what will remain?

I know this is a sensitive topic for multiple reasons and layers, but it’s still a topic that deserves to be addressed.

If you were on top of the cancel culture agenda, where would you draw your line? Who would you align yourself with on your team? How firm would you draw your line?

I think before we can resolve this issue, we have to discover where our own lines lie.

You may not know.

And you may not realize how far you would go. That is the troubling thought. That we never know what we are capable of because we always think we would never do something that bad. But sadly, good people fall into the pits of “I didn’t mean to do that.”

Peter never dreamed he would deny Christ…yet he did it repeatedly.

None of us are better than Peter because it’s human nature to think of the best side of ourselves and see past the traits we would like to forget.

But we can’t turn a blind eye to our shortcomings. We can’t stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best. We can’t forget about the plank in our own eyes.

We just can’t.

If we do…it’s going to be a slippery slope.

Ever try climbing up a muddy hill?

It’s possible, but it’s easier with a group.

So, who’s in your group? Is it a team you trust? Is it one that has your back? Is it one that you also have theirs?

If not, it’s time to re-evaluate.

Life is a two way road. It’s give and take. It’s share and share alike.

I guess we will have to wait and see how far the line gets drawn. Time will only tell.

I would love to hear your comments.

Peace

313 Million Years Old…Really?

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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200821120756.htm

My mind cannot ever grasp findings such as these.

My question is, just because the rock is 313 million years old, does that mean the prints are?

If I build a sand castle a week ago, how old will science say the sand castle is? I would hope longer because the sand used in making the sand castle has been around for years.

The same for this fossil. Just because the rock is old, that doesn’t mean the indentations are old.
The scientist carbon date a piece of pottery, just because the particles that make up the pottery is millions of years old, doesn’t mean the pottery itself is that old. It just means the ingredients used to make the pottery is old.

I don’t see how you can date things like this.

For example, if I buy a notepad in 1990. Someone found a writing in it now. When was the writing written? Was it written when I first purchased the notepad? Without me dating the writing no one can know if I used the notepad last week or 30 years ago. This is how I cannot trust the reliability of carbon dating because the rock could be 313 million years old, but when did the animal write on that notepad of its rock?

Any thoughts?

Unseen Expectations

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Great expectations are often hard to achieve. When you expect something to be great, how often does it not reach those lofty heights? I mean, when you expect something to be great how often is good not good enough? When good is still a good outcome.

With my latest book, Intertwined, I basically released it thinking,

Why not?

I didn’t have high expectations on this book. I hoped it would do well. I hoped people would read the story and see the message of hope and faith within the pages. I hoped for decent reviews.

I had the bar too low for this little book written about a decade ago.

I keep getting rave reviews from strangers reading this little unknown book. They tell in their reviews that the characters drew them in. That the twisting plot is a page turner. That the turns were unexpected. And the message of faith isn’t crammed down their throat.

Wow…and to think I wasn’t ever going to release it because years ago I couldn’t get anyone to publish it. It’s been sitting in a box in my closet for years, under a stack of clothes I out grew 4 years ago.

So I took a step of uncertainty. And I bit the bullet. And I am so glad that I did. Even if the book flops, I think I will still be happy with the mere act of obedience.

I know not everyone is going to like it. This book isn’t for everyone. But it’s a story of heartache and pain, a story of family wreckage and severed wounds, a story of broken hearts and backstabbing. But, in the midst of all the chaos, there is hope.

Just like in life, there is always hope, but not everyone will see it or find it.

So, what bullet do you need to bite?

What has been simmering on the backburner of your life for too long?

What do you need to lay down in order for you to follow?

If I can do it…you definitely can!

Come on, let’s run wild with the idea of expectations. They don’t have to be great…they can just be an expectation.

So, what are you expecting?

Peace

To look into Intertwined, click on the link below. It is free on Kindle Unlimited.

My Homemade God

[image error]Who are you following?

I had someone to tell me awhile back that if you do not disagree with anything in the Bible you are not reading it right.

That statement may sound blasphemous but let me explain.

He went on and said that if you agree with God on every aspect in life are you truly worshipping the true God or are you worshipping an image of the god you want Him to be?

A God of all love and no judgement. A God of all mercy and no justice. A God of all good for you and no bad. If you think God is a God to make sure you are happy, you have a false god.

I’ve wrestled with many things the Bible has said and I thought that was bad. But I am learning that is a good thing because just as it says

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God knows much more than me and it should be expected I don’t agree with everything. But even if I don’t agree, I still have to believe that His way is correct.

That’s a hard pill to swallow.

The pride in myself to admit that I am wrong no matter how hard I try to convince myself I am right and God is wrong. That is the slippery slope that many people find themselves in.

There are so many issues in this world that people draw lines in the proverbial sand in the church – drunkenness, divorce, sex before marriage, homosexuality, women in leadership, even gluttony are a few.

One issue for me is capital punishment. I have a hard time with the notion of executing someone for a crime they committed because in the eyes of God isn’t gossiping just as sinful as murder? If a sin is a sin, shouldn’t that murderer (who deserves punishment) also get forgiveness to spare his life?

I’ve thought and debated this issue. Even though I would have a hard time sentencing someone to death, I have to believe that the Bible is right and death is a punishment for some crimes. There are various verses that says that if someone kills, they should also die.

Many people would then say most of the verses on capital punishment are in the Old Testament and when Christ came, the laws went away.

But…

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Christ is the fulfillment of the law. What was taught in the Old Testament are still important today. Just because I have grace, doesn’t mean that I am above following the laws of the old. Some dietary and sacrificial rules have passed away through revelations, but not all of them.

Just as a kid doesn’t always agree with their parents, the parents have a reason for their rules. The same is with God. We may not understand why this is not allowed and that is, but it isn’t our responsibility to correct. It’s our responsibility to reverently follow.

It may be hard to do, but it will grow us closer to God through our acts of obedience.

May you open your eyes to the true God and not the god you want.

Who are you following?

Peace

Share…Go on, Share

[image error]Share your gifts

Share your gifts ‪There is such a wonderful feeling ...

[image error]Share your gifts

The Blessing of a Single Guy

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Tonight while I was jogging I replayed the song The Blessing many times. When I first heard the song, I was taken aback because there is a line that I would sing and I couldn’t relate.

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
Your family and your children
And their children, and their children

I most likely will not have a thousand generations.

For some reason, God hasn’t ignited the notion in my heart to settle down and get married and have kids. I always thought I would, but it just hasn’t happened. (Who knows?)

So when I first sung this song, my heart was a little heavy with the idea of not having a next generation. Not because I want children, but the line in the song is about praying for your children and their children. And I thought, who is my next generation.

Then suddenly, it’s like God knew my heart because he brought up memories and faces of young guys that I have discipled and mentored over the last 15 years.

As I was jogging tonight I started to pray for the next generation in them.

I prayed for the guys who spent the weekend at my house and laid sporadically in my small living room as they played video games til all hours in the night. I prayed for their wives that they have now. I prayed for God to bless them abundantly, not with possessions and good incomes, but they possess a love for God and a contentment in their heart.

I prayed for the guys who I taught weekly on Sunday mornings as I would yell at them to stop running around and just listen to me as other leaders would cycle through like a revolving door annoyed at the immaturity of a group of 7th graders. A group who are now grown adults, living a full life. I see their posts of mission trips, weddings, births and its humbling to think God allowed me just a little time with them.

Just a few weeks ago another one of my guys from years ago texted me for my address…a wedding invitation is coming my way. I prayed for God’s provision and daily grace as he embarks on this new journey with someone by his side.

As I was running with my knee bandaged up, I can laugh now at the moment when my ACL tore as I was jumping around with a group of middle school guys 5 years ago. I pray often for these guys that welcomed me into their lives for 7 years. Now they are in college or joining the workforce. I pray God blesses them with wild dreams they could never dream. Many good memories of laughter and wounds, usually at my expense.

Now, I have a new group of little brothers (I always think of my guys as my little brothers and I’m just here for a brief time to encourage and lift them up). We swim, hike, text, they beat me at video pool, but I can school them at other games. I pray for God to open their hearts.

I used to think that it was my duty to help the next generation.

But really, it is a privilege.

I laugh with some of my older guys and say that if I’m not married when I get older, someone is going to have to take care of me since I won’t have any kids.

So, tonight as I sung the song, I was thinking of my guys. If you’re reading this, you know who you are.

Whether we met on Sunday mornings, or Sunday nights or Monday nights or Tuesday nights, Wednesday nights or hung out on weekends (I later found out that if they invited me, they knew I would pay for their supper…yep, I usually did) I am truly thankful for the memories. And I will always be praying for you and your children and their children.

The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace

Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen

May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
Your family and your children
And their children, and their children

May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you

In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you

He is for you, He is for you

Amen, amen, amen
Amen, amen, amen

I have been blessed. Extremely blessed. They may never know the impact their lives have had on my life. It filled a hole I didn’t know I had. May you always remember God is for you, He is for you.

And if you need anything, I’m always here for you and I’ll always be for you too.

Peace

You are a Masterpiece

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“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 New International Version

My grandmother was very crafty.  My mom also learned many of her skills and crochets often. She shows her love to her family and friends by making afghans or pot holders. My mom enjoys crocheting. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t continue to do it. When she starts she plans the softness of the yarn, the color schemes, the length and width of whatever project she is working on.  She doesn’t sporadically create something for no purpose. She puts her heart and soul into her craft in hopes of someone benefiting from it.

I know my mom loves me.  And if my mom takes that much time crocheting a potholder, just think of the planning and preparation God took to knit you together.

Have you ever considered that?

You were knit together by a loving God. Just as my mom takes time picking the perfect turquoise blue yarn that would go well with a dish towel, God picked the color of your eyes for a purpose. Maybe He wanted your eyes to look like the blue of the pre-dusk sky, or the brown of a leopards spot, or the gray of an elephants skin. Consider the color of your hair, your natural color.  What if He crafted your hair to shimmer like a shooting star when the sun hits it just right? He created your dimples and beauty marks, just as He created your wrinkles and cellulite. Nothing that you see is an accident. I know there are many people who hum softly as they knit. I can see God humming a song as He knitted you together. “You are beautiful, my little, little girl. You are so handsome, my little boy. I love you. I will always love you.”

Oh, you are so precious to Him. Ask anyone who creates anything they are proud of and they will tell you how they feel about their craft. God is the same way. He is so proud of what He created in you. You are His masterpiece. You are His pride and joy.

Peace

This is an excerpt of an upcoming book to be released Summer of 2021.

For other readings, check out Dream Chasers – A Journey of Faith.

Shameless Self Promotion

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I love to write. I love the crafting and the discovering of the imaginary. Interesting characters that drift into my mind like strangers in the park. It may sound strange, but before I start writing anything, I meet the characters for months. Before I ever write a sentence, I start investigating their story. The story they want to tell.

Does that sound crazy?

Probably. But most writers I talk to usually thinks the writing process is unfathomable to the reader. I don’t know how many times I have started writing a chapter with an idea how it will end, only for me to be surprised as well with the twist.

Yep…sounds crazy.

So, I love the idea of writing, but I hate the end. The advertising. The marketing. The begging for people to take a chance on an unknown author.

I feel like a door to door salesman’s selling cookies to a baker.

So here is my selfish plea. But it’s not my words, but from readers who have read my latest book, Intertwined. A few are from friends, a couple from book reviewers and bloggers and the majority are from strangers who took a chance on my little book.

Loved the book!
It kept me interested the whole time I was reading it and I never lost interest!!!
Love that it was somewhat mysterious and gripping yet not too complicated to follow!!!

It was very twisty which I appreciated. I didn’t see several things coming until I read it.

I enjoyed the mystery of the story and could see it throughout the pages. This is a well written ‘journey of life’ that gives the reader a chance to relax and enjoy the journey while still giving a taste of mystery.

Excellent still describes this novel, but the genre has changed. Eric messaged me that others had described this book as a mystery or a family saga. I don’t argue with either, but I choose to say “Christian fiction a la early Frank Peretti.” Mr Suddoth weaves a many-faceted, many-layered story but does so magnificently. The reader never loses track as the narrative skips back and forth. INTERTWINED may well refer to his ability to keep the story going and the reader never getting lost.

Intertwined by Eric Suddoth is a fantastic, engaging book. I simply could not put it down. The richly-described settings immerse the reader in the scenes. Each character is well-developed throughout the story, so you feel invested in their thoughts and actions.

What starts as the rescue of a young girl from a river soon turns into a fabulous story of secrets, lies, repercussions, survival, and salvation. This single mysterious incident grows to include more people, multiple acts, and outcomes that change your feelings page after page. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new twist or bit of information comes along to set your mind off on a new tangent.

The storyline and mystery build progressively and will keep you turning the pages long after you should stop for the night. That’s my experience speaking.

The Christian aspect of the story is prevalent and integral to the plot, but never in your face.

I recommend Intertwined to fans of literary fiction, Christian fiction, mystery, suspense, and family drama.

A sleepy southern town steeped in secrets . . . a supernatural twist. . .This book was not at all what I expected! I thought that the focus was going to be on one little girl’s destiny, but the story successively revealed one mystery after another and sported a plethora of well-written characters.

The story kicks off with a rescue carried out by the mysterious and possibly miraculous stranger, Josiah. This act serves as a catalyst that slowly unravels the character’s most painful secrets, often leading to unexpected and explosive consequences. The reader will often find themselves questioning who is the hero and who is the villain, and a supernatural twist will keep the pages turning! Great read!

Well-developed characters, interesting story

This story was not at all what I was expecting it to be, but was still one of the most fascinating and well-written stories I’ve read in a while. The characters are well-rounded and feel very real, so you’re invested in them. It starts with a mysterious event and a mysterious stranger who becomes entangled in the lives of the tightknit community that the story takes place in. The plot twists and turns as it continues and keeps you guessing as to what happens next. I was not aware of the religious aspect to the story before reading, and while prevalent enough to be considered a central theme, it was never overtly shoved down your throat. Overall, very well done and would recommend.

Cool paranormal romance / urban fantasy story. I really liked the cover and that’s what drew me in. The story was terrific and it held my attention for the whole story. A good read for sure.

Witty! Fantastic novel with many twists and turns. The atmosphere maintains a mysterious and ominous feeling throughout. Highly recommend.

Best book yet. This book is one of Eric’s best books yet. It draws you in and makes you want to keep reading. He descriptions are reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald! I highly recommend this book. Great summer reading!

Just the blurb alone is enough to keep the readers (like me) intertwined.
I couldn’t put the kindle down.

So, if you are interested in taking a chance on my latest book. Click on the link below.

Peace

Intertwined on Amazon

Enemy Rising – The Cursed Chronicles by C.J. Fisher

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Sadly, I have to admit this and it may shock many of you, but I am not an avid reader. I start many books and finish few of them because as I read, my mind begins to wander about my own books and writings. So I usually close the book and start writing.

But some books pull me in so tightly that I cannot help but finish. C.J. Fisher’s Enemy Rising is a book that has everything a reader could want.

An interesting set of characters – Check

An intriguing setting and time period – Check

An imaginative plot line that never dulls – Check

Oh and Zombies!

In the past my readings have usually stuck to likings of mystery, suspense and thrillers so reading a book geared to the fantasy spectrum, I had my reservations.

I’m glad I didn’t listen to my gut instincts.

C.J. crafts an intriguing story rich with textures and tones that shows her prowess as a gifted writer. Many shows and movies have been done about Zombies, but the setting of Mystic India caps off the story with a mysterious layer. If you enjoy fantasy novels, this is one you definitely need to read. If this genre isn’t your fancy, you should at least give the writings of C.J. Fisher a try and let her genius in story crafting take you to a time and place that many would only dream…or have a nightmare about.

C.J. Fisher is probably a name you have never heard of before, but don’t let that stop you from diving in to a world carefully designed and penned. Her writing is smart, sophisticated, researched, and yet it has a smooth flow that any reader could get themselves lost in – in a good way.

Many times people do not give new authors a chance, but every big time author you read today had to be given a chance at one time.

It’s time to give C.J. Fisher a chance.

You won’t regret it.

I highly recommend this book, Enemy Rising and I look forward to the next book in the series.

If you are interested, you can find this book on Amazon.

Enemy Rising – The Cursed Chronicles