Eric Suddoth's Blog, page 5

Narvik – Taste and See

I’m not one to try new foods, except for desserts. You could lace a spare tire with powder sugar and call it a new donut and I would probably try it.

However, when I travel, I try to branch outside my norms of chicken strips and hamburgers and try some of the local cuisine. Sometimes I am rewarded and other times I’m looking for a McDonalds later in the evening (Chur, Switzerland after a fondue pot of cheese – I wasn’t a fan).

On the second morning around Kiruna I tried some smoke reindeer. It was spicy (from their seasoning) but pretty tasty. Later I tried something similar to codfish and then a reindeer stew. Some things tasted better than others, and some things I may never eat again.

But I at least tried it.

I have learned I would never know what something taste like until I try it.

And it may turn out to be something delicious and good for me.

I had a friend years ago that would always say, taste and see. “Sometimes you have to taste bitterness in life to see how sweet God really is.”

Such wise words from my friend.

And it seems that I am reminded of her comment often.

Life may be hard at work…but I have felt what it feels like to not be that hard. Those are good times. So, when times get hard, I can remember those good times to push me through.

God is the same way.

Sometimes life is hard. But in the moments in the dark times I can remember when I knew God was good to push me through to the finish.

Since I have tasted His goodness, I can remember it. And that remembrance spurs me to look forward to brighter days ahead with Him.

God never says life will be easy. But He does promise to be there when the burden is heavy.

It’s in those moments when you need a reminder.

Think back as a kid of your favorite dessert. Does it bring back those warm, fuzzy memories of chasing lightning bugs, or being chased by junebugs on a string, or watching the snow fall through a frosty window pane?

Our senses have a unique way of bringing back a memory with a taste, a smell, a sound, a touch, or a sight.

God has a fascinating way of conjuring our memories when a certain aroma hits us.

Do you have a certain smell that causes you to smile thinking of your grandparents or favorite aunt?

Do you have a song that when you listen to it, it takes you back to being a teenager driving around with your friends? It’s the same way.

And there are moments when I read the Bible or hear a word, that triggers a memory of when God was present. So, when God doesn’t feel close sometimes, try and trigger that memory.

Sometimes it’s as simple as tasting something salty to be reminded of one of Jesus’ parables.

But whatever it takes, I hope you can sense Him.

Because He is there. He’s always there.

So, here’s to tasting new goodies (or baddies depending on your preference). And I bet, if you taste something disgusting, you will never forget it.

Then you will know a little more about tasting and seeing what is good.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.34.8.ESV

Peace

Kiruna – What Are You Chasing?

I flew from Stockholm to the small city in northern Sweden, Kiruna. The main purpose of this trip above the Arctic circle was to see reindeer.

My sister loves reindeer.

I booked a stay where reindeer are free to roam among the cabins, but sadly we found out that the area didn’t have any reindeer because they have all migrated into the mountains for a couple of months.

We spent the day driving around and only saw a few reindeer lying in the snow in the distance. At least we assumed they were reindeer.

After checking into our cabin we were told of a road where reindeer were seldom seen. That’s all we needed to know. So we started on the chase.

After driving down the road, looking side to side, our hopes were realized. A group of 4 deer feeding on the moss. We stopped and watched these beautiful creatures stop eating for a few seconds to acknowledge us. Then they went back to nibbling on their greens.

Many photos were taken and we continued our journey down the road to see more.

But we never saw any more, so we returned to the same spot and found the four reindeer roaming in the snow.

We journeyed into the city center of Kiruna to start our northern lights tour. And a new chase began. We journeyed to Abisko about an hour west of Kiruna which is supposedly one of the best places in the world to see these glorious lights.

But no northern lights were seen.

Sometimes you reach what you are chasing and other times it eludes you.

So, what are you chasing?

There are good chases and there are bad chases. Chases that bring joy and happiness and others that quickly brings destruction and sorrow.

Runners chase after the proverbial runners high. Whereas drug addicts scheme for their next fix. Both chase after something, but not all chases are worthy to be chased.

I’ve been told that we need to pursue God. To chase after Him. Search for Him. Run toward Him.

Sometimes that chase may feel like looking for the northern lights in broad daylight. Longing for a glimpse of His wonder, but missing it. It may feel disheartening to seek after Him and not see what you are hoping to see.

But what if what you are hoping to see isn’t really Him? What if you’ve created an image of what you think God is, and when you don’t “see” it, you assume that He’s not near you.

But what if He’s still there, in the faint whisper, the low hum, the light touch, the silent night.

I truly believe that if we chase after Him, we shall find Him.

And what I love more is that as we think we are pursuing Him, He is actually the one pursuing us. Calling us home. Leading us to Him. Chasing us with a fervor that nothing can match.

And sometimes we just have to stop our running and feel the chase of being caught.

In this upsidedown faith, of last is first, weak is strong, poor is rich…the chaser is caught.

May you always chase after the good things in life…and may you be caught in His love.

Peace

Day 1 – Stockholm, Sweden – Find Your Center

After a long day of traveling, we arrived in Stockholm around noon after a short delay in London due to the stairway being attached to the plane…not sure how that happens. But apparently it does.

We went through security and customs and was questioned about our trip. “Why are you coming here?”

“To see reindeer,” I said.

The customs agent cocked her head. “That’s very specific. Usually people come here in the winter for that.”

Sadly, tax season causes a damper on some travel, but we still have hope in seeing them.

We got our passports stamped, grabbed our luggage, hailed a cab and went to our hotel.

After dropping off our bags, we quickly got a tutorial on the metro system from the hotel attendant which looked confusing at first, but was actually fairly easy.

Head to Centrale Station. Then you can easily transfer to the other lines.

When you travel, it’s best to find a central location on your map and then you can head out.

I guess it’s the same for in life.

You need to find your center.

Some people find their center in self-improvement, others find it in work professions and titles, some find it in relationships. Yet, by looking in these areas, we miss the true center.

True centeredness isn’t in a paycheck, because employment changes and economies falter. If your center is locked into money, money, money (ABBA reference) it can quickly become off center and out of balance when your checking account dwindles.

Also, relationships are good, but your self worth shouldn’t be tied to someone valuing you. Just like in the value of gold that rises and falls due to outside circumstances, your value also changes through the eye of the beholder or unholder if relationships falter and fade away.

No, true centeredness comes from the One who defines your worth as priceless. The One who sticks closer to you than a brother. The One who knows all your achievements and skeletons, and still loves you in your highs and lows.

When you get centered in Him. You can never get lost. You may feel lost, but you never are. You will always be found in Him and He will never leave you without a way Home.

When you find your Center, it makes life and traveling a little more easier and stress free. Because when you flub up, or take a wrong turn, or make a bad decision, you know all you have to do is go back to the center. And start again.

It doesn’t matter how many times you start again. Just as long as you keep restarting.

It may take a few tries, but you will eventually get to where you are going. And then you will have a story to tell those needing some encouragement.

So, here’s to finding your center.

Peace

Off to Sweden

Well, tax season ended Tuesday in a fury so that must mean it’s time to break away from my desk and 7 days a week of work and relax. And catch some zzz.

Nah. It’s time to head to a new destination.

Earlier this year I stumbled upon a cheap flight to Stockholm. I wasn’t seriously considering it until my sister said this was on her bucket list.

So, here we go checking off another place on that ever growing list.

Today we are traveling, roaming through airports scavenging for charging stations for phones and the 1990s postcards to take back as souvenirs. Haven’t found the elusive postcard yet. But it’s just a short layover in NYC. Then an overnight flight to London to our final destination of Stockholm.

Hoping to sleep this time. I packed some vitamins to help with sleep since I’m not a good sleeper on planes. Just hope it doesn’t backfire tomorrow.

But I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep in the ABBA Museum.

Peace and happy travels

Easter or Good Friday…Which is More Important?

I’ve often wondered which was the more important act? Christ’s death or His resurrection?

Let me say this first, they are both important that shouldn’t be looked at lightly. But is there one better than the other?

Could we have had an Easter Sunday without the agonizing Holy Friday? Could Jesus have resurrected as an old man after living a long life and dying a less painful death at the hands of the Roman soldiers?

What if his death was like a true sacrificial lamb? Not to be morbid, but the lambs didn’t suffer long. The point of the sacrifices in the Old Testament were not for the lambs fault, but the sins of those doing the sacrificing. If Christ’s death was quick, would it mean as much?

There are many notable Biblical figures who sacrificed themselves and we don’t worship them.

Samson

Jeremiah and many of the other prophets

The disciples of Christ (except John)

There are probably many others, but these were the ones that quickly came to my head. But does a death invoke worship?

Throughout history men and women have sacrificed their lives for their children, their country, their beliefs. Today we respect them. We honor them. We look to them as inspiration. But we don’t worship them.

So what’s the difference?

How is Christ’s death any different than a soldier being tortured for the sake of protecting my earthly freedom?

Once again, I have to say, I deeply revere the sacrifice Christ made. But without his resurrection, it would be deemed no other than a religious, good man, dying for his cause. Like all the other martyrs in the past.

We wouldn’t worship His name today without the triumphant defeat of death.

I don’t sing praises to Him because of Holy Friday. My faith wasn’t found whole because of His death. I don’t cling to Him when I’m confused because of the blood He spilt.

That may sound harsh. But without the resurrection, I wouldn’t have a need to sing to him. Or be found in Him. Or cling to Him.

Some may say that these two acts are equally important, but I still find that the resurrection inches out His death.

The resurrection was proof of His identity.

The resurrection was a sealed guarantee that death held no power on Him.

The resurrection was the act that only God could do.

Sorcery and magic could possibly turn water into wine. There are probably tricks of healings by using a fraud pretending to be sick and curing him. There could be ways around some of the miracles if someone wanted to trick people.

But the resurrection couldn’t be done with smoke and mirrors.

I will always cherish Holy Friday. I will hold that day close to my heart in remembrance. I will honor that day with the sacrifice Christ took on my behalf. I will reflect on the blameless one taking my tarnished image. I will speak of it with importance. And I will worship Christ because of what came on that glorious morning.

May you have a blessed Easter and see that without the Holy Friday we couldn’t have an Easter and without Easter there would never be a Holy Friday.

Peace

Palm Sunday

Today is the start of Holy Week, Palm Sunday. As I was sitting in church and listening to the message, this chapter from my book, The Untold Story of the Darkest Days, hit me. May you have a blessed Holy Week and may you see the sacrifice made for you in a different way.

Chapter 42

Mary Magdalene

“I’ll help you,” I said as Mary looked up, eyes swollen from the many tears she had cried tonight.

“I know,” she said as she stood up to greet me with a hug. “I know, dear.”

I didn’t know what it was, but as she hugged me all my strength fell away. I was like a glass orb colliding with the hard ground, breaking into millions of glass shards – each one too small to see with the naked eye.

I was breaking from the memory of being held against my will only minutes earlier as Barabbas spoke death into my ears like it was nothing. But now, I was being held with love as she whispered words of life.

I was crumbling with the realization that Peter saw me as nothing more than a woman he could command. But now, I was being spoken to with affirmation and respect.

I was falling apart with the notion that the last three years of Jesus’ words of love and forgiveness were being washed away with the tides from the Sea of Vengeance. But now, I was being comforted with the love I so dearly wanted to see through the night.

I was eroding with the realization that the world I knew last week was gone. Her embrace couldn’t erase the memory of events from earlier this week.

Jesus had been welcomed into Jerusalem with open arms by a large crowd who had been following him, listening to his teachings. When they heard he was coming, they immediately took their palm branches to greet him.

“Hosanna!” they had yelled in honor as Jesus came by riding a donkey’s colt. “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

I had stood amazed among the crowd. I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears with the reception he was getting. But my heart had been enthralled, as though it was going to explode with the excitement in the air. I had always loved Passover with all of its symbolism and promise – God would always provide. But this Passover I knew was going to be different. This one was going to be one I would never forget.

As a young girl, I had hated the idea of my father sacrificing a precious lamb. He would bring the lamb home, but I could never look at it because I knew if I looked I would feel shame for the lamb having to shed its blood for my sins.

“Mary,” he would say in a tender voice, “look at the lamb.”

But I couldn’t. I would just shake my head with my eyes closed. I couldn’t look at the innocent creature making the baaing sounds that would make me laugh on any other occasion. But during the week of Passover, the baaing didn’t make me smile. It made me tear up.

Jesus had waved to the people, touching those approaching him and speaking words of love and hope, just as he did every other day of his life. This wasn’t a political move or an act. I had seen him live what he taught. He was genuine.

As Jesus had come into town, I knew my father was on the other side of the city getting the lamb for the family as they were being herded into the city for their preparations. As Jesus came by on the donkey, he’d looked into my eyes and I distinctly heard my father’s voice as if he was standing next to me.

“Mary, look at the lamb.”

I didn’t know then why my father’s voice and memory surfaced during Jesus’ triumphal entry. But I knew now.

As Jesus was hanging on the cross, I kept hearing my father’s voice. I didn’t want to listen, but it kept repeating the haunting words of my childhood until it became deafening. I just wanted the words to stop. I wanted everything to stop.

“Mary, look at the lamb, dear. Please Mary, the lamb is dying for you,” my father said softly one last time.

I looked up.

“Just let it out, dear,” Mary said as she continued to rock me in her arms. “Just let it out.” As I cried on her shoulder I noticed she wasn’t crying. That was a sign of a true mother, to muster up strength for moments like this.

We rocked each other in our arms until we couldn’t rock anymore and fell asleep.

If you found this chapter interesting, check out the book.

Peace

Just Finish

Anyone can start something…but only a few can finish it.

Are you among the millions who start reading a book, but never finish it? Start training for a race, but stop before the race even begins? Start writing a story, but quit after a few weeks of looking at a blinking cursor?

Anyone can start an idea, but it takes someone with determination, dedication, and perseverance to complete it.

I didn’t say it takes someone with high intelligence. I didn’t even say it takes someone with skill or talent.

I said it takes someone with determination, dedication, and perseverance.

These are qualities we all can attain. It’s not some lofty credential granted by an institution. It’s not even a gimmick “as seen on tv.”

It is just human characteristics that we all have in the depths of our soul. But sadly, some people never dig deep enough within themselves to find the treasure they already have. They just assume they aren’t good enough, so they quit.

But I’m here to tell you, you are good enough.

You can complete that afghan or quilt that will takes weeks or months to make.

You can finish that goal you have been waking up thinking about for years.

You can accomplish that dream that others say is impossible.

The first time I started writing a book, I wondered if I would finish. But after writing a little each evening and a little more on weekends, I eventually finished.

Was it a great story? Not sure. I’ve never released it. But it showed me I could do it. So when I sat down to write my next book, I had that memory of doubt when I started. But I also had that memory of accomplishment when I finished.

That memory of finishing helps me carry on when I’m starting to doubt the process. Doubt myself. Doubt my dream.

And when I know I have finished before, that causes that doubt to dwindle. It has no power over me because I defeated it once. And I know if I did it once, I can do it again.

And again.

And again.

I’m not going to say it’s easy. Because it’s not. Starting something new is like going to the gym for the first time in decades. You feel like everyone is staring at you, but they’re not. You feel like everyone is laughing at you, but they’re not. They are probably focusing on only themselves.

And that is what you have to do to finish. Focus on yourself. And only yourself.

So if you want to finish, you’re the biggest hurdle you’re ever going to jump over. Once you get past your own doubt, the next 26 miles may be an obstacle-less journey.

And I’m here to say…you’re not the first one to have ever started something new. Just look at all the people who have finished. That proves it is possible.

So get moving. Get believing. And then before you know, get finishing.

Peace

To listen to this blog post and other blogs on my podcast, click on the link or listen wherever you listen to Podcasts.

https://anchor.fm/eric-suddoth5/episodes/Just-Finish-e2078pi

Signs of a God

“The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever asked God for a sign?

A sign when you need to make a decision? A sign when you need to believe He is real? A sign that you made the right call?

Did you get a sign? Or did you think you got one?

I don’t think God listens to our pleas for a sign and quickly dismiss them. I think He sometimes shows us a sign and then for some reason, sometimes we are left wondering.

Left wondering/wandering in our homemade wilderness sometimes for days, weeks, years without a clue or a compass.

But when I read this verse I was reminded of other times when God showed a sign when someone was doubting on who He really was.

Moses with his stick turned snake turned stick turned snake turned stick. Moses with his leprous hand. Moses with the bloody water.

Then there is the beloved, sometimes dopey looking Gideon with his fleece. He only asked for two signs with his fleece. Make it wet and then make dry.

Then there is Doubting Thomas with just his one plea of seeing the wounds of Christ.

So I ask the question, is asking for a sign wrong?

Maybe it’s the motive behind the asking that is more important than the question itself.

God didn’t tell Moses no when he wanted a sign. He easily answered Gideon’s request. Christ mercifully showed Thomas His hands.

So what’s the difference?

Maybe He knows our heart, just as He knew the Pharisees heart, that even if He showed the sign, we still wouldn’t believe?

Maybe He knows if He showed the signs we wanted, we would still be giving Jonah-like excuses? And thus show our true colors of a faithless heart?

Maybe He knows we use His lack of a sign as a barrier to not step out in faith? Is it really stepping out in faith if you see what’s ahead?

So what if the invisible sign is just a test to see our true heart?

It’s easier to say “Yes, I will follow,” when God gives you a roadmap. It’s a little more difficult when all you have is a cork, a needle and a magnet (to make your own compass).

So, what are you asking God for a sign about?

Who knows…maybe this blog is the sign?

Many times, I think we use the lack of a sign as a way out. “If God wanted me to (fill in the blank) He would have done something by now.”

But maybe the sign is just your initial thought of doing that thing? What if God planted that idea in your head for you to act upon it? What if God used that person you talked to to bring up an idea you are now considering?

If God can use donkeys as messengers and birds as deliverers, He certainly can use another human to speak on His behalf.

So, if you are considering moving forward on an idea…Move.

If God doesn’t want you to do it, it won’t succeed. But if you never start something God wants you to start, it too will never succeed.

And who knows, maybe your failure is just the first stepping stone to something bigger in God’s plan.

“Whoever can be trusted with small things can also be trusted with big things. Whoever is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in big things too.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬ ‭ERV‬‬

May you see the sign God gives you.

And may you step out when there isn’t a sign to see.

Either way, God is there…sign or no sign.

Peace

Free Book – Just 3 Steps to Win

Easter will be here in less than 2 months. The start of Lent will be here in a couple of weeks. And for this Easter season I want people to fully embrace the the sacrifice of Christ and truly focus on that week 2000 years ago.

If you have followed my blog, I have written multiple times about the days between the crucifixion and resurrection and tried to grapple with the emotions his followers and haters must have been wrestling with during that time.

A couple of years ago I released a fictional account of exactly that. I tried to imagine what was going on the moment after Christ’s death to the glorious moment of His resurrection. This story was a passion of mine and I want to share it with you.

So, in the coming weeks, I will give away one paperback copy of The Untold Story of the Darkest Days each week. I just ask for a few things to be included in this drawing:

1. Subscribe to my blog and comment on this blog. If you are already subscribed, comment on this blog post. Easy enough.

2. Read the book. Yes, please read the book.

3. Review it on your social platforms. If you have Amazon and Goodreads, I would appreciate a review on there as well. If you don’t have an account there, that is okay. Just review it anyway you can.

And that’s it. Subscribe. Read. Review.

If you are interested in getting a free PDF or Kindle version, subscribe and comment below and I will get you a free electronic copy.

I want as many people as possible to read this book to hopefully bring them closer to Christ during this Easter season.

Peace and good luck!

Are You a Mary in a Martha World?

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-‭42‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Let me say this first, service is important. People are spiritually gifted in service. I find great joy and fulfillment in serving. It is our responsibility as Christ followers to serve.

But I think the Church is full of Martha’s when they need to shadow Mary a little more.

I’ve noticed a trend of people coming to church solely to serve. It’s like a social scene with friends doing a good deed.

But shouldn’t it be more?

Yes, you can find Jesus in the moments you serve. But if you don’t seek Jesus before you serve are you serving Him or the world?

I think many people would think Martha is the prime example of a good Christian. If you need a nursery worker, I promise she’ll be there. Someone to play the piano, I bet she would start taking lessons. Someone to supervise the potluck, she’ll have her monogrammed oven-mits on.

This is what people would say is the epitome of a servants heart.

But once again, who is she serving?

What’s the difference between an atheist volunteering at a soup kitchen and a Christian? Both are serving the forgotten in society. Both are feeding the hungry. Both are giving of their time to someone who can’t give back to them.

The difference is hopefully the love of Christ and the hope of sharing the gospel message.

Serving is so important to growing in your faith. But if your biceps are the only muscles growing, you need you reflect on your purpose of serving.

Sometimes we need to step back and sit at Christ feet. We need to rest in Him. We need to be filled by Him. We need to be centered in Him. So we can go out and serve the world for Him.

If you serve to make yourself feel better, are you really following Christ or your own agenda?

Once again, I find fulfillment in serving, but I know I too fall into the Martha camp of serving when I need to stop, breathe, and be still before Christ.

And then maybe, just maybe, my actions will bring a bigger smile to Him.

Peace