Suzan Scudder

May 19, 2020

“Let your light shine before all men that they may see your good deeds and praise the father in heaven.” Matthew 5:17

During this time of quarantine, I have had the joy of being able to connect with many kids and parents.
This week is a tough one, as it is graduation week. There is grieving over what this week was supposed to look like. Family and friends had a completely different plan for this week.

Grieving is natural, but grief is quickly turning into fear. Now that things are slowly opening up, thoughts are turning to college or jobs and what that might look like.

God wants for us to trust Him.
Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

I love this verse because it’s not just a promise I can hold on to, but a prayer I can pray when I feel afraid.
This verse is a verse of resolution when fear fights for our focus.
Is it as simple as praying a prayer and asking God to help us have faith instead of fear?

We can silence fear by giving steady focus to faith.

There are times when we willingly choose our fears over our faith in God. We allow our fears to lead us in the opposite direction of serving Him. Serving God and others is a great way to let go of our own fear.

I have a challenge for the seniors and for all of us. I want you to think of the impact you can make as we go into the world, whether that’s a week, a month or many months from now.I want to challenge myself and others to let their life be such a beaming light so people will see them and know they are different and the difference in them is Christ!

May 5, 2020

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalms 34:18

There are a lot of people I have been talking to recently such as parents, kids, friends, co-workers.  It seems that lately there is a theme of loneliness. We all need meaningful connections with people we care about and who care about us.
Even before Covid-19 there were people who felt lonely. Even though we are still quarantined, we can take steps to feel less lonely and help those who feel alone.

A simple way to start is to be a friend.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Next, pray for others.

Ask someone you know, “How can I pray for you?” Write down what they tell you and pray for them regularly. When you pray regularly for other people, your empathy and concern for them grows. Ask them what they are feeling during this time and how you could help.

Start inviting people into your life. Invite them to La Casa’s live events. Make plans to attend church together once we can meet again.

Romans 12:10 “Love one another deeply. Honor others more than yourselves.”

A Prayer for the Lonely:
Father, please meet me where I am. Lord, send people who will reach out to me and give me ideas of people I can reach out to. Give me courage and strength and rescue me from my loneliness.

Suzan Scudder
 

April 28, 2020

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

Who would have thought this quarantine would still be our new normal?
I know I didn’t. Many other didn’t either! I have been hearing from others that they are losing hope.

There are too many cancellations, too many disappointments and people feel there is no hope.I find this to be a very sad statement.

Our hope shouldn’t be in the world or events we were looking forward to.
Our hope should be in the God and His promises.
God’s promises have not been cancelled. When we lean into Him and His promises, we can find our hope.

The secure path forward from disappointment to hope is encouraging others. Don’t first look to get fed, look to feed someone else. Think about right now. Who is in your life that you can encourage, serve, or add value to in some way — large or small?
If you’re struggling with the lack of hope, serve your way to joy!

Suzan Scudder