The Struggle is Real...Even at Christmas time

Here we are in the season of joy, family, fun, thankfulness, gifts, happiness, festivities, everyone sharing stories of their fabulous life, their beautiful children, their _________.  Fill in the blank.

And there you are with a hole in your heart, nothing to feel especially grateful for; empty arms, empty wombs, sadness that permeates your very core, your heart is aching. Facing the biggest battle, loss, struggle, pain in your life, yet knowing this is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration.

How do you feel the ache so deep that at times makes it hard to even breathe?

How do you smile and enjoy the most blessed season of all?

Let me begin by telling you that I only share what I know to be true. I know what I have had to do in my own times of difficulty and struggle. One of those times being right now.

In order to carry on we must look to the One who has the answers. We may never know the answers to the painful whys of life, but we can trust the One who does. We may never understand why life has to be so painfully difficult at times, and some of those pat answers about God having His reasons do little to comfort. Yet our hope for healing and carrying on comes through a full confidence and trust in His plan, His ways. We can commit to Him our brokenness, our pain and anguish and allow Him to heal those places that feel so raw and painful.

One of my greatest sources of help from the Word of God is Philippians 4:6-8
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

When I find my thoughts drifting to the difficult situations, the heartache, the struggles, I do my best to begin to shift, change my channel and remember these words. Think about what I know to be true, what is worthy of praise, what is good, what is pure. In that spirit I will be kicking out the negativity, the thoughts about the things I cannot control, the parts of life that bring great anguish.

I am a work in progress and do not always succeed at “changing my channel” before the thoughts and agonies of life begin their negative effects on me. But I have learned to watch for the signs, to be alert and remember WHO is in charge. And you know what, if God is in charge then I am off the hook.

I pray that whatever it is you are struggling with you can find your way to remembering who is in charge and allow Him to pour peace into your heart as we focus on the One true reason for the season. That you will indeed find JOY knowing that you have the greatest thing of all to be thankful for….Jesus Christ.

Women of Faith and confirmation....

I am just returning home from an amazing weekend at the Women of Faith conference. If you have never been, let me encourage you to attend! Check out the details here: womenoffaith.com  I attended for many years since it began almost 20 years ago. That is up until eight  years ago when my sweet little grandangel arrived on THAT weekend. In fact I was en route to WOF when the call came that she was on her way, so I turned my car in a new direction for the seven hour drive to be there for her arrival.
So, for the past eight years we have celebrated her birthday on this, the same weekend WOF is close to home in Anaheim. Well, since that precious little angel is now in Japan with her mommy, daddy and sister I had no birthday party to attend and was able to join my aunt, cousin and some friends for this fabulous annual event.
This conference came on the heels of some intense time of preparing for the launching of my program; Soul Steps. It was difficult for me to pull away from working on it, but as God does so well, He used this time in a most powerful way. The messages spoken by the anointed speakers and music artists were profoundly connected to the core message of Soul Steps, which inspires me and motivates me even more!


I believe there is a message God wants women to hear for this day and age. He wants us to know how powerful and strong we are, that we can and should be doing the work He has set for us to do. It is time to be brave and move on from the traps and snares that the enemy has been set before us. One speaker, powerhouse Lisa Bevere, said: "Spiritual attacks have more to do with who you might be in the future than anything about your past." That spoke to the depths of my heart since part of my journey has been to overcome the issues of my childhood, the words that were said and the things that happened to me. The enemy knows if he can get us to stay stuck in that defeated attitude then we will be rendered ineffective as a powerful woman for Christ. It is time we pull out our swords (the Word of God) and use them! We need to quit retreating into the corner of our little worlds where we wallow in our insecurities and struggles, and move out into the world doing the work that needs to be done.
We all know our world is in a crazy place right now, these are signs of the times, which makes it even more urgent that we are doing His work, to get unstuck and move out into the effectiveness He has empowered us to live in.
We need to allow God to go into the deep parts of our hearts and move out all the junk that has been buried in there for long enough. When we release the clutter we have room for the things He wants for us, the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.


If you live in the Bakersfield area let me encourage you to sign up for SOUL STEPS where you will be led on an amazing journey out of your defectiveness and into the freedom of Christ.  We will be digging out the junk that you have been buried beneath, the stuff that keeps you stuck in a rut. After years of being buried beneath the rubble it is time to do some spiritual deep cleaning and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.


The series begins on September 30th, meeting every Tuesday for seven weeks. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me here or at my email; amazinglovecreations@gmail.com  I would love for you to join me on this Soul Step journey as we move out of our broken places and into the freedom of Christ.


Much love and blessings!
XO Sherry

Depression and that deep pit....

With so much in the news the past two days about depression following the devastating news of Robin Williams suicide, I felt a tug to share a little.
You see... I have battled that green-eyed-monster called "Depression".
It is a battle that, unless you too have fought, you probably cannot fully comprehend.


I have been hearing conversations about "How could anyone ever feel so low and desperate", "How could someone take their life when they have kids/wife/etc."


First off, it doesn't  make "sense". 
Depression is a pit of despair that makes even less sense to the person who struggles with that nasty issue. When you free fall into that pit of despair you have no sense of reality in the way that truly "makes sense." Something comes over you and overtakes your senses to the point of desperation.
It is a chemical imbalance that can cause great destruction if left untreated.


I will never forget the words of author/speaker Sheila Walsh when speaking of the depression she struggled with for years. She said that if you had diabetes you would take your insulin, same holds true for someone who struggles with depression; if they are in need of medication to balance them out, they should take their meds.
My own mother was diagnosed with bi-polar disease. It took it's toll on her and those around her.... this illness can be so harmful when untreated.



I guess my point is this; I want those of you who have "NO IDEA" how anyone could possibly feel THAT low and desperate, to have an insight into the window of desperation. There really is not a lot anyone can do, except acknowledge and be there for someone if & when you notice them retreating and falling into that pit. Unfortunately it is not always obvious or apparent, so throwing a life-line is not always an option. Maybe your eyes can be opened a bit more than they ever were before, maybe you will take notice of those around you who seem a little down or blue.


 Although it is never your responsibility to be sure someone is "ok",  it IS your work (for God) to reach out to those around you in hopes that you can build up and encourage them, which is all the more reason to be in-tune to His voice.


In light of our beloved comedian as well as so many others I can think of right now (Rick and Kay Warren's son, Marie Osmand's son....) Let us love and encourage one another in the Lord, let us be kind and considerate, let us be mindful and thoughtful.


Life can be tough, but always....GOD IS GOOD!!!!!


If you are the one in the pit, reach out!!!
 I am here for you!
 Others are here for you!
 Do not feel like you have no where to turn!
 I know that feeling, but it is fleeting, truly it is..... and if you can just move past it, you WILL feel better..... I PROMISE!!!!!




Much love and blessings!!!!
XO Sherry

He Is Our Strength....

I love how God brings the Word to us to reassure and comfort us just when we need it.

Yesterday morning I woke up with many thoughts and concerns floating around in my mind. I jumped into the shower and was astonished at how quickly I had gone from a deep sleep to all this concern and worry going on in my brain. I tried to reign it all in and pray about each situation...and as happens often with me, I was soon off to the land of what ifs and when/how...etc. I kept on having to retrieve my thoughts. All that in the time of a shower!
A bit later I sat down with my devotional and a hot cup of coffee and cracked open my devotional; "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.
Let me just share what it had to say........
"I am your strength and shield. I plan each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about whats on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.
Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go."
Isn't God so good to bring the perfect reassurance just when we need it!?

I am certain that I am not the only one needing a little reassurance today. A hopeful rest and trust that God has it ALL under control! It is so difficult to remember sometimes.



SO, the above is yet another draft I found in my pending file on my blog and it is as timely as ever. Again this morning I woke up with loved ones on my heart, namely my kiddos. This is obviously a trend of mine!  The words to today's devotion were straight to the point and quite appropriate for this particular time of life.  "This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete.
Apparently I am a slow learner!
Yet equally apparent God is not giving up on my lack of ability to catch on. Thankfully!

In case you too are feeling apprehension, worry, fret, anxiousness, here are some valuable verses to help ease your angst...


Psalm 28:7
Matthew 6:34
Psalm 56:3-4
Genesis 28:15
Psalm 89:15
Hebrew 13:8
Isaiah 41:13


I pray that as you go into this day, the day the Lord hath made, that you will find your strength and courage in the God who made you!!! Seek Him, seek His peace amidst the darkness, the struggles and trials. He is the light and the life!!!


God Bless you...and MUCH LOVE to you!!!
XOXO
Sherry

YOU ARE ENOUGH!

Here I am doing what I do best.
 The dance of avoidance!
It is not because I do not like what I need to be doing, or that I do not have PLENTY to do!
 That certainly  is NOT the case!
 Yet sometimes I simply find myself unable to focus on the task at hand with a torrent of other things running through my mind.


I am always drawn to post here because, even though I do not have a large following, the ones I do have are so sweet to let me know they are encouraged and inspired. Which happens to be my main goal in life.... to encourage and inspire others!




So now that I am here, what is the one thing I would like to tell you on this sweltering hot California day?  That's easy....I definitely want you to know that......


YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!


God made you just as you are and He longs for you to rejoice and celebrate who you are!!!!


If you can just soak that in and feel it to the depth of your being you will be moved to a whole new level of confidence in Christ! A whole new level of validation and peace about who you are, who He created you to be. That is the most important thing! To have a strong, deep rooted faith and confidence in Christ!


Read Psalms 139 and insert your name...He made YOU wonderfully, beautifully, with a plan and a purpose. He loves you, treasures you...adores you and He says...........


YOU ARE ENOUGH!!

What's Your Name?

HELLO MY NAME IS....

Have you heard the amazing song "Hello My Name Is" by Matthew West? 
(if not check it out)
It has made a profound effect on my heart and the hearts of the women at a retreat I was blessed and honored to speak at over the weekend.
In the first session I asked them to identify with the negative connotations that rang in their hearts and minds as they listened to the song play and jot down the name that they are calling themselves.

You see we all tend to fall prey to negativity and either repeat or create negative names for ourselves.
 I struggled for years to squash down the nagging voices of negativity. Some days I still struggle with their ability to creep into my subconscious.
Can you relate?
What name have you been calling yourself?
Play the song and see if there are words/names you can identify with.
You don't want to give power to the enemy by saying them, but in identifying these destructive words we will learn to reject them as soon as they appear on the horizon.


After a weekend of enlightenment and discovery we played the song again and this time they were instructed to write the name that they NOW call themselves.
 The positive one.
What an amazing transformation happened in hearts of women who trust God with their identity.

The song says we are identified as A CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE KING!!!

I want to remember to believe THAT!
I want to find my identity in the way HE sees me and not in how I see myself or how I think others might see me. Nothing matters except the way my God sees me. Since He is the one who created us, He is the One who knows our worth.

I pray that you will find your name, your identity in the One true King, the one who knit you together in your mother's womb (Psalm 139).

Find your name, your identity.
If you need help I would happily help you come up with your "new name"!
Try these on and see which one fits you best  ;)

 Redeemed, saved by grace, blessed, beautiful, amazing,  treasured, loved, healed, brave, strong, victorious, gracious, kind, loving, peaceful, set free, happy, favored, cherished, beloved, wanted, worthy, precious, valuable, important, priceless, extraordinary......

Love & Blessings to you!
XO
Sherry

I BELIEVE!!!!

My heart and soul have been absolutely consumed lately. Rather than give you a laundry list of ALL that is going on in my head, home and heart I thought I would just see if I can somehow express some of my feelings and emotions in hopes that I can bring light to someone else.




Life has been full, overflowing actually, with a lot of BIG stuff.
The big things that only happen once in a great while, if EVER!
Those kinds of things that are the high scorers on the score sheet of stress levels.


A very dear friend of mine who has been going through a very trying time once told me that "You never know desperation, until you have been desperate"
She certainly knows desperation!
I am pretty sure I know desperation.
But that is not where the story ends.
The story goes on to the one who holds the hope and the future.

"BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, DO NOT BE AFRAID OR TERRIFIED

 BECAUSE OF THEM, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD GOES WITH YOU;

 HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."

DEUTERONOMY 31:6

I am thankful to be able to put all of my faith and trust into a loving God who cares for me. Who will never leave me nor forsake me.
He is right there beside us, helping us walk through this journey we are facing.
He carries us when we cannot take another step forward.




We go through seasons...
Some seasons are filled with cold, dark days.
Some are full of flowers and rainbows.
All are important and necessary.


We must remain in faith when we cannot see through the piercing darkness. It is easy to take the next step or to sing the hallelujahs when we are seeing rainbows and flowers.
Faith calls for us to do so even when we cannot see the future, when it does not LOOK as if it could ever work out.




Who ever thought when Jesus was placed in the tomb after dying a gruesome death on the cross that three days later that huge stone would be rolled away and the tomb would stand EMPTY!?
 That Jesus would be ALIVE!?!?!? 
That there was a power THAT strong!


THAT is the power I am putting my hope in.
The resurrection power!!!
I BELIEVE!!!!
Do you believe?
Is your hope in the One who holds the future or only in what your mind can comprehend?


I want to encourage you to put your hope and faith in the ONE who holds the future. The One who died upon the cross to save us from our sins and then surprised everyone by rising from the dead!!!!!

"MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY & PEACE IN BELIEVING,
SO THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU MAY ABOUND IN HOPE"

EPHESIANS 15:13


Whatever you are facing today, whether it be desperation or simple exhaustion and frustration...hold on dear one to the perfect promises of our faithful and loving God! All He asks you to do is to BELIEVE!!!!


XO
Much love to you!
Sherry

The pain of a friend....

So....when I posted here the other day I noticed several "drafts" that had been saved. This one jumped out at me and I feel as if it needs to be posted. I don't think I had felt finished when I wrote it months (maybe a year or so) ago. I was probably "flitting" around that day too!!
 ;)


Here it is.......


As I drove away I immediately began asking God to forgive me for failing a friend so deeply. Yet, as soon as the words came out of my mouth I knew that I did not want God to patch this one up and make me feel all better. NO, I deserved the pain that had pierced my heart because a lesson was here to learn. I knew it immediately.
One thing about getting older is knowing and fully understanding that it is necessary to own our mistakes, even when they are invisible ones that we could easily get away with.

The reason I knew how deeply I had hurt my friend is because every word that came out of her mouth could have just as easily came out of mine, had I the guts to say them. She wasn't speaking to me directly, she was speaking to the five of us girls sitting at a sweet little bustling Italian cafe' over dinner and tiramsu. We had failed her. She was not pointing a finger or speaking an ounce of judgement, just simply speaking with open honesty. Her world had crashed down around her and none of us had a clue. We didn't have a clue because we were so wrapped up in our own little lives that we failed to see the veil of pain and deep heartache that was stretched over her world. Here we were sharing small talk not even noticing that her heart was bleeding.

We get so caught up in our own worlds, there is much to get caught up in. We are busy, we have our struggles, issues, situations, heartaches, things to do, errands to run, jobs to go to, things to accomplish, our daily lists go on and on and on...... In that, we fail desperately to be there for one another. God in the flesh. There to comfort and just BE with those who we love and are hurting.

I'm not sure how we fit it all in sometimes, it just seems to be too much. People to love on and enjoy, relationships to deepen and nurture. All while juggling every ball in our own lives  (work, errands, housework, kids, parents, laundry, illness ...)
Living in balance seems to be the biggest juggling act of all time.
How do we do it?

I don't have the answers, you can rest assured I will be seeking them. I will be trying my darndest to hone my personal juggling skills. I am not interested in learning how to juggle as a hobby, but as a way of life, a way of keeping the things, the people, that are important to me from falling and crashing to the ground.

I hope I never forget the lesson I learned, because for far too long I have felt as if everyone one else needed to learn it, HA! the joke was on me! I was just as desperate and in need of such a valuable lesson.

Here's to lessons learned and that we might never forget the impact of them upon our hearts and lives. As you go out today, be the blessing so many need in this busy, hectic world.

XO
Love & Blessings!
Sherry

Flitting and Trusting

Have you ever found yourself in a dance of avoidance?  When you are supposed to be doing one thing but you keep on flitting and doing OTHER things? It seems like your mind cannot focus or that you have too much inside and you have to get it ALL out?


Well, that seems to be where I am today!


I am supposed to be preparing for a retreat I am going to be speaking at, yet I am finding myself suddenly wanting to create a blog post!  Not sure where this is even leading, I am going to discover it along with you  ;)


I have so much on my mind and my heart. As we all do at any given time.


The retreat message I am preparing does not come difficult to me, only the thought of "speaking" does...I can write all day long and feel fine about people reading what I have to say, but when it comes to standing in front of sweet gals and trying to eloquate the message in my heart, I struggle BIG time!


My heart is also being pulled by the vortex of a huge life event that is in the wings.
 My son and his wife and two little girls will be leaving in two weeks for three years to Japan. That is a whole lot of ocean between this mom/mimi and my precious ones!
For years they have lived 7 hours away which was inconvenient but oh so doable! Now I cannot just jump in my car on a whim and go hang out with my loves. They surely will not be able to come home either.
So, my heart is left to ache this difficult time and I feel like a bucket of tears, spilling over at the tiniest bump. That bump can be just a thought, a word, a song, a sight, a text message, a photo...you name it!


Life is full of struggles and challenges.
  Many of you are going through some pretty tough times.
 You wonder when the fog will EVER lift!
 Seems like some days you just feel so weighed down by all that is on your "plate" as you hope for brighter days ahead.
When will you be able to rest peacefully when you lay your head on your pillow at night.
 When will the lonely feeling ever end.
 When will you receive the answer to that prayer that is ever on your lips.
 How can you keep on going like this?
 How can you make it another day?


God holds every answer. He is also the source of our comfort and joy as we find our footing in this often treacherous world, as we navigate through our struggles and anguish. He is reaching out to hold our hand and guide us through any struggle we find ourselves in.
He loves us more than we can ever imagine.
He knows the outcome and He wants us to be reassured that in the end, it will be okay. 
It really will.
Not everything is perfect or easy, but He is almighty and will never leave you nor forsake you.
He has the whole world in His hands and He wants you to find comfort and peace in the fact that He wants nothing but the best for your life.


I am going to remember that as I kiss my sweet boy, my darling daughter-in-law and my two little grandangels good bye. As they fly off to this new adventure in their lives. I KNOW that God has great things for them, I just also know that my heart is in knots at the very thought of missing them!


I want to encourage you today in anything YOU are going through, that you know God has YOU, He has your loved ones and your circumstances. Relinquish all the control and worry over to Him. He has never intended for us to worry and fret, but to think on good things!


I am going to leave you with the verse that has been my great companion through many a tough time. It has helped me keep my focus when my son was deployed, or when I feared the worst in a diagnosis or just had a time of anxiety that I could not get a grip on.
I would encourage you to write it upon your heart as I have...so you can pull it up when you are feeling those moments of overwhelm and anxiety.


"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be you."
Philippians 4:6-9


Let's focus more on HIM and less on our circumstances! By doing so we will feel the peace of God that SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING!


Love and blessings to you on this beautiful day that the Lord has made! REJOICE and be glad in it!!!


XO Sherry

SURRENDER

Ahhhhh..... such is the way of God that when you hear His Word and let it seep deep down into your soul, it will begin to feed you like nutrition. That is why I often refer to it as "manna to my soul". He gives us just what we need every day, no more, no less. Only what can be digested and make sense to our earthly minds.

Often times I experience, what I am sure many of you do to, when I hear a message, read a story or devotion, hear a song, and it all seems to be saying the same thing to my heart. Such great confirmation. I love when this happens because I KNOW I am receiving a personal message from God. You know what it is like when someone tells you something and you feel like YES!! You get it! You understand. Well, I guess that is what this feels like to me. It is like YES GOD! That is EXACTLY what I needed to hear! (Duh! Like He didn't know! ha!!)

I had this experience over the weekend. It seemed like every message I listened to on TV (love me some church on TV when I am home on the weekends) while puttering around the house, the songs that I had playing while I was in my studio, the devotion I read in my awesome new devotional ("Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young)...were ALL speaking to me. Funny thing is, it was not so much to ME as it was to my heart about OTHERS I know who are going through some pretty tough times right now. OH, believe me I know it is still for me...because His Word is ALWAYS relevant in my heart and life. But these messages are meant to be shared, which is exactly why I am bringing all this up............

I want to share it all with you today!!!!!

SURRENDER TO GOD'S STRENGTH!!!
You have been hurting so deeply. Your heart is aching so terribly that it hurts, it really HURTS. Sometimes the simple act of breathing is painful, it cuts deep.
You must remember that when you are the weakest HE is the strongest! The battle is NOT yours, it is HIS. He wants to fight for you. He wants to protect you from all the pain you are feeling. He wants you to find PEACE in HIM.

YES, the pain you feel is REAL. VERY VERY VERY real!!!! Nothing minimizes how awful it is for you right now. But He wants you to move from that painful place to a place of TRUST, TRUST in HIM! Because when we are fearing, when we are anxious....we are NOT trusting Him!!!!

I am one to speak. I have worry stamped in a huge crease on my forehead. But then again, that may very well be why I know so much about how I am SUPPOSED to behave!  ;)

I often meditate on Philippians 4:6-8.......

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. "

Seriously, these words are imprinted upon my heart because I have had to refer to them so many times.
I encourage you to write them upon your heart. (which means memorize them so they are there to stay).

When you find yourself ready to go crazy with fear or worry...begin to recite these words, out loud, or silently in your mind. It doesn't matter, just SPEAK THEM!

It is a daily walk. Day by day, sometimes moment by moment. Get through this moment, this day and THEN move on to the next. Just like manna for the soul, you have the energy and strength you need RIGHT NOW, He has equipped you with just what you need.

He has not left you, He never will leave you nor forsake you!!!!
He loves you.

PRAISE HIM.
Oh I know.....it feels a little weird to praise Him when you are feeling like you can barely think a positive thought right now. That's okay, He understands! Begin to offer the "sacrifice" of Praise. Sacrifice means that it cost you something. So when you reach deep into yourself right now and make the effort to sacrifice that praise that does not come easy, you are doing just what you should be doing.

PRAISE is FAITH at work!

You never know when your victory is coming, so do not give up!!!!! Never EVER give up!!!!
God has not nor will He ever give up on you!
Dig deeper. Dig your heels in. HOLD ON.
Shake off the negative.
 Stay in a constant attitude of praise and thanksgiving.
(what a perfect season to be practicing this!!)
One of the best ways to practice this is by coming up with at least one thing every day that you have to be thankful for.

You may be on the brink of your miracle. The change you are looking for may happen TODAY. The revelation you need to hear from God may come TODAY! That pain inside you may begin to ease TODAY! So....hang in there! Never, ever let go of HOPE!

Surrender to HIM! Give it ALL to Him. He is waiting..................

XO

The Power Of One.....

Today is 11-11-11...the most ones you can possibly have in a date. I do not know the statistics but I am pretty sure this will not happen again in our lifetimes!
Seems like all year long I have found myself noticing the clock every time it was 1:11 or 11:11. It has been a bit odd to me. I have often wondered what the significance is. Still do.
What I do know is what God impressed upon my heart this very morning as I was on my dark and early morning walk.
He was reminding me something He had shown me YEARS ago. In a dark and difficult time I happened to be at a women's retreat in the mountains. We were sitting in this incredible A-frame chapel that had windows up at the very top. I was transfixed with the view out those windows, seeing the tops of the gorgeous tall trees reaching the sky. I felt alone. Small. Insignificant. Useless. Meaningless. I was lost.
He, ever so gently brought to me the scripture about leaving the ninety and nine to find the ONE.
I could literally SEE it as I was staring out those windows.
Have you ever read that scripture???.....the shepherd is out with the flock in the field and ONE little lamb comes up missing. That shepherd leaves the 99 sheep that are there and accounted for to find the ONE that is missing.
(Matthew 18:11-14)

 That ONE was ME!!!
God was reassuring me that He wanted ME to be found and accounted for.

WOW!!!!

I will never forget that!

Today I want to send that message to YOU!
You may be just one, but YOU ARE ONE!!!!!
One is significant.
One is powerful.
One is enough.
YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!!!!

Back to today, on my walk, God was reassuring me that if I were the ONLY ONE on this earth He would have STILL sent His ONE and ONLY son to this earth to die....for ME!!!!
Okay, if you are anything like me this is soooooooooooo hard to comprehend!!!
 Really?!?! ME!??!?!?

JUST ME!?!?!?!?!?!?

He says YES!!!!!!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God loves you and YOU are ONE and you are ENOUGH!!!!!!

Try to remember that.........try to write that upon your heart and forever keep the image that you are that ONE sheep that He left the fold to find. It was YOU and He found you!!!!

And forever He shall keep you!!!!!!

Let ONE be a significant number to you today as it represents YOU!!
For you are ONE...ONE very important one!!!!!


XO
Love & Blessings to you!
Yup .......
YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Encouragement

We all need it.
It comes in many forms.

Some days it is the very thing that gets us from the couch to upright again.

Some days we feel as if everyone has nothing but negative to say,
then we hear that positive voice
and we begin to see the first glimpse of light
shining into the darkness of our soul.

Without encouragement we feel dead, dry, lifeless.
Like a plant that has been ignored, un-watered, without sunshine,
without loving care.

Then we begin to receive a little love,
some light from those people who allow their lights to shine.
A smile from a stranger.
A hug from a friend.
A note of encouragement.
A text message from someone who just wanted to tell you they love you.

I wonder.........what are YOU doing today to be that ray of sunshine?
What are you doing to bring some other soul a glimpse of hope?

Today may be your day of giving
for one day you will certainly need to be receiving.
Such is the cycle of life.

Go today
Smile
Laugh
Love
ENCOURAGE!!!!!!!!

God is ALWAYS on Time!!!!

I had the most awesome experience of God's PERFECT timing this morning.

It brings MANY different situations all into play to create the perfect timings.


You see in a land far away it was actually ALMOST November 3rd as I sat down at my computer. November 3rd is my sons birthday. Since I wanted to wish him a happy birthday as soon as I could, and since he is on the "night shift" in Afghanistan I thought I better get on here and send him a message before I left for work this morning.

SO I did.......... a sweet little birthday email to my amazing son!

Then I proceeded to get ready for my day.

I was about to leave for work when I decided to check my email one more time (just in case I heard back from him).
Lo and behold there was a message from him, a very sweet message that made this momma cry (dang now I have to go fix my make up!!!).

He said that as he was reading the message I sent this morning a Marine walked in with the two packages I had sent him for his birthday. How do you like that for timing!!!!

Now I have to interject the story of those packages.

I was trying my darnedest to get those packages out last week on Monday I think it was.......I hit several obstacles ending with it being 4:50 pm, Post Office is about to close and I just CANNOT make it work! SO I had to wait til the next day. ugh!!!! I was sooo frustrated! I came home and my sweet husband helped me get the packages to work (I was having trouble getting my little birthday balloon to fit and the sign to fly out with it (cos it was attached) and the funfetti cookies were not fitting and ...well you get the idea..........

Apparently the timing was not right.......and needed that extra day!
Go figure!
Because in the end the packages got there at the PERFECT time!!!!!

I tell this story for a couple of reasons. First because I wanted to show the power of God to touch hearts so many miles apart through this fabulous world of technology we have today.
I am so grateful!!
AND because I know so many lovely people out there right now who are struggling to understand Gods timing, His divine wisdom and power to make it all work out for their good. Oh they know it and they are trying to believe it with their whole hearts BUT when life continues to seemingly go awry and all that they want and hope for and dream of is so illusive it becomes quite hard to hold on.

My getting frustrated and dealing with the issues of getting those packages off in the mail is far less than the issues they are facing.
I know that.
BUT I believe in the picture stories we are given in life to help us SEE. God used these parables all the time cos he knew that is how we would grasp and comprehend the lessons we must learn and the promises that they hold.

I want to encourage you to hold on!!
To TRUST and BELIEVE!!!
God DOES have a perfect timing!
Underneath the surface is a perfect plan working it's way out.

Have you ever heard the illustration that Corrie ten Boom used? She said life is like a tapestry. The side that you are seeing as you are stitching along is the underneath, it is tangled with threads going this way and that. It doesn't look like it makes any sense at all. In fact it looks quite jumbled up and messy. BUT, turn it over and take a look at the finished product. Those colorful pieces have been used to create the different parts of the picture to create the beautiful masterpiece.
Such is out lives. Some times they seem to be so messy and jumbled up. Sure doesn't seem to make a lick of sense or look pretty at all. BUT just you wait, one day the finished product shall be revealed to us and we will then behold the beauty behind every single difficulty. We may not see it all on this side of heaven.
This is where the TRUST and BELIEF comes in. Trust that He loves you and is there for you, He will NOT leave you nor forsake you. BELIEVE that He is sovereign and IS working ALL things together for the good to those who love Him!!!!

I pray that today you will see the beauty in God's perfect timing and you will remember that even those annoying frustrations in life can be a part of a better timing, a part of the bigger picture!

Hold on dear one.............HOLD ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XO

You've Had It In You All Along......

It has always been in me.

This morning on my walk, which is the time when I really get to clear my head and pray....
I was thinking about my new job and how far I have come in the mere 2 weeks I have been there.
To be perfectly honest I have been EXTREMELY overwhelmed!!!!
I have not worked in the "clerical" field in MANY years! We have had a couple of businesses and I was the church secretary for 5 years. You have to understand though, this was back in 1988-1993. We were still doing the ole "copy and paste" in the physical way...you know, print it off, tape it on....try to make sure your tape lines do not show up on the copy! We had an apple computer, that is without internet or anything more than the bookkeeping program and the word program. The rate of techno progress is astonishing and I was definitely feeling like I was lagging behind in the learning process.
So as I began this new pursuit I felt like I might never catch on, I might fail miserably!!!
It was a very sad & scary feeling!

BUT...........I am doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM!!!!

Just like the message in the great movie "Wizard of Oz....."It's always been in me!"

I can learn anything, if I just TRY. I can become whatever I want to, if I just tap into what is IN me! What God has given me.

I am pretty sure YOU can too!!
Whatever it is you are facing, whatever you think you cannot do, I bet you CAN!!!!!!
I want you to look deep inside yourself and find that passion, that strength, that gumption to do whatever it is you want to do!!!!!

I am not saying I know it all now, or that I can do it ALL.
(Lord knows I still have a LOT to learn!!!!).....
BUT, just like you, I now know I can find my way!


It has been there all along.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Maybe it is his Marine training, or just being a man, I am not sure....but my son has reminded me a time or two to.....BE AWARE OF MY SURROUNDINGS!

I have taken his advice to heart and I do my best to take good care to stay safe and be alert as I go about my day, in public places, and even when I am home. I understand the need to watch what is happening around me, to be on watchful alert at all times.

These days it is esp important to be reminded of this because we have our high tech phones that we can easily get our noses stuck in even as we are walking to our cars in parking lots, etc.
There are so many safety rules/lessons, that we need to be sure we are applying on a daily minute by minute basis.

This is also true in the spiritual realm.

There is an invisible yet VERY destructive enemy on the prowl every minute of every day following you around doing his best to knock you down and wipe you out completely.

This enemy is as sly as a slithering snake. He is waiting for you to have your guard down and he is ready to pounce on you. He does not do this in obvious ways like a home invasion.....although it will certainly feel like one once he has had his way with you.
No, he usually works on the sly and begins chipping away at your confidence, your peace, your very sanity.
He knows where you are vulnerable, he knows where to hit you.
Your family, your marriage, your kids, your job, your home, you name it...that thing that matters to you, he will be after it!!!

We are warned about this enemy in John 10:10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."

God knew we would need to be on alert. That we would need to keep our guard up.

If we keep on reading we will find the happy ending....
"I have come that they have life and that they may have it abundantly."

HE is our savior! Our hero! Our knight in shining armor!!!
He is here to save us from the attacks of the enemy!!

It is up to us to be aware, to constantly think about what we are thinking about. Check ourselves as to how we are reacting and responding to the stresses in life, or even how we are just plain ole reacting to the people in our lives. Watch where we are going, what we are seeing and listening to.

If we can remember that the enemy does not want us to be happy and peaceful and to have all that GOD has for us.....and remain watchful at all times, we can keep the devil out.
Put our armor on every day to be prepared in battle, because whether we want to accept it or not, this IS a battle!

Let me echo my sons warning to YOU dear ones....
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!!!!!
XO

Hurting Hearts and the Love of our Faithful Father.....

Good Evening all of you lovelies......

My heart is heavy thinking of so many precious people who are struggling deeply. There are so many aches and pains in living this life on earth. We are going to feel these effects of an imperfect world more and more every single day until the day we get to heaven.
It is inevitable. Our reward is coming.
YET, the pain that you are feeling RIGHT NOW is real and it hurts deeply.
I know.

No matter how desperate you feel,
how deep your heart has been cut,
how depressed you have been,
no matter how grim the future looks,
how scared you feel right now,
how impossible the situation feels at this moment,
how confused you are, how lonely you have been feeling,
no matter how crazed you are feeling......
ALL of those things are oh so real...........
But I want you to remember that SO IS OUR GOD!!!!!

He has your back!
He is bending over to pick you up.
He is wiping the tears from your eyes.
He is smoothing out the way before you.
He is opening doors where others have slammed in your face.
He is clearing a path where the one you are on has become over grown with weeds.
He is the sunshine that will brighten your days.
He is the peace that will surround you,
the smile that is in your heart.
He is the author of all good things, and He is writing your story.

He created you perfectly, wonderfully, beautifully, with a plan and a purpose. (Psalm 139)
He has not forgotten.
Check YOUR OWN decisions and choices to see if YOU are the one in the way of the blessings.
If not, then it is just not time YET!
They shall come.
He ALWAYS provides.
Granted, it is not always in the way we had hoped or asked for.
Believe it or not, to get everything the way we want it is not always the best for us.
Just think of how parents are with their kiddos. Children are always asking for something....and parents don't always say yes, because they know what is best for them. Maybe they want more sugar and the parent knows how destructive it can be. Or maybe they want to do something dangerous, the parent is only looking out for their safety.
Sometimes there is no apparent reason when God tells us no, but just as our children trust us, we must trust GOD with the answer He is giving us.
Trust and Obey.


One of the first scriptures I memorized when I was saved at the age of 24 was Proverbs 3:5-7
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge HIM in ALL your ways and He will direct your paths."
Not many days go by that I do not think of this scripture and KNOW that it is my favorite, my "life verse" for a reason...because GOD knows where I am weak (trusting HIM/letting go of control and trying to figure things out.

God knows your weaknesses too.
He knows what you need and when you need it.
He knows your hearts desire, because HE PUT IT THERE!!!!

I want to encourage you...whatever you are facing, I can list the NUMEROUS things I know of at this moment:
loss of job
no home of your own
desperate to become a mommy
starting a new life
confused about love
severe health issues that are looming over you
a medical scare
financial struggles
marital trouble
starting over
raising children and all the struggles that comes with that
exhausted and overwhelmed
someone you love is incarcerated
someone you love is distant and leaving you out
depression threatens to takes hold/or it has taken hold
you are in pain all day, every day
your work situation is miserable
your car is broken down, again!
you are grieving
you are scared
you are desperate
you are struggling with addiction
you cannot seem to keep up
you are overwhelmed
you feel isolated and alone
you feel like you do not have a purpose

I kid you not, I had someone particular in mind with each one of those issues I wrote!!! Some people I realized fell into more than one category even.

These are desperate times.

Once again, I have the answer for you.........the only answer there is.

The answer is GOD!!!!
Allow HIM to permeate your very being and to be your all in all. Once you begin lining your life up with HIM and HIS WORD, you will begin to feel a peace that passes all understanding. Knowing it is NOT up to you, but up to Him, should allow you to relax!

Something I say to myself often is: LET GO AND LET GOD!!!!!!
Whatever it is you are going through....I pray you will find the strength to give it to the omnipotent God and leave it with HIM!

If you would like me to pray for you, I would be honored.
Know that as I wrote this I was doing that very thing, praying for all these needs and knowing full well that there are so many more that I have not touched on. GOD KNOWS! When I pray, He fills in the gap.

May you feel that love and peace today.
God Bless You!!!
XO

Summertime & Standing Strong!

Last week was one of the best weeks everrrrr!!!

My little family all came home to the "nest" for a little Family Staycation.

We swam, & played & laughed & snuggled & read books & watched old movies & went to the park & colored & danced & played games & took naps (the kids - not the adults so much, that's when we had a chance to visit!)
What fun it was to fill our hearts and our home with so much love, laughter and memories that shall last us forever.
I love how my grandchildren have the sweetest cousin bonds, and how much fun they have and how much they enjoy being at Mimi & Papas!!!
I LOVE BEING MIMI!!!

I also love how much I enjoy being around my adult kiddos! They are so amazing!!!

As a family we have been through plenty of ups and downs in life and this past year and a half has been one of those times that we were tried and stretched and I am so thankful that we have held on to one another with a fierce grip!

The enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy! He is on the prowl at all times. To think you are immune to such attacks is only fooling yourself and leaving yourself vulnerable. Each and every day we must put on our armor and be prepared for the war that wages for our very souls and for our marriages and families.

"The thief does not come except to steal and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10

I am so thankful that I have the promise of LIFE and LIFE ABUNDANTLY!!!!!!
God is so good!!!!

My hope for you is that you are enjoying the life that God has intended for you and that you stay ever alert to the tricks of the enemy.

XO

Happy Mother's & UN-Mother's Day

To all of you moms out there who lovingly devote your lives to your children I pray you had a very blessed day designated to

YOU!!!!

Motherhood is a group I have been a proud member of for 32 years now.

It is the role of a lifetime for me.

I do not remember ever wanting to be anything else besides a mom when I was growing up.

While I thank God for the three precious blessings that God entrusted me with here on this earth, I know they are not mine, but they are His.

(I need reminded of this from time to time though, I will admit).

Each one of them are unique and incredible in their own right.

Each one was created wonderfully and beautifully by our awesome God.

Psalm 139 speaks of how God has created us just as He wants us to be,

He has given us specific talents and abilities that are there for His reasons.

I would love to introduce you to each one of my pride and joys and tell you all about Shelly, Sara and James and the fabulous qualities and traits they each possess.

HOWEVER....

I am feeling something else on my heart at the moment
(and............. I did not get permission to exploit them here! LOL!!!)

While I am thankful and feel beyond blessed to be a mom.

I am mindful of so many women who long to be able to be a part of that group

called "Motherhood".

It breaks my heart to see the pain of these barren women.

I KNOW that God has a plan for their lives, I also know that at times that seems so distant and elusive compared to the longing deep within their precious, loving hearts.

I do not know God's ways, nor can I understand why sometimes we cannot have every desire of our heart, especially when it is something we feel so led to.

I can only say that GOD LOVES YOU and

HE SEES EVERY PAIN YOU FEEL.

He knows your heart, because HE created it!!

He DOES have a plan for you!!!

Please be encouraged by God Himself on this day that your heart feels heavier than usual for the longing within you heart.

As I have been writing I have been thinking of the many other types of moms that are struggling with this day.

There are the grieving moms who have lost a child.

The moms who have children but cannot be with them,

for one reason or another.

The mothers whose children have grown up and moved on

leaving them feeling lonely and without a purpose.

There are also those of you whose moms have passed away

and you are missing them desperately today.

There are some of you who feel an emptiness on this day because you have never felt the love of a mother and you long to have that in your life and in your heart.

For all of you I pray healing and wholeness within you, within your heart.

I pray that you know this is but one day in your life,

it is no more valuable than any other day in God's eyes.

He wants you to know and feel His love and JOY,

He wants you to feel His PEACE!!!

Remember...He knows your heart, He created it

and He does have a plan and purpose for your life!

I am praying for ALL of you moms right now......

in the mighty name of Jesus!!!

XO

Back to the grind....Spring Cleaning Part 8

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence therefore is not an act, but a habit."

~Aristotle

Now that we have done the heavy duty work of spring cleaning we MUST come up with some good habits and routines to KEEP our hearts clean and fresh.

ENFORCE

Just like with our houses, things will begin cluttering up again if we let it go.

We need to create practices that will keep us free of the clutter in our hearts.

Just like you notice your house is getting dirty when you see the fingerprints on the walls, or dust on the shelves or cobwebs forming in the corners....

There are warning signs for our soul house as well.

We need to recognize the "warning signs" that our soul houses

are getting messy.

Warnings like:

Negativity, anxiety, worry, depression, irritability, bad attitude, frustration, bitterness, envy, jealousy....

You need to take time on a daily basis to maintain all the work you have achieved.

DAILY QUIET TIME

is one of the very best ways to accomplish this.

Schedule it in like you do other important things in your life.

What works is different for everyone, so you will need to find what works for you.

Also, what has worked for years may not be working anymore if you are finding yourself failing at finding the time, so re-evaluate to see what you can do differently.

When I was raising my children I had a practice of getting up early each morning to go for a quiet walk for a time of prayer and getting myself armed for the day.

Now I don't necessarily have to get up extra early because I no longer have kiddos that are distracting my days, but I have to be sure I do it first thing or I tend to let it slip.

While you are taking the quiet time...commit yourself to the day

and to the works God has for you.

Put on your armor....

Ephesians 6:11- 13

"Finally, my bretheren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand."

The word goes on to tell us to "gird our waist with truth

put on the breastplace of righteousness

shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace

above all taking the shield of faith with which you are able to

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one

take the helmet of salvation

and the sword of the Spirit

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,

being watchful to this end with all perseverence and supplication for all the saints.

You are fresh and clean now that you have taken the time and made the effort

to do a little spring cleaning.

You are sure to have a spring in your step and a smile on your face!

It feels good!

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ Jesus, He is a new creation; old things have passed away behold, all things have become new."

2Cor. 5:17

Thanks for going on this Spring Cleaning journey with me.

XO

Love & Blessings!

Sherry

Finally..........Part THREE of Spring Cleaning Your Heart and Your Home....

Goodness, I am so sorry I have taken so long to get back on here to get to the good part of this message!!!

I took a fall and the effects of such a blunt force to my body with this fibromyalgia has taken a toll. My husband reminds me that maybe I should stop and let my body heal instead of continuing on as if nothing ever happened.

Hmmmm, what a thought! hA!!! ;)

Soooo.....onward to the message of Spring Cleaning!!!

You have gotten your household Spring Cleaning done, right!?

I decided to follow my own advice and finally dug in and got my own Master Closet done tonight! I have someone I want to give my goodies to and that pushed me to get it done.

I am contemplating taking a photo of the heaping pile I still have to deal with. ;)

Our HEARTS......

The process is much the same to Spring Clean our hearts.

We must first set aside the time.

EMBARK

Ah, but this time it is even more important that we have some time all to ourselves.

A little seclusion and quiet time is best.

Do what works for you.

For me, I LOVE to get away, somewhere in nature is my personal ideal.
However my favorite chair in the living room works fine too.

The whole point is to set aside the time and get still before the Lord.

EQUIP

We need to GATHER OUR TOOLS.....

For cleansing our heart the most important tool of all is the WORD of God!!

The Word of God is the thing we need to use to weigh everything up against.

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

Luke 6:45 NIV

The other tool I like to have is my journal.

That way I can jot down the thoughts that I have,
those things I feel like God is speaking to my heart as I seek Him.

Now it is time to EMPOWER.....to PRAY.

Just like I stood at the door to my closet and prayed for God to lead me and direct me,

I will do the very same thing before I begin the process of digging deep into my heart.

I will pray for God to shine His light onto the dark places,

the nooks and crannies, the hidden, dark places where some things have been hiding.

Some things have been in there a very long time,

I have grown accustomed to them being there,

so much so that I do not even notice that I am tripping over them again and again.

There are things that are "cluttering" up my life, my heart,

keeping me bogged down and heavy laden.

EXPOSE

I need to un-earth these things,

revealing what it is that is cluttering up my heart.

My soul house.

"Eliminate physical clutter.More importantly, eliminate Spiritual clutter."

~D.H. Mondfleur

What are these things for you?????

What are those things that are hiding in your heart?

Those things that have been buried deep and not dealt with for a very long time?

These are the things that you have decided are not worth dealing with,

or it was simply too hard to do,

or you just keep pushing it back in hopes that they would just go away!

Let me help you identify them.....

I have created a little list,

as you read it be thinking about your own "clutter"

and which of these things might also be yours.

Be open to God's still small voice and what He is speaking to YOUR heart to deal with.

Shame Bitterness Anger Resentment Pain Rejection

Fear Regret Condemnation Insecurities

Lack of Self-Esteem Grief Anxiety Worry

The feeling of not being good enough, never enough..........

Mull this over.......

Pray about this.

Seek God in your quiet place and I will be back to share more.

Hopefully tomorrow!!!!

Love & Blessings!!!

XO