TIME

Time is the equalizer of all mankind.
No one can obtain more than another in any way. Even the rich cannot purchase more.
 We are all given the same 24 hours a day. 1,440 minutes a day to use to our best ability.
Yet have you ever found yourself feeling as if you do not have enough time? Do you ever find yourself looking at the lives and accomplishments of others and feel as if somehow they must have more time in order to do all that they do?
I suppose some of you are like me, wishing for more time in a day. Wishing for more time to accomplish the things on our lengthy lists.
I have some pretty big goals and aspirations this year so I know I must figure out how to conquer this time machine issue.
How does one fit it all in?
Maybe that is part of the issue right there. Maybe it is not possible and that is part of the problem. I try to fit more in than I should, more than is possible.
Don't we all?
I do want to do it ALL. I want to go everywhere and do everything I can. I want to be at every event, take every opportunity I can. How does one choose which ones are better than another? Which ones are more important than another?
I think part of the answer lies in finding our gauge in which to measure things by. Measuring the importance and value of the decisions of which things matter most.
But how do we do that?
How do we come up with a gauge, a standard, a guide?
I think it lies in the things that we value, what matters most. We make room for the things that are important, the things God wants us to squeeze into the nooks and crannies of our 1,440 minutes of each day.
One of the ways I have practiced for the past few years as a guideline for measuring the ways I should use my time and energies is to choose "a word of the year".
This word is used as a focus, a source of encouragement a rudder and guide in my daily life.
This word is something I keep at the forefront, I make it present in my life so I am reminded of  my intentions.
I spend a lot of time coming up with my word each year. This year I thought I had my word figured out only to discover that this word I had chosen was causing me more frustration than encouragement.
 I had chosen the word DO.
 I had good intentions, pure motives when I chose the word. Yet as time goes by I find that this word causes me to feel the pressure of doing more than is possible. I chose it because I am trying to accomplish some things that have been on my heart for a very long time, things that keep on getting put off because everything else in life has a way of trumping these things I want so desperately to do.
So I am back at the drawing board.
Maybe my word is ACCOMPLISH? I need to focus on accomplishing the dreams God has placed in my heart. I want nothing more than to finally be at a place of accomplishment. I want to achieve my goals! I am ready for God to use me the way I know He wants to.
What about you? Do you have a word of the year? Did you choose one only to find that it caused you more struggle than encouragement? If you did, you can re-think it. It does not matter what month it is. You are not stuck. God has great things in store for you, for your life. Open yourself up to Him.
I would love to hear about your word for the year.
How you came up with it and how it has served you.
I know it will take more than one little word for me to find the time I need to, to keep myself focused, but it is a start. I pray daily that God will lead me and direct me every step of the way, each of those 1,440 seconds of every day.

Let the New Year Begin......

Whether this has been a year of pleasure, pain, or a wild mix of both...it was undoubtedly a year that God was at work in your heart and life.
I for one feel like it was a year of tremendous highs and desperate lows. One that I am thankful I do not have to live over again, yet on the other hand one that I wish I could enjoy part of  once again.

Every year as the last page of the calendar turns over I find myself reminiscing and pondering the past. Not just the last year but the years before.
Tonite I am remembering the New Years Eve, many moons ago that I braved the cold and crowds along with my three kiddos as we camped out overnight in downtown Pasadena, California waiting for the annual Rose Parade. It was definitely a night we will always remember.
Most of our New Years Eves were spent at home playing games and sipping sparkling cider watching the ball drop in New York City Times Square and I remember those just as fondly.

All those years I was the only one who fessed up to  "making resolutions".  I still make resolutions/goals for the new year. I spend time pondering, reflecting and praying about the lessons of the past and the growth of the future.

I always have so much I want to accomplish, so much I hope to achieve. I find myself making lists and journaling my thoughts.
How about you? Are you a resolution maker or do you just take it as it comes?

I do not think there is a right or wrong way. I think we are all wired differently and whatever works for us is what we should do.
It's just like how I need to write things down to remember them and some people just remember.....

I just challenge you to pause, pray and reflect long enough to feel God's presence and hear His voice. To have a bearing on what HE is wanting for you in this new year. What changes you need to make, what things you need to continue with. What is He telling you to do differently? Is He calling you to step out of your comfort zone? Is He calling you to do that thing you have been putting off? Is He maybe just calling you to come closer to Him? Maybe it has been too long since you have drawn near to Him?

Listen.......
What do you hear?

I pray this is a year of drawing close to our Father as He longs for us to be close to Him.  He is our source of strength and hope as we step into the future.

For several years now I have chosen a "Word of the Year". Last year my word came to me and did not make much sense, well that is until the year began unfolding. It did not take long for the word EXPLODE to make itself understood! It was definitely a year of explosion for me. Much of that was positive but just as much was negative and difficult. Like I said, it is a wild mix of both!

 Such is life.

I haven't had a word "come to me" yet, for 2014. I am taking some time tonight to pray and see what He has for me.
How about you? Do you choose a word? What is YOUR word for 2014? I would love to hear it.

I want to wish you a new year filled with HOPE and PROMISE, with HAPPINESS and JOY, filled with LOVE overflowing!!!!
Be blessed and KNOW the love of God that is beyond everything!!!!!

XO Blessings!
Sherry

Greetings to my dearest friends and family…

As many of you remember back in 2002 I participated in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk.

 It was a three day-60 mile life-changing  journey.

I have wanted to do this again for many years, but because of my chronic health condition I have at times been unable to walk around the block let alone 1 mile or 60!

 But, PRAISE GOD….He has brought restoration to my body and I now feel like I can do it!!!

I have signed up for the 2 day – 39 mile walk in San Francisco in September 2013.

 I am so excited to help bring awareness to this dreaded disease that has struck close to home far too many times. 

I am making a plea to you for your help in reaching my requirement of raising $1800.

I have a couple of fundraisers in the works…..

The first one is a QUILT RAFFLE.

 My dear friend Mary Bowen created a gorgeous pink quilt for me to raffle off.

 For every $5 in donations I receive I will put your name into the raffle.

 

The other endeavor is a YARD SALE on Saturday May 4^th at my house.

 I would appreciate any donations for this, which I hope to be my biggest boost in raising funds.  During that yard sale I will take the last donations for the Quilt raffle and then at noon we will draw the winners  name.

When I did the walk in 2002  I was able to raise MORE than I was required to and it was because of all of you who gave so generously. I am depending on that same love and support this time around. I could not have done it without you then and I cannot do it without you now!

Thank you for believing in me!!!

Sherry

 

 

www.avonwalk.org/sherrycoggins

I am not certain why but this is no longer a direct link (so when you go there just select participant and then type in my name and it will take you to my page)

Happy 2013!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL........

As I was thinking about today, New Years EVE, I was realizing how this day is just like my favorite part of a DAY.
Dusk is my favorite part of a day. New Years Eve is just like DUSK!
 It is the end of the year when things are calm and there is a sense of pause in the air.

I love pausing and reflecting at the end of a year. Pausing to reflect and remember the blessings of the year and the anticipation of the year ahead of us. For as long as I can remember I have taken time to sit down and go over the past years calendar, making note of the things I have done and the things that have transpired, lessons learned, memories made. There are always things that make me wish I could have a do-over and things that I wish I could live over. Things I wish I did not have to go through (but seeking the lessons learned)
 In it ALL I know God is in control and it is HIM that I seek to please and honor.

My hope and prayer for 2013 is health, peace, LOVE, happiness and GROWTH. I want to grow in His love and mature in my walk with HIM!

I happen to be one of those who choose a word of the year. I have only just began pondering my word and so far the one that is sticking is GrOw!!! I have always loved the play on the word....to GrOw/GO forward in my walk with the Lord...to be all and do all for HIM!!!!
I have some ideas about the new year ahead....I am still consulting HIM about them....IF they are of HIM then I shall be seeing some astounding and profound growth in this new year ahead.

What about YOU?
Are you refelcting over the past year and it's events and lessons learned?
Are you ready and excited to embark upon a new year filled with promise and potential?

What are you hoping for, planning for?
Are you consulting HIM?

Are you choosing a "word of the year?"

I would love to hear all about it, all about YOUR New Year process.

Love & Blessings to you for the new year ahead!!
XO

Happy Veteran's Day!

 

My son, the US MARINE has served our country for 10 years now.
He has raced up the ranks and is a Staff Sergeant.
YES we are ever so proud!!!!

(this photo is of he and his sisters the day they "pinned him"Staff Seargant)

He is a humble young man and thinks he has done nothing. YET, he has been a part of the war in the middle east since the day he enlisted. He and his sweet little family are apart more that they are together due to the many deployments and trainings he is required to go to.

BUT if you ask him...He says he has done nothing.
 He is not a "hero".

In fact this morning when I texted him to wish him a Hppy Veterans Dy he was quick to tell me that the TRUE heros are those who have done so much more.

Yet, I know for a fact that he has seen more and done more than he will ever admit to.
 Such is the life of a humble servant, a veteran!

This boy, this MAN, this US Marine is MY hero!
 He has served and sacrificed in ways that many of us will never comprehend. He has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, he has flown across the world to be at his cousins, a fellow Marines, funeral. to represent his family and his country at a time when our hearts were breaking. He has been faithful, honorable, integral, a leader, an outstanding Marine even in the toughest of times. He has missed more holidays and special days than he will ever admit to. I cannot remember the last time his birthday was a time of being together. (He says it is just another day.)

This 28 year old Marine is a fine young man, and he is one of many. Many who currently serve our country. There are MANY who have gone before him and many that will follow behind.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have given so much.

To "MY HERO"I say.........THANK YOU SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless you for ALL you have done and all that you ARE!!!!
Your momma loves you!!!!

XO

LISTENING & LEARNING

Uhmmmm... I guess I forgot I have a blog!!!

Not sure how that happens but life just seems to move so swiftly that it causes me to forget to come here and write a little something now and then.

So much has been going on, life has been a happy, busy blur.

During this time I have been coming to some realizations and pondering some ideas that have been dropped into my mind by God Himself. It seems that the more we listen, the more we will actually hear! Ha! Go figure! But no, really...I found myself on the mountain where we used to live, taking walks and enjoying the blazing beauty of autumn. I  was able to perch myself on the mountain top with a fabulous view to feast my eyes on while it fed my soul. Being in nature seems to have that effect on me.

For years when we lived ön the mountain"I would take my daily 4 mile walks and be able to chat with God in a very uninterrupted, serene way. There weren't many people around, just me and the trail and the glorious scene around me. Being there brought back so many memories of the many times I walked that path and how many tears I have cried, prayers I have prayed, the many miles I put in.

While we lived there we endured many of life's trials and tribulations (that happens over the span of 14 years!) At one point in particular I was going through a very difficult time and my walks became my escape. I would just walk and walk and walk, talking to God the entire time. It was so therapeutic, so healing. After months of that kind of walking I decided I wanted to trek to the TOP of the mountain and back. From my front door that was an 18 mile walk, straight up and back down.

So I did.
On my 39th birthday I had an amazing physical/spiritual journey.
The events of that day have been ingrained on my heart and are the very lessons that have spurred me on to writing a book (which is still in the works). God did a mighty work in me that day, He delivered me from my childhood issues and brought me into the light of adulthood without the baggage I had been carrying all those years. It was as if I was carrying along a back pack filled with big, heavy rocks, each one representing an ïssue". The process dumping of those childhood issues brought back the very words God had spoken to my heart many years prior.

YOU WILL NEVER BE AN EFFECTIVE ADULT UNTIL YOU QUIT BEING A DEFECTIVE CHILD

Until we are able to release the wounds of our past, those things that have clouded our vision, tainted our view and rendered us ineffective must be ditched for good, allowing us to live in a new found freedom and effectiveness.

I plan to get back to my writing and maybe one day I will complete that book. It burns in my heart to share that which I learned because I want everyone to live in the freedom that God offers us and desires us to have. He wants us to let go of the past, of the things that hinder our effectiveness and holds us back from being who He created us to be.

In the meantime, let me encourage you to go outside and enjoy the brilliant changing of seasons. While you are breathing in the fresh, crisp air, be mindful of the way God is working in your heart and LISTEN to what He might be wanting to say to you!

In order to hear Him, you have to tune out the noise of the world and actually listen with a quiet and open heart.

I think I am going to do the next best thing tomorrow and go for a walk at the local park and let my mind and heart be filled with HIM.

XO Love & Blessings to you!

Releasing Our Grip

 When I read my devotion for the day in "Jesus Calling" I knew immediately that I wanted to share this with you in light of our"Back to School theme''....

Here it is.....

**Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one - as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.
When you release loves ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do."**


WOW! Talk about hit you where it hurts. I will admit that I am guilty....oh yes, VERY guilty!!!!

Idolatry?!? I sure never thought of it like that!! Ohhh mercy!!!
Endanger??? Oh no!!!!

I have often found myself consumed with concern over each one of my kiddos and my grandangels. Oh I know it is not OKAY to be worrying (that's why I used the word "concerned" ha!) yet I know I am only fooling myself.

This is an ongoing issue that I am consistently working on and trying to be better at. To release my cares and my loved ones unto Him. He is the ONLY ONE who is capable, He is the Master controller over everything!

Oh Lord I pray you will help me day after day to remember that I am helpless and it is not (and never has been) my job to cling tightly to my precious ones. 
 Oh Lord please help me to release my grip.
Help me to remember that there is nothing I can do that you cannot do.

I entrust my loved ones to you Lord and I promise I will try my best not to be an Indian giver!

XO Love & Blessings!