I have been waiting a very long time to make this announcement.
I am absolutely THRILLED to tell you about my new endeavor.
The thing I have been working on for YEARS!
My hearts work... my passion!!!
Some of you who know me well know all about the spiritual/physical journey I experienced on my 39th birthday...all those years ago! ;)
I walked from our home in the mountains to the TOP of the mountain and back; an 18 mile trek. During that experience God did a mighty work in me. I love sharing the story, how God moved in me and changed my life. My heart was forever changed from that day forward. Not that I have never struggled since, but I have a whole new sense of healing in my heart and soul. A healing from issues and wounds that had been there for a very long time, some since early childhood.
I began writing the moment I returned that October day in 1997 and was always intending it to be a BOOK sharing my experience and the lessons I learned.
Through the years I have heard many women speak of their similar struggles which always made me feel anxious to share my story. I wanted desperately to be able to offer them a resource that would help them walk through their own journey towards healing.
For years my "Mission Statement" has been "to share that which I know, have experienced, with other women to help them on their journey".
I long to help women heal from their woundedness , to become the strong effective women God created them to be. To embrace their story and all that has led them to this very place in life, nothing is wasted with God, He uses it ALL. He longs to heal us from our brokenness, the wounds that we have carried around for so long. More than anything He wants us to be whole so we can be the effective women He created us to be. He has created each one of us with a perfect plan and purpose yet sometimes we get lost amidst the troubles, trials, struggles and pain of life.
Like I said, I had always intended to write a book, but the process began to shift, becoming "lessons" that I soon realized would be a curriculum.
This curriculum is called.....
SOUL STEPS!!!!
What is SOUL STEPS exactly?
It is a seven-week curriculum created to walk women through their past issues, struggles, wounds, and into the freedom of Christ. Leading women through the process of knowing who they are and what they were created for. It begins with UPHILL, the first lessons which will lead you through the treacherous process of CLIMBING the mountain, doing the hard work of digging into your heart and purging the things that you have carried long enough.
Then we will have our own MOUNTAIN TOP experience, an actual time on the mountain, where the participants will have their own opportunity to process their wounds and release them there in the beautiful backdrop of nature where we can quiet ourselves and allow Him to speak to the depths of our hearts.
The curriculum continues in the section called DOWNHILL, which symbolizes the freedom from letting go of all of the burdens and heavy weights we have been carrying. This is the time I will encourage women to embrace who God created them to be, to do and be who He has always intended. He longs for you to live your life for Him, to love yourself and to show love to others. You cannot do that when you are stuck in your own issues.
We must move out of our defectiveness and into the place of effectiveness.
We end with a CELEBRATION! A time of honoring and celebrating who we are. I have a fun evening planned in my lovely backyard complete with patio party lights. ;)
(one of my favorite things!)
This seven week curriculum will begin on September 30th at Seven Oaks Country Club.
I would LOVE for you to join us!!
The cost of the course is $125 and that will include the seven meetings, the mountaintop experience, the downhill party, the curriculum, a personal journal and lots of other little goodies along the way.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
CHANGES...
Some changes happen in life whether you choose them or not. Some happen suddenly without warning and take you by surprise, forever changing the landscape of your life.
Then there are some that come after much consideration, lots of thoughtful, diligent prayer, after considering the cost and weighing the options. These kind of changes are often born of a prompting of the Holy Spirit, knowing that you are to step out and do that thing God has called you to do.
I tell other women that they are created wonderfully with a plan and purpose by their Creator. That God has intention for their lives and it is up to them to make themselves available and willing to do that which burns within them.
It is in that spirit that I have made my decision to take big, bold steps out of my comfort zone into the land of the unknown.
Today is the last day of my "office job" I have worked at for the last three years.
A job where I have come to know and love some amazing co-workers. A job that has taught me a great deal and stretched me in ways I appreciate. I have learned many lessons during these three years that I will certainly never forget. I have been blessed to work for friends who are thriving successful business people. They are the most hard-working, diligent, smart, industrious, generous family I have ever met!
As I get ready for this day I am feeling the emotion that comes with heart ties and leaving those who have been a part of my every day life. It is striking me just how much I will miss each one of them!
On the flipside...I cannot wait to share what this journey is ahead of me, what I have been working on for YEARS! I plan to make that announcement tomorrow, the first day I do not get up and get ready for work at DMW Industries Inc.
Have a beautifully blessed day dear ones!!
XO
Sherry
Then there are some that come after much consideration, lots of thoughtful, diligent prayer, after considering the cost and weighing the options. These kind of changes are often born of a prompting of the Holy Spirit, knowing that you are to step out and do that thing God has called you to do.
I tell other women that they are created wonderfully with a plan and purpose by their Creator. That God has intention for their lives and it is up to them to make themselves available and willing to do that which burns within them.
It is in that spirit that I have made my decision to take big, bold steps out of my comfort zone into the land of the unknown.
Today is the last day of my "office job" I have worked at for the last three years.
A job where I have come to know and love some amazing co-workers. A job that has taught me a great deal and stretched me in ways I appreciate. I have learned many lessons during these three years that I will certainly never forget. I have been blessed to work for friends who are thriving successful business people. They are the most hard-working, diligent, smart, industrious, generous family I have ever met!
As I get ready for this day I am feeling the emotion that comes with heart ties and leaving those who have been a part of my every day life. It is striking me just how much I will miss each one of them!
On the flipside...I cannot wait to share what this journey is ahead of me, what I have been working on for YEARS! I plan to make that announcement tomorrow, the first day I do not get up and get ready for work at DMW Industries Inc.
Have a beautifully blessed day dear ones!!
XO
Sherry
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
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
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
Monday, July 28, 2014
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
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
Monday, July 14, 2014
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
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
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
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Life Is Tough...But...God is good!!!!
It's been a trying time. A trying time indeed.
More things have happened in a short period of time than usually happens in a long stretch of time.
God has been faithful through it all.
It has not been easy.
The days have been tough.
But never, EvER has hope been lost!
I am so thankful for the faith in God that lies in the center of my being. It has not been there my whole life, but once I accepted Christ at the age of 23 (ish) He has made Himself real to me in every way, every day. Praise God for His presence!
Praise God for GOD!!!!
Life is tough people! I know I don't have to tell you that!
Can you recognize His presence amidst the chaos and confusion? Are you able to hold on to the lifeline of a God who will never leave you nor forsake you!?
That is all we have my friend....HE is all we have!!!!!
Hebrews 13:5 says "I will never leave you nor abandon you!"
That is the lifeline we hold on to as the rest of the world and life threatens to fall down upon us! As we find ourselves being swallowed up by the huge pit of quicksand that longs to over take us!
More things have happened in a short period of time than usually happens in a long stretch of time.
God has been faithful through it all.
It has not been easy.
The days have been tough.
But never, EvER has hope been lost!
I am so thankful for the faith in God that lies in the center of my being. It has not been there my whole life, but once I accepted Christ at the age of 23 (ish) He has made Himself real to me in every way, every day. Praise God for His presence!
Praise God for GOD!!!!
Life is tough people! I know I don't have to tell you that!
Can you recognize His presence amidst the chaos and confusion? Are you able to hold on to the lifeline of a God who will never leave you nor forsake you!?
That is all we have my friend....HE is all we have!!!!!
Hebrews 13:5 says "I will never leave you nor abandon you!"
That is the lifeline we hold on to as the rest of the world and life threatens to fall down upon us! As we find ourselves being swallowed up by the huge pit of quicksand that longs to over take us!
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