Happy Birthday dear MIL

Sunday was my MIL's birthday. She was 86 years young. We had a birthday dinner for her complete with a cake and ice cream. I fixed her favorite: roast beef, creamed potatoes, gravy, veggies, salad, sour dough bread and dessert.

She was my pastor's wife when I was 6 years. We go w-a-a-a-ay back.

Here's the birthday cake (spice - it's almost autumn),
cream cheese frosting w/toasted pecans.
Check out the candle -- it's a crayon candle.
Can you tell that small children dominate the domain at our house?

(Oops! That's a dead gave-away that this celebration was not planned
well in advance or there would have been an adult candle stickn' out of that cake :)

I'm really not cheap. I didn't have enough candles so I just used one.
Let's face it . . . 86 candles = house fire!

I must admit, it was pretty good!

Here she is with some of her grandchildren - my kids!.
Little Bryce is Great Grandchild #20!

May she have more happy and healthy years ahead.

Love,

It's raining, it's pouring . . . .

Saturday, hubs and I got up fairly early and headed out the door to Tupelo, OK to the Annual Amish Auction.

The Amish in this area raise money for their school by having an auction and selling their awesome food, furniture, buggies, animals and much more. There are other vendors there as well.

We anticipated a nice day in spite of the forecast for possible rain. Just as we got to the home stretch toward the auction, it started raining.

A little later the traffic began to slow down and eventually came to a complete stop. As we came closer to our turn, we saw the reason. A traffic jam . . . . on a DIRT road!

Here's a shot of the traffic behind us! I have never seen so much traffic on a DIRT road.

Finally we got through the gate and found a parking place. My camera could not capture the the sea of cars!










There were several large tents with vendor's booths. There was so much to choose from: Home Decor, Autumn, Christmas, Halloween items, jewelry, purses, candles, hair accessories, western theme items, country items, food of all kinds and even hermit crabs.









Yes, the Amish were very visible. These ladies were checking out the hermit crabs. The children were adorable in their Amish attire.

I wanted to take more pics but my hands were full with a camera and a very wet umbrella. Can your spell D-r-o-w-n-e- d R-a-t?

Hubs decided that he didn't want to follow me around shopping so he decided to head out to the auctions. Yes, there was more than one (how I wish I would have know that at the beginning). We did the stupid thing and did not set a time and place to meet. Mistake #1!

Mistake #2: I had forgotten to charge my cell phone :)

After doing some shopping, I decided to go to the auction tent to look for hubs. I searched in different places for about an hour. I asked myself, "where would a phlegmatic hang out in this weather?" I guess I don't know where a phlegmatic would have been because he wasn't in any of the places I looked so I decided to check the car.

Not there, either.

I got in the car and began reading a book while waiting to see if he would show.

No sight of him!

Back to the auction tent. Still couldn't find him. It finally stopped raining so I started searching in areas that I hadn't even seen while tromping around in the rain.

Guess what I discovered?

There were a least 4 auction tents.! NO WONDER I couldn't find him. I looked for the buggies thinking surely he would be there.

Nope!

As I started up the hill, I heard my name paged. Then I looked up and saw him with a BIG smile on his face. We started laughing and shared our adventure of looking for each other. -- in the rain! He had started looking for me about the time I went to the car!!! I guess my secret ambition of becoming a PI just went down the ditch with all the rain. ;)

We ate a yummy lunch of Amish chicken and noodles before heading home. On the trip back, it began raining again! We were in for even more rain as hurricane Ike whirled passed our area.

This Saturday we will be going to another one near Tulsa. There will be buggy races at this one and hopefully NO RAIN!

Love

Learn it with laughter...

We really ARE wired differently. This is Mark Gungor of "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage". I have the entire seminar on DVD and it is so good and enlightening.

Enjoy.



Love,

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Bethany over at Singing Over Me. She's a new bloggy friend :) So I am to share 6 most unspectacular things about myself and then tag other people. (Actually, she tagged me several days ago and I'm just now getting to this.)

Here goes.....

The Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules on your blog.
3. List 6 unspectacular quirks about yourself.
4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking to them on your post, then commenting on their blog to let them
know "their it".

6 Unspectacular Thing About Me

1. If something is not centered or angled just right (such as furniture, pictures, etc) it drives me nuts until it's adjusted. I guess I have a phobia! :o

2. I the love lemon flavored anything.

3. I love to read, especially self help books and Bible studies.

4. I would do just about anything for my kids and grand kids :)

5. I don't really like to write, yet . . . . I have this blog and just love being a part of this wonderful world of sisters in Christ!

6. Scrapbooking is a hobby I would like to have more space and time for.

Now, don't you feel much better that you know all this stuff about me? :)

I am supposed to tag six people. Well, Annie, Bethany , Beth, Mindy, Allison & Valerie, consider yourself tagged.

Love,

Following thingy

When I signed in to my blog a couple days ago I notice I had "1 follower".

Wow!

Woo Whoo!

Thank you sweet Rachel!

The reason for my surprise: I didn't even have a button in my sidebar for it because I didn't really believe this blog was all that followable.

Anyway, just so you know, I now have one of the "Follow this blog" thingys, too. I would love to see your sweet face over there.

Love,

Living on Leftovers

Even after my husband and I were married a few years, he was still reluctant to tell me that he absolutely hated leftovers. I, on the other hand, loved them because it kept me from cooking everyday. Finally, he told me that he didn't like Used Food!

I thought the term "used food" was quite unique and I got the message but . . . . he still got leftovers every once in a while. :) Now, (I guess out of desperation), he seems to really like them.

I am taking my Young Adult Sunday School class through a month-long study on the life of Solomon (I Kings 1 - 11). As I was reading and preparing for the life application that will come at the end of our video, one thing about Solomon's life began to stand out to me: Solomon mostly lived on spiritual leftovers.

Yes, he was God's choice as King to follow David. He asked for wisdom to know how to lead the nation of Israel and that pleased God. He built the temple for God's presence to permanently dwell among them and God was pleased. He used this wisdom to advance the kingdom. He made some good political moves for trade and peace -- good in man's eyes. Some of his political decisions led to the desecration of the nation of Israel. One of several things he did was to take pagan wives in order to have peace and good relations with other nations. Bad spiritual move. (He had 700 wives and 300 concubines.)

God told Solomon that in order for the nation of Israel to be blessed, Solomon must follow God's decrees as his father David had done. God warned Solomon over and over and over of what would happen if he failed to follow these instructions. As Solomon aged, he became more lax in obedience to God's decrees for Israel. God was not pleased.

Here's where the spiritual leftovers come in. As I was reading, I noticed that many, many times God kept Solomon from punishment because of God's love for David! Solomon was living off of his fathers blessings! After Solomon's death, his children suffered because of his disobedience. The nation of Israel revolted and divided and eventually was taken into captivity because their king failed to follow God's instructions.

Leftover blessings. Here's the problem. Solomon was not receiving blessings from his own obedience. He was living off of the overflow of the abundance of blessings from David's love, obedience and dedication to God. Just like leftover food, once it's gone, there's nothing else to eat unless we get in the kitchen and cook up another meal.

Blessings from God. I can't feast on the blessings that my parents gave me as a spiritual inheritance forever. I must receive for myself by walking in obedience on a daily basis. My children and grandchildren will inherit from us, but they, too, will have to "cook up some blessings" for themselves.

Like David , we must pass the example of rightousness to those who follow us. "Lord, give me a heart like your beloved servant David."

Love,

Time passes swiftly!

Well . . . . here it is Thursday and I haven't posted since Saturday! If I have been out of town that would be a good excuse, but I can't use that one since it would not be the truth :)

All of your gals who may be looking forward to the freedom of the empty nest -- think again. It seems that life in general will fill it back up with something. It may not be your kids, but believe me your days will be full.

I have talked with several retired people in our community and they all seem to say the same thing, "Now that I'm retired, I don't know how I ever worked a 40 hour-a-week job!"

Lord, help me! When that day comes for me, I think I may just reconsider.

My life is full . . . full of wonderful people such as my family, friends and church family. I am so blessed! At times the grace, mercy and blessings of God are overwhelming!

There are many Americans today whose lives were full and happy seven years ago. Then suddenly, a mammoth tragedy forever changed their lives and the world as they knew it when the twin towers in NYC were attacked by terrorist.

They will never forget the pristine morning that quickly clouded into heartbreak. Nor will I forget as I watched my television screen that morning in total disbelief. I just could not wrap my mind around what I was seeing. Suddenly, we Americans who had felt so safe on our home soil no long had that same sense of security.

Seven years have passed and we realize its true: our lives have been changed forever. The deep scars on the hearts of American citizens and land are healing. Those who lost loved ones in the attack are continuing to make their way, some better than others.

I did not personally know anyone who lost their life in the attack that day -- how thankful I am for that. I pray for those who have been left to carry on without the ones they loved so dearly. For some of them, these past seven years have not gone by quickly. For people like me, who ask the question, "Where has the time gone?" need to stop and count our blessings -- especially today.

Through the pandemonium of that day seven years ago, there was one thing that was driven deeper into my spirit: we cannot put our full trust in a person, in a country, in government, in a leader or in things. Full trust is to be placed in God alone. Our safety and security are in His loving hands. He is my security. He is my strength. He is my shield and fortress. He is my strong tower. In Him do I trust!

Love,

The Little Ones

I just love children. They are precious, trusting, wide-eye innocent (most of the time), funny, and just adorable. Every Wednesday night I can be found teaching the Toddler/Preschool class at church. I tell them Bible stories -- shock, shock ;) and introduce them the the alphabet, phonics, colors and shapes, etc. They come each week with great anticipation about what we will be doing in class and.... what they will eat. (They love snack time.)

This past week I brought my camera ( Yes! I remembered.) and I got some cute pics of the kids. Some of my munchkins were absent, but here's the one who were there:

They had just finished gluing the letters and the objects that begin with that letter.
They were so proud of their work!
(Ages 2, 3 & 4)

I connected my camera to the television so they could see the pictures.
Then while they could still see themselves, I took their picture again.
They are little clowns!

More clowning around!

Laughter and snacks!

Taking care of children is a ministry, even if it's changing a poopy pull-up (had one of those on this night). They respond to love, like to learn and have fun. Jesus said whatever we do unto the least of these, we do it unto Him. Well then, He had himself some fun Wednesday night! :)

Love,

Award Presentation

I told you yesterday that I would be back to pass this award on to someone.


So, here goes!

And the award goes too.......(opening the envelope).........

And the winner is! ! ! ! ! (drum roll, please)

Annie
at
Annies Eyes

Annie has been such an inspiration to me as a blogger. She has such a love for God and is a real princess! We hope to be able to talk over a cup of coffee some day soon. If you have not yet visited her blog, please do, you'll be glad you did!

And next:

Bethany
at
Playing with the Paulsens

Bethany is a mom who is very creative with a loving heart. She shares the adventures of living with her husband and sons. You will enjoy her day-to-day writings. Go on over for a visit!

And last but certainly not least:

Valerie
at
Valerie Chris

Valerie is no longer my" imaginary blogging friend", but a real, live friend. You can read about that here and here.
She is such a cutie. You can tell by reading her blog that she is fun -- funny! She's a natural-born blogger who carries her camera with her everywhere! (Unlike Moi.) She has a very deep love for God and is willing to allow Him to use her even when she may not feel qualified for the task. Don't miss out on visiting her blog. If you go for a visit, you'll be back.

Well, the award presentation ceremony is now over. There are so many more who deserve to receive it but I would be here til Christmas if I gave it to my entire list (which is much, much longer than my sidebar list.) Til later, have and wonderful day!

Love,

Oh, Thank You!

I got a BIG surprise yesterday via email from Rachel, a new blogging friend. I went to her blog and found that she had given me my first ever award!


Rachel is one of our darling Southern girls who had to evacuate due to hurricane Gustav. You can go to her blog by clicking on her name here. It is well worth the visit!

It's amazing how even in the middle of devastation, God can bring about good. She received many encouraging emails and has made some new blogging friends because of the hurricane -- and that would include me :)

Please keep her and all the other families in this southern region in your prayers. Those whose homes and property has been damaged will be dealing with the effects of Gustav for quite some time. The wheel of rebuilding and recovery turns much slower when so many are in need at the same time.

I will pass this award on later today. I am heading out the door to OKC to make a hospital visit with my hubby. Then... I will be making a stop at Mardel and Lifeway :0

Thank you, again, sweet Rachel!

Love,

My New Bloggy Friend!

The 2008 Siesta Fiesta was a special time for the LPM blogging friends to meet each other in person, most for the first time. I did not attend this wonderful event, but I will remember reading about it and seeing the pictures for a long time.

The main reason for my remembering it is that in all my blog reading about it the conference, I ran across someone who attended that just happened (as I found out) to live near me. I commented on her blog and and to make the story r-e-a-l-l-y short, this what transpired:


This my new friend, Valerie. She is so darling! We had the best time getting acquainted and sharing our love for our bestest friend, God . We met at a Mexican restaurant last evening at 6:00. Before we knew it, the place was pretty much emptied out and the staff was sweeping the floor and cleaning up -- it was closing time! Needless to say, we were not at a loss for words :) We then headed for our cars but talked about 10 or 15 minutes more in the parking lot!

Valerie has posted about last night, too. She went into more detail on her blog about our "conversation" that led to dinner . You can visit her blog and read about it by clicking here: http://valeriechris.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-new-blogging-friend.html

It's amazing how the family of God really feels like family! I do not have any biological sisters, but I have many sisters in Christ! And now.... a new one!

Note: Nope, I didn't bring my camera......again. I am going to have to carry one of my bigger purses that my camera will fit into. After all..... I BLOG, for heaven's sake! Second thought, maybe a NEW purse would be better:)

Anyway, have a great day. (Gustav is sending us rain today and for that we are thankful!)

Dummy!

That would be me-- dummy!

This weekend we (hubs and I ) were able to be reunited with a childhood friend. We haven't seen her in FOREVER. That's right, since high school. Back before the age of PC computers! (Did I really say that?)

We went to school together; she in second grade and I in first. She moved after that but she lived in the little town where my parents attended church. She came to our church and that's where we became friends. So much time has passed!

She came and spoke for us Sunday night at our 5th Sunday Potluck Fellowship. She had a liver transplant 21 months ago. She shared her story of how God worked several miracles during her wait and in receiving a new liver. Not only did she receive a liver transplant but she recieved a spiritual "heart" transplant as well. What a blessing it was to be with her again. We plan on keeping in touch and visiting as often as possible.

She looked absolutely great! But..... you'll never know, my bloggy friends, because dummy, here, did NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES! Now, you would think that a blogger would have her camera, wouldn't you? My only excuse is that it was Sunday I was cooking and transporting food to the church and did not think about a camera.

I'll do better next time :)

Hurrican Gustav & 100th Post

This just happens to be my 100th post, but it falls on a devastating day for many Southerners. As I am writing this, Hurricane Gustav is over Houma, LA, where we used to live for over 16 years. We sold our home there only 18 months ago! We have so many friends in Houma, Thibodaux, New Orleans and down the coast and have been in touch with some of them and know they have moved to a safer place.

Please be in prayer for them physically, emotionally and that God will strengthen them spiritually during this time of devastation.

Love,

What will you choose to do?

I love the words of this song. It asks questions I have asked myself. I choose to fall down in worship to the great I Am -- the one and only true God.

Enjoy,

Got a spot?

I'm sure you have seen this commercial. I think its funny! But, each time I see it, something speaks loudly to me. The man TRYING to impress the interviewer with information about his accomplishments, is completely out talked by the stain on his shirt. It's a hoot! This is a perfect example of the phrase "actions speak louder than words".

I wonder if this is how others see us when we talk one way and live another, perhaps without integrity and good character Are we always honest? Do we strive to do what is right? Do we witness with our mouths only or are we being a witness by our actions and deeds? There is a difference. We need to be witnesses.

I ask God daily to help me keep the "spots" from my life. He loves a repentant heart and will lovingly help us remove the things in our lives that could "out talk" witness. We just need to sincerely ask. How about you, are you willing let God do a little "laundering" on your heart?

Confessions

Today I was reading Sarah's blog about the plethora of toothbrushes that her family has and the smorgasbord of toothpaste as well. This made me think of areas I have around here. The toothbrush/toothpaste department at our house is fine only because there are only two adults living here.

BUT......I have stuff! A garage full of it! I must confess that I love decor accessories and kitchen gadgets and I have toys for my grandchildren all stuffed in a small parsonage -- in the garage actually because the house will not neatly store them. My husband has often asked me "why did you buy that". To be honest, I have done my share of excessive purchasing but I am a pastor's wife I also have a lot of dear friends who give me gifts -- wonderful gifts. I keep the gifts (most of them).

When we were first married, money was really tight and I learned to recycle and redo, therefore, I did not throw something away if I thought I might be able to use it later. The "if you haven't used it in a year throw it away" philosophy did not fit my budget.

Now that my nest is empty I have started downsizing. It is a work in progress. Not only am I downsizing physically but I have been taking spiritual inventory for any excess in my heart that God has not placed there. This, too, is a work in progress.

How about you. Do you have excess in your life physically and/or spiritually? Has God already brought you through this? If so, please share your victory.

Love,

Sherry

Blog Hopping

I have been blog hopping today. I've been checking out the sites of those who attended the Siesta Fiesta, looking at the pictures and reading about their experiences. One thing for sure, everyone enjoyed it.

I am very happy for all of you who were able to attend. Me, I had schedule conflicts but maybe next time.

Til later,

I want it all.....and I want it now!

Have you seen the Chase credit card commercial where a wife has had it with their family television? She says to her husband, "You're right, we need a new TV. He brightens up and goes shopping for a new HD TV. Then the music starts ,"I Want It All, and I Want It Now!" The commercial ends with the tag line "Chase what matters."

Every time I see this commercial it reminds me that this is the mentality of most Americans. We have so much to be thankful for. We are free to make choices for ourselves, blessed with abundance of all kinds and still have our freedom to worship God. Yet, we are a nation that consumes more anti-depressants that any other nation. We have so much to be happy about but there seems to be a big void. So....we look elsewhere to fill it.

Many do not necessarily delve into illicit sex, drugs and other "deep" sins" (sin is sin) but instead, over consume food and the purchasing of stuff. We are a nation who spends money on the rental of storage units just to house our over abundance of stuff. (The leasing of storage units is a real money maker for the owners - no joke.)

Just like the song on the commercial, "We want it all and we want it now!", kind of sounds like a small child throwing a temper tantrum doesn't it? I must be honest and admit I, too, have found myself doing the same -- getting caught up in excessiveness, wanting more and wanting it now only to find that the anticipation was more satisfying that the "getting". God is working on this area of my life and I am very thankful for His loving ways that include no condemnation.

The last part of that commercial says "Chase what matters." What matters to me? What matters to you? Relationships: God, family and friends are what matters to me the most. Stuff is so temporary and if it ever brings satisfaction, it's usually very short-lived. So let's chase what matters - the heart of God and all the other relationships and things (stuff) will fall into their proper place. God truly fills the void and brings satisfaction like nothing else and it lasts in spite of the circumstances around us.

Love to you,

Sherry

In all things give thanks

I Thessalonians 5:18 is one passage of scripture that I chose to exercise last Wednesday. It says:

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

I keep my two little grandchildren (ages 4 & 2 months) on Wednesdays. Our day started as usual. A little after 6:00 a.m. we were sitting on the patio drinking our first cup of coffee when the telephone rang. It was our son. He needed to bring the 2 month old to us to watch while our daughter-in-law took the 4 year to the doctor for an ear infection and so that he could get ready and leave for work. (We have a clinic that opens very early for working parents and their doctor does an early morning shift there before going to her private practice.) So before 7:00 a.m. our grandson came for an early morning visit.

Everything went well, our granddaughter only had infection in one ear. On the previous Monday, the baby had a round of his baby shots. So now both kids were on Tylenol. Our daughter-in-law picked them up, went home and got them and herself ready for the day and brought them back to me around 10:30 a.m.

Just a typical day until.........the kids and I were sitting in the living room and suddenly I hear a very LOUD hissing sound. No.. it wasn't a snake. It took us a few seconds to realize that it was coming from the hot water heater that is in the utility room. It scared the soup out of me. I wasn't sure about the hissing sound but I was sure about the WATER running all over my floor!

So, here I am with two sick kids, well...... one sick and the other recovery from immunizations and my utility room and garage flooding! I had the baby in my arms (who was cranky at the time) and quickly grabbed the telephone and called my husband while keeping the curious 4 year old with me .....at the other end of the house! Our conversation went something like this:

Him: "Hello"

Me: "Honey, the hot water heater is making a noise like 'hiissssss' (I tried to immitate the sound), water is running all over the place and I need you to come home NOW! I've got two little ones here and am not sure if this thing is safe to be around."

Him: "Okay, I'll be right there." (Mister calm).

After a while I realized it was steam I was hearing ... and I did not smell natural gas but it was quite loud .

My poor husband cleaned up the mess (really thankful for this) then went to town to buy a new heater. I caught him before he left and reminded him to buy a garbage disposal as well. Ours went out two days before the hot water heater!

So now the the above scripture comes to my mind and I realize I have a choice in how I am going to respond to all of this mess! I chose to start thanking the Lord for all the good things that happened in this circumstance.

Thankful because:
1. We were not away on vacation when this happened! (I don't want to even go there!)
2. That my husband was close by to handle it.
3. Brea only had one ear infected -- not two.
4. The baby was actually better than on Monday.
5. Hubby cleaned the mess :)
6. A new heater was installed within a matter of hours.
7. The water was off for a very short amount of time (hubby found the emergency shut off after the heater was removed).
8. I didn't have to take Brea to school today. (It all happened about the time I would
have normally needed to take her.)
9. We were not in danger.
AND
10. That God reminded me to be thankful.

When I started listing all that I had to be thankful for in this circumstance, I was surprised how many there were and how easy it was to list them.

Remind me Lord to always follow Your Word and Your Ways for they are always best.

Love,

Sherry

Keeping Up With Emmie

This is baby Emmie and her big brother who just turned 1!
She is growing and filling out her preemie clothes. She is still very tiny and so beautiful!

Thank you for praying for her. She is a miracle!

Love,

Sherry

Amazing!!

This is amazing and inspiring.

Sherry

A Day of Dedication

The Dedication of

Baby Bryce
August 17, 2008

Bryce's little feet.

Handing him to PaPa for the dedication prayer.

One proud Grandpa!

After church, the family had lunch together. This is Bryce's cake.


Sleep little one. It's been a BIG day!

" Every good and perfect gift comes from above...." James 1:17

Love,

Sherry

What a friend He is

Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in life and its busyness that we can momentarily forget what a wonderful friend God is. We hustle about with the cares of life and try to handle it all ourselves, and by doing so we forfeit God's wonderful peace. Let's not forget to always share every part of our lives with our blessed Redeemer. He IS the great I Am, the one true God and...... our best friend.

Love,

Sherry

Sunday's Sermon in Song

Useful Disobedience

I've been preparing for my Sunday school class and what I am working on are some life applications from the book of Esther. Last week the class began watching "One Night With the King". The week before I gave a historical background setting the story up.

As a child I always had the idea that Esther was a very beautiful and godly woman who was used of God to save the Jews from genocide. She was beautiful and she was used to save the Jews, but as far as being a godly person, I believe she was lacking -- at least in the beginning. Actually, Esther wasn't a very good Jew. Compare her to Daniel and the three Hebrew children.

Daniel and the guys had their names changed by the Babylonians. They did not object because they needed the Babylonian names in order to work for the government (it gave them citizenship) and it did not compromise their spiritual standing. However, Esther was told by her Jewish uncle Mordecai to not reveal her Jewish heritage and to aid this, she changed her name from Hadasaah to Esther. She changed her name to hide.

The Hebrew fellas refused to eat the King's rich diet. The King (Nebbacannezar - a pagan) did not eat Kosher food like the Jews and more than likely, the food had been sacrificed to the pagan gods. Esther ate what she was served, no objection as to whether it was Kosher or not.

The Hebrew guys openly prayed and let it be know who their great God was. Jehovah was the God of the Jews. Esther had to hide the fact that she was a Jew, therefore, she could not openly worship Jehovah.

Esther married a pagan -- a BIG no, no for the Jews!

Esther was a disobedient Jew. But. here's something that stood out to me in this story. Even though Esther did not adhere to the Jewish teachings and in a sense, denied Jehovah, God used her disobedience for His good. She was in the right place at the right time; she won the beauty contest, became the wife of the pagan king, and when the time was right, became bold enough and put her life on the line, she revealed who she really was, revealed the villain's (Haman) evil plan and asked that the lives of the Jews be spared.

God can even use our disobedience. There were others who disobeyed yet were used by God. For example, Jonah, the rebellious missionary; Sampson, the guy with a sexual addiction; Rahab, a call girl in Jericho. Take a look at the Hebrews 11 - faith's hall of fame. There are several heroes NOT mentioned in this chapter; Enoch, Mary, Daniel & and his three friends. Those that are mentioned there were disobedient, yet are recorded to have lived by faith. For instance, Abraham and Sarah: Abraham lied and Sarah laughed; Jacob was a deceiver; Jephthah sacrificed his own daughter. They were far from perfect but God still used them!

This all goes to show how limitless our God is. The fact that He can use our disobedience does not give us a "free ticket" to continue in disobedience -- that's not what I am saying. We must earnestly continue to follow God's Plan and Will for our lives, but if we stumble, we can get back up and keep on walking. He'll be right there with hands and arms outstretched to pick us up.

If you are feeling defeated by imperfection on your journey of faith, be of good cheer! God is patient and sees your heart. He desires to perfect all of us but.... until the day of perfection comes we will continue working and pressing toward it. Once we have achieved perfection, then we will have a new address -- heaven. :)

Love,

Sherry

First Day

This week came with "first days" for several of our family members. Wednesday was Breanna's first day of Pre-school. It was her mommy's first day back to work since being on maternity leave. I was so honored to be able to take Brea on her first big day and pick her up after class.

Here's our big girl all ready to go to school.

At school.
Brea and her teacher who just happens to be her Nana also. (Her mommy's mother)

All set and off she goes!

In the meantime, her new baby brother, Bryce, was having his first day at Grammie's, the official Wednesday day care. :)

He is such a sweet baby boy. He laughs and interacts with us which makes my heart leap. He is very strong and so interested in things around him. And.....he loves his Grammie!

As for me, it was my first day back to being a caregiver to not just one grandchild, but TWO!
Ah... God is good. His blessings are far beyond what I deserve!

Love,

Sherry

Our Anniversary

Happy 38th Anniversary to us!

Women of Substance

This past weekend at the Living Proof Simulcast we were challenged to be women of substance. This is a phrase I have used so many times in describing my desire for myself -- a woman of substance -- spiritually.

God and I are taking my Sunday School class through the book of Esther. Now this was a woman of substance! God used her to preserve the Jews from annihilation. She most certainly stepped out of -- no, was pushed -- out of her comfort zone. She was equipped the supernatural courage and allowed God to use her "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14) Orphan girl to a Queen. God does things like that!

If Saul would have obeyed God's instructions and destroyed the Amalekites and King Agag (descendants of Esau) and not have taken the plunder (I Samuel 15), Esther may not have needed to be Queen and risk her life in order to preserve the Jews. But his sin and disobedience had a chain effect that we see some 500 years later in the book of Esther. (Esther 3:1)

Saul's disobedience cost him his anointing as King. God regretted ever making Saul king. It not only cost Saul, but the Jews as well. Some people think that they can do whatever they like as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. Every thing we do affects others whether we want to believe it or not. Our lives have a way of making an impact. How and what kind of impact is up to us.

There is a difference between witnessing for Christ and being a witness. I want to BE a witness. I can say all the right things but if my actions and life do not live up to my "words", then I need to ask God help me shut up and just live it!

A woman of spiritual substance: that's my desire. How about you?

Love,

Sherry

Sunday's Sermon in Song

Love,

Sherry

Simulcast

I just got home from the Living Proof Simulcast broadcast from Louisville, Kentucky. I was at one of 70,000 at one of the 715 remote locations which included 50 states and 4 countries. What a wonderful time we had. The theme was "Women of Substance: 100 Fold Harvest". Spending time with sisters in Christ and in the presence of the Almighty is the best way I know to spend a weekend.

I had a very special surprise. I came face-to-face with a friend I haven't seen in YEARS. We attended school together from 4th grade through 12th. In fact, she sang at my wedding. It was a special time of rekindling a friendship and worshiping our precious Lord.

Well... now it's time for me to go dig in the Word to finish my Sunday School lesson. I will be going out of town next week so there will not be much activity on this blog. Hope the rest of your weekend is blessed!

Sherry

Personality Test

I took the Personality Test. Here are my results:

You Are 18% Borderline

Your personality isn't borderline anything. You're happy, stable, content, together... ever consider being a therapist?

Do You Have a Borderline Personality?

Well, how about that? I'm not so sure we can rely on these games but they are such fun!

Sherry

Interpersonal Intelligence Rate Quiz

I took this test:

Your Interpersonal Intelligence Score: 73%

Your Interpersonal Intelligence is High You are definitely a "people person." You enjoy spending time with others. You instinctively understand people, and you are both a good counsellor and mediator. However, there are definitely times when you've had enough. And that's when you cherish being alone.

How Does Your Interpersonal Intelligence Rate?

:)
Sherry