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I am a Christian wife and mother of 2. I am the mother of two adult children. My husband is a full time Pastor. I also work full time outside of the home. Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” And for this season of our lives, I have to work. A couple of years ago I asked God for a job using me to serve others and that is exactly what He did. Not in the way I expected, but I am serving! This blog is a way for me to share devotions, whatever the Lord lays on my heart. It is an avenue for me fulfill something I feel the Lord leading me in, which is writing. I am currently working on a book as well!

  • Living In Yesterday’s Prayers

    Recently I was out in the chicken coop feeding treats to my chickens when I had a thought that stopped me in my tracks: I am literally living the life I prayed for years ago.

    Years ago I prayed for a job that would allow me to be home more. I dreamed of having chickens one day. I prayed for a place where my family could gather. Somewhere along the way, those prayers became my everyday life…and I almost forgot they were once answered prayers.

    We as humans tend to spend a lot of time complaining. The enemy loves to remind us of everything that is wrong. If we’re not careful, we’ll become so focused on what we don’t have that we overlook the countless blessings God has already placed right in front of us.

    So recently I heard a song that has been running in my head every day – “God I’m Just Grateful For Ya” I love the song. It is such a reminder of what we have to be thankful for. And there is always something to be thankful for. I would start listing things that I’m thankful for but we would be here all day!

    So my challenge to you is to start listing things that you are thankful for. Anytime you start praying, begin with thanking Him for your blessings first.

    I am reminded of the story of Mary and Martha (I feel like I’m always referring to this story!). Poor Martha gets a bad reputation because of this story. She is the complainer in this story and Mary is just worshipping Jesus. And He tells Martha that Mary has chosen the good part. Martha is not a bad person, of course. She is one of Jesus’ good friends. This story is given in scripture to remind us to slow down and remember the most important thing!

    There are so many verses and stories in God’s Word that reminds us to be thankful. God doesn’t call us to be thankful because He needs our praise. He calls us to be thankful because He knows what it does for our hearts. A heart that is continually thankful is a heart that experiences greater peace and joy.

    One of my favorites is 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

    Notice it says give thanks in ALL circumstances. It’s not always easy to be thankful when things don’t go the way we planned. It’s down right hard sometimes! It requires trusting Him. Trusting that He knows what’s best and He has things in control. He can even work around our own mistakes. He takes our mess and turns them into our message!

    God in His sovereignty is high and above all of our human circumstances. There is no way that we can know His whole plan. But if we fully trust Him and trust that He has everything under control. We can relax. We can have peace. We can trust that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), even when we can’t yet see how.

    And this reminds me of another great verse: Philippians 4:6 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.“

    When your heart posture is thankfulness, in all things, you become less anxious and you have a joyful, peaceful and thankful spirit. And guess what happens? It is contagious! Your joy and thankful spirit spreads to those around you!

    This week, I challenge you to begin every prayer with thanksgiving. Before asking God for one more thing, thank Him for the blessings He’s already given you. You may be surprised to discover that you’re living in the middle of prayers you once prayed!

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Aliens! Oh Snap!

    The title of this post tickles me. If you have ever seen the movie “Bolt” you probably get it! This is a quote from a movie that we watched a lot when my kids were younger. The movie is about a dog that plays a super hero. Towards the end of the movie the pigeons are pitching their next movie idea to Bolt and one of them says “Aliens” and another pigeon says “Oh snap!”. So anytime anyone brings up the subject of aliens, my brain immediately goes “Aliens! Oh snap!”.

    There has been some talk recently in the news and on social media about aliens, extra-terrestrials and/or life on other planets. I think this sparks a lot of curiosity! It’s cool and sometimes scary to think that there might be other life out there besides what we know about here on earth. And of course we have all seen the movies that portray this from “E.T.” (about a loveable alien) to “Signs” (about scary aliens that want to kill us).

    Yes, it could be possible that other life exists on these other planets. Or maybe not. Some people speculate about spiritual explanations such as angels or demons, while others believe there may simply be natural explanations we don’t understand. Could it be that we are not supposed to have answers to these questions? Is it possible that all of that is just people’s imaginations running wild and it really is just us? Yes to all of the above (in my opinion).

    But here’s the question I keep coming back to:
    Does any of this really matter?

    I always try to go back to Scripture. And the Bible never clearly tells us whether life exists on other planets.

    To me, that says something important: it’s not something God intended to be our focus.

    Some might say “of course it matters”. But does it really? My hope and faith is in my Heavenly Father. I trust Him. Nothing else matters to me.

    If God wanted us to know about life on other planets He would have laid it out clearly in His Word.

    I’m not saying that the Word doesn’t speak about other beings. It absolutely does (usually referring to angels, demons, Nephilim etc.). There is a lot of the Bible that we all still don’t understand. And unless you speak fluent Greek or Hebrew, and you fully understand the culture from the time periods of the Bible you won’t understand everything in scripture. And that is okay.

    The most important thing is that we love God and we try to serve Him to the best of our ability. Obey His Word. Keep His commandments. If He wanted us to know about other life forms, He would have told us, especially if it were going to impact our lives.

    God looks on our hearts and He knows us. He created us and He created the universe! There is nothing out there in the great beyond that surprises Him!

    Rather than worry about aliens, UFO’S, etc, we should be the most concerned about our relationship with the creator! If there is something we truly need to understand, God is fully capable of making it clear in His timing.

    “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

    “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:2-5)

    I pray that as more and more things like this come up, we remember what is most important and we cling closely to our Savior!

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Whatever It Takes

    Most Christians say that they trust God. And most of us say we have faith that He knows what’s best. But when tragedy strikes, or even just a hard battle, we start to lose our faith. When things don’t go they way we thought they would, or the way we think God would want them to go, our trust in Him starts to falter.

    We might question Him and worry that things are not going to work out for the best. Maybe because we think we know what’s best?

    It’s hard to wrap our minds around bad things that happen. When tragedy hits, we can’t understand how God would allow these things. But how can we know what is best? How can we see the bigger picture? There is now way that our minds can possibly grasp the mind of God and understand all of His plans.

    I’m in the season of parenting young adults. This is the hardest season of parenting. Because they don’t have to listen to me anymore! If I could discipline them and make them mind, it would be easier. It is hard as a parent to watch them make their own mistakes. And then watch them walk through the consequences of their mistakes.

    We know (being a little bit older) that sometimes it takes walking through some battles to learn and also to grow closer to God. I would not be as close with Him as I am if I haven’t had to fight some battles. There are some things that I would never have made it through had He not carried me.

    So why would I want my children or anyone else to miss out on that? It’s the hard fought battles that bring wisdom. And believe it or not, for me the hard fought battles have brought about joy. Not in the midst of the battle usually, but when you’ve been brought through it, there is a joy and a peace that only He can give. Every battle brings more joy and more peace (if you let it).

    Battles can make you better or bitter. That part is up to you. But let me tell you, when you lean into God and lean on Him, the battles get easier.

    So my prayer now is simply ‘whatever it takes’. If it takes some really hard battles for my children and even for me, to be placed in the will of God, then so be it. ‘Your will, Lord, not mine’. We have to remember that He knows what He is doing. Nothing takes Him by surprise.

    We can rejoice in knowing that we serve a God that is in control. We really don’t have any control. He does. And He knows what’s best. Just trust Him.

    My favorite verse reminds me all the time to just sit back and trust Him. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 It says so much in those few little words.

    And “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
    In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.    ” Proverbs 3:5-6

    Our own understanding is far smaller than God’s. Just remember that He knows all and we can trust in Him fully!

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Freedom

    What does freedom mean to you? I’ve been thinking about freedom this week and what it means as a Christian. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

    If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are free! You have been bought with a price, and you can live with the knowledge that He has set you free! You are no longer bound by your sin.

    The enemy will try to make it seem like the Christian life is a sentence. “You can no longer have any fun.” Or he might whisper something like “The Christian life is boring and you can no longer do what you want.”

    Well of course Satan is going to try anything he can to make you stumble and second guess your decision. If he can’t have you, he will certainly try to ruin your testimony.

    But God! In Him we have freedom! We have an assurance of eternal life with Him. We can live knowing that He has paid the price.

    That does not mean that we should go out and live sinfully. As a saved follower of Christ, we now have the Holy Spirit living within us and we will not want sin in our life. When we do slip up and sin the Holy Spirit will remind us quickly!

    Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. (John 8:34)

    When we are in sin, we are slaves. When we are saved in Christ, we are made free!

    As Christians, let’s live like we are free! Let’s be happy and joyful! Spread joy and love, and not hate.

    Too many times I see other believers, walking around acting like they don’t have joy. I realize that every moment does not feel joyful. Trust me, I’m not a bubbly joyful acting person all the time either. But I try my best to be loving even when I’m not feeling joyful.

    If others look at us and how we are carrying ourselves and they see ugliness and hate, what would make them want the freedom that we have? There is no room for hate in the life of a Christian, (except for Satan and sin)!

    Just a couple more verses for you to meditate on:

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

    For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

    For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. (Galatians 5:13-15)

    I pray today that if you are saved in Christ, you are rejoicing in the freedom of your salvation and spreading that joy to others!

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • “Who Told You To Carry That?”

    Come to me, all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

    Lately I have been carrying a lot. It didn’t all pile up at once. It has been slowly piling on bit by bit. I was thinking about it the other day while dealing with neck and back tension. I started going over in my mind all of the things that are stressing me out. And I realized that – it was a lot more than I thought.

    I’m pretty sure we all do this. We know we aren’t supposed to worry and let things stress us out. We should lay it down, give it to God and let Him work it out. And then what do we do? We pick it back up and start worrying again. Because sometimes we don’t feel like God is working fast enough. LOL Or maybe that is just me that feels that way!

    The enemy is so sneaky too. Yes, sometimes a lot of stressful things pile up at once. Or one big stressful thing hits me and takes precedence over anything else. When that happens, I immediately go to the Lord about it. But when I’m not paying attention, Satan will sneak stuff in. And I don’t even realize that I’m stressing over these things until I’m listing them out in prayer and/or feeling all of the tension in my neck.

    I felt God saying, “who told you to carry all of this?” So this morning while reading the Bible and praying about these things I went to Matthew 11. I knew that if I needed that reminder, someone else probably does too. “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden”. Heavy laden can mean carrying a physical heavy load but it can also mean severe emotional, mental or spiritual burdens.

    Those emotional, mental and spiritual burdens are heavier than a physical load sometimes! I would prefer a heavy physical load over a mental load any day! It’s kind of funny but when I get overly stressed my neck and back hurt more than usual due to all of the tension that I carry in that area. But when I am doing physical labor, cleaning house, working out in the garden or in the chicken coop, my neck and back feel better. Sometimes my lower back may start to hurt a little from that type of work but my neck area usually feels better.

    God wants us to bring these things to Him. Lay them at His feet. Cry to Him, even if we have to vent to Him. It’s okay, He can take it. He would rather we do that than not communicate with Him at all! Don’t try to carry these things alone. It’s not up to us to solve everything for everyone. (I don’t know about you but a lot of times it’s not even my own problems that I am worrying over!)

    Isn’t is such a comfort to know we have a Father that can handle it all!?

    Matthew 11 goes on to say:

    “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) A yoke was something built to share the load. Two animals hooked together with a yoke, shared the load that they were carrying. I LOVE the symbolism here. When we share our burdens with Him, we find rest for our souls. I need rest for my soul today.

    And in today’s world, even if you don’t have personal stress, there is plenty going on with our country that we need to pray about. Not stress about, but pray about.

    If you look at a picture of a yoke, it looks like it could be heavy. It was built to carry heavy loads. But the last verse of the chapter Jesus says “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (verse 30) When we take His yoke, it lightens our load tremendously. Not because our load gets easier, but because we are not carrying it alone anymore.

    Whatever is burdening you today, give it to Him and let Him carry it. Don’t feel that you have to solve everything. When you start releasing that grip and letting Him have it, you will feel lighter. He’s got it. He has a plan worked out already anyways, you are worrying for nothing.

    I pray that we all spend a little more time with Him today and trust Him with whatever is weighing us down!

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • The Greatest Sacrifice

    Well I’m a bad blogger. LOL I didn’t get around to making an Easter post. I spent most of the weekend planting a garden, cleaning and cooking. I hope everyone had a wonderful time spending the day with family.

    For us Christians, Easter Sunday is a day that we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection. As Christians though, we should be thinking about this every day!

    I’ve been recently thinking about a story I read a long time ago and I wanted to share it with all of you.

    A terrible disease had spread across the world. Hospitals were filled with people who were dying, and doctors everywhere were searching desperately for a cure.

    Scientists finally discovered that the cure could only come from the blood of someone who had already survived the disease and developed the antibodies needed to save everyone else.

    After searching everywhere, they found that only one person had the blood that could produce the cure.

    It was a young boy.

    The doctors explained to his father that using the boy’s blood to develop the cure would cost him his life.

    The father stood at the window of the hospital and looked outside. People were walking along the sidewalks, talking and laughing, living their lives as if nothing were wrong. They had no idea that their only hope was inside that hospital.

    With tears running down his face, the father agreed.

    The boy’s blood was used to make the cure. Millions of lives were saved.

    Soon the hospitals began to empty. People went back to work, children returned to school, and life slowly returned to normal.

    And before long, most people forgot about the boy who had died so they could live.

    The father wanted to scream at them. Don’t you remember the sacrifice that was made for all of you? And you don’t even care. It broke his heart.

    Friends this is what Jesus did for us! He gave His life as a sacrifice. We would perish if not for Him. Here it is just a couple of days after Easter and we have all gone back our normal lives. How many of us have forgotten all about the message from Sunday morning? Shame on us for ever taking for granted this sacrificial gift! It wasn’t just His death but it was everything that He went through. The pain and suffering that was meant for us. He took it all.

    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

    Let’s remember every day what Jesus has done for us. Not only did he suffer and die on that cross. That would have been enough! But He still continues to bless us in so many ways.

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Spiritual Battle

    Have you ever noticed that when things are going well for you spiritually, the devil begins to attack? Satan and his demons are busy trying to make us Christians fail and damage our testimony. See, he has already lost us. The next best thing is to make us do or say something that will ruin our testimony and our character.

    A lot of times this very thing is what gives Christians a bad name. There are many Christians living their daily lives unprepared for the enemy and when he comes knocking they fall right into his trap. And when that happens, it makes them look like they aren’t really walking the walk. And others may look at that and think “well they are no better than I am” or “if that is what Christianity looks like, I think I’ll pass.” I’ve actually heard these statements before.

    And let me stop right here and say that Christians do not think we are better than others. Well, we shouldn’t think that anyways. Some do have that type of arrogant spirit, and that is a shame. That is falling right into the devil’s trap.

    What I am talking about though is spiritual warfare.

    When you get busy doing something for the Lord that He has called on you to do, watch out. Because Satan doesn’t like that. He can’t stand it when God is being glorified and when His kingdom is being expanded! Satan can’t have God’s children, but he sure can tempt us to make us fail.

    My husband and I have both been under attack lately. My husband pastor’s a small church that has really been growing! Not just in number but spiritually growing! And of course the enemy is trying his best to cause problems. I am very close to publishing a book that the Lord has been urging me to complete for a while now! And the enemy doesn’t like that. So he is trying to cause me problems. He is trying to make us lose our testimony. He wants us to quit.

    The good news is that we can be prepared for this.

    Just as Jesus was prepared for Satan when he was tempted. (Matthew 41:1-11) Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights before Satan came to tempt Him. He was ready! And that is the example He has set for us. My favorite verse from this is verse 10: Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” And what did Satan do? He left. And then angels came and ministered to Jesus.

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

    We can’t handle Satan on our own. We must rely on God and His power to defeat the enemy and the darkness of this world. Sometimes that might require taking some serious time away, alone with God in fasting and prayer.

    The more we are studying God’s Word, the closer we are to Him. The closer we are to Him, the easier it is to recognize Satan’s attacks and go ahead and block them. The sooner we see these attacks and/or temptations from the enemy, the sooner we can get stop them with the power of God’s Word.

    If you go back and read Matthew 41:1-11 you will notice that Jesus combatted Satan with the Word of God every time!

    If we have His word hidden in our hearts, we can do the same. And I don’t only mean memorizing scripture. I mean by studying and meditating on His Word.

    And finally I want to point you to Ephesians 6:13-18. These scriptures describe the full armor of God:

    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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

    Father, thank you so much for your Word. Thank you for showing us how we can defeat the enemy. You tell us in your Word that we have nothing to fear. We will have trouble in this old world but you have already overcome! Praise your name! The enemy has already lost. We have victory over the enemy because of you! Thank you Lord.

    Amen

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Obedience

    I’ve been MIA because I’ve been focusing on getting the book completed and published. But I had something I just had to share that was on my heart. I posted this on my Facebook page yesterday and this is the longer version of that post.

    Do you know how long it has taken me to write this book? Way too long! I first felt the nudge to write this particular book in 2019! The enemy has fought me tooth and nail every step of the way. He has made me doubt myself. He has kept me busy with other things. He has even brought anxiety and depression into the mix.

    In 2022 I knew I should write the book. I started blogging more and a crisis hit our family. My daughter admitted that she had tried to unalive herself and went into treatment. My son was also severely struggling with deep depression after having lung surgery. These things sent me into a year of struggle! I just didn’t care much about anything but trying to get my children back on track.

    And you know one of the main things the enemy whispered to me. “How are you going to write a book for parents? You have failed at parenting.” I listened to the enemy and I gave up on writing. I might have blogged a little here and there just to get my thoughts down. But the book was out of the question.

    So many times I questioned whether God really wanted me to do this or is it just me? I’ve always wanted to be a writer so I thought maybe it was just my own desire. But after so many times of starting and then stopping. In 2024 I actually sat down and started on the the book. It still has taken me two years because even then, I kept having my doubts and I kept letting life get in the way. Some time last year (probably about a year ago) I told my husband that I HAD to finish the book. God just won’t leave me alone about it! After so many doubts and questions. And after I clearly heard the the Holy Spirit loud and clear. I got serious about finishing the book!

    Even then I was very quiet about it and only told a few people. Mainly because the enemy was telling me that people would probably laugh at me. That it won’t be a success.

    But God…. He has been with me through this whole thing. He has been so patient. He reminded me that it’s not about my ability. It’s about my obedience! Read that again!

    When I finally listened to Him and got out of my own way, it all seemed to come together! Isn’t that the way it is with so many things in life? Even in the small things. When we calm down and listen to Him, things work out so much better.

    Our past few weeks in Sunday school the word Obedience keeps coming up! All of our lessons on different heroes of the faith boiled down to them being obedient. Mary was immediately obedient when the angel told her that she would have a son and He would be the Son of God! David was obedient when he faced Goliath. Daniel was obedient in the face of opposition and in the den with the lions. The three Hebrew boys were obedient when everyone else bowed to a false god. Paul was obedient (many times) but when he was thrown in prison for his faith! I could go on and on.

    I watched an old movie the other night, Facing the Giants. As I was watching it I saw it from a different perspective. Yes the movie was about having faith in God. But it was also about the coach’s and team’s obedience to God. Look at how everything turned around when they started honoring God and obeying Him in every aspect of their lives, including the football field. If you have not watched this movie, I highly recommend it!

    The book that I am writing is an act of obedience. It is not about me or what I have accomplished at all. I can’t do anything without Him. And if you follow me, you know how much of a mess I really am! But God likes to use messy people, doesn’t He?

    It is looking like it will be ready by mid April. I pray that God uses this book to help busy Mamas. And really anyone that reads it because it applies to all of us in some ways! I pray that He is magnified and honored.

    Blessings,

    ~Cheryl

  • Obedience

    I’ve been slacking on writing any blog posts lately. My focus has been on the book that I’m writing and working towards the deadline that I have set. But I have had a word on my mind that I wanted to share. This word has been in the back of my mind for a couple of months actually. It kept coming to me while reading devotions, while listening in Sunday School and church. The word is obedience.

    I think the word keeps coming to me because the Lord wants my obedience! I’m so hard headed and stubborn sometimes that I haven’t always been obedient. When it comes to the Lord leading me to do things, I’m usually ready and willing. But this book thing has been the hardest thing to be obedient with. My own mindset, my doubt in myself, life distractions and even doubting if what I felt the Lord was leading me in was truly Him or just me thinking it was Him…..

    The reason I doubted it was Him, at first, is because I’ve always dreamed of being a writer, for as long as I can remember. But then sermon after sermon would seem to speak directly to me on this matter. And finally after wrestling about this for YEARS, I felt the Lord urge me to the point that I felt I had no choice but to finish the book! I have argued with God about it. I’ve told Him that I’m not the best writer. I’ve told Him that He surely can use someone else to do this because why would He use me in this way? Surely it’s just because I like the idea of being a writer….

    Going back to scripture – God almost always used someone that was seemingly a “nobody”.

    And y’all I’m not lying – as I was typing that the song “Nobody” came on by Casting Crowns!

    Look at the people God used in the Bible and their backgrounds. We see them now as heroes of the faith because we’ve seen the fruit of their obedience.

    Since we just celebrated Christmas let’s talk about Mary. The mother of Jesus. Who was she before she became the mother of Jesus? She was a poor young girl from Nazareth. She probably didn’t feel special of qualified. (No I’m not comparing myself to Mary!)

    Look at Moses, a man with a speech impediment. Yes he was someone that was raised up in a powerful household but only because of what his mother did to keep him safe. Which was ALL a part of God’s plan! It was hard for Moses to be obedient. He argued with God as well. God didn’t ask him if he was qualified. He already knew Moses’ limitations, but God chose Moses anyway.

    Then there’s David, whom I relate to deeply. He failed often, yet he was still called “a man after God’s own heart.” Reading the Psalms and seeing his highs and lows makes him incredibly relatable.

    And finally Paul. Not that he was a “nobody” – but because he was the opposite of who we would ever expect God to use. As Saul, he persecuted Christians. Then he met Jesus, and everything changed. God used him powerfully to spread the gospel and write much of the New Testament.

    I don’t want to compare myself to any of these great heroes of the faith! But what I’m saying to you and to myself is that none of these people ever expected that they would be used by God in the ways they were.

    What God has led me to do may seem small compared to what others are doing for Him. But while it may be small to some, it has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. And when it’s finished—when it’s published and sent out—only God knows what He will do with it.

    My job is simply to be obedient and let God handle the rest.

    I have no expectations. I only want His will. I truly believe part of the reason God led me to write this book is to teach me. And I’ve learned so much through the process already.

    What is it that God is leading you to do? Is there something that you’ve been feeling that you need to do or should be doing? My friend, I want you to know that God just wants your obedience. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to be great. You only need to be obedient and trust Him!

    Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

    “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46

    You can read about Mary in the book of Luke (and also Matthew, Mark and John)

    You can read about David in I Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles and Psalms

    You can read the story of Moses in Exodus

    You can read the story of Saul/Paul starting in Acts and then read his missionary journeys in Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Titus and Philemon!

    I also use http://www.gotquestions.org for summaries on things in the Bible. It answers questions about God’s word and is a really good resource.

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Starting the year at His feet

    Well here we are in a new year. New Years seems to be a time for new beginnings. A reset. It’s a great time to start a new Bible Study or start a new health or fitness plan. Whatever it is that we are starting in the new year, be sure to include Jesus!

    I have goals and plans for 2026. Big ones! But the first thing and the most important thing is to spend more time at the feet of Jesus. Time with Him is my priority for 2026.

    I’ve totally been a bit of a Martha in 2025, and I know that I need to be more of a Mary.

    In our Sunday School class the last couple of lessons have been about God showing up in people’s lives in a miraculous way. But the thing that stood out to me in both lessons the most was the obedience of those people that God chose to use.

    I am ashamed to say that I have been very reluctant in my obedience in certain areas of my life and my walk with God. I’m working on that! (As we all should do daily.) I don’t know about y’all but for me, that is a daily battle!

    I am so humbled that God wants to use me. I don’t understand it because I’m just me…. But isn’t that the way He has always done? I’m excited to see how God will use me this year. I’m willing and ready to finally put my obedience to Him first and foremost!

    How about you? Are you willing to put your relationship with God first? I guarantee that if you do, you will not regret that! I’ve never met anyone or read about anyone that regretted following Jesus. Some people have had issues with the church and religion (that’s another subject for another day!). But that is not the same as following Jesus… surrendering fully to Him.

    Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

    Praying that you are blessed this year as you choose, more and more, to be a Mary—to sit at His feet, listen to His Word, and choose the good part.

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl