saltandlight

“Who Told You To Carry That?”

April 11, 2026

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

April 7, 2026

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

March 31, 2026

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

March 11, 2026

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

January 19, 2026

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

January 2, 2026

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
Tragedy – How do we respond?

September 11, 2025

I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around what to say today. Today marks 24 years since a tragedy took place on American soil. One that will never be forgotten. That day if you were old enough to remember, you will always remember where you were, and how you felt. It was a senseless act that took many precious lives. Violence like many of us had never seen before. Many of us were just shocked, bewildered and shaken by this event.

God was not shocked by the event that took place on 9/11/2001. We need to remember that we all have an appointed time on this earth to be here and we all have an appointed time to leave. What we do with the time we have here is what is important.

Yesterday, 9/10/2025 an event took place on a college campus that has upset many Christian people. A young man that stood for truth and justice was suddenly and viciously murdered in front of thousands of people including his wife and two small children. Now I can’t speak to everything that this man spoke about, I didn’t follow him closely. And I’m not putting him on a pedestal. (It actually makes me nervous when anyone puts one person on a pedestal. Because we all sin and fall short.) Every day innocent people like him are murdered senselessly. But this man is a public figure and his death is going to be a very high profile one that has shaken conservatives. And I believe instead of scaring people into silence it has emboldened more people to take a stand and speak truth.

Violence, evil, disorder and destruction. Satan thrives on these things, doesn’t he?

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

This world isn’t going to get better. As we draw closer to the return of Christ Jesus, we can only expect things to get worse. Remember how bad things were when God told Noah to build the ark? Noah was the only one he could find that was righteous. That was pretty bad.

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:7,8

Jesus tells us in Matthew that things will get that way again before His return.

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:37

This is not to scare anyone. This is to say that things are getting bad. Evil is all around us. So be ready! If you aren’t walking with the Lord daily, now is the time to start. Because as things get worse, we need to be prepared. There is a reason the Bible is called the Sword. It is our weapon against the enemy. We don’t have any good excuse not to be using it.

God doesn’t want our excuses, He wants our obedience. Starting with me.

And don’t return evil for evil. Don’t use acts of violence to say “I’m going to do the same to them.” No, remember what God has called us to do. That man died yesterday doing what God had called him to do. He was doing his assignment. Are you doing your assignment? Charlie’s assignment is finished. But yours isn’t because you are still here.

Blessings,

~ Cheryl
Psalm 23

August 19, 2025

Just some notes I jotted down this evening on Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want

Want meaning Need – He takes care of everything we need. The Lord provides. We think we know what we need. But the Lord knows what we truly need. And those needs are met by Him and through Him. So many times in life we can look back and see where our needs were met some how. All of our wants might not have been met. Sometimes we get ourselves into a mess because of our wanting things that we didn’t need. But even when we make a mess of things He helps us.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

God gives us rest when we need it. Sometimes if we aren’t careful, He will make us get the rest we so need if we don’t take it. He gives us peaceful conditions, safety and nourishment for rest. He guides us to a place of rest and peace if we seek Him. He is our resting place! Daily seeking Him will provide us with more peace and joy through whatever hardships and sorrows life throws at us.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

So many times, God has restored my soul! He is my salvation, my Savior. The world causes me to stumble sometimes. The enemy likes to trip me up and tempt me to do wrong. But the Lord, he sets me straight. All I have to do is call out to Him. He forgives and sets me back on the right path. As His child, I represent Him. It is important to go to Him for help. I can’t do it on my own!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

No one knows whether they will be here tomorrow. Life is short. As Christians we have the security of knowing God is with us even in death. If we surrender to Him, we can have the assurance of where we will be when we leave this earth. God’s rod and staff are for our protection. We have comfort in knowing He protects us. Protection doesn’t always mean that we will not be harmed in any way. It doesn’t always mean we won’t die. Death is a part of life. It means God will protect us from the enemy even unto death. And He will be with us.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

The Lord provides food for us in abundance. The honor He bestows upon us cannot be taken away by our enemies. He will bless us in front of those that tried to destroy us. God soothes our wounds and blesses us abundantly.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

When we stay close to the Father, He will stay close to us. His goodness and mercy will follow us. Accept His son and Surrender to Him. He prepares a home in Heaven for us to dwell with Him in eternity.

Blessings,

~ Cheryl
Letting Go

August 7, 2025

Have you ever seen the picture of a child holding a small teddy bear in front of Jesus and saying “but I don’t want to give it up”? And in the same picture, Jesus is smiling and holding an even bigger teddy bear behind His back, saying, “Trust Me.”

This is a beautiful metaphor of letting go and trusting Jesus. Surrendering everything to Him. It can be hard sometimes. It can be downright painful in some circumstances!

I have been through my own personal battle recently. And I understand how hard letting go can be!

What is it in your life that you are holding on to? What is keeping you from growing in your walk with the Lord?

Maybe it’s something that’s taking up most of your free time, something that’s distracting you from spending time with Him. Or maybe it’s a burden you’re constantly worrying and praying about, so much so that it’s taken your focus off of trusting Him.

There are countless examples given in the Bible about trusting God. I think He was trying to tell us something. Perhaps one of the hardest things for parents to do is trust Him with our children.

Abraham was given the ultimate test of faith and surrender!

Genesis 22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Can you imagine? I wonder how Sarah felt about this! Did she even know? These are the things I wonder about…. I like to imagine that conversation when Abraham and Isaac returned home. I can just imagine her saying “You did what”!? 😅

But Abraham didn’t question God. He obeyed. Step by step, he followed everything God told him to do. Even when Isaac asked him about the offering, Abraham expressed unwavering faith: “God will provide.”
And He did.

That is how we should trust God with everything. Even with our children, especially once they are grown. (I’m talking to myself now.) We should obey Him and then trust Him with the outcome!

In order to have that kind of faith, it takes spiritual growth. It takes daily walking and talking with the Father. We would all probably like to have spiritual growth without the work, but it just doesn’t happen that way. Like any real relationship, it takes time, intention, and heart. And that builds trust.

The rest of the story, Genesis 22:9-13 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

God spared Isaac and provided a ram for sacrifice instead. Just as Abraham trusted that He would. Abraham obeyed right up until that very last moment though. That is the kind of trust he had. And that is the kind of trust we need to have in our Lord. Because that’s the kind of God we serve!

If you have read enough of the Bible and you believe it’s all true, then you know He works miracles. And if you have lived enough life on this earth then you have probably seen a few miracles yourself!

So I’ll ask again:

What is God asking you to let go of?
What might be hindering your walk with Him?

He may already be bringing something to your mind. Maybe more than one thing. Start by praying about it. Let Him lead. He is trustworthy—and surrendering to Him is always worth it.

Blessings,

~ Cheryl
Let it Shine – For Real!

July 28, 2025

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

If we look around us too much today we will see darkness. If we watch the news, or spend time online, we will hear about bad things happening all around us. It can become very heavy and depressing, if you’re not careful. There is so much evil in this world. I think that is why we as Christians are called to shine the light of God.

If we act just like the rest of the world, how can we draw anyone to Christ? But it can’t just be an act. Our light must come from a real, growing relationship with Jesus. When we walk closely with Him, it naturally shows, and we’ll truly love others and desire for them to know Him too.

So how do we shine our lights? What are some practical ways that we can actually shine our lights in this world that seems to get darker every day? I’m going mention the not so easy face to face things that we may not already be doing. We all make social media posts about how good God is. That’s good too, but we already know how to do that.

Simply mention Him to others in passing. You can do this by saying Thank you Lord or Praise the Lord when someone shares good news with you. (Facebook posts don’t count! LOL) Or just by simply saying God bless you when you meet a stranger.

Praying with someone in public when they mention a need or struggle that they are having. Stop right then and pray with them instead of just saying “I’ll pray for you” makes a much bigger impact. It might be hard to do at first but it is such a blessing for both of you.

Showing others that you care. This may seem commonplace but I think we get so busy and caught up in our own lives that we forget to do this sometimes. Stop and ask others how they are doing and really listen to them. Remember things to follow up and ask about later. Look for small and meaningful ways to serve. Simple acts of kindness goes a long way.

Showing patience with others. Let’s be honest, patience runs thin when we are busy and if we are not careful, we will be snappy and rude to people that don’t deserve it. We should be intentional about pausing before speaking and choosing kindness.

Not being argumentative with others. Sometimes the best way to shine your light is by holding your tongue even when you think you are right. This is something I see on social media a lot. People don’t mind arguing their views online. Be careful not to fall into that trap! As a Christian, you have to walk a line of speaking the truth in love. But don’t be argumentative.

The fruits of the spirit are mentioned in Galatians:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

That’s what shining your light really looks like—bearing fruit that reflects the Spirit of God.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

Blessings

~ Cheryl

recent posts

about