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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!

  • 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

  • Tragedy – How do we respond?

    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

    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

    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!

    “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

  • Don’t Worry, Be Ready

    You probably have heard that last week a devastating flood came out of nowhere and ravaged a few counties in Texas. Since then similar flooding events have taken place in other states as well. Some have starting talking about this being signs that we are getting closer and closer to the rapture of Christ’s church.

    I’m not a prophet and I am not a theologian. I won’t even pretend to start laying out timelines and interpret biblical prophecies. But yes, the rapture could take place at any time. And yes these things are just more signs that it’s getting closer and closer. I will post some good resources at the bottom that are excellent at giving biblical prophecy if you are interested.

    Last week as the rain began falling here in our area, I’ll admit—I started to feel anxious. But then the Lord reminded me: Either way, we’re going to be okay! If you are a surrendered, blood bought child of God then you can have peace in all of this.

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

    Those are the words of Jesus Christ himself in case you didn’t know. He has it all under control. It may not feel like it to us. We may not understand what is going on and we may not understand His plan. It’s not for us to understand. He is omniscient, which means He knows everything. He sees everything. There is now way our human minds can fathom what He knows.

    But that is beside the point. The point is that if the rapture takes place tomorrow, praise the Lord, I’m ready. I have peace in knowing that I am going to my heavenly home to see my Jesus. The one who has done so much for me. If we get hit with some type of disaster tomorrow, God will see us through that, as He has seen us through everything else.

    You can have that peace as well. If you are reading this you have more than likely already accepted Christ as your Savior. However, just in case you have not, I would invite you to click this link https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/become-a-christian.php to find out how you can find the peace that I am talking about. If you have but you still find it hard to have peace with everything going on, then I understand. It’s a scary world we live in, friend!

    I want to encourage you to remember the verse above and to also remember some other verses. Jesus also says Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

    I like the whole chapter in Psalms 46. But it starts out with God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. And Psalm 18:2 says The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

    There are so many verses that remind us who God is. All we have to do is study His word for ourselves to be reminded! We shouldn’t be anxious. The word actually even tells us that too. I know it is easier said that done and I’m talking to myself here as well. Because I have to fight the same enemy you do every day!

    But let’s remember these verses and others in God’s word and remember that we are His children and He will take care of us. (Romans 8:28).

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

    For more Bible Prophecy information:

    https://www.youtube.com/@UntilThatDay – Dr. Randal Reese is a trusted friend that has studied Biblical Prophecy in depth.

    https://www.gotquestions.org/ – This website is a good place for any questions about the Bible.

  • Salt, Love and Green Beans

    Some of you know that I usually do a lot of canning this time of year. I haven’t been able to do as much lately because of my finger infection and surgery. But years ago, one of the first things I learned to can was green beans. I was so proud of myself for learning how! Plus, green beans were one of the few vegetables my husband and children actually liked.

    One batch of green beans however did not turn out. We found out the hard way! By opening a jar a few weeks later! They smelled awful. I couldn’t imagine what went wrong. I thought I had done everything right. But then it dawned on me. I left out the salt! That had to be it!

    Salt is a natural preservative when canning vegetables, and it’s amazing what a difference it makes.

    That little mishap reminded me of a powerful verse and partly the inspiration behind this blog’s name:

    “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew 5:13

    Much like those green beans, once salt loses its purpose, it’s no good.

    We must be the “salt” of the earth. What does that even mean? Well the same way salt preserves food, we are to preserve what is godly in this fallen world. We as Christians are to stand for Jesus and preserve His holiness as much as possible. Preserve the Word of God by standing up for it, when the world wants to ignore or reject it.

    Salt not only preserves, but it adds flavor to food. Just the right amount of salt added to a dish can make it taste so much better! We as Christians can be the same with the way we show the love of Christ in this world. Rather than acting like the ugliness of the world, we are to add the “flavor” of Christ by showing His love. When others are angry or bitter, we can bring gentleness and grace.

    I realize how easy it is to take our anger and aggravations out on others. Especially when we have had a bad or busy day. I believe we have all been guilty of this at one time or another. But we are called to strive to be better, as believers in Christ.

    Now that people are spending more and more of their time on social media, we have to be extra careful as Christians that we are showing the love of Christ and adding just the right amount of “flavor”. Just because someone lives differently than you or voted differently than you, does not give you the right to be ungodly towards them. How does that bring them closer to God? And isn’t that the ultimate goal?

    What we want to do is to speak truth in love. You can speak biblical truth in a loving Christian way. The truth still may offend people, it offended people back when Jesus was doing it. But we must follow His example in the manner in which He handled it. If you handle it the way that He did, you will make more of an impact than you ever could by being ungodly.

    But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Luke 6:35

    It’s hard to respond kindly to people who are coming against us, I know! But seeking His help with this and dying to ourselves each day makes this possible. Every day surrender yourself to His will and pray for His guidance. It truly helps! I challenge you to try it if you don’t believe me! But you have to try it with a willing heart. And watch how God works in your life!

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

  • Abide: Staying Rooted in the Vine

    When I first accepted Christ I was a teenager. I was all in for Jesus! As a teenager, I hadn’t experienced a lot of life just yet. I felt fully surrendered to God. But as I lived more life, I was a little less surrendered…. I was still in church and doing all of the “church” things. But I had not learned the difference in being saved and being fully surrendered.

    I think we all have to walk out our faith and learn what it means to fully surrender to Christ. But that is what church and discipleship is for. That is why it is so important to be in a good church that is teaching the Word of God from the beginning. If you are not rooted in the Word, and learning as you go, you might miss some important steps.

    But the good news is – it’s never too late to grow. God gives us so much grace and mercy. He allows us to learn and grow in Him even after we have made mistake after mistake. Even after we have pushed Him away and tried to do life our own way!

    I’ve been reading Priscilla Shirer’s book I Surrender All and one of the chapters that have stood out to me so far talks about Abiding. And since I have read that chapter I’ve heard those same verses in a couple of different places (podcasts, sermons etc). The Holy Spirit keeps bringing me back to them and gently reminding me: just abide.

    I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

    That particular verse has stood out to me the most. How many times do we get caught up in doing things, even things “for the Lord” yet we leave Him out of it? We take off like a wild horse and forget to abide in Him. We forget to talk with Him about it first and we forget to let Him lead.

    I have been guilty of this so many times! I’ll get an idea. I may even pray about it a little. And then just take off with it without taking much time at all for Him to guide me. Have you ever prayed but you’ve already decided what you want the answer to be so you don’t really wait for the answer from God? Well I’ve done that. I’ve gotten better over the years about taking time and listening to Him first. Letting Him do the leading.

    It’s easy to get caught up in good things, even Christian things, and still be out of alignment with God’s will. The question is:
    Have we consulted the Heavenly Father?
    Are we truly letting Him guide us?

    A few times throughout my career I’ve been tempted and even encouraged to promote to a supervisor position. It’s so tempting just for the raise that comes with it! But extra stress and extra responsibility also comes with it. Now I could probably handle it I believe. I think I’d probably even be good at it. The most recent time that it has come up I really prayed about it (again) and I felt like the Lord was saying “No” – again. He has been dealing with me for years about writing. I know that if I take on a new position with extra responsibility and stress, the writing will be put to the side again. And I know that is not what He wants me to do. I really felt Him saying “I will take care of you, but you know what it is that you need to do“.

    That kind of clarity has come after years of back and forth between me and the Lord. I’ve given Him all my excuses. I’ve told Him I don’t feel like a strong enough writer. But at this point, I’m choosing to be obedient – even if I don’t fully understand the “why.” I’m trying to abide. Because without Him I can do absolutely nothing!

    In John Jesus refers to himself as the Vine. We are the branches. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4

    Unless we are abiding in Him, we cannot bear fruit. Our works will be in vain if we are out here running around trying to do everything – and not abiding in Him. Be careful that your works are not outweighing your obedience. Does that make sense? Be sure that you are following Him and not trying to take the lead yourself.

    If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. John 15:7-9

    Blessings,

    ~ Cheryl

    Hey if this was encouraging to you – leave me a comment or share it with someone who might need it!