It’s often in the everyday experiences that the Lord speaks his lessons for us most powerfully. In places like the grocery store, traffic, a conversation with a friend. I was waiting to check out of the grocery the other day and the Lord met me with a lesson on gratitude and listening for His voice. My grocery cart was full. It seemed that the line was taking forever and so I began to try to figure out what was going on. I noticed the young woman ahead of me give the cashier a check of some kind. It appeared to be some sort of government help. She looked so tired, her eyes were sunken in with dark circles, clothes worn. 

Her basket was meager, just a few items, milk and several other things.Yet she waited so long for them to clear her check for purchase. I tried to smile and put her at ease, but she didn't want to make eye contact and seemed embarrassed. 
      Then as I waited a very thin older woman came up behind me with just two tomatoes. I offered for her to go ahead of me, but she said, “No I don’t mind waiting. I’m just glad to be here. I just got out of the hospital and took the bus here. I like to watch the people in the grocery and people are so nice at this particular store.” We chatted about different things as we continued to wait. Our conversation went from where to buy Epson salt for sore muscles and allergy medicine to what I used my olive mix for. She told me she lived in Tigerland.  I wondered what circumstances of her life had brought a women who appeared to be in her 60‘s to live in an apartment in Tigerland surrounded by college students. Yet she seemed so cheerful and grateful to be alive. I thought how different my life seemed from the two women I stood between. As I left the store I heard her tell the cashier that her two tomatoes were different kinds and she wanted the one that was on sale. As I loaded the trunk of my car in the rain I pondered how blessed I was as I bought my groceries, no worries that I could buy a basket full. A car to drive home in...and I began to pray for these 2 women. Why was I so blessed and others seemed to struggle to make ends meet? I wondered if I should go back and try to find that woman. Maybe she was waiting for the bus out in the rain. Why didn't I offer her my olive mix?  The questions whirled in my head.
       It seemed God whispered, "Listen. Come to Me. That is not what I am asking you to do today."

      When I got home my husband Ken spoke of his concern for a couple he had been ministering to in the hospital from our church over the weekend. She had tragically just delivered a still born child and he was trying to organize someone to bring them a meal that afternoon. They had only recently moved to Baton Rouge and the family was out of town. Then I knew. I was unpacking the groceries that God had provided and could easily cook something to bless them. Ken brought them the meal that afternoon just in time as they arrived home from the hospital. A few days later I attended the beautiful funeral service for that precious little one. As I greeted the grieving parents whom I had never met before there was an instant connection as we hugged and cried and shared the comfort of God’s provision in such a tragic time.

      It has been a week of sorrow and loss in our body at the church and with friends. In recent days I have attended 5 funeral services. I have had the privilege of ministering in song to many of these families. I have watched my husband reach out in mercy and love to one family after another as a pastor and musician as yet another phone call would come with sad news throughout the week. Day after day he has faithfully gone to pray and minister to so many grieving families. I am struck at the strength of these families to bear up under such loss. The ages of those who have died range from  the father of a dear friend in his 90‘s, to friends in their 50‘s and 60‘s to an infant girl.  Some have gone home to be with the Lord after long illnesses and others are sudden and unexpected.



       All the families grieve differently and all cling to the hope we have through Christ. In these services we come to Jesus and share the hope of eternity that comforts and sustains us. It is the comfort of friends and family and the body of Christ that helps to carry us. As the brother of the father who had lost his baby girl put it - 
                             We find comfort in His promises, comfort in His peace, and comfort in Who He is. 

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.  And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.  2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NIV

    This week was also VBS at our church. I was one of the storytellers. My story was Genesis 2 - when God creates life and warns Adam and Eve not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil or they will die.  So 
in between the funerals I experienced the excitement and wonder of little children as they heard the story of God's heart and Creation. I have learned many lessons this week about life and death. 

We never know what each day will bring.  We simply must come before the Lord and ask Him to sustain us and lead us in the places He calls us each day, grateful for the opportunities He offers. 

Often they are not the path we would have chosen. 

         Often they will require more strength than we think we have. 

                      Often there is great sorrow and struggle in the midst of great joy.

                                                 Always He will call us to be His hands and feet,                                                      

                                                                      His instrument of comfort, love and hope.  

                                                                                                              Always He is enough. 

He says, "Come to Me." And so I cling to who He is - my Savior, Redeemer, Sustainer, Refuge, and Strength and trust Him to guide the moments of my days according to His perfect will and plan.

“We worship God, not because He insulates us from struggles but because He is a compassionate, consoling Father who meets us in the midst of our suffering.” NIV Worship Bible

As I walk through my days I’m always asking the Lord what faith lessons He has for me.

Am I listening and choosing to let the Spirit lead me each day?

Do I really trust that the Lord will be enough to sustain me in intense seasons of pain, suffering, or ministry demands?

Life is precious and sometimes He calls us home unexpectedly.                                    
Am I living each day to the fullest and seeking His specific purpose for the days He gives me?  

Am I maintaining a heart of gratitude and viewing each day of my life as a gift from Father to be given away?

“God does not care...whether I am happy or not. What God cares about, with all the power of God’s holy being, is the quality of my life...not just the continuation of my breath and the health of my cells–but the quality of life, the scope of my life, the hefty zest of my life...fear of death always turns into fear of life, into a stingy, cautious way of living that isn’t really living at all...to follow Jesus means going beyond the limits of our own comfort and safety. It means receiving our lives as gifts instead of guarding them as ...possessions.”                Rev. Barbara Brown Taylor

Have I crowded my schedule so full of activity that I’m not available to meet an unexpected need that would bring comfort to the hurting should it arise? (This is really big for me!)

      Sometimes it’s a simple smile or conversation. Sometimes it’s a meal. Sometimes it’s a hug that says I care, a story or a word of encouragement and hope. Sometimes it’s simply listening and crying with the grieving, sharing the burden. Sometimes it’s just being there and sometimes it’s a prayer to the One who knows the true and deepest need of the one for whom you intercede.

      Yesterday morning as I prepared to sing for the 5th funeral in 10 days my spirit was weary. As I asked the Lord to give me the strength I needed to minister the Shepherd's heart to that dear family, I glanced down on the counter next to the piano. There was a copy of a beautiful poem by Roy Lessin that I had used for a teaching on the 23rd Psalm quite some time ago. I'm not really sure why it was still there, but I knew it was for me. 
      Perhaps these words of comfort and truth that I needed from the Father then will encourage you today.

Ephesians 2:10   Amplified Bible
10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

Seems like daily I am learning more and more about who I really am.  I think I’ve been so busy for the past 2 decades of my life, that feel like I’ve lost site about who God designed me to be and for what purpose. There are things about my character, personality, emotions, and how I think about things and how I respond to things that are being brought to light in the little daily things I do.  Yes, at 50 I'm still trying to discover why He designed me the way I am and my "divine" purpose.  A friend reminded me this past week about my uniqueness.  He sort of struggled to find words describe me.  But that’s ok.  I didn’t take offense.  People tell me all the time that I am creative, talented, and gifted.  Honestly, I don’t really see a lot of that in myself...except maybe the creative part; and only because I am a true brainstormer.  I guess that’s how God keeps me humble.  I confess that I'm not as confident as I appear!  I'm always amazed at the twists and turns that God makes in my life and at the situations, jobs, and leadership roles He provides.  Many times I laugh at what I think is God's humor and of the paths He lays out for me. Today, I learned a little more about myself as I mowed the grass.  

Brian and I mowed our grass last weekend.  It takes us both because it’s so hard and it’s terribly hot!  When I had a full-time job, we had a yard keeper.  Now, we do it ourselves.  I feel terrible that after Brian has worked all week, and Sunday is typically a busy day, that yard work demands, and his only time off is Saturday.  Who wants to spend your only day working hard on the yard in the heat?!  Cutting the grass is a way to show him my love and help free him from that burden on the weekend.  I don't do it all the time, but I did (again) this week.  When I am determined, look out!  I’ll stop at nothing!  Today, I learned more about who I am.  I am a stubbornly determined individual; which is not always a bad thing!  For when I know within my heart that I am walking the right path, and doing what is right, I'll persistently pursue to the end.

The grass is ankle deep, about 3 1/2 - 4 inches high, though it doesn't look that high until you step foot in it.  I say "in it" because as you place your weight on your foot and the ground swallows your feet as you sink deep into the green cushion of the earth!"  The temperature is steadily rising.  I started early while it was cooler.  It’s still hot!  Don’t worry, I’ve learned how to pace myself so that I don’t get over heated!   But during my 2 1/2 hours of yard cutting, stopping and resting no less than 10 times, I had a thought.  Imagine that!  So I rested again and with hot sweaty hands and brow, I took out my iPhone and recorded my thoughts about the difficulty of this task.  I am much out of breath as I talk and rest under the shade of a tree.  But, here I am, speaking live...unedited!  I took some pictures and then put together a little movie about my thought and the lesson I learned while mowing the grass.  I hesitated to post it but I pray that some little something from today's post will bless you or challenge you.

So the scripture that comes to mind of course is, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  Phil. 4:13
Our task!?  What has God called you to do that seems difficult?  Do you feel equipped?  Inadequate?  I’m sure Noah, the farmer, felt inadequate and not well equipped to construct an ark!  Moses felt inadequate to be the mouthpiece of God as he was a man who was “slow of speech.”  And how about Abraham, to be the Father of many nations, yet at his calling with no children?!

In the many things God has allowed for my life, I’ve always felt inadequate and never well equipped.  I still feel that way about many areas.  I have to remember this verse from 1 Corinthians 1:25 - 31 

25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For you see your calling, brothers, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are:29That no flesh should glory in his presence.30But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.

Yet, God has taken my very personality, strengths, and abilities to assist in what He calls me to do.  I don’t always recognize it, but have a dear friend that often reminds me and helps me reflect on where I have come and how He has paved the way.  Satan really does work hard to keep us from seeing who we are in Christ as we take those paths which He Himself prepared ahead of time, because he (Satan) is clearly aware of who you are and greatly knows the depth of your potential.  All along you have been trained, coached, and directed by the Holy Spirit.  Dive in and quit worrying about whether or not you are ready.  It's been prearranged and planned for you long ago!  If God is tugging, don't pull back.  Use that tug as conformation that He is directing your feet to walk that path...of His choosing.

I’m not afraid to mow the grass...I have basic knowledge in running the machine, a little strength, a whole lot of trust in God to help me attain, and that's all it takes!  Likewise, whatever He calls me or you to do, the same principle applies:  a little basic knowledge, a willingness, a little strength, and a life of trusting whole-heartedly in God.  

I have just finished the first week of SIP (Sisters in Pursuit - women's Bible study at my church) and I was touched at the testimony of a young woman.  God is using her to accomplish things she never thought she was prepared to do.  She jumped in over her head!  But isn't that right where God wants us?  In over our head so that we will trust and depend on him.  A quote from our study book has really stuck with me.

So, in the silly little lesson I learned while mowing my grass, I was encouraged by the Lord yet again!  Simply to persistently pursue trusting and depending on Him.  Do what I know to do and He will cover the rest!  

God always seems to give confirmations about what He has laid on my heart to write about.  As I started this blog last week, I never thought about Him bringing it full circle with a testimony, repeated scriptures throughout the week, a study book, and this quote posted by a friend on Facebook. Thanks God!

 “Lord, let me make a difference for you that is utterly disproportionate to who I am.”
David Platt

Depending on Christ,
Sherry

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                                         Music playing is Abigail - The Irish Film Orchestra from the album Streams,1999 

     
      As we celebrate Father’s Day my mind is filled with thoughts of my own father who went to be with the Lord in 1989. The relationship that we have with our fathers affects much of our identity and often can affect our relationship with the heavenly Father.

      I was blessed to have a father who loved me deeply - in fact I would say that I definitely was a daddy’s girl. My daddy made me feel safe and secure. I never doubted his love for me, my sister or my mom. I knew that I could depend on him to be my protector. He also encouraged me to pursue my dreams. He believed in my talent and made me believe that I could soar and succeed in life. As my journey took many twists and turns, he always supported me with wisdom and emotional support. There were times when I didn’t take his advice, which I usually regretted, but he was wise enough to let me fail and then support me emotionally in the process of healing. Daddy was a man of few words so when he spoke you listened. He didn’t speak often about his faith, but was faithful in attending church and made sure we were involved as a family. When he died of a heart attack so long ago we didn’t have to search too long for a Scripture to place on his memorial stone. 

The verse I heard him quote most often was from Micah 6:8 

      I often think of my father’s memorial service and the way he lived his life, especially around this season. I remember standing for hours at the service as literally hundreds of people whom he had touched with his life came forward and spoke of his influence in their life. Many I didn’t know. He was just daddy to me. But in Baton Rouge he was a successful business man who had lived out this life verse as best he knew how. Not perfectly of course, but in little acts of kindness and mercy and justice. He walked humbly and quietly in his faith, for I had not known before the countless stories others shared with me on that day.

      One man who worked for my father said, “ When I was sick in the hospital your father came to visit me every day for weeks.” Another spoke of a year when our family business had financial difficulties and my father had written Christmas bonus checks for his employees out of his personal account so that they could have the expected funds for Christmas presents. 


                As the church was filled with friends and business contacts I was struck at the influence one life can have 
                                         and I was grateful and blessed to have known him as my daddy. 

As I’ve grown in my own faith I’ve come to understand how the hunger
 in the human heart for intimacy and value is greatly influenced 
by the relationship we have with our fathers. 

I'm so grateful for the beautiful relationship my precious
 husband Ken has with our daughters.


The righteous man walks in his integrity;
his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7

      Yet, as I write I”m very aware from my ministry to women through the years that your story may be very different from mine. In fact, I’ve come to understand that my story is rare. So many men and women have difficult relationships with their earthly fathers. If your father was absent, negligent, abusive or emotionally distant then Father’s Day is probably a difficult day for you. Even more important is the understanding that your relationship with your father may affect your intimacy with Father God because we derive our sense of self worth and well being often from our earthly fathers. When that need isn’t met we tend to put up walls of protection or seek substitutes to try and satisfy the hunger in our hearts. 

It’s vital that we ask some questions - 

Am I running to someone or something other than Jesus to satisfy a need
 that only He can ultimately meet?

Have I put up walls to guard against intimacy in my relationship with God 
because I’m afraid I’ll be hurt or disappointed like my earthly father wounded me?

When our fathers fail to meet our basic need
of security and love then we often carry a fear 
of intimacy into our relationship with Father God.


However, our earthly fathers, 
                             whether loving or not, 
                                             can never perfectly love us. 


They are limited in their ability to love - 
                                          but God is unlimited. 


Unlike your earthly parents who may have wounded
                        or disappointed you, 
                                                 God will not fail you.


               I love the way Claire Cloninger describes this need in her book on prayer entitled “Dear Abba”. 

“From the pages of the Bible, from the beauty of creation, from the hidden rooms of our souls, the Father is calling us, his children, into intimate relationship. It is not a relationship bound up in rigid rule keeping. It is not some private religious club that bars potential members until they measure up. Quite the contrary! It is a relationship of grace
 which calls us

• to stop running and allow ourselves to be “caught”
• to stop pretending and allow ourselves to be known,
• to stop rushing and allow ourselves to be slowed down,
• to stop hiding and allow ourselves to be loved.

It is a relationship that calls us home to him from whatever far country our hearts have inhabited,
                             from whatever love substitutes we’ve been relying on.
                                                              Home---where our names are known and our gifts are celebrated.”

      If these words touch something deep within your heart then consider spending some time in prayer. Ask Father for healing, for peace, for the ability to trust and for the experience of love, joy and grace in your relationship with HIm as your “Abba” Father or Daddy God. Ask Him to reveal the inner fortresses and outer facades that keep you from an authentic, abundant life with Him.  Ask Him to draw you into an intimate relationship and teach you what it means to rest in the security of His Father love. Consider writing down your thoughts as you gradually let down the walls of protection or learn to recognize the father substitutes in your life. 

      In faith go to your Abba Father and explore the truth of His Word. Ask Him to reveal HIs character to you. Listen for His voice of love speak to you with the tender yearning of a Father who longs for you to enter into an intimate relationship with Him. It is a relationship that heals and transforms.

Your name has been carved into the palm of his open hands (Isaiah 49:15). 
Your face is ever before Him and He waits for you in a love that will never fail or forsake you.


May our response to the love of the Father always be to draw near to Him in worship.

Please take a few minutes and worship with the song below "Who is Like the Father" written by Fike and Dana.
They are wonderful worship leaders whom the Lord is using to draw the hearts of His people to Himself. I have had the privilege of knowing Richie Fike since he was a child in our church. What a joy to see his gifts used for God's kingdom purposes in such a powerful way. You can download the song from their album Make a Sound at 
 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/make-a-sound/id504851034
For more information on Fike and Dana and their upcoming project go to http://fikemusic.com/index2.php#!/News

With my musical training, much attention has always been given to the timbre or tone color/quality of sound.  What exactly does that mean?  It's simplistic definition is this:  Timbre is what makes a particular musical sound different from another.  It is what distinguishes a guitar from a trumpet, major keys from minor, soprano from alto, and so on.  To get more specific, one who studies music must learn to determine the quality, not only of major and minor chords, but of difficult sounding diminished, augmented, half diminished, seventh and even blues chords; even to the point of intervals, musical styles/genres, and periods of music through history!  We used to play "drop the needle" (on a record player) to study for our music theory and history tests.  To pass, we had to identify instruments, musical time period, genre, the title of the music and the composer!  I have learned to listen carefully to what I hear!  If you are not a musician, you still can relate to what I am speaking of because you differentiate sound all the time!  You know the sound difference (timbre) when you hear the ocean or a rippling brook, the sound of a car door slamming to that of a house door, or more importantly, the sound of peoples voices!  Right now, you don't really know if this is Sherry speaking or not...because you can't hear my voice.  But if you know me, and I were reading this to you, you would know right away that it is me, because of the timbre of my voice!  Or, you may have realized it was me because of the style with which I write!  

I just returned from vacation and during my time away, I got to experience the timbre of voices from many cultures!  Close listening and study has helped me identify the countries from which people were visiting the states.  I was "right on" with most of them, but in my conversation with one lady, I was not sure.  It was a dialect from Holland.  I have not had much experience with this timbre, so I had to ask.  So where am I going with all of this talk about timbre?!  Sometimes God gives me odd things to ponder!  A musing!  It's simply...the voice and the sound (timbre) of each unique individual.  Yeah, I'm a little weird when it comes to pondering!  But in doing so, I always know that these crazy thoughts are placed in my brain for a divine purpose.  They are creative thoughts to help me better discover more about my Lord and His love for me!

On a side note:  

• Just this week I was introduced to a new way of sending audio texts. An app called Voxer.  Now people can hear my messages!  But you have to be "connected" with them by "friending" them.  Glad I'm "friended by God" so I can hear His messages!
  
• I was asked to do a "reading" at church.  I have been told that God has gifted me with a "certain" timbre that is pleasant to hear.  The sound of my voice blessed others as I spoke the Word of God.
• Someone approached me to days ago about "hearing the voice of God!"  Funny that I was writing this at the time.

There are certain voices that bring me comfort, encouragement and happiness.  Those are the voices that I have heard for many, many years.  They are of my parents, husband, family and close friends.  I hear these voices on a regular basis.  They have each learned the status of my well being by the sound of my voice and I have learned theirs as well!  It has come with much communication and listening.

There are times that I simply need to hear the voice of those whom I love.  Sometimes I haven't heard from them in a while, or other times, I know they are going through challenging times and I just want check in with them and hear the sound of their voice!  Hearing the sound of their voice gives me much insight into their emotional state or heart attitude...how they are really doing!  This helps me know how to pray for them or if they need encouraging.  You probably do the same thing but have never thought too much about it.  :~)

When teaching my students about the their voice, 
I always use this little chant:

Talk, Sing, Whisper, Shout!
  That's what my voice is all about!

In my pondering about the voice and it's significance, I have found and am reminded of many scriptures that actually deal with the 4 types of voice.  Perhaps you will find this interesting, too!

God's word declares the importance and power of the voice!

• We should Talk with one another - Malachi 3: 16,17
  
• Sing and make melody in our heart. - Eph. 5:19
  
• God uses a Whisper -  1 Kings 19:12
  
• Shout to the Lord! - Ps. 45, 95, 98: 4-9
  

He uses His voice for me!

• He sings over us!  Zeph. 3:17
  
• He speaks prayers about us!  Rom. 8:26,27
  
• He whispers to us!  Still small voice - 1 Kings 19:12
  
• He shouts!  Ps. 47:5
  

Interesting that the Bible is the WORD - and He is the WORD.  
WORDS are for communication.  He longs for us to "commune" 
with Him...to communicate.  It's a 2 way street!  

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."  James 4:8

Just like I like to hear the sound of the voice of those I love, I believe that the Father loves to hear the sound of his children's voice.  In your time alone with God, do you speak aloud?  
                                                                     The voice reveals much!
         I believe speaking aloud is not so much for His benefit, but for ours!  He knows everything already, anyway!

Consider Psalm 5: 1-3  
                    1 O Lord, hear me as I pray;
                       pay attention to my groaning.
                    2 Listen to (the voice of) my cry for help, my King and my God,
                       for I pray to no one but you.
                    3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
                       Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

Speaking aloud does 2 things:

• We hear our own voice - in it's inflection, our heart attitude is revealed.  Listen to the sound of your own voice when you pray.  What words are stressed?  Do you praise Him with excitement for who He is?  Do you pray passionately?   James 5:16b ...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Fervent is defined as having or displaying a passionate intensity.  Hopefully you discover that your prayers are NOT just lip service.
• It helps us commit our words into action when we hear them spoken.

Since "communing" is a 2 way street, and I believe that the Father loves to hear our voice, I also began to think about the times He spoke specifically to others by calling them by name.  God even changed the name of many who trusted Him.  Research has proven that we all love to hear our name spoken.  As a teacher, calling by name can bring about great results.  There is much power in speaking someones name and in how you speak it.  Hearing our name can make us feel loved, get our attention, make us feel proud, or identify worry for us from another as our name is spoken.  Can you think of examples when Jesus called people by name?  Imagine the emotion that each person felt as they heard the voice of the Almighty call their name.  I challenge you to jot down a list and then look up the scripture and read them this week.  I'm sure the Holy spirit will reveal much to you through His word as you read.  He has a way of doing that!  Also, ask Him to help you remember the times that He has called you specifically by name.  Jot them down and reflect on them.  I think you will be blessed as you take a walk down Memory Lane.  The voice of God is amazing!  It is my heart that hears Him, but there have been times that He has used the voice of someone else to speak directly to me.  It is my desire to be like Samuel and respond, "Here am I, send me."  1 Sam. 3:4

 "The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me." 
                                                                                                                           John 10:27 Amplified Bible

One song that keeps coming to my mind is "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is calling..."  please take 5 minutes to listen to this beautiful hymn sung by a person unknown to me.  When looking for lyrics to insert into this blog, I came across this YouTube video.  It is anointed!  We all know that our days are numbered and only what is done for Christ will last.  I plead with you to listen carefully for and to His voice!  Don't hesitate...Obey what he asks of you.  Someone's soul could be in the balance.  Someone may need an encouraging word, a tender touch, a word of wisdom, a warning, a simple hug or a phone call...perhaps someone needs to hear the timbre of your voice!  Maybe God wants to use you to be His mouthpiece to deliver a message!  

Time is clicking by.  
              Jesus is Calling. 
                       Listen fervently.  
                               He calls us to a response.   
                                                What is your decision?  
                                                              How long has it been since He heard your voice?  
                                                                                                          How long since you heard His?

Watch and listen to these beautiful words written by Will. L. Thompson.

Listening intently,
Sherry

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      I’m a collector of many things. This habit can often clutter up my life. But one of my most treasured collections is my Words of Wisdom file. As long as I can remember I have loved inspiring words and years ago I began to collect them in a file of inspiring quotes and Scriptures. It was my plan to begin sharing some of the inspiring words that the Lord has used in my own spiritual journey over the summer. I am a contemplative soul. The handmade journals that we make for the Restore Retreat are filled with quotes for reflection and many have asked for the source of them.  The title of our blog  "Monday Musings"  means the contemplation of words or quotes.

       But words are simply words if we don’t allow them to change us within and mold our character. Beautiful inspiring words if they are truly valuable should lead us to live our lives in a way that displays the love of Christ   So I began to pull together some of my favorites that I might share with you in the coming months.

The one below from Steve Fry’s book Rekindled Flame has always challenged me.

Let us never undervalue the miracle that happens when God takes a person completely bent toward selfishness and kindles within him a flame of love for the God who made him. But how we tend that flame–that is the real issue of life. He sets our hearts afire for Him, and at the end of our days, He sets our works afire to see if He can find himself. That which looks like Him, smells like Him, sounds like Him—that is the gold that will remain on the day we stand before Him.  And all the great movements and monuments of men so lauded now will be just so much dust in the wind.         Steve Fry

      As I pondered his words and reviewed other quotes in my file last week I saw my own daughter jump into action. Mary Elizabeth studies musical theater at Oklahoma City University. She is an artist and is most comfortable blessing others with the messages of her songs through her beautiful voice. The tornado disaster in Moore, Oklahoma is just 15 minutes from her college and has sent her tender heart for people and amazing energy into action. The dorms at OCU are now home for many of those who have lost their homes. She has lived through many hurricanes in Baton Rouge and witnessed first hand during the Katrina Relief efforts of 2005 the tremendous toil a natural disaster takes on it’s victims and those who try to serve their needs. Our own church served the medical community who came to serve for months with housing and relief to triage victims and workers in Baton Rouge. The face of our community was forever changed as over 100,000 victims suddenly moved into our area. As a young girl she had helped the victims and seen her mom and dad, family and friends give sacrificially of their time and provisions. One of the homeless lived with us for several months. I remember worrying that I was neglecting the needs of my own family during those many months of ministry demands. But the Lord showed me His heart and plan this week in a way that I had not expected. 

  



    A close friend of Mary Elizabeth’s, Mrs. Joy, shared with her that from her work in the shelters during Katrina there was often of shortage of one basic need - underwear. People don’t think to send it and the local stores left in business sell out. So she began to put out word of the need. Financial donations from churches and individuals and supplies poured in.
    








      Generosity poured out to strangers in their time of need is such a beautiful testimony of the love of Christ. I have watched her work tirelessly and use the time of her vacation off from college to help the victims of this devastating tornado in Moore, OK. She spent days driving around to the stores in Baton Rouge collecting supplies for donations. There has been a beautiful spirit of compassion leading her efforts and the efforts of so many who have helped to reach out to the victims. It is a portrait of the heart of Christ to me.

  As I worked beside her and watched the compassion and love of others reach out to those in need I was reminded of some of my favorite quotes. I pray that they will inspire and challenge you in the days ahead.



What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

Ralph Waldo Emerson



We either add to the darkness of indifference....
or we light a candle to see by....

Madeleine L’Engle

      Let us remember to pray for the thousands who have been affected by the tornados in Oklahoma and to pray that the love of Christ will minister to their tremendous needs. When the news stops covering it is easy to forget that the tragedy and road to recovery continues on for months, even years. Also pray for those who are reaching out to comfort those in need. They will need strength, perseverance and compassion as well.

May we always endeavor to be His kiss and touch in the world where He has placed us.  As we seek His heart of love and compassion let us remember to live out inspiring words of truth and let them change us deep within.

Blessed and changed by the compassion of Christ,
Kathy