Made In the Image of Him - A God of Order

I love this picture, probably because it shows God lovingly holding His creation in His hands, ordered, protected and set in place to serve His purpose.

This is the time of every new year when thoughts turn to resolutions or goals - promises and hopes for the new year.

I love to start each new year with a house that is clean and organized, laundry that is washed, dried, ironed or folded and put away. Christmas decorations must be put up before the new year otherwise I feel like I'm behind before I start. To that end I have spent the last several days sorting, rearranging, organizing, throwing away...  My pantry has been organized and the cabinet under my sink wiped down and cleaned. The recycling has been taken away and I've delivered my box of items to Goodwill. It's been like a little mini-manic phase and I've loved it!

As I've cleaned and rearranged, my thoughts have been on what God has for me in 2013. I seemed to be particularly insightful while trying to put 800 spilled toothpicks back in their tiny little box. They had spilled out into a basket and it seemed wasteful to throw them away so I settled in to get them back where they belong and tidy up the basket.

At first it was easy to pick them up - they were everywhere and all I had to do was grab handfuls and put them in the box. I then had to be sure that they were all lined up perfectly so they would fit back in the box. It was mindless work but it felt good every time the rows evened out and more and more fit back in the box. Some people - maybe most people - wouldn't take the time to do that, and under some circumstances neither would I. But today it was calming and satisfying to make that mess orderly again.

I thanked God for the gift of satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Don't you love it when you finally get that closet cleaned out, or your car! What about the stack of mail on your desk waiting for attention? How great does that feel to finally get to the bottom and deal with that last piece? My husband gets that feeling when he's cleaned up the garage - or even his man cave. It doesn't happen often, but when it does...  oh boy!

I wish my life was like that. I have worked hard to accomplish the tasks on my list and my home shows it.

That's just the outside, though. I wish it was that easy to make ME all spit and polished like that. Having an orderly home makes me feel good. It makes me feel like a good girl. It doesn't MAKE ME GOOD. 

Wouldn't it be great if we could let go of the things of this world like we let go of the recycling?  If ordering our thoughts and feelings was as easy as reorganizing the pantry?

Wouldn't you love to throw away anything that is not a fruit of the Spirit like you can throw away salad dressing with an expiration date of January 2009?

God is a God of order, and being made in His image we crave that order as well. It doesn't always show, but we all feel and work better when our space in ordered. That's especially true for our inner space. That inner space requires the touch of God's hand. While I don't believe that I ever do anything apart from God and without Him, I don't have to have prayer before I clean out the closet or the refrigerator. God has given me an organized soul and I simply use that particular gift when needed.

When it comes to my inner self, though, I know I can't deal with that on my own. I have attitudes, fears, and sometimes dreams and wishes that either do not honor Him, or just don't fit into His plan for me. It's not as easy to send them to the recycle bin or rearrange them in a more orderly fashion. Sometimes I just want to keep them where they are. Unlike the spilled toothpicks that can't argue or resist, I put up quite a fight sometimes to keep things that aren't good for me.

I have many goals for this year, but the primary one is to become more like my Creator - the God of order and purpose. I'm going to allow him to pry my greedy little fingers off of me and take out the recycling and the garbage, rearrange and reorganize, clean and polish until my reflection is more like him.

I don't want to be the whitewashed cup that sparkles and shines on the outside, but is filthy and gross on the inside.

Happy New Year to you all. Whatever your plans for welcoming the new year, I hope you will remember with me that just as we take great pleasure in ordering our homes, God takes great pleasure in ordering our lives. No one does it better.

Let your first act of 2013 be a prayer of dedication to God. There is no better way to start.

Following the plan,

Sherri

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Isn't it amazing how God does this?

A beautiful gift he gave me 14 years ago

just keeps blooming into ever bigger and more

beautiful bouquets. 

Happy Anniversary, Sweetie.

I would marry you all over again!

9 Ways to Tell You're in the Writing Groove

A picture's worth a thousand words...

#1  

                         

 #2   

#3      

  

 #4  

#5  

#6  

#7 

#8  

#9   

Anything look familiar?

What else would you add?

Praying for you to be in the groove,

Sherri 

The big Five O

Ready or not...

Before the end of this year I'll turn 50. Believe it or not I'm actually a little excited about that. I have this theory that this is the beginning of the second half of my life and it's going to be amazing. 

What if I live to be 100? I'll have 50 more years in which to be creative, share and experience life, and that's exactly what I want to do. I'm adding to my bucket list (which I'll share another time) and making plans to tackle that list with gusto - or at least a great deal of enthusiasm. 

But first, the birthday. I'm trying to decide on a memorable way to celebrate the occasion. My husband wants to take me to Biloxi to introduce me to the world of gambling. I've never been in a Casino and it might actually be great research for a future book. 

I want to learn to shoot. For some reason that makes my husband nervous!  Hmmm... Well it is my birthday and I think I should get what I want. Right? 

Okay, we're still working on plans, but you can help. 

If you've arrived at the big 5-O (or any other milestone birthday) how did you celebrate? Would love to hear your stories and suggestions. (I really do want to learn to shoot! )

So answer this question: For my 50th birthday I...

Following the plan,

Sherri 

31 Days of Focus for Christian Writers

The first book I ever read about writing was not so much about the craft of writing as it was about God in your writing...as your purpose, your inspiration, the object of your worship and the maker of your dreams. 

For the Write Reason, by Marybeth Whalen is a collection of 31 profiles of people in the publishing industry sharing their thoughts and experiences in the business, and always pointing the way back to the Creator of our talent and the maker of our dreams. After each entry there is a brief Bible study by Marybeth making this book an ideal one to use as a month-long devotional. 

You will find entries by Allen Arnold, Lysa TerKeurst, Mary DeMuth, Sharon Jaynes, Rebecca Ingram Powell and Janet Kobobel Grant to name a few. And you are certain to find several that touch your heart and speak to your personal journey, no matter where along that road you may find yourself. 

You will hear the authors write of success, failure, rejection, inspiration, managing life and using your writing as ministry.  This collection is one that I will continue to read again and again as a reminder to me of the One who directs my path and my writing journey. 

You don't have to delve too deeply into the world of publishing - even Christian publishing - to know that distraction and misdirection wait around every corner. The desire to succeed, the constant temptation to compare yourself to another writer, and the overwhelming amount of information available can quickly become the center of your world and that road leads only to disaster and heartache. 

If you need some encouragement on your journey, or have been looking for something to remind you of your priorities I encourage you to pickup a copy of Marybeth's book. Read it, mark it up, pray over it. Then pass it along to someone else who needs it. 

Let me know what you think. 

Following the plan, 
Sherri 

9 Craft Books on My Reading List

1.  Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne & Dave King
2.  Characters & Viewpoint, Orson Scott Card
3.   The Making of a Christian Bestseller, Ann Byle
4.  Conflict, Action & Suspense, William Noble
5.  Plot versus Character, Jeff Gerke
6.  Conflict & Suspense, James Scott Bell
7.  Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint, Nancy Kress
8. Plot & Structure, James Scott Bell
9. The 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists, Andrew McAleer

What else should be on my list? Please leave a comment with your suggestions.

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

Would You Go to Jail?

Today as I was flipping through Facebook I came across this article that just made me stop and question:

• how far would I go for a cause I believe in?
• how seriously do I take religious freedom?
• how concerned am I that our religious liberties are being taken away - without much protest?
• would I take a stand that could end in my arrest?

Working in the mental health field in emergency services I spent more than my share of nights in jail... doing assessments and commitments. I know what it's like to hear that heavy metal door slam shut behind you leaving you at the mercy of the officers to let you out again. It was a little unnerving - and I could ask to be let out whenever I needed to go. I break out in a cold sweat at the thought of actually being locked in a cell because I committed a crime. 

So...this  article made me think about what I might be willing to go to jail to protect - or protest. I'm trying to be honest. It's a hard question for someone who really isn't comfortable bucking the system. I'm the peacemaker. That's not a bad thing, but I wonder if sometimes keeping the peace means too much compromise. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? IS THERE A CAUSE THAT YOU SUPPORT ENOUGH TO RISK ARREST? HAVE YOU DONE THAT? WOULD YOU SHARE? 

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

A Year of Writing Goals

Let's see,

  first I want to...

Well I'm freshly back from the 2012 ACFW writer's conference in Dallas and using the weekend to regroup, organize and make a plan. 

The conference was amazing! For me it was primarily a time of spiritual renewal which I desperately needed. Every workshop and main event seemed to sharpen my focus on God, his plan, his timing...HIM. 

Now that I'm back home in the day to day reality of life I know I need a plan to keep me on track so here is my list of goals for the next year. It's a work in progress, posted on the bulletin board by my desk so that I can see it and pray over it every day. Here goes:

1. join a critique group
2. have my MS professionally edited
3. get an agent
4. enter the Genesis contest next year
5. attend ACFW in 2013
6. develop other writing opportunities: magazines, newspaper articles
7. read one craft book a month
8. set and keep a daily writing schedule
9. do NaNoWriMo this year 
10. get involved in my local ACFW group

I'm sure there will be others, but those will keep me working hard for the next 12 months. There is one more... I hesitate to write it, but it is what I'm working toward and I believe that I need to 

so here it is...

 11. sign a book contract

Wow. It takes a lot to write that. It will be a God thing, but isn't every dream we have? I trust God to use what he directs me to write and I will be happy and honored if he will do that, but I will do the happy dance big time if I can sign my name on a contract one day! 

I will do my part: study, practice, work hard, learn, and trust God to do what he does best when the time is right. 

What about you? Have you set some goals for yourself for the coming year? What is it that you want to accomplish to move you closer to your ultimate writing goal?  

Please leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. 

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

On the Road to ACFW

This picture was taken on our trip to Ireland this year. It's a lane on the grounds of Muckross House. Isn't it beautiful?! We were there early in the morning and it was a little chilly, but gorgeous. We looked down the lane and saw people walking at various paces and in different places along that road. Everyone enjoying a different part of the scenery - a different view. 

This week is like that a little bit. Today I'm driving to Dallas to attend the ACFW writer's conference. There are quite a few of us who will be attending for the first time. There are also those who have attend every year since the beginning. 

There will be newbie's like me and multi-published, award-winning authors (like me in my really good fantasies!) all mixing and mingling and sharing the journey. It's awe inspiring. 

I want to savor ever part of it and I want to be very careful that I don't miss a single bit of my unique journey because I'm too busy concentrating on someone else's view. 

God has done an amazing work to bring me to this place. I don't have a clue what's next on His agenda but I want to be looking for it and prayed up for it and really ready. 

When God begins to work with your dreams it probably means letting go of and stepping out of your comfort zones. I know I am. It's also exciting enough that you don't really want to go back to that safe place. Most of the time. 

I know that God has a unique journey for you. Have you figured out what it is yet? Are you willing to step out and be obedient and vulnerable? I think it will be worth it and I hope to have some amazing stories to share with you soon. 

Please share yours with me. Let's encourage one another as we pray for each other. 

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

ACFW Conference Starts this Week

Do you remember when you were little and used to play dress up and day dream about being someone really cool? 

Then you grow up and get a job and get busy with life and somehow your dreams take a back seat to all of the "grown-up" responsibilities...



Then one day God takes that little spark of a dream that's been dormant for years and begins to fan it into a flame. It burns so bright and hot that you can't ignore it. He opens doors and provides opportunities, and along the way he gives you people who surprisingly do not laugh at your dreams but instead share your excitement. 

He finds gentle ways to give you perspective when you get too big for your britches and - 

He gives you loving people to encourage you when you think you really stink. 

He sends reminders that while it is our dream it's His plan. He will do what He will do in His time, not yours. 

He will not let us forget that while we pursue our dream we must take time to be still with him and to help others. 

He lets us know that while we may never be the best at what we do and may never be successful by the world's standards He is the Master of turning too little into great abundance. 

This week I will attend the ACFW conference with 700+ friends I don't know yet. We will all be there because we have a dream to write, but no matter what our skill level, it means nothing unless we have handed it over to Him to bless it, break it and use it to feed a world hungry to hear about Jesus. 

Please pray for us this week. We are expecting God to do some wonderful, totally unexpected things in and through us. I can't wait to share with you when I get back. 

Following the plan all the way to Dallas, 

Sherri

Inspired by the Courage of Others

According to my countdown clock I will be leaving for Dallas and the ACFW Conference in 6 days. I've been excited - up until about 8 weeks ago. Then the nerves set in and I've bounced between serenity and terror ever since. I've had a myriad of thoughts:

• what will I wear?
• where will I sit at dinner?
• I don't know ANYONE!
• I'm not a very social person - what if I can't stand the crowds?
• what if I say something stupid?  
• what if I forget my pitch?
• what if no one likes my book?
• what if someone likes my book?
• what if I fall off the risers when the choir is singing?
• what if I sing at the wrong time and everyone hears me?
• I think my business cards are cute; will everyone else think so?
• what if I make a fool of myself?
• I'm ready!
• I'll never be ready!
• this is really good. 
• this stinks!
• WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I SIGNED UP FOR THIS??????

I'm a coward. Yep. I am. 

I've been thinking about chasing dreams lately and it seems that I've watched more than a few video clips of shows like The X Factor and America's Got Talent, etc. I've seen people of all ages and backgrounds exhibit grace under pressure, rein in the fear, step out on stage and pour out their hearts in the most amazing voices! There was no guarantee that they would win or even hear anything positive and encouraging from the judges but they did it anyway. They believed in themselves enough and wanted that dream badly enough to accept the risk of rejection and say "I want to be a singer!"

That's in the secular world.

I'm going to a conference of Christian writers. More than anything else done to prepare for this conference people have been praying. They understand that the dream of writing is for many of us a fulfillment of a calling and a way to allow God to touch the world through us. Yes it is a time to learn, to listen, to share, to encourage and help others. More than anything else, however, it is a time to worship at the throne of the One who has called each of us and it's a time to lay down our own agenda's, be still, and know that He is God. 

When I keep this focus the fear recedes and I can look forward with great anticipation to meeting God in new and amazing ways at this conference. I know part of my schedule - workshops, agent appointments, choir practices. It's the part I don't know yet that's so exciting. 

I believe God has some divine appointments for me that may have nothing at all to do with writing, and everything to do with connecting and relationship - with others and with Him. 

I'm praying for all of us who will attend. For our writing careers, what needs to happen will happen in God's perfect time. I pray that the entire weekend is simply one form of worship or another, and that more than anything else we see Jesus. 

If people without Jesus can show courage in pursuing their dreams, how much more can we as children of the King live and walk with purpose, courage and promise? 

Following the plan,

Sherri 

FOREVER CHANGED

WE WILL ALWAYS

REMEMBER

AND

BE 

GRATEFUL

FOR YOUR

SERVICE AND SACRIFICE

AND STRIVE TO BE 

WORTHY OF IT

Just what I need!

It's Friday AND a holiday weekend!

Don't know what more I can say to that. Sometimes God is just

extra good to me. 

My to-do list is ready, and it's long! Time to get started...

Have a safe and happy holiday. 

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

"I Then Shall Live"

"I then shall live..."

We're singing this beautiful Gaither song at the closing worship service of the writer's conference next month. The director, Rachel Phillips, in the email accompanying the music gave us these words as we prepare:

"...try to internalize those awesome words...

Pray for our choir, that we will please our audience of

One

and steer the thoughts of our fellow writers

toward Him."

One line of the song especially grabs my heart:

"Your hallowed Name O may I bear with honor..."

Webster's Dictionary lists several definitions of honor including:

• high regard or respect
• good reputation
• adherence to principles considered right
• integrity
• something done as a token of respect

Honor - 

By the world's standards, my own, or God's?

Preparing for a writer's conference can be all encompassing and it's so easy for my focus to shift to what I'm writing instead of for Whom I write. Has it - my writing - become my idol? Has polishing a manuscript become more important than allowing God to perfect my spirit?

I believe that I will heed Rachel Phillip's directive to pray that we - I - will please my audience of One today, this week, and as I prepare for conference. 

I have some work to do on that? How about you? Have you let something you are doing FOR God become more important than what you are allowing God to do in you? 

HONOR: Adherence to principles that are right: 

"you shall have no other gods before me"

Not even what I have called you to do. (My words, not His, but I feel pretty safe adding that here.)

How's your honor as a Christian? Mine needs some work. 

Scripture. Prayer. Meeting with God.

 

RELATIONSHIP

Heavenly Father, don't let me become so intent on following the plan that I forget to talk to the Planner. Don't let me become so busy doing things for you that I have no time left for you. And please forgive me because I am guilty of both. Help me to remember that you are my Salvation, my Source and my Strength, and help my grateful heart to bear your Name with honor. Amen. 

Following the plan,

Sherri

"This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

I awoke this morning with this scripture and a new understanding of it in my heart. I love it when God does that!

Until now, every time I have ever read or recited these words I assumed it meant that I was to look for the good in the day and embrace it. Today I think that is just scratching the surface.

Look at the directive:  "Rejoice and be glad in it."  Period. No excuses or "yes but's". Just rejoice and be glad. Then I think of the day ahead of me and all its challenges - personal and professional, and yes, spiritual. I'm not sure I can do it. 

Then God nudges me again and takes me a little deeper.

If He designed a universe to work in perfect scientific order, intricately and with a precision that humans can never recreate...

If He carefully and perfectly knits together a baby in its mother's womb - a baby complete with all of the attributes she will need to fulfill God's purpose for her...

Would He not also create each day with beauty, challenges, fears, failures, successes, hopes, battles, struggles to: 

• sharpen us
• teach us
• encourage us
• provide opportunities to serve
• provide opportunities to trust
• create circumstances beyond our control and abilities

all to keep us moving toward Him?

What do you face today? Does it make a difference to you that God has perfectly orchestrated this day because it is the day you need? I think it does make a difference to me.

Today I will repeat this verse often and let it remind me that "rejoice and be glad" does not just relate to the good in the day. It recognizes the beauty and victory that the Master creates whenever He puts His hand to something. Read Romans 8:28.

Father put your hand to me today.

I need you.

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

What do you think? How do you interpret this verse?

Precious and Perishable

Yesterday we attended the funeral of my husband's (distant) cousin. He was 24 years old and he committed suicide. The final part of the funeral was a slide show of his life. We watched as pictures of this precious little boy moved across the screen and we watched him "grow up" right in front of us. 

I found myself watching his eyes, wondering if I would see when the light of that precious little blond boy started to dim. When did life become too difficult? I don't know. We may never know. 

Here's what I do know...

Each person we come in contact with each day is a divine appointment from God. We can do one of three things:

1) we can hurt, beat down, and destroy with our words and actions;

2) we can ignore them sending a clear message that they are not worthy of our time or attention; 

or

3) we can see them as God sees them, imperfect (just like we are), needing God's touch (just like we do), and we can give them the experience - at least once this day - of knowing that someone sees the value and the image of God in them. 

We never know what people are facing in the quiet places of their hearts. Some people walk around in constant, agonizing spiritual and/or emotional pain. 

As Christians we have the opportunity and the power to CARE for each person we meet; to CAREFULLY handle them and their issues. No one should ever be worse off after contact with us. 

I have had another reminder of the fragile nature of humans. Yes God made us resilient and strong, and yes, people have survived amazing tragedy and heart break, but we still have the potential to be broken. 

Ask God to make you aware today of each soul in your path. Pray for them. Ask God to provide according to their need and his abundance. Be ready to be the hands and heart of God to each one today. 

"...we are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world."

Following the plan,

Sherri 

Extreme Soul Crasher

Do you ever feel like God is just taking you

right down to the studs and starting

all over? 

I Need a Plan, Right?

I used to be organized. You know, one of those people who had lists and referred to them frequently throughout the day. I've had episodes during which everything  - everything - was in it's assigned place and I knew what was coming next. I loved it. 

I don't really remember that life anymore. I can't tell you what happened, I just know that I seem to be flitting all over the place, and that is especially true when it comes to writing.

Here's the deal- I have:

• a finished manuscript that I'm planning to pitch at conference
• it needs to be edited
• a blog that I try to update 3 times a week
• plans for a 40 day blog series before the election
• craft books to read
• two books to read as an influencer
• ideas for at least 6 more fiction books
• ideas for several non-fiction books
• a full-time job
• a husband

What I don't have right now is a PLAN.

• no writing schedule
• no self-imposed deadlines
• no reading plan or schedule

Here's what's happening...

Every time I check my email another writing opportunity or contest pops up and...you guessed it, I want to do it. Sounds like fun, sounds challenging, sounds right up my alley. I'm pulled in so many directions my head starts to spin. 

And I accomplish nothing. 

Why is it so hard to make a plan? I think it's because making a plan will get me somewhere, move me toward a destination, a goal and I haven't yet decided what I want that to be. 

I can't do everything - not well. I need to choose a focus for now, and eliminate all other distractions until that goal is met. I need to schedule writing, reading and editing time. 

I also need to schedule down time away from the writing. God has called me to write, but he hasn't given me leave to neglect my husband or family or other things that are important - time with Him. 

Are you having trouble making a plan or sticking with one? Maybe that's because you haven't clearly identified your goals yet.

My goal this week is to create a plan with focus. To decide what my goal is - for now - and make plans to get there. 

For me, a good starting place right now is getting ready for conference. That's coming up soon and not something I can push back if I'm not ready. 

What about you? How do you stay on track? What's your plan?

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

When Storm Winds Blow, Jesus HAS the Wheel

First a caveat...there is NO WAY these pictures do justice to the beautiful creation that emerged before our eyes. We took pictures with little cameras and cell phones, but even so, they are amazing. 

Let me set the stage for you...

We are at Camp Braveheart, our bereavement camp for children ages 7-14. It's Saturday morning and we are gathered in the auditorium with the windows and 3 sets of glass double doors covered with black plastic.

Sixty children and twenty plus adults sit in rows of chairs like church, absolutely spell bound. Jim takes the microphone and tells the story of how God brought him to this place and developed his talents, and he talks about storms and trusting God. 

Then he starts to sing. Oh my! I can still hear his deep, mellow voice belting out "PICK IT UUUUUUUP, MOSES!"  The beat of the music is strong and casts a spell over the audience. We are captivated.

Then he climbs onto the stage, picks up his chalk and begins to work his magic...

Music plays in the background as we watch Jim choose a lump of color from the tray in front of him and with swift, sure strokes he begins to add layer upon layer, element upon element to the picture. When he is done, he steps back and picks up the controls for the lights and takes us through this...

Then...

Do you see how the light from heaven is breaking though the clouds to shine down on the little boat being tossed about in the waves?










Can you see it now? The little boat in danger from the waves and the rocks. There is a tiny little lighthouse on one of the cliffs, but our pictures didn't get it. 

What about all that white space at the top? 

Watch...

WAIT

FOR

IT...

The black light comes on and look who has the wheel!

You should have heard the crowd! How did he do that? You'll have to ask Jim. Better yet, let him show you. It's so much better in person!


Here's more about Jim:

James H. (Jim) Pence is a man of many talents. He’s a performance chalk artist, singer, speaker, published author, editor & collaborator, and in his spare time he teaches karate to home schooled children. Jim has been called a “Renaissance man,” but he prefers to be known simply as a follower of Jesus Christ and a storyteller. Jim has been published in both fiction and nonfiction. Jim's most recent book, "More God," the amazing true story of Nate Lytle, was released late in 2011.

Jim posts regularly on the Word Serve Water Cooler blog, most recently this past Friday. Click here to read his post and to contact him. 

Jim has a true gift for ministry through art and story telling and I encourage you to consider incorporating Jim's talent and heart into your church or ministry plans. You will be mightily blessed. 

Jim, thank you so much for coming to camp. You and Laurel were so wonderful to get to know, and of course we could have watched you draw all weekend! May God continue to use you and the amazing gifts he's given you. 

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

How Many Talents Do You Have?

Read the Parable of the Talents 
in Matthew 25:14-30...


The two faithful servants had a different number of talents and each did what they could to increase what they had been given. Even though one servant started and ended with more than the other, the master's words to both were the same:


"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." and here comes my favorite part... "Come and share your master's happiness!" 

Matthew 25: 21, 23

Long before the world began God knew which gifts he would give each of us. We are not responsible for how many we have, only what we do with them. If we are faithful with our gifts we will one day receive this same invitation to 

"share in our master's happiness!" 

I want that! Do you? What talents are you hiding because of fear? It's time to drag them out, dust them off, and offer them back to God. He will do amazing things with your gift and with you. 

You don't want to miss that!

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

Compassionate Convictions

Two questions for you:

1) What do you think about this statement from Rick Warren? 

2) How do you incorporate this belief into your own sphere of influence? 

Following the plan, 

Sherri 

Jesus in Skin , Loving Well

Have you ever read a statement and thought, "that's exactly how I feel, I wish I'd said that"? 


Well I came across one this week that just said what is on my heart so beautifully. Here it is:

"I want to be known as someone who... isn’t bent on saving the world but loving their neighbor well... who is content to be Jesus in skin to someone else.”   Caitlin Muir  

Think about that for a moment. When Jesus was on earth he was focused on the people who crossed his path each day. Yes, he was actually here to save the world, but he never lost sight of those who needed his love and touch in the moment. 


I fail so miserably at this. I become so wrapped up in projects and getting ready for the future that I miss what's right in front of me - those divine opportunities to minister that he gives me every day. 


Jesus in skin...what a great picture that is! 


If you struggle with this as I do please click on the link below to read Caitlin's blog post. It will bless and convict you. 

http://www.caitlinmuir.com/shut-up-and-live-well/  


Also, please feel free to share with me how you stay focused on today and loving people around you well. I could use the help! 


Thanks for stopping by today. 


Following the plan, 


Sherri