What To Do?

"If you want to know what God wants you to do-
     ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.
                      James 1:5

For  the past few weeks, I've been toiling with the possibility of a part time job.  It is tempting because of
the economic times and set backs in our financial goals to be debt free has not happened.  My hubby works two jobs and doesn't complain.  He wants to take care of his family and be strong and dependable for us.  That he has done for the past five decades and continues.  

This job opportunity is solid and the income depends on how hard I work at it.  The dilemma...many things in my life will have to be altered, and some most likely set aside for now.  One of my greatest passions since retiring two years ago has been...Luci, our service therapy Corgi! To train her and I to be the best team we can be to do this work.   And I know by God's blessing and favor on this volunteer service therapy job, I know that it is His plan and purpose for us.  That's one area of my life that I feel is secure as continues to bless others and bring joy to those who need it the most.  So I don't waver on that.

However, from years of past experiences of over commitment and being unable to say 'No' to many things that I said, 'Yes' to should be a constant reminder.  When one says 'Yes' to another activity, a job, and so on; a BIG 'NO' goes out to something else in their life...that's the law of physics!    One other point;  that for many years of my life, I didn't truly seek God's will, plan, and purpose for adding more 'things' to my life.  My spiritual maturity hadn't reached that level...and I suffered for trying to control my life...when all the time God was and is and always be in control of my life.  Just didn't know that for years.  Now that I know and am firmly convinced that in my decisions and choices, He must approve and tell me, 'Yes.' or  'No.'

So, as I ponder, pray, dig deeply into His Word, meditate, listen for His still small voice in times alone with Him, journaling thoughts and feelings and praising His Name...I am waiting Lord...for your answer...Is a bit more finances for our household more important than what I am doing and what I will be giving up?

In time, God's timing, I will know and when I do, it will be as clear as a crystal blue lake, with perfect reflections of everything around it...

Sheri DeLoach
Author
patent pending
February 3, 2012

Daily Bread of Life - Devotional: Epiphany Moments - 01.15.2012

Daily Bread of Life - Devotional: Epiphany Moments - 01.15.2012: Epiphany? What is does word mean to you? Have you experienced an epiphany moment? Have you wondered why people don't talk about their epi...

Epiphany Moments - 01.15.2012

Epiphany?  What is does word mean to you?  Have you experienced an epiphany moment?  Have you wondered why people don't talk about their epiphany moment(s)?  Many questions surrounding this mysterious word!

Several epiphany moments have happened to me and each one comes unexpected, yet welcomed and with great joy!  It comes in the form of a sudden realization that God has spoken to me!  In His way and His Time.

I was a pilgrim on 'A Walk to Emmaus' about 15 years ago with a large group from many churches at a church camp ground for the weekend.  Many friends had gone on the 'Walk' and I could see a change in their walk with Jesus.  So, I wanted to go ! A dear friend sponsored me and made all the arrangements for that weekend, no clocks or watches or cell phones allowed!

This spiritual retreat is structured with a time line that is followed exclusively.  There are small groups that one becomes a member for the weekend.  In these groups we are lead by an experienced Emmaus team member.  We become to know each other well through sharing our burdens, challenges, joys, etc., with one another.  We hear 'talks' on the five different types of GRACE by veteran Emmaus members throughout the weekend.  One of the great highlights of the weekend.

My EPIPHANY moment at this spiritual retreat came in the form of people I knew from our church who came for the Candlelight Service, the ending session of the weekend.  It was a complete surprises, didn't know they were coming until that moment when I looked out over the audience!  Candlelight burned softly in their faces and as I began to recognize each one and their joyful radiance...God spoke to me with a message of LOVE unexperienced until that moment!  My heart burned with sudden elation and unspeakable joy...tears flowed...and truly...this was an EPIPHANY moment...a spiritual marker in my life!

Spiritual experiences can't be explained...Since then my life has taken on a new direction for serving God through serving others.  GOD IS LOVE!

Written by:
Sheri DeLoach
Jaunaury 15, 2012
Hewitt, TX.
copyright pending

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ~ 2011 ~

Christmas Day this year, December 25, 2011, fell on Sunday!  What a beautiful way to start this day when we celebrate and remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!  We had only one church service that started at 9:30AM.  Kids were welcome and many came in their pajamas!  After the Children's Sermon, they left and attended a birthday party downstairs for Baby Jesus.

Christmas Eve at our church is a highlight of the Christmas season for me and many others.  We have two services because so many people come.  We chose the later one as many young families come to the early one in order to get home and get the kids in bed before Christmas morning!  And we all know what happens then:!  Santa Claus!

Back to our Christmas Eve, Candlelight service. the theme was "This Day is Born a Savior, of Virtue, Power, and Might."   It is complete with choir, a live program depicting the birth of Jesus, the Wise men coming to visit, bring precious gifts,  along with the Shepherds who had followed a star for miles and miles before finding baby Jesus at a stable with his parents, Mary and Joseph.  There was a multitude of 'dancing angels' of all ages, so beautiful as they sang praises to the "New Born King!"

Throughout the program, the story is told by grandparents to their grand-kids who ask many questions and the wise grandparents have the answers.

There is a tradition of one famous person coming each year to sing 'O Holy Night'...and this seems to be one of the best parts of the entire evening.  Many people had tears in their eyes when he finished his song...

In closing the program and evening, everyone is given a small white candle with a glass cup under it.  One person at the front of the stage lights his candle and leans over and lights the next person's candle, and so it goes...until the dark room is completely lighted with candles aglow.  The audience begins the closing song, "Silent Night" as we raise our candles high above our heads.  The feeling of joy is everywhere and we are overwhelmed with the story of how Jesus Christ came to this earth, born in a stable, worshiped by the Wise Men and Shepard's...and somehow this old story becomes NEW and FRESH again in our hearts.

Merry Christmas to All and to All goodnight!


©2011 Sheri DeLoach - article and photographs

Daily Bread of Life - Devotional: AS A MAN THINKETH

Daily Bread of Life - Devotional: AS A MAN THINKETH: "AS A MAN THINKS in his heart, so is he... Yesterday I read Dr. James Allen's little book, "As A Man Thinketh" and was awed by his wisdom....

AS A MAN THINKETH

"AS A MAN THINKS in his heart, so is he...

Yesterday I read Dr. James Allen's little book, "As A Man Thinketh" and was awed by his wisdom.  Simply put and to the point, the title of the book comes from Proverbs 23:7;  'As a Man Thinketh in His Heart, so is he.'

" A particular train or thought persisted in, be it good or bad, cannot fail to produce it's results on  the character and circumstances.  A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances."

"The body is the servant of the mind.  It obey the operations of the mind, whether they be deliberately chosen or automatically expressed.  At the bidding of unlawful thoughts the body sinks rapidly into disease and decay; at the command of glad and beautiful thoughts it becomes clothed with youthfulness and beauty." Dr. James Allen.   Philippians 4:8. "Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- mediate on these things."

Many people are suffering from some sort of illness or disease.  This malady continues in a fallen world.  We do have a choice when stricken with a dread disease or illness; we can choose to 'think about God and how He is in control of ALL and He is BIG Enough!  Choose God and His righteousness in illness, in good health, in misfortune, in prosperity with your life!

12.04.2011
Written by Sheri DeLoach
Photography by Sheri DeLoach
patent pending

Addendum to Judy Janonski's !!!

Volume I of "Life is a Garden Party" available via www.winepressbooks.com. A gardening observation followed by a spiritual application in rhyme with scripture. Blog: http://judyjanowski.authorweblog.com/

Click on Judy's website and you will find her blog and much more, along with Volume I of her wonderful book, "Life is a Garden Party."

Judy's life is lived for Jesus Christ each day as she serves others, selflessly and with much joy!  Her prose/stories/poems inspire as she gives her perspective on being a Master Gardner along with a Master Writer!

Check out her picture albums on Facebook, she is also a polished photographer that shoots many of her homegrown flowers.  She is a wonderful cook of natural foods grown from her garden and  has a Pastry Business that keeps her extra busy this time of year!

Blessings to each and all,
<3 Sheri
Psalm 145 ~