The Journey

As we continue our journey, thank you for continuing with us.  Just at the times when it feels that support is dwindling, God always provides the increase.

During the next couple of weeks two of the young men (Glenn and John Michael) in Wesley Home for Youth (WHY) will graduate from high school. 

Glenn

Two young men who came to us from hopeless situations.  It is likely without WHY their educations would have ended.    They may have had jobs as scrappers or street vendors for livelihood had they not completed high school. 

John Michael

Now they are on their way to COLLEGE!

Thanks to you who support this ministry, they continue their education.  They will also continue to grow spiritually.  They will continue to learn of God's love and grace.

It is truly amazing that these young men are being made new through God.  Glenn has become a leader for devotions and is always eager to learn more of the Bible.  John Michael leads worship in the home.  They serve as "older brothers" for the younger house-siblings.  They take on extra chores and responsibilities.  God has amazing purpose for these boys becoming men.

Thankful, Sheryl

Courage

This month the kids at church are focusing on the word Courage....what it means, what type of person has courage, etc.  The memory verse is Psalm 56:3.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

David and Goliath by Keith Newton provided courtesy of Christ-Centered Art.

 The dark is scary for children.  But even as an adult I am scared when I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

When big decisions come, do we put our trust in God?  Do we take that step of faith when we don't know where we are going?  Maybe sometimes.  But what about when we don't know how our bills will get paid, what about when our child is deathly ill, what about when _________?

What an awesome reminder that we ALL need courage!  And we ALL need to put our trust in Him when we are afraid.

Thankful, Sheryl 

Forgiveness

Recently our church has been studying the book of Genesis.  We have covered everything from second chances to marriage to integrity.  Yesterday we finished up the book with a sermon on forgiveness.

While we can sometimes be extremely grudging and unforgiving people we have a forgiving God.  Synonyms listed for forgiveness include charity, mercy, grace.  A portion of scripture that stood out to me was Genesis 50:18-21.

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

I especially got hung up on "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  What a precious thing.  God intended it for good.  I have some horrible memories in my mind's file.  Some of what has been done to me, some of what I have done to others.  Things that, even just the thought, make me blush and cringe.

....but God intended it for good.

Even as I type them, those words grow more incredible and promising to me.  Even all my failures, people who have failed me, moments of weakness, moments of fear, times of crumbled spirit.  God has a way of using every situation in our lives, whether positive or negative.

....but God intended it for good.

How AMAZING? 

I want to forgive, I am praying for that spirit today - a spirit of forgiveness.  Because if God intended it for good, why would I keep a grudge against anyone, anything, even myself?

....but God intended it for good.



Thankful, Sheryl

Word

1 John 3:18

 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Tragedy

It is amazing, humbling and terrifying how much tragedy is in our world lately.  Japan is not alone with its current sufferings.  As we are aware, in the past 10 years, many disasters natural and man-made have occurred.

**In 2001, America was shaken by the attacks on our country.**

**In 2002, a rock/ice slide killed 125 in the Kolka-Karmadon area.**

**In China more than 130 people died due to a severe winter storm.**

**In January 2010, Haiti fought back from a severe earthquake, but over 316,000 lives were lost in this tragedy.**

**Austrailians were overwhelmed by bush fires in 2009.  Over 170 people perished.**

**In 2005, over 1800 people died after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Louisiana region and flooding followed.**

I believe sometimes that we can be overwhelmed by news coverage of disasters of this magnitude.  Does it make you want to close off from the world and ignore the millions who need help?  Or are ready to rush to aid the needs of the broken, homeless, injured people in these situations. 

I guess the part that really boggles my mind is that these tragedies are every day.  Just because we don't hear about them on the news doesn't mean that people aren't dying.  For example, while I was searching through the neverending lists of natural disasters I ran across a 2008 Cyclone.  This storm hit Mynamar killing over 138,000 people.  I don't remember ever hearing of this event.  Sadly, it could have been on the news but due to my busy-ness I missed it.  Maybe I couldn't or wouldn't have gone to Mynamar to rescue the perishing, but I could have prayed.  

What do you do when you hear of lives lost?

Currently in the Philippines there is no natural disaster occuring.  But people, children, widows, orphans are dying of curable diseases DAILY.  Thousands will not have shelter TONIGHT.  A mother will send her child to search for food instead of to school TODAY.

Friends, the need is great, the need is dire, the need is real!

Please open your eyes to the world in need and reach out.

^{2 Corinthinans 1:9-10}

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.

Thankful, Sheryl 

Word

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.


Colossians 3:12-14

Project Pillowcase

Hi friends!  Just an update for my Project Pillowcase sewing people.  Our trip was moved from June to July which means - WE HAVE AN EXTRA MONTH OF SEWING!  SWEET! 

So many naked children, so little time!

As most of you know I began sewing less than one year ago.  Honestly I have tried very few things besides pillowcase dresses.  But I am soaking up all of the invaluable information found online.  I have been finding tons of tutorials and was excited when I found this one so I wanted to share.

http://www.momtastic.com/home-and-living/features/128314-diy-st-pattys-bandana-dress

Check it out for a new idea.  Cute AND inexpensive, my favorite combo.

I like this quote from Mother Teresa....
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

So I say, if you can't make a hundred dresses, then make just one.

Thankful, Sheryl

Prayer

I grew up having weird distorted thoughts of prayer. I was taught about prayer closets; if you didn't have one you better get one....that didn't make sense in my very literal mind.  Who would want to go into a dark closet and pray to a very scary God in proper words?  That seemed overwhelming and intimidating to me.  But at a very low time in my life I cried out to God in my own words, my own way and my own space. 

He heard me. 

It wasn't perfect, I wasn't proper and He wasn't scary. 

Although my prayer life didn't grow overnight or even quickly I have come to have a different kind of prayer relationship with God.  It is a closer relationship now and I feel like I can call on Him whenever, wherever and often.  I pray all day long most days.  When something or someone comes to my mind I often just whisper a prayer for that person, ask forgiveness, ask God for strength, thank God for something in front of me, etc.

1 Chronicles 16:10-11

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.


I have learned this is His desire.  He wants this close relationship, He wants us to call on Him and depend on Him for everything.

Even the small stuff. 

This morning, pushing time to get out the door, I couldn't find my glasses.  Which are kinda necessary considering I can't see to drive without them.  In the midst of the frustration, I took a breath and simply asked God to help me....  A very insignificant moment in my day, but yet I needed God's grace to help me not pitch a 2 year old sized tantrum out of frustration!  I probably could have found my glasses on my own, but just knowing that He cares about the littlest of little things, the minute, the simple.

Jeremiah 29:12 
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.


A song I love is Times by Tenth Avenue North....here is a portion of it.

"i hear you say 'my love is over,
its underneath, its inside, its in between
the times you doubt me, when you can't feel
the times that you've questioned 'is this for real?'
the times you've broken, the times that you mend
the times you hate me and the times that you bend'..."


No matter where you are, God will meet you there.  Call on Him!  He doesn't care if you use perfect grammar or proper words.  He loves you!

Thankful, Sheryl

Word

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9