When I lived in Louisana, God blessed me with a wonderful mentor. She was just what I needed for that season of my life. One of the ways she ministered to me was by sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness in her life.
We have kept in touch and one day while we were on the phone she shared with me about a dirt road she used to walk down as a little girl. She told me how she was preparing to teach her Sunday School class and how she was going to use that dirt road as an analogy to her journey as a Christian.
I've never forgot the story, but several months ago I asked her to write it down. She claims she is a better story teller than writer, so she told her son the story and he wrote the following:
The Dirt Road
The road ran just in front of my country home. I was but 8 or 10 years old. And I was always going somewhere. Walking somewhere on that dusty dirt road. On some days I was walking to school in my newest flour sack dress. Some days I was walking to see my beloved Aunt Blanche. And on some days I was walking over to play with my cousins. Some walks were just right over yonder, but most of the time I would walk for a mile or more, quite a stretch for an 8 year old little girl. You might even see me walking back home at dusk, keeping time with clanging cow bells as the cows made their way back from the pasture. That road bent and shaped me, like a hot piece of wrought iron in a blacksmith's shop.
It was wondrous. I daydreamed through the parching dust of a passing produce truck. Sometimes I would stop to pick wildflowers by the roadside, or study a honeybee harvesting nectar to make me some honey with. Early mornings often revealed a covey of wild quail spooked by my noisy journey. And the dusk was teeming with cottontail and wild deer grazing in the meadows along that Louisiana country road. With each passing day, and each journey, I was learning and cherishing the gifts of God. Walking along a dirt road.
There were times when I would stray off the road into the drainage ditch running along the road, playing, and exploring the bustling activities of God's tiniest creations. Occasionally, a thunderstorm would pass, and fill the ditches with water. The muddy water would disguise the hazards of the ditch, yet I would venture on, and end up with battle wounded feet from sharp-edged rocks and the like.
I can remember a time when I wandered into the twilight, traveling with a band of cows making their way to pasture. After a time, when I did not return home at the expected time, my family worried themselves into a panic. But I wasn't worried. I was safe and secure beneath the stars in the company of God.
And as the seasons passed by, I knew that dirt road inside and out, learning to travel with bigger feet and longer legs. And so goes my spiritual journey as I walk in fellowship with God. Sometimes I still wander off "into the ditch", but the Lord shows me the way back to that dirt road, and on some glorious day, that dirt will be paved with gold.
Written by Richard Bissette as told to him by him mom, Carl Deane Bissette
I received this story right before Christmas and what a wonderful Christmas gift it was. I've asked Carl to write some of her testimonies down for me too and she said she would. She has not lived a life free from trouble, but she has lived a life full of HOPE and I HOPE to share more of her testimonies with you soon.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Looking for a Christmas Miracle?
I received an email from a friend asking for prayer. She needs a Christmas miracle financially. As I have been praying for her the Lord reminded me of a miracle He did in the life of a widow. Thought maybe more of us could use the reminder of God's power and provision too. So, here it goes............
The Widow's Oil
2 Kings 4:1-7
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha. "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."
Elisha replied to her. "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in you house?"
Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side"
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."
But he replied, "there is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.
She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, you and your sons can live on what is left."
What a beautiful reminder of God's power and provision. What a reminder that God may want to use something we already have to provide for us. It's all His and we are all His. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours.
May we all seek Him to provide for us as He has promised! (Phil. 4:19)
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen
Eph. 3:20&21
Merry CHRISTmas!
Cheri
The Widow's Oil
2 Kings 4:1-7
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha. "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."
Elisha replied to her. "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in you house?"
Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side"
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."
But he replied, "there is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.
She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, you and your sons can live on what is left."
What a beautiful reminder of God's power and provision. What a reminder that God may want to use something we already have to provide for us. It's all His and we are all His. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours.
May we all seek Him to provide for us as He has promised! (Phil. 4:19)
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen
Eph. 3:20&21
Merry CHRISTmas!
Cheri
Monday, November 23, 2009
Will Not Be Taken Away
"Martha, Martha." The Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
I've read the story of Martha and Mary over and over and I know Mary did the right thing. I get that, but today as I read this story again these words jumped out at me.
IT WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER!
Wow! Jesus said, that the time Mary spent with Him could not be taken from her. That is an incredible promise.
It seems we live in a world where people take whatever they feel like taking.
We know there are thieves that steal all sorts of things from money to cars and lately we hear alot about "identity theft", but what about stealing the "credit" for a job that someone else did?What if that sort of stealing caused you to receive a job promotion you really didn't deserve?
In a world that seems to be all about SELF, it's easy to get caught up in an "every man for himself mentality" or I am going to work harder and harder so I will get the glory the next time.
Unfortunately, I have even seen this type of mindset in the church. Seeking position, trying to outshine others, and seeking praise and glory.
And yes, at times I have had to check my own motives and examine if I am doing this or that because Jesus has instructed me to or am I doing it for myself and my glory?
So........as I sit and ponder about what Jesus said to Mary, I crave to hear those words and desire to have His peace and His promise in my heart that no one or nothing can take from me.
Thanksgiving is just a few days away & it is my prayer that I will not neglect the ONE to whom all thanks and glory is due! May my Thanksgiving preparation be spent by being alone with my Savior and then all these other things............................
Long after the turkey is ate and the dishes are clean, I can still have His abiding peace and joy, which will not be taken from me!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Cheri
I've read the story of Martha and Mary over and over and I know Mary did the right thing. I get that, but today as I read this story again these words jumped out at me.
IT WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER!
Wow! Jesus said, that the time Mary spent with Him could not be taken from her. That is an incredible promise.
It seems we live in a world where people take whatever they feel like taking.
We know there are thieves that steal all sorts of things from money to cars and lately we hear alot about "identity theft", but what about stealing the "credit" for a job that someone else did?What if that sort of stealing caused you to receive a job promotion you really didn't deserve?
In a world that seems to be all about SELF, it's easy to get caught up in an "every man for himself mentality" or I am going to work harder and harder so I will get the glory the next time.
Unfortunately, I have even seen this type of mindset in the church. Seeking position, trying to outshine others, and seeking praise and glory.
And yes, at times I have had to check my own motives and examine if I am doing this or that because Jesus has instructed me to or am I doing it for myself and my glory?
So........as I sit and ponder about what Jesus said to Mary, I crave to hear those words and desire to have His peace and His promise in my heart that no one or nothing can take from me.
Thanksgiving is just a few days away & it is my prayer that I will not neglect the ONE to whom all thanks and glory is due! May my Thanksgiving preparation be spent by being alone with my Savior and then all these other things............................
Long after the turkey is ate and the dishes are clean, I can still have His abiding peace and joy, which will not be taken from me!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Cheri
Monday, November 2, 2009
Have a Very "Mary" Christmas!
This is an article I wrote back in 2005 for the Women's Ministry Newsletter at my church. Do you realize that we have just under 8 weeks before Christmas Day? I am not trying to cause you anxiety, but I thought it would be a good time for us to challenge each other to keep our focus. If your calendar is like mine, it starts filling up fast with party invitations, family gatherings, etc. Let's pray for wisdom to know how to respond to each invitation.
Blessings, Cheri
"Have a very “Mary” Christmas!"
Christmas is just around the corner! Does that thought bring you joy or anxiety? As Christian women, we know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many of us start out every December promising ourselves that THIS YEAR we will not lose our focus. We promise ourselves everything from, “I will not over commit myself,” to “I will not overbuy!” What happens to all of those promises? How can one stay focused with so much to do?
Let’s look at the Bible story of Mary and Martha. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and immediately went to work preparing to serve Him a meal. Martha had a sister named Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. Martha being distracted by all of the preparation, approached the Lord and said, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” Jesus answered and said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Let’s remember during this Christmas season that in the midst of our long “To-Do” list we must take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. He has much to say to us. He desires to give us a gift that cannot be taken from us. As we sit at His feet He will help us stay focused. He will keep us from being worried and troubled about many unnecessary things. He is calling us to sit at His feet and have a very “MARY” Christmas. Will you accept His invitation?
Blessings, Cheri
"Have a very “Mary” Christmas!"
Christmas is just around the corner! Does that thought bring you joy or anxiety? As Christian women, we know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many of us start out every December promising ourselves that THIS YEAR we will not lose our focus. We promise ourselves everything from, “I will not over commit myself,” to “I will not overbuy!” What happens to all of those promises? How can one stay focused with so much to do?
Let’s look at the Bible story of Mary and Martha. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and immediately went to work preparing to serve Him a meal. Martha had a sister named Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. Martha being distracted by all of the preparation, approached the Lord and said, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” Jesus answered and said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Let’s remember during this Christmas season that in the midst of our long “To-Do” list we must take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. He has much to say to us. He desires to give us a gift that cannot be taken from us. As we sit at His feet He will help us stay focused. He will keep us from being worried and troubled about many unnecessary things. He is calling us to sit at His feet and have a very “MARY” Christmas. Will you accept His invitation?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Me, Myself and I
Several years ago country singer, Toby Keith, wrote a song called, "I Wanna Talk About Me!" Isn't that so true? How many of us really want to talk about ourselves? How many of us will be honest enough to admit it?
Why would Christian author, Max Lucado, even have to write a book a few years ago called, "It's Not About Me."?
Could it be that we have made the Christian Life all about us? Has church become all about us? Do we read the Bible and esteem the men in the Bible that God chose to use over God himself?
How many sermons have you heard calling PAUL a spiritual giant, and then you hear someone say...."I could never be like Paul."? Or any other Bible Character that we lift up and compare ourselves to.
God has not called us to be like any other person, nor did He call us to salvation to make us more like US. We are called to BECOME more like HIM.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20
I want to share with you something I learned from T.W. Hunt several years ago and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. I have to constantly remind myself that "It's Not About Me." The flesh doesn't die easy and I find myself wanting to feed it when it gets hungry instead of letting it starve to death.
We have already established that our lives are not about us, but Christ.
T.W. Hunt reminded me a few years ago that the Bible is about GOD. Now you may say, I know that, but do you practice it? He challenged me to think about how I teach the Bible and to think about how many times I have heard lessons and sermons where the REAL story is missed.
Here are some examples of the "supposed story" we often teach or hear taught and then the REAL story where God is the focus.
Story/Supposed Story/RealStory
David-Goliath/"heroism"/God does not need help.
Jehoshaphat/ "trust"/God does not need an army
David's hurts/ "sin lasts"/ A heart right with God always returns to God
Hannah/ "God rewards"/Prayer changes history.....
Job/"remained faithful"/ God reveals Himself in suffering
Corinth/"superior attitudes"/God's love is greater than our superiorities
Peter /"all are weak"/ God foreknows and provides for our weakness
It's all about GOD!
Let's tell His Story!
Why would Christian author, Max Lucado, even have to write a book a few years ago called, "It's Not About Me."?
Could it be that we have made the Christian Life all about us? Has church become all about us? Do we read the Bible and esteem the men in the Bible that God chose to use over God himself?
How many sermons have you heard calling PAUL a spiritual giant, and then you hear someone say...."I could never be like Paul."? Or any other Bible Character that we lift up and compare ourselves to.
God has not called us to be like any other person, nor did He call us to salvation to make us more like US. We are called to BECOME more like HIM.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20
I want to share with you something I learned from T.W. Hunt several years ago and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. I have to constantly remind myself that "It's Not About Me." The flesh doesn't die easy and I find myself wanting to feed it when it gets hungry instead of letting it starve to death.
We have already established that our lives are not about us, but Christ.
T.W. Hunt reminded me a few years ago that the Bible is about GOD. Now you may say, I know that, but do you practice it? He challenged me to think about how I teach the Bible and to think about how many times I have heard lessons and sermons where the REAL story is missed.
Here are some examples of the "supposed story" we often teach or hear taught and then the REAL story where God is the focus.
Story/Supposed Story/RealStory
David-Goliath/"heroism"/God does not need help.
Jehoshaphat/ "trust"/God does not need an army
David's hurts/ "sin lasts"/ A heart right with God always returns to God
Hannah/ "God rewards"/Prayer changes history.....
Job/"remained faithful"/ God reveals Himself in suffering
Corinth/"superior attitudes"/God's love is greater than our superiorities
Peter /"all are weak"/ God foreknows and provides for our weakness
It's all about GOD!
Let's tell His Story!
On Mission
As I have mentioned before on my blog, I follow Ed Stetzer on Twitter. He works for Lifeway Research and travels all over doing conferences. I heard him speak at a conference last September in Orlando. The link below is Ed teaching on "Missional Leadership".
Extremely thought provoking..............................
http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/missional/
Rethinking,
Cheri
Extremely thought provoking..............................
http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/missional/
Rethinking,
Cheri
Monday, October 26, 2009
Got REST?
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST, Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find REST for your souls. For My Yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
It's one of those Monday's that I do not feel rested. Our family had a busy week last week. My son was in the school musical which meant late nights and early mornings along with 4 performances this weekend. WHEW!
Being in the school musical meant he has stayed after school every day for the last nine weeks as well as an all day dress rehearsal last weekend. Yesterday he had a two hour Orchestra rehersal at church.
He still has school work to finish up and tomorrow is the last day for this quarter. Poor guy, he was up until 1am this morning trying to get it all done. He slept in the car on the way to school. Oh Lord, we need REST. We need you to fill our cup. While it was fun and it was a good opportunity for Andrew to see how far he can be stretched, HE NEEDS SOME REST. We all do.
Tonight is the Cast Party. That will be a lot of fun! God really pulled this cast together and it was neat to see how they leaned on the Lord for strength and gave Him all the praise!
On Thursday, Mollie has a field trip to St. Augustine and our whole family will be going on this trip. Andrew is going to check out a college in St. Augustine and we plan on staying through Saturday.
Thanking the Lord for this opportunity.
We need time together to reconnect. We can run hard and we can run long, but we cannot run hard for very long. Our bodies were made to need REST. Even Jesus took time to REST.
May we all remember to H. A. L. T.
To never let ourselves get too.......
H ungry (physically or spiritually)
A ngry
Let's remember to Pray for one another. Encourage one another and build each other up. Let's remind each other to lean on Jesus, to depend on Him for our strength.
"Grant us wisdom O' Lord to know what we need to let go of and what we need to do, teach us our Lord to abide in you."
It's one of those Monday's that I do not feel rested. Our family had a busy week last week. My son was in the school musical which meant late nights and early mornings along with 4 performances this weekend. WHEW!
Being in the school musical meant he has stayed after school every day for the last nine weeks as well as an all day dress rehearsal last weekend. Yesterday he had a two hour Orchestra rehersal at church.
He still has school work to finish up and tomorrow is the last day for this quarter. Poor guy, he was up until 1am this morning trying to get it all done. He slept in the car on the way to school. Oh Lord, we need REST. We need you to fill our cup. While it was fun and it was a good opportunity for Andrew to see how far he can be stretched, HE NEEDS SOME REST. We all do.
Tonight is the Cast Party. That will be a lot of fun! God really pulled this cast together and it was neat to see how they leaned on the Lord for strength and gave Him all the praise!
On Thursday, Mollie has a field trip to St. Augustine and our whole family will be going on this trip. Andrew is going to check out a college in St. Augustine and we plan on staying through Saturday.
Thanking the Lord for this opportunity.
We need time together to reconnect. We can run hard and we can run long, but we cannot run hard for very long. Our bodies were made to need REST. Even Jesus took time to REST.
May we all remember to H. A. L. T.
To never let ourselves get too.......
H ungry (physically or spiritually)
A ngry
L onely
T iredLet's remember to Pray for one another. Encourage one another and build each other up. Let's remind each other to lean on Jesus, to depend on Him for our strength.
"Grant us wisdom O' Lord to know what we need to let go of and what we need to do, teach us our Lord to abide in you."
Peace, Cheri
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