November 2021 - Sherry Stahl

Month: November 2021

What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent?
Last December, I ran an Advent Series all over on: the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show, through the Soul H2O Devotions, and on Instagram Lives. I focussed on all the aspect of Advent and learned a lot! I didn’t grow up in a tradition that celebrated Advent so, it was super insightful and gave new depth to some of our Christmas traditions and why we do them.

READ ON to learn about the Advent Candle themes of Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, and Christ to put your heart in the right Christmas spirit!

Sherry

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Jesus

Soul H2O Devotions/Posts: What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Advent Inspiration For Your Christmas Season

Instagram Lives: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, JESUS

Soul H2O Devotion

I didn’t grow up in a church that celebrated Advent. To be honest, my extent of Advent knowledge didn’t go much beyond the chocolate door calendars I bought my children when they were young, until this year. I finally began my search to find out…

What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent?

In my quest to find out what to do, I’ve discovered the true heart of Advent and I think it will forever change the way I celebrate Christmas. But first, I need to let you know that Advent is not Biblical.

There’s not one verse in the Bible that anyone could share with you to validate observing the tradition of Advent. In fact, celebrating Christmas isn’t even Biblical, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good thing, or even a great thing.

Advent is not Biblical, but it is beautiful!
It’s interesting to note that the word advent comes from the Latin word ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. By 380 AD, Advent was a two-week fast to focus your thoughts on the second coming of Christ, matching the encouragement in

Titus 2:13,
“waiting for our blessed hope,
the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” ESV

Advent is to Christmas, what lent is to Easter; a time to prepare your heart and focus on Christ but like most traditions, they change over time. Some good, and some bad changes.
Traditions
Advent isn’t just about wreaths, candles, caroling, calendars or candy but all those things can be beneficial, if the focus remains on the original intent.
Somewhere between the 16^th – 18^th Century, evergreen wreaths with candles became a part of the tradition. Both the circle and evergreens symbolize eternal life. Some wreaths have holly and berries, asserting the red represents Christs suffering and sacrifice, while others only use the greenery. All beautiful symbolism, but no set standard of how to create them.
There isn’t even a standardization of the number of candles, colors or themes for Advent. I searched dozens of websites and found variations in themes, but all chose four out of: Hope, Faith, Love, Joy, and Peace. Some also add a fifth candle in the centre on Christmas day to represent Christ.
The most beautiful part of Advent is the intent to focus on three aspects of Christ coming to be with us, sit with us, and save us.
Purposes of Advent
1. Celebrate Past – Incarnation/Nativity – Christ came to earth
2. Appreciate Present – Salvation – Christ inside of Us
3. Anticipate Future – Jesus 2^nd Coming – Live with Christ forever
So, if you ask me What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent? I’d say it isn’t a hardened set of steps, but a heart that’s filled with gratitude for all Christ has done and is going to do. It’s living in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return while experiencing the peace and joy He brings through the love we receive at salvation. Celebrating the past, appreciating the present, and anticipating the future!
Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful for Jesus. That He left heaven to come down to earth is inexplainable to me, but I’m so grateful. Jesus, that you died, so I could be set free from the bondage of my sin is overwhelming and I can’t wait to see you one day and forever live in your presence where I’ll get to experience peace and joy for eternity. Thank you. In Jesus Name…Amen

Join Me Weekly For Advent Talks

Through The Themes of Advent
Every Wednesday at 12-12:10pm EST on Instagram Live

December 1(Hope), 8(Love), 15 (Joy), 22(Peace)

Follow Sherry on Instagram

Verses to help fill up your well.
1. Titus 2:13
2. 1 Corinthians 1:7
3. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
4. Jude 1:21
Soul H2O Resources

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG:
Advent Hymn:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Kim Walker Smith
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/VZ-_uku8Ohw
Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

Hope For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #88.

You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/88

Splash Online Event

Childlike Faith Series – Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God
Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group December 16, 2021

Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season

Devotions, Podcast Episodes, Recipes, Christmas Messages and more!
https://www.sherrystahl.com/advent-inspiration-for-your-christmas-season/

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES
https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventhttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-history-of-advent/
https://www.christianity.com/christian-life/christmas/what-is-advent.htmlhttps://catholic-resources.org/Lectionary/Seasons-Advent-Christmas.htm
https://www.reformedworship.org/article/september-1993/circle-light-four-themes-use-advent-wreath
https://doinghistoryinpublic.org/1-advent-calendars/https://www.german-way.com/german-christmas-facts/christmas-fact-1/
WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
Read More
New Name, New Identity
New Name, New Identity is talking about the different name changes in the Bible and how difficult times can reveal your true identity.

Soul H2O Devotion

New Name, New Identity

When I went through divorce, I changed my name back to my maiden name which is Fletcher. It’s pretty cool as far as names go but it was a lot of paperwork changing it back, with every government, business, and banking agency needing to be contacted. Then, when I got re-married to Todd, I had to go through all that legal paperwork again to take on his last name Stahl, an equally cool name that actually means “steel”, so ya, I married a man of steel, with a very soft heart!

Names are a big deal.

New Names

Choosing a baby name is a difficult job these days. When you meet people from older generations, they seemed to have settled on a select number of names and used them repeatedly, but since I was having kids and until the present day, it’s become much more complicated. With access to the internet, the options seem to be endless.

Names are a big deal.

Back in Biblical days, your name held great significance but it’s pretty clear that sometimes, God didn’t think the parents chose the right name because I’ve found about 9 instances in the Bible where people’s names were changed by God. I think Abram, Sarai, Jacob, and Simon are the most well-known name changes.

Crisis Is Often The Catalyst

In each of their lives, there was a crisis that curated the changed name.

For Abraham and Sarah, it was infertility and names that spoke of their destiny to have children; for Jacob, it was fear of an attack from his brother that caused him to wrestle with God and be declared Israel which means God strives and has roots in meaning ‘united people’. God knew exactly what Jacob needed to hear and who he would become.

Simon was a big talker, always sticking his foot in his mouth but Jesus saw more in him, Jesus spoke steadiness into his life by renaming him Peter, the rock who would be one of God’s clearest voices in his generation.

There’s only one account of God naming someone and a person changing that name. It happened when Adam renamed the other h’adam, Eve and changed how the world viewed the role of women from that day forward, but that’s the topic for another show.

Changing a National Identity

In Isaiah 62:2-4, a national crisis culminated in God speaking words of comfort to his people when they were taken captive by other nations and told how he was going to change what people called them and said,

“you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow… No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, for the LORD will take delight in you…

I’m sure it’s not on the top of your baby list, but Hephzibah means “my delight is in her”. Israel’s new name would bring them hope for their future and bolster their identity in time of crisis.
You’ll soon hear how our interview guest’s name change came as the result of a job loss and resulted in a major identity shift.
A Name Change For You!
What’s interesting to you today is how God says in Revelations 2:17 says… To the one who overcomes, I will give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
God has a special name for you, and it’s not a put-down, but an identity booster that speaks to your destiny. Spend time listening to him and begin connecting with your new name.

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful that you see the real me and you like the real me. Help me to listen to you Holy Spirit for my identity and not to the insults of others. You created me, you know me and I want to fulfil the destiny you’ve placed within me, so help me see me, the way You see me. In Jesus Name…Amen

Connecting With Your New Name | EP #85

Karen Fox is on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show, Episode 85, Connecting With Your New Name. Talks about how difficult times can reveal your true identity.
Listen on your favourite Podcast App or: http://www.soulh2o.com/85

Verses to help fill up your well.
1.Revelation 2:17
2. Name Changes (Genesis 17:3,15; 32:28; John 1:42)
3. Isaiah 62:2-4
4. Isaiah 56:5
Share With a Friend

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

Soul H2O Resources

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG: Through Your Eyes
by Britt Nicole

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/WJzaQP1GmEc
Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

Splash Online Event

Snakes & Ladders – Sometimes You’re Up, Sometimes You’re Down from the ‘Child-Like Faith’ Series is our November Online Splash event hosted by Sherry Stahl and the #SoulH2O Team.

Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group or sign up for Splash emails in the group and see us on Zoom.

Another Devotion You’ll Find Refreshing

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
Read More
The Fight For Peace Of Mind
This week Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held all over Canada as our American friends honor Veteran’s Day. We live in some of the most peaceful places on the planet, but it didn’t just happen. Soldiers had to fight for us to experience the freedom that brings peace, much like you have to fight for peace of mind.

Soul H2O Devotion
The Fight For Peace Of Mind
A peaceful mind doesn’t just mysteriously happen, it will only be attained if you fight for it. Thankfully this conflict isn’t fought on the battlefield of combat but combatted in the battlefield of your mind.
I really think Philippians 4:6-8 is a great template for learning how to conquer in the battle for a peaceful mind, so let me remind you of what Paul said in Philippians 4:6-8.
Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
If you want peace in your life, you have to fight for peace in your mind first, before you deal with your problems.
The first way to peace in your mind is to not worry about anything
I bet you’re thinking, Seriously??? How can I do that? It’s unrealistic…If Paul was in my shoes, he’d worry…
I just wonder, if it make any difference when I tell you that Paul was in prison when he wrote these verses? If you compare all of Paul’s writings, I think you’ll see how the book of Philippians, over the others, exudes joy, and he wrote it from a place of wrongful imprisonment.
So, how do you not worry about anything???
Follow the second way to peace in your mind – pray about everything!
Turn fear into faith by disciplining your mind to pray, every time you worry.
When you start to feel afraid your kids are going to get hurt riding their bikes, driving the car or dating that guy…Pray… Lord, I thank you for protecting my children.
When you’re afraid of losing your job… Pray… Lord I thank you that this company is not my provider, You are. I look forward to seeing how you’ll provide for my needs.
If you’re afraid of your marriage falling apart… Pray… Lord I bring my marriage to You right now. Fill us with a deep love for each other that will stand the tests of time.
Turn fear and anxiety into catalysts for prayer.
My theory is that the devil will clue in and realize he’s bringing on good things by causing you to fear and eventually he’ll give up… maybe??? Ya, as if!
The third and last way to peace in your mind is to think on good things
And what is gooder than God? Nothing.
Put some worship music on, throw your hands up in the air and begin praising God. It won’t be long until your burdens are lifted, anxiety alleviated, and your heart healed. Then you’ll be in your right mind to deal with your problems.
Does God’s peace make sense?
Not at all, it transcends Understanding and goes beyond human understanding
• Don’t worry about anything
• Pray about everything
• Focus Your Thoughts on God.
Then, tackle your problems.
Rinse and Repeat.
The fight for peace of mind is just that simple.
Prayer

Father… Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ with the ability to control my thoughts. I’m so grateful you provided a plan for peace of mind in your word. Please help me to not be anxious, pray more and think on Your goodness to keep the peace. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.
1. Philippians 4:6-8
2. Isaiah 26:3
3. John 16:33
4. John 14:27
Soul H2O Resources

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG:
Peace Be Still by Hope Darst
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsIpGiz3SfQ

Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

The Peace Project | EP #86

In Fight For Peace, Kay Wyma is back again, talking about her latest book, The Peace Project and how you can experience true peace on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show.
You can find today’s Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/86

Splash Online Event

Snakes & Ladders – Sometimes You’re Up, Sometimes You’re Down from the ‘Child-Like Faith’ Series is our November Online Splash event hosted by Sherry Stahl and the #SoulH2O Team.
Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group or sign up for Splash emails in the group and see us on Zoom.

Devotions Related to Peace of Mind

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
Read More
Ever Feel Like The Devil’s Trying To Take You Out?

I’ve been sitting on this miraculous story for a few years because I’ve been too embarrassed to share, but today, I feel it’s time to push aside my pride because maybe you’ve been through a time like this?

Do you ever feel like the devil’s trying to take you out?

This is more than a devotion; it’s a testimony of God’s miraculous work and I believe it will encourage you!

Ever Feel Like The Devil’s Trying To Take You Out?

It was April 2016, I was flying here and there, in the middle of a very busy speaking season. I was getting ready to head out to Dallas to speak at the annual Christian Women in Media Conference in a seminar on publishing with some great friends. I can’t tell you how excited I was to get back there and spend time with my tribe of people. God had miraculously provided funding, so I was excited for all he had in store.

GETTING RUN DOWN

In the busyness of that season, I was run down and started experiencing symptoms of a bladder infection. Two days before I was supposed to leave, I had a massive allergic reaction to the medication that was helping get rid of the infection. Hot, itchy hives started on my neck but traveled all over my body. In the middle of the night, I had to get Todd to take me to the hospital as I could feel my throat swelling inside.

Hives In The Hospital

There was no waiting at the ER this time as they rushed me into a room, looked at my throat and started giving me shots of Benadryl and Prednisone straight into my bloodstream through veins in my arm. We were there for hours until my throat swelling went down, and they felt I was stable. I asked the doctor for a note to give the airlines, so I could get a refund on my ticket, but he said I would be absolutely fine by 6pm that day and ready for my 6am flight, cautioning, if they weren’t gone by 6pm to come back.

The hives completely disappeared as I kept taking the prescribed doses of Benadryl and Prednisone, so on the advice of the ER doctor, I boarded the plane.

THEY’RE BACK!

At the stop in Chicago, I felt my neck starting to itch and slight hives begin to resurface.

By the time I got to Dallas, I had hives growing at a fast pace.

Hives In The Hotel

By 2am the hives were everywhere from head to toe, even in my ears. The skin on my face looked like it was drooping off. The symptoms were even worse than what I experienced in Canada, so I woke my friend Kandi up and let her know I was going to the hospital.

Before I left, I thought it would be wise to call my insurance company first and when I did, they told me a hospital visit wouldn’t be covered because I had gone to the hospital in Canada, just days before. I feared the medical bills more than the advice of my friends at the time and decided to stay at the hotel and rest. I had determined I wouldn’t go to the hospital unless my throat felt worse than it did or if I felt God urging me to go.

You can see the hives from head to itchy toe! No need for a collagen plumping in these lips!

The Embarrassing Photos

Not trying to do duck lips!

So much larger than they look.

My face and neck were drooping.

In my ears & scalp

Top to Bottom Hives

On fire & itchy!

I Felt Like The Devil Was Trying To Take Me Out

Have you Ever Felt Like The Devil Was Trying To Take You Out?

John 10:10 tells us how the enemy of our souls has a nefarious plan for your life and mine when it says,

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
John 10:10

In that moment, I felt sure the enemy was trying to steal away my chance to attend and speak at the conference, that he wanted to destroy the opportunities God had set up for me and literally wanted to kill me.

I didn’t have the strength to fight, but my hotel roomie, Kandi Rose began to pray for me. As she prayed, I fell back asleep. She told me that she prayed a lot of the night for me but I woke up with no changes and very groggy from taking a little extra of the meds.

She prayed again and then I went back to bed for hours and saw an ever-so-slight change. Kandi brought me food and left me to sleep again, but the next time I woke up hours later, a miracle had taken place and the hives were almost completely gone!

The Miracle Came

This is a picture of me getting ready to leave for the evening service and event called Jeans and Bling. God did the miraculous! I was able to attend the conference the rest of the conference, speak in the seminar, and meet the people God organized for me to meet.

I’m thankful for my roommate Kandi who has continued to be a blessing in my life and also that John 10:10 doesn’t end with the words telling us how the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus went on to say:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10

No matter how hard the devil tries attacking you, God is greater and He wants you to live an abundant life. Even if your life is taken, the enemy still loses… if you keep your faith. As Paul said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Your eternal reward is much greater than life on this earth, but it sure is wonderful to have a miraculous experience, this side of heaven.

Audio Inspiration

I’m praying this testimony of mine helps build your faith in times when the enemy is trying to take you out. If you need a little more inspiration, check out these episodes from my Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show filled with miraculous stories of healing, salvation and rescue, one even from my praying roomie and tv host, Kandi Rose.

Soul H2O Resources

RADIO SHOW EPISODES WITH MIRACULOUS STORIES

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

Share With a Friend

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED

Read More