Sherry Stahl

  • When Valentine’s Day Hurts

    Above all else,
    guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
    ~Proverbs 4:23 NIV

    When Valentine's Day HurtsValentine’s Day has the potential to be the most euphorically sweet or the most painfully hurtful day of the year. 

    What you’re experiencing today most likely felt in direct proportion to where you sit on the relationship spectrum.  If you’re single, the day of love can conjure up questions deep inside your heart that can lead to self-doubt and loneliness. Widowed, and the self-pity can well up leaving you feeling blue. If you’re in an unhealthy marriage, or just experiencing a rough patch, Valentine’s can be downright painful making you feel rejected, unloved, and unwanted. 

    This one, emotionally charged day has the potential to feel like the best or worst day of your life. VDay can prime your emotions to euphoric love or drop to the depths of despair and then Valentine’s Day hurts… if you let it.   

    Above All Else, Guard Your Heart

    Proverbs 4:23 is a crucial verse to memorize. There’s so much wisdom jam-packed into one little verse that can help guide, direct and protect you.  The importance of guarding your heart is monumental to staying emotionally healthy.  If you allow life’s circumstances and your relationships dictate the condition of your heart then Gurl, you’re in truuuuuubble! Whole lotta experience goes into that statement. 

    I’m joking to make this difficult issue palpable.  I know this isn’t easy, but it is necessary. You have to allow your heart to feel emotions, but you have to know when to tell them to heave-ho and go!  

    A gate guarded by military personnel knows who to let in and who to keep out.  Do you know who’s who?  Well, let me help you know whose voice you definitely should let into your heart by showing you The Passion Translation’s version of Proverbs 4:23, the three verses before it and their footnote from the word “heart”.  I hope the words I put in bold hit you like they wacked me upside the emotional head. 🙂

    Proverbs 4:20-23 The Passion Translation (TPT)

    Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and pay attention to all that I have to say. Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit.a]”>[a] Then, as you unwrap my words,b]”>[b] they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being. So above all, guard the affections of your heart,c]”>[c] for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

    (c) The Hebrew word levav is the most common word for “heart.” It includes our thoughts, our will, our discernment, and our affections.

    Above all else, guard your heart because your emotions (from your heart) conjure up thoughts inside your mind that are turned into belief systems, inspiring your behaviours.  Your heart is that important.

    PRAYER

    Father… I’m so thankful that your love is constant.  I don’t need to fear that it will end or be taken away from me.  Help me to live in the truth of Your Word and not the anxiety of my heart.  I choose to guard my heart and let Your Words sink deep into my spirit. I am loved, I am valued, I am wanted. In Jesus Name…Amen

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    Jumped on Facebook to share about this and hope it encourages you!

    If this devotion struck an emotional nerve and you have my book Water In The Desert, I encourage you to read Devotion #31 Who Are You Listening To For Your Worth?  When I got to the end of writing this Soul H2O Devo I went to my book because the Study Guide section for that devo is filled with 8 pages of Scripture that you can look up to affirm you in God’s love for you and how He sees you.  I’ve also created a few Tips on How To Help Your Lonely Heart Below.

    TIPS ON HOW TO HELP YOUR LONELY HEART

    • Don’t fill the void of a wounded heart with unhealthy things, less than God’s best for you!
    • Know what God’s Word says about you.
      • If you have my book Water In The Desert, I encourage you to read Devotion #31 Who Are You Listening To For Your Worth? And complete the study pages related with more verses.
      • God loves you: Romans 5:8; John 3:16; 1 John 3:1
      • God accepts you: Romans 15:7; Colossians 1:21-22
      • God chose you: Ephesians 1:4; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:16
      • You are part of God’s family: Ephesians 1:5,11, 2:4-7; Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:1
      • God says you belong: Psalm 100:3; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 10:27-28; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
      • God made you in His Image: Genesis 1:27; Romans 8:29
      • God thinks you’re wonderful: Psalms 139:13-14; Isaiah 43:1
      • God delights in you: Zephaniah 3:17
      • God created you for a purpose: Isaiah 43:7; 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:16; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20
      • God will not reject you: John 6:37; Psalm 147:11
      • God won’t let anything take his love away from you: Romans 8:37-39
      • God doesn’t forget about you or neglect you: Isaiah 49:15
      • God wants you: Jeremiah 31:3; 1 Peter 1:18-19
      • God sees you as valuable, worth everything: 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19
      • God cares about your feelings: Psalm 56:8
      • God understands you: Hebrews 4:15-16
    • Focus your thoughts on what God says about you.
    • Let the truth of God’s love toward you penetrate deep into your spirit.
    • Speak out over your life the truths mentioned above. It helps your brain to make those thoughts automatic over your negative neural pathways (thought patterns).
    • Listen to music that affirms God’s love and His thoughts towards you.
    • Don’t just listen to slow music, put on something that will make you Dance!
    • Do something special for yourself that doesn’t cost money, or much money. If you spend a bunch of money you may get an initial high followed by credit card bill dread!
    • Do something or just let yourself ‘have a day’, but only a day.

    #musicpic Wanted By Danny Gokey

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL

    1. 1. Proverbs 4:20-23
    2. 2. Isaiah 51:1-3
    3. 3. Ephesians 1:5
    4. 4. Colossians 3:16

    From My Heart to Yours, I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

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  • Do You Ever Go To Sleep Worried?

    “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
    Matthew 11:28-30

    A couple years ago, I went out for dinner at a Spanish restaurant in Tampa with my daughter Shelby, her roomie Boquet, and Bo’s mom, Mel. We had such a great night with lots of talking… ‘cause that’s what us girls do!

    Guatemalan Worry DollsAt the end of our meal, the waitress gave each of us Guatemalan worry dolls.  She told us how it was customary for parents to help children who worried at night by making the dolls. Worrisome Guatemalan children are encouraged to tell the doll all their fears.

    Legend teaches them that the doll will take the child’s worry upon themselves, so they can sleep.  When the child wakes up in the morning, the doll is supposed to have fixed their problems.  It’s a whimsical way to help quell the anxiety of children, but I can’t imagine it being sufficient to silence the stress of adults who go to sleep worried.

    DO YOU EVER GO TO SLEEP WORRIED?

    I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all had times when we go to sleep worried…or maybe I’m the only one {Insert wink here}. Life can be stressful and full of situations that seek to make you worry. At times I’ve found myself so wound up that my mind can’t settle. 

    When I let them, worries of this life can keep my eyes wide open, while Todd’s already dreaming beside me in bed. But it doesn’t have to be like this, in fact, it shouldn’t be like this. It’s challenging to read how the NLT translates Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:32. When talking about worry, He said, “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows your needs.”

    It makes sense that unbelievers should worry because they don’t have a God to help them. Christians minds shouldn’t be dominated by worry. 

    MATTHEW 11:28-30In today’s key verse, Jesus gives you an offer that should help you fall asleep, as soon as your head hits the pillow… even without a Guatemalan worry doll.

    It’s amazing to me how people can let a man-made doll, only 1-2 inches tall take their worry away; yet we struggle to trust our troubles with God… the same God who formed you in your mother’s womb, holds the universe in place, sets the timing of the tides, and feeds the birds of the air.

    Jesus actually invites you to give all your burdens to Him, and unlike the little dolls, He actually has the power to do something about your problems.

    Jesus promises that when you give your weary, burdened thoughts to Him, He’ll, in turn, give you rest for your soul… you know, that physical part of you that needs sleep. Your worry, for His rest… Now that’s a deal you shouldn’t turn down!     

    So, today, why not give your worry to Jesus, let Him take care of it, so you can get a great night’s sleep tonight!

    Prayer

    Father… Forgive me for holding onto my worry. Help me to release all my anxious thoughts to You and receive Your rest.  I place my stress, my worry, my doubt and my fear into Your all-powerful hands and I won’t pick it back up again.  I choose to release and trust, because You are trustworthy. In Jesus Name…Amen

    DOES YOUR STRUGGLE GO BEYOND WORRY, COULD IT BE ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION?  I’VE COMPILED RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR MENTAL HEALTH : 
    https://sherrystahl.com/mental-health-resources/

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

    #Dare2Share Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL

    1. Matthew 11:28-30
    2. Philippians 4:6
    3. Jeremiah 31:25
    4. Matthew 6:25-34

    Saturday’s Soul H2O Radio/Podcast Episode starts off discussing this devotion and leads into a deep discussion on Can You Believe In God & Be Depressed.  Sarah E. Ball is my interview Guest and I know you’ll be encouraged by her story. 

    LISTEN TO EPISODE 20

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  • Do You Love Your Job?

    So how do you feel about your job? 

    Do you wake up in the mornings energetic and excited to face the day the day, thankful for the opportunity you have… Or… Do you get the Sunday Grumpies?  You know, that cloud of doom that looms over your head come late Sunday as your brain begins to shift out of weekend wistfulness to weekday wincing?  Not liking your job is a MAJOR problem in this world and it’s totally not how God wants you to live your life.

    GOD WANTS YOU TO
    ENJOY YOUR WORK

    Ecclesiastes 3:22
    “So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work” (NIV)

    ENJOY YOUR WORK ECCLESIASTES 3-21

    God doesn’t want you to be in a job you hate.  He wants you to enjoy your work and find fulfilment in what you do.  

    It’s what He modeled for us through creation.  When God created the universe, the sun, moon, stars, trees, all sorts of vegetation, creatures in the sea, animals, birds and people it says that He, “looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.” (GN 1:31). 

    GOD’S HANDIWORK

    I find this so amazing.  I mean, I can understand how God thought the sun, moon, stars and plants were all incredible, but after he creates all of what I would classify as stellar work, Scripture records Him saying it was good. 

    It seems God thinks more of us, we’re the prize of His handiwork.  If you’re asking how I know, well, it’s because when God finished creating people, Scripture records Him saying it’s ‘VERY GOOD’, and then He rested.  God was satisfied by His work. You can learn from God’s example and find wisdom in the words of a guy whose very name gives him credibility in this arena.

    LOVE YOUR JOB!

    “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.” –Steve Jobs

    Your job is important to God, make it important to you.  He wants you to be able to say in all honesty,

    I love my job!

    PRAYER

    Father, I’m so thankful for your example.  I find freedom in knowing that you want us to enjoy the work of our hands.  Help me not to just waste the hours working but fulfil the destiny you’ve placed on my life.  May I use the gifts and talents you’ve placed inside of me in honour of Your VERY GOOD handiwork. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL
    1. 1. Ecclesiastes 3:22
      2.Genesis 1:31
      3. Isaiah 64:8
      4. Psalm 90:17

    Check out These Episodes of the Soul H2O Podcast that discuss your job. Hollie’s is titled, I Love My Job… because she does.  Dan’s episode is titled, Pastor or Plaster? and is a discussion style show that talks about Defining The Call of God into ministry.

    In His Grip,

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  • Going All In

    Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”;
    so they filled them to the brim.
    ~John 2:7 NIV

    Too many times we try to get away with giving just a little, believing just a little, serving just a little, loving just a little.  We scrimp, assuming we might run out or when it comes to faith and love… we fear we might be disappointed, so we go part-way. 

    To The Brim

    I love how the servants working at the wedding in Cana were found going all in!  They heard Jesus command to “Fill the jars with water” and they filled them “to the brim”.  Six water pots I wonder what would have happened if they just filled the jars half full?  Would the miracle still have taken place? Sure, maybe it would have but it wouldn’t have affected as many people’s lives.  Matthew 7:2 says, with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” So, let’s talk measurements. According to research, the water jars would have held around 20 gallons of water1. Just to compare size in your mind, the average keg (half barrel) only holds 15.5 gallons of beer2. “The standard pour for a glass of wine is five ounces”.3 20 gallons is equal to 2560 ounces divided by 5ounces equals 512.4  So, Jesus made about 512 more glasses of wine for the guests at a wedding held in a small town where the nearest city was bout 400 people.  That’s a lot of wine for probably not a lot of people. These servants got to see a BIG miracle that day.  The guests were brought into that miracle to the level of the servant’s faith. 

    Let’s go all in this year and believe BIG miraculous thoughts about what God can do!

    Prayer

    Father… I’m thankful You promise that even if I only have faith the size of a mustard seed (which is really, really tiny), You can do GREAT things. God, I ask you for a gift of faith5 to believe that you can and will do the miraculous. In Jesus Name…Amen

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL

    1. John 2:7
    2. Matthew 7:2
    3. Matthew 17:20
    4. Matthew 13:31-32

    #musicpic SONG:
    All in by Matthew West
    Official Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/UUc86gfzToU

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

    ENDNOTES

    1. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/2-6.htm Biblehub Website Accessed:  2020-01-08
    2. https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/04/how-many-beers-are-in-a-keg.html Website Accessed:  2020-01-08
    3. https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+average+size+glass+of+wine&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA775CA776&oq=what+is+the+average+size+glass+of+wine&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l4.9052j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 , https://www.healthline.com/health-news/drinking-more-blame-your-wine-glass#1 Websites Accessed:  2020-01-08
    4. https://www.google.com/search?q=gallons+into+ounces&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA775CA776&oq=gallons+into+ounces&aqs=chrome..69i57j6j0.4120j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8  Website Accessed:  2020-01-08
    5. https://biblehub.com/bsb/1_corinthians/12.htm Website Accessed:  2020-01-08

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  • Have You Ever Blown It?

    For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
    John 3:17 ESV

    Have you ever blown it? Ever seriously, made a really bad mistake? Said the wrong thing at the wrong time that brought hurt to someone you love? Dropped the ball and ruined things? Messed up on your morals and feel the sting of your mistake?

    There are so many ways you can blow it and I know it, because I’m completely talking from experience here. My tendency after blowing it by doing something stupid is to beat myself up, passing the gloves over for condemnation to land some destructive blows.

    I can be the worst trash talker to myself but one day God showed me how He was in the business of using people who blow it by showing me biblical examples of people who went from making mistakes to pursuing their purpose.

    THE GOOD NEWS IS—
    GOD GIVES SECOND CHANCES

    Moses
    God positioned him in the palace to fulfill his destiny as the deliverer, but he blew it.
    Moses killed a man and ran away into the desert for 40 years.
    God gave him a second chance, and then…
    Moses got to lead the same people out of slavery.
    Jonah
    God called Jonah to reach the people of Nineveh, but he blew it.
    Jonah ran away from God’s calling on his life and ended up in a BIG fish.
    God gave him a second chance, and then…
    Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh and they came to faith.
    Samson
    God appointed him to stand guard for the nation of Israel, but he blew it.
    Samson broke his Nazarite vow, living rebelliously, violently and immorally.
    God gave him a second chance, and then…
    Samson defeated more of God’s enemies after his mistakes.
    Peter
    God called Peter as a disciple to follow him, but he blew it.
    Peter denied Christ.
    God gave him a second chance, and then…
    Peter preached with boldness and thousands came to faith in Christ.
    You
    God has appointed you for good works to bring him glory, but you blow it.
    You don’t have faith to believe God can do it through you, fall into sin, let fear immobilize you…you do what you do.

    THE GOOD NEWS FOR YOU IS—
    GOD GIVES YOU SECOND CHANCES

    It still amazes me that God can take my mess and use it to share His message. I’m awed at how He doesn’t condemn when we ask for His forgiveness.

    The devil on the other hand loves to heap on condemnation. The enemy wants you to sit and wallow in your wandering, he strives to keep you in the shame of your past mistakes; that way, he can keep you feeling low and stop you from moving forward in the plans and purposes God has for your life.

    I love the words in Rend Collective’s song that echoes how, “A second chance is Heaven’s heart”.1  Jesus didn’t come to make you feel horrible about yourself… He came to set you free not bind you up. 

    So, the next time you blow it, why not show some grace; ask for forgiveness, let God work in you and speak His purposes over your life. Then, move forward and watch God doing something great through you!

    Father… I thank you for Your abundant grace and willingness to give me chance after chance to get things right. Help me to forgive myself in the same way You forgive me and please… let me learn from my mistakes, so I don’t keep repeating them. In Jesus Name…Amen

    DRAWING FROM THE WELL

    1. John 3:17
    2. Romans 8:1
    3. Lamentations 3:21-23
    4. Ephesians 2:10

    musicpic SONG: Second Chance

    Makes Me Feel: Hopeful, Thankful
    Sung By: Rend Collective
    Website: https://rendcollective.com/
    Album: Homemade Worship by Handmade People © 2012
    Youtube Video https://youtu.be/W6RNJ6HDTpU
    Spotify Link https://open.spotify.com/track/2OtppI9PZe4h77OZGmecvm?si=pSAd58mnQcShK1P09Mu_vw
    AZ Lyrics of Song
    https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rendcollective/secondchance.html
    Fave Lines
    A second chance is Heaven’s heart

    musicpic SONG: Second Chance

    Makes Me Feel: Hopeful, Thankful
    Sung By: Hillsong United
    YouTube Video https://youtu.be/yKIT4KPS-VQ
    AZ Lyrics of Song https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/hillsongunited/secondchance.html
    Album: In A Valley By The Sea © 2007

    ENDNOTES
    1 https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rendcollective/secondchance.html Website Accessed: 2019-12-30

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

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  • How To Face An Imperfect, Change-Charged Christmas

    IMPERFECT CHANGE-CHARGED CHRISTMAS BLOG IMAGEFor those of you who might be facing an imperfect, change-charged Christmas this year like our family and feeling a little anxious about the season of cheer; here’s a post to encourage you how God can turn things around and bring peace on earth… or more importantly, in your heart!

    AN IMPERFECT CHRISTMAS

    It was the second Christmas after the divorce but the first out of our family home. 

    The kids and I were living in a rented cottage at our church camp and due to struggles in their relationship, I knew the kids wouldn’t be seeing their father or family on his side again.  Nothing was the same, but for the first time in a long time—I knew it would be peaceful.

    I worried how I could make this Christmas special. There was no room for our 9-foot Christmas tree decked out in holiday splendor… it was packed away in the storage unit with all our other familiar things.

    On top of this, I had started dating Todd and we knew we wanted to get married soon, so we felt it would it was time to begin celebrating the holidays together. I knew it would be hard for all the kids. Mine, who had everything turned upside down for years, living way out of their familiar surroundings and Todd’s kids who had to open up their family traditions to three more they probably weren’t sure they wanted there.

    NOT FOR COWARDS

    Not a situation for the cowardly but I was bent and determined to do my best to make it a Christmas all the kids would want to remember.

     

    Celebrations started off with joining Todd’s family at their annual Sudds/Stahl Christmas party put on by his mom Bevie. I was worried how the family would treat us.  Would they accept us and make us welcome or would we get the cold shoulder and end up sitting in a corner alone? 

     In true Bevie (Todd’s mom) fashion, there was lots of good food and games galore. The Sudds and Stahls all made us feel so welcomed and a part of the family. We felt like we came home. My kids and Todd’s kids laughed all night long.  Back at Todd’s house we had our first Christmas as our amalgamation of a family. I’ll never forget how my stepson-to-be responded to his gift from us, reportedly his best Christmas gift ever; thanks to Shelby knowing him so well!

    We left Todd’s and went back to the little cottage.  My kids were in special form being silly and having fun, even acting out the Christmas story for me.  We laughed as we wrapped more gifts.  Then we went to my parents and slept over with my sister’s family. There were a few emotional times, but we worked our way through them. 

    What started with the potential for a disastrous, depressing Christmas
     turned out to be one of the best ever!

    Contrary to all my fears and concerns, that Christmas turned out to be amazing! If I would have given in to the anxiety, we would have missed out on a great new beginning. 

    There’s no manual on how to join two families. I’m sure we didn’t do everything the right way… because I don’t think there is a right way to blend a family but we did the best we knew how.   I know it’s never God’s original intent but I’m thankful that God works all things for our good and allows second chances at love—real love… and gives us more family to embrace!  

    The kids are older now, some starting to make traditions of their own. But we still get together. Celebrating as this new family hybrid has become our norm and one of the most wonderful times of the year! Right now, the house is full of the kids, a boyfriend, a fiancé, a cat with one more “kid” coming tonight. We’ve having meals together, playing games and watching movies.  It really is a wonderful time.

    It’s taken us years and many bumps in the road to get here, but I feel we’ve transitioned from an awkward, not knowing how to mix group, into a loving, accepting, warm family unit. Not perfect, because let’s face it… whose family is perfect.  Not perfect, but perfectly ours!

    BRAVE AN IMPERFECT CHANGE-CHARGED CHRISTMAS

    My advice for those wanting to experience peace and joy this Christmas while facing an imperfect, change-charged Christmas is to be brave! The reason why you can be brave is solidly based in the reason you celebrate Christmas. Bravery is possible this Christmas and always because God is with you.

    Matthew 1:22-23
    Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.“

    Jesus is Immanuel… God with us.
    There is nothing you face without His presence, power and love.

    In practical ways: change or if needed, lower your expectations, try to follow as many traditions as you can but make some new ones… think positively, reject fear and doomsday thinking… lighten up, plan some fun… expect some issues, be ready to show grace… love lots… and enjoy every blessing on your way to the good times!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

    Drawing From The Well

    Verses to help fill up your well.

    IMMANUEL—PRESENCE VERSES
    1. Isaiah 7:4
    2. Matthew 1:22-23
    3. Genesis 28:15
    4. Exodus 33:14
    JESUS—PRINCE OF PEACE VERSES
    1. Isaiah 9:6
    2. Isaiah 26:3
    3. Ephesians 2:14
    4. John 14:27

    Soul H2OIf you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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

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  • Why Radio Is Your Best Friend

    Water In My Desert SongSoul H2O Radio Episode 4 Radio Is Your Best Friend that releases tomorrow http://www.soulh2o.com/4 is all about the power of musical worship. Rachelle Fletcher is our Interview Guest this week and I can’t wait for you to get to know her. You’re gonna love Rachelle! She’ll tell you all about the Song you’ve been hearing every week on Soul H2O Radio, being played subtly in the background, heard at the intro and the extro, fading in and out of the show at random times. Maybe you’ve even sung it at a Retreat I’ve spoken at? You’ll get to hear Rachelle’s professional recording of Water In My Desert produced by Josh Alltop (Dove Award Winning producer) and how God inspired the song from the intersection of my desert and hers.

    SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO RECEIVE A FREE DOWNLOAD & BE ENTERED TO WIN A SIGNED COPY OF ‘THE INVITATION’ WOMEN’S DEVOTIONAL FROM RACHELLE!

    Journal Page ImageFor Deeper Refreshing

    Download your Soul H2O Journal Page to get more out of the Devo.

     

     

     

    Radio Is Your Best Friend

    “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to … provide a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
    Isaiah 61:1,3

    Radio Is Your Best Friend

    The music and lyrics to Water In My Desert have refreshed my soul and I believe it has the potential to do the same for you.  This song has pulled me out of a funk and inspired me to have greater faith more than a few times.  Music has a way of doing this.  You can be down in the dumps when you hear a song and it literally makes your heart sing. Music is powerful!  That’s why Radio Is Your Best Friend when you’re going through a difficult time or just feeling a little blue… and when you’re feeling good an energetic song with powerful lyrics can empower your day!

    JOEL HOUSTON KNOWS

    Joel Houston from Hillsong United in Australia wrote an article for the Pureflix blog called, How Music Affects Our Brains (And Our Hearts!). Through this magazine article and my other research (cause I’m geeky like that!), I’ve learned a lot about the power of music and when you add a spiritual aspect to the natural effects of music the results are supernatural. In the show I have time to go more in-depth with How The Power of Music Can Affect Your Life & Change You From The Inside Out. Some of the information is crazy amazing, but let’s just say, it’s no wonder why musical worship has such an amazing impact on hearts and minds.

    SCIENCE KNOWS

    Science is finally backing up what the Bible has been saying for centuries. Isaiah 61 is a portion of Scripture that Jesus partially quoted in Luke 4.  It’s talking about the Messiah, Jesus when it says, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to … provide a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Musical Worship can be that garment of praise that will trade your spirit of despair and provide your heart with hope. Music has the power to change the atmosphere in your heart, home, workplace and even the mood in your car with hangry kids. Whatever your need for refreshing, God can bring water into your desert with a song!

    So, turn the music up and let radio be your best friend!

    Prayer

    Father… I’m thankful for the power of a power song about you to destroy despair and defeat my doubt.  I will put on the garment of praise and raise my voice today as you take care of my burdens. This is how I choose to fight my battles! In Jesus Name…Amen

    MUSIC SUGGESTIONS

    Might I suggest joyradio.ca J  This is the station that is hosting my radio show and producing the podcast version.  My producer Mike is amazing.  Everyone at that station is so great to work with.

    For those of you who might be new to the #soulh2o blog, you might not know about #musicpic’s.  I started suggesting songs to go along with my devotions years ago.  If you need a dose of musical refreshing, you can always find the #musicpics on the blog by using the search function found on the blog main page right hand side by selecting the #musicpic category. My favourite is the Giant Killer Songs list but there are lots of great suggestions. You can also find #musicpics at in the Show Notes for every Soul H2O Episode.   Here’s a few links to help your search:

    Some of My #MUSICPIC Posts

    First Ever #musicpic post: Forgiveness Song https://sherrystahl.com/forgiveness-song/
    Giant Killer Songs https://sherrystahl.com/giant-killer-songs/
    Speaking Life in Song  https://sherrystahl.com/speak-life-song/
    Words-Song https://sherrystahl.com/words-song/

    Episode Show Notes

    Each episode’s show notes are just the website name with /# of episode
    Eg. http://www.soulh2o.com/3 For last week’s Learning To Dream Episode or this week’s http://www.soulh2o.com/4 releasing on Saturday

    Drawing From the Well

    1. Isaiah 61:1-3
    2. Psalm 96:1
    3. Zephaniah 3:17
    4. Psalm 40:3

    ENDNOTES

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

     

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  • I’d Love For You To Partner With Me!

    I’m so excited to be writing this email! It’s been a long time in the making. Since the release of Water In The Desert in January 2013, the start of a speaking ministry and the writing of weekly Soul H2O Devotions that have refreshed thousands, I have diligently been working to speak or write wherever God opens the door. Lately, God has been opening crazy amazing doors!

    SOUL H2O RADIO

    Wendy Pauls

    On September 7, 2019 Soul H2O Radio and the Soul H2O Podcast version released on the airwaves throughout the world!  This is an unbelievable opportunity given by Joy Radio as they believe God directed them to partner with me in producing a woman’s radio show with Biblical teaching.

    If you haven’t heard it yet, I think this weekend’s episode Learning How To Dream Again with my life-coaching friend Wendy Pauls, is a great one to start with.  Here’s a link for the iTunes App on iPhones but you can literally get the podcast version anywhere you listen to podcasts.  Just search “Soul H2O Podcast”.

    This Saturday I interview Rachelle Fletcher on the show.  She’s an author and Christian recording artist from Texas. She also happens to be married to my cousin Bill and is one of my BFF’s.

    A few years ago, Rachelle wrote a song that will fully debut on the show.  I’m sending out a gift to you—a song download of Water In My Desert produced by Kari Jobe’s producer Josh Alltop to you through this list later today or on Friday.

    I’m just trying to get the technology working :).

    MAGELLAN

    The day after my first recording of Soul H2O Radio I woke up with the word Magellan in my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about the word no matter what I tried but I didn’t know what the meaning was.

    When I googled for a definition, I found out that what I thought was a word, was really a person. Magellan was the first person to circumnavigate the globe.

    As I read this, I immediately felt God was saying the radio show would circumnavigate the globe. Again, I sensed God confirming to me that His call on my life was global; something I’ve felt and has been confirmed through others since I was a teen.

    FOR THE NATIONS

    This call is beyond me…
    It’s not about me…
    It’s all about Him reaching the nations.

    God keeps opening up the door for me to speak internationally or do missions work in some way. Last year, I was asked to speak at a women’s conference in Uganda by a verified organization but had to turn it down since I didn’t have the funds. Now I’ve been asked to consider going back to Guatemala & to Kenya!

    I want to help more people in more places but if I am going to accomplish this dream and follow the call of God on my life to reach the nations, I need partners to prayerfully and financially come alongside me in ministry.

    This is where you come in.

    Over the past few years, people have talked to me about donating towards ministry, recognizing I receive little or no monetary compensation for things like writing and sending out the weekly Soul H2O Devotions, the expense of websites, email platforms, etc., missions trips, and some of the speaking engagements I take on that can’t pay enough. Sadly, I had no way to provide charitable donation receipts.

    This has all changed as I, under the name Legacy Works—Eternal Impact (Our ministry & company name), have now been approved for charitable status as a Department of Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T. Intl and A.C.T. Canada)!

    We can now receive donations for ministry, and you will be receipted through A.C.T. Intl!
    Available for people in Canada, USA, Kenya and many other nations around the world.

    WHY I NEED PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

    God has provided a large portion of the production expense already for the radio show but there is still a portion that needs to be raised for production through advertising on the show.

    my joy radioIf you or anyone you know has a business that could benefit from advertising in the GTA through Joy Radio on AM 1250 or worldwide through online streaming and in the podcast format, please reply to this email and let me know.

    There is also a need for my time investment to be compensated for the Soul H2O radio show, devotions, and some speaking engagements.

    I’ve been diligently and gladly working on the radio show, travelling 3 ½ hours away to the station, setting up the interviews, recording shows, promotional clips, and the Soul H2O Teaching Segments. I’m loving it and hearing great feedback!

    There is also a need to help cover the operational expenses of these ministry ventures. I’m so grateful for the opportunity the Lord has afforded me and trust He is going to provide.

    NO PRESSURE TO GIVE

    You must each decide in your heart how much to give.
    And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

    “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
    2 Corinthians 9:7

    There is NO pressure to give from me. None whatsoever. I love you regardless of whether you feel to give or not and trust God will put it on the hearts of the right people at the right time to partner with me as I seek to follow His direction. I do hope you’ll continue receiving the Soul H2O Devotions and stay refreshed!

    If you do sense Holy Spirit nudging you to consider partnering with me in these ministry adventures and operational expenses, I would be honoured and commit to using the funds responsibly with the covering of A.C.T. Intl’s guidance and reporting regimen.

    If you have any questions about becoming a monthly partner, one-time-giving or what the donations would be used for; please feel free to email me and ask for the answers you might need to discern if the ministry of me, Sherry Stahl, is the good seed God wants you to sow your offerings into.

    May God Bless Your Day!

    Much love colour

    I’d Love For You To Partner With Me!

    DONATE ON MY SITE    https://sherrystahl.com/donate/

    ACT Donations In The United States

    ACT Donations In Canada

    Join The Prayer Team To Cover Sherry When She Ministers
    Email:     devotions@sherrystahl.com

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  • God Created You To Dream

    Today’s #soulh2o devotion God Created You To Dream, is a topic taken from the Soul H2O Radio – Episode #3 Learning How To Dream Again releasing this Saturday on Joy Radio. It’s with TV Host and Life Coach, my lifelong friend; Wendy Pauls but it’s not really one focussed on in the show and really talks about things the episode doesn’t even touch on.  I really feel that this Soul H2O Devotion is going to be a HUGE key or mind-shift to unlock hidden things for many of you.

    Soul H2O Journal Page ImageDownload your
    Soul H2O Journal Page
    to get the most out of today’s devotion.

    God Created You To Dream

    The boy Samuel served the LORD in Eli's presence.
In those days the word of the LORD was rare
and prophetic visions were not widespread.
1 Samuel 3:1 HCSB

    Have you ever woken up and got moving along in your day when all of a sudden you remember the crazy dream you had the night before? Ever thought it was so weird that you’d be embarrassed to tell anyone the details because they’d send you straight to counseling session…  or am I the only one?  Chances are, you’ve had an outrageous dream before too and trust me, you’re in good company.

    In my research, I could find about 26 dreams recorded in the Bible and some of them were off-the-charts insane.

    I found there were dreamers who were kings, a farmer, two guys named Joseph, a couple of Pharaoh’s, prophet dreamers, wise men, soldiers, pastors, evangelists, some guys in prison; one a cupbearer and the other guy was a baker but only one chick in the bunch! I’ve gotta say, I found that last fact shocking because my girlfriends have had some doozies.

    The point I’m trying to make here is that God created EVERYONE with the ability to dream.

    It doesn’t make a difference if your home is a mansion, you’re staying in a stable or if your current living arrangement is a jail cell—God created you to dream…  and I believe that more often than not, He’s trying to talk to you through them.

    Think, if God was giving an important message that would save millions of people’s lives through a dream of skinny cows eating fat cows, then maybe, just maybe He’s trying to communicate with you through what you might be deeming as a “too-much-pizza-at-night” dream you can’t forget. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about here, make sure you listen to this week’s episode.)

    GOD WANTS YOU TO DREAM

    If you’re still wondering if God created you to dream, I hope today’s verse will help you to see that He does simply because God really doesn’t like it when people don’t dream. The verse talks about a time in history when society wasn’t having dreams and visions from God. Samuel writes about this as a problem,

    “in those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were scarce.”

    This isn’t how God wants it and in case you’re still not wanting to take my word for it, why not take God’s? That God created you to dream, so you can hear from Him is such cornerstone message He wants you to grasp that He repeats Himself in the Old and New Testament to make it crystal clear.

    “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
    Joel 2:28

    “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
    Acts 2:17-18

    It wasn’t good that people weren’t dreaming and hearing from God when Samuel was young and you see in the next few verses after this statement above how God began to speak to and through Samuel from that point on.  It all started with a crazy “dream” hearing knocking at the door.

    I want to encourage you to consider that the dreams you’ve been having, those inklings or random thoughts you keep thinking might be God trying to speak to you.  Don’t dismiss everything and assume God speaking to people was only for Bible times; He hasn’t changed, God still speaks and I believe He’s increasing His prophetic voice in our world today as the hunger to hear increases.

    DREAM DECODING

    If this devotion has piqued your interest in understanding dreams, I encourage you to read a book that has greatly helped me stop dismissing and start understand dreams or thoughts I thought might have been from God (I’ll have to explain that one in a future post). The book is, Seeing The Voice of God by Laura Harris-Smith.  Laura’s ‘Dream Dictionary’ in the middle of the book but is so helpful but I encourage you to read it all to understand how God speaks.

    PRAYER

    Father… I’m so thankful that You speak to me. Your Word confirms this truth.  Sometimes I struggle to believe this reality and dismiss Your voice in my life.  Please forgive me for this and help me to consider and better discern when You’re speaking.  Help me to become increasingly aware and attune to Your voice.  In Jesus Name…Amen

    [tweetthis]God created you to dream, so you can hear from Him![/tweetthis]

    Wendy PaulsIn Saturday’s Soul H2O Radio – Episode #3, you’ll get to virtually meet a lifelong friend and one of my BFFL’s, Wendy Pauls.  The Teaching Segment and interview all deal with the same struggle, Learning How To Dream Again.  Wendy’s Interview will ispire you as we share the key to learning how to dream again!

    You can find the details of the show posted the Saturday the episode airs here: http://www.soulh2o.com/3.

    Drawing From the Well

    1. 1 Samuel 3:1
    2. Joel 2:28-29 / Acts 2:17-18
    3. Proverbs 29:18
    4. Deuteronomy 7:9

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

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  • Why God Doesn’t Give You A 5 Year Plan -God Knows How To Get You Where You Need To Be Series {Part 3}

    This week’s #soulh2o devo answers a question I think you’ve asked God already, or something similar. The answer to: Why God Doesn’t Give You A 5 Year Plan is Part 3 in the God Knows How to Get You Where You Need To Be Series, Here’s links to read: {PART 1} , You’ve Got To Get Moving {PART 2}

    Print Out a Soul H2O Journal Page to get the most of this devotion. Download HERE.

    I can hardly believe it, but this post was released 3 ½ weeks before the, Soul H2O Radio Show debut back in 2019!

    Why God Doesn't Give You A 5 Year Plan Header

    Why God Doesn’t Give You A 5 Year Plan

    God Knows How To Get You Where You Need To Be {Part 3}

    But hope that is seen 
is no hope at all.
Who hopes for
what they already have?
But if we hope for what we
do not yet have,
we wait for it patiently.
~Romans 8:24-25

    With two interviews under my belt, Saturday morning was time to record my first ever Soul H2O devotional teaching for the upcoming Soul H2O Radio show and I didn’t have the script fully completed because I took too long composing the show Intro Segment and as a result didn’t get the most important part finished.

    Although I’d been asked to host a radio show, I wasn’t given much instruction, no set plan on what to include or not include and found myself floundering because I’ve never hosted a radio show before!  It was now 9 am and I had to leave for the station. I wasn’t ready and didn’t know what I was going to do. My stomach started performing somersaults, then thoughts of failure began flooding my brain and I considered canceling, but that wasn’t really an option.

    I knew better than to let my negative train of thought stay on the tracks or I would soon derail my calling, so I turned on a podcast by Joel Osteen and felt like I was hearing straight from God!

    DERAIL THE NEGATIVE TRAIN

    OEL OSTEEN PODCAST IMAGE BE COMFORTABLE NOT KNOWINGJoel’s podcast was titled, Be Comfortable Not Knowing.  Right away my attention was piqued since I didn’t know what I was fully going to do for the recording and I’ve been blogging the series God Knows How to Get You Where You Need To Be.  I needed to be listening to these words right before recording, so I didn’t give in to fear of failure but pressed on into my purpose.

    NO 5 YEAR PLAN

    5 year plan sm sizeThere wasn’t a 5 Year Plan that appeared before my eyes, but I began to sense peace as Joel’s message reminded me of this week’s verses in Romans. Joel said things that resonated with me and I believe will encourage you too. Here are some of the goodies:

    “You have to live comfortable in the not knowing… God had the solution before you had the problem… Just because you don’t know, doesn’t mean God doesn’t have a plan… Obey without the details… Get off the throne of your life and put God back on… When they didn’t have the answers, they still believed God was in control… You have to live comfortable in the not knowing…”
    ~Joel Osteen

    Just enough light for the step I'm on Stormie OmartianHis message made me think of Stormie Omartian’s book I’d read years ago called Just Enough Light For The Step I’m On. The book is inspired by Psalm 119:105 which in The Living Bible translation reads,

    “Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling.” 

    A flashlight? Really that’s it?

    Don’t you want a police searchlight from a helicopter shining bright the whole pathway, or am I the only one?

    HOPING FOR WHAT YOU CANNOT SEE

    But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
    ~Romans 8:24-25

    The short answer to Why God Doesn’t Give You A 5 Year Plan is because God wants you to trust Him… with everything, but I promise, He is trustworthy.  You can put your hope in Him and not have to have a detailed plan on how to get there, because God Knows How to Get You Where You Need To Be and He is making all things work together for your good.

    What can you do today that will put your thinking on the faith track and align you with God’s thoughts for your life while showing God you’re trusting in Him? Finish the sentence and then follow through…

    “I knew better than to let this negative train of thought stay on the tracks or I would soon derail my calling, so I…

    _______________________  (you fill in the blanks)”

    “I knew better than to let this negative train of thought stay on the tracks or I would soon derail my calling, so I _______________________ you fill in the blanks or comment below... Click To Tweet

    Prayer

    Father…I want to thank You for giving me a free will but I also feel the need to apologize for the disobedience that fear of making the wrong move has caused me to commit. At times I’ve been stubborn to move forward and lagged behind when other times I just got bored of waiting and ran ahead of You, messing everything up.  Please forgive me and help me to get comfortable in the not knowing.  I promise to follow where you lead, one step at a time. In Jesus Name…Amen

    Why God Doesn’t Give You A 5 Year Plan -God Knows How To Get You Where You Need To Be Series {Part 3} Click To Tweet

    Facebook Live July 2019

    Watch this impromptu Facebook Live I recorded last week on my walk while I was in the middle of writing today’s devotion and next week’s as an example of how God knows how to get you where you need to be!

    Drawing From The Well

    Scripture to fill up your well!

    Print Out a Soul H2O Journal Page to get the most of this devotion by writing out the Scriptures or what God reveals to you as you read them. Download HERE.

    1. Romans 8:24-26
    2. Romans 8:28
    3. Psalm 119:105
    4. Proverbs 3:5-6

    #paperbackpic JUST ENOUGH LIGHT FOR THE STEP I’M ON

    Just enough light for the step I'm on Stormie OmartianAuthor: Stormie Omartian
    Original © 1999 / New Cover ©2019
    https://www.stormieomartian.com/product/just-enough-light-for-the-step-im-on-paperback/
    https://www.stormieomartian.com/

    ENDNOTES

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

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