Interesting Stuff

  • Standing On The Promises

    I just can’t stop listening to the song “Promises” by

     7eventh time down

    I love how the band combines a new song and an old hymn that we used to sing in church.  The songs we sang when I was a kid were so much simpler, and included more repetition, but not so exciting; musically speaking.  It was always verse then chorus, repeat 3-4 times and then since the chorus at least a couple of times.  I know I’m really dating myself before my time, but I could actually remember the words to a whole song back then 🙂  The simple chorus from the hymn “Standing on the Promises of Christ My King” are words that have been embedded in my spirit.  When 7eventh Time Down sings them it draws from the deep well that I am so thankful to have!

    This week’s devotion talked about how sometimes it takes a year to see God’s promises come to pass…sometimes it can event take longer!  It’s in those times that we need to keep Standing on the Promises of God and believe that what He told us He would do, He will do!

    This week I stand in faith along with some of my friends, believing for promises yet to be fulfilled!  May we all have faith to keep Standing on the Promises!

    Here’s the song…Get ready to be encouraged!

    Lyrics for the Original Hymn “Standing on the Promises of Christ My King

    https://www.7eventhtimedown.com

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  • Happy Labor/Labour Day!!!

    Get ready for tomorrow’s Devotional Blog post!

    It’s likely the most POWERFUL blog I’ve written yet!

    Enjoy today,
    rest from your labor
    and
    check back tomorrow!

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  • #CommentToWin Contest Winner!

    Before you find out WHO the Contest Winner is…

    I want to let you know WHY I had a Contest!

    Since April I:

    • Unveiled my new website
    • Changed the address of my blogsite to my newly created website
    • I spoke at over 7 different women’s events
    • I taped an interview with Cheryl Weber of Crossroads about the Turkana, Kenya ‘Streams In The Desert’ project
    • My book WATER IN THE DESERT was released in a second Edition by Word Alive Press, along with Todd’s first release of 40 Days In The Man Cave
    • Todd and I had an extremely well attended Book Release Party at the Leamington Arts Centre
    • Todd and I released the
      Screen Shot 2015-09-02 at 5.06.31 PM
      http://www.takethe40daychallenge.com
      website for people to Sign-Up online and receive 40 daily emails as they go through our books to encourage them along the way
    • Todd and I were taping 7 weeks worth of videos for the Challenge to be included in the Church Campaign Toolboxes

    Suffice to say that we were completely OVERWHELMED and probably a little ‘ in over our heads’ with all that activity.  It wasn’t until late June when I started realizing that no one was commenting on my blog posts anymore.  I thought maybe they weren’t very good (the enemy loves to make us feel inadequate).  By July we figured out that it was a technical issue with the new site.  In order to “encourage” people to start commenting on the blog again I devised the

    #CommentToWin Contest

    contest screenshot

    I loved receiving comments again and hope you continue to let me know what you’re thinking!

    I am so pleased to announce the winner to the
    #CommentToWin Contest

    (insert drum roll please)

    Betty Catto
    from Edmundston, NB!!!

    HERE IS BETTY’S RESPONSE:
    “I am honored in being chosen to receive a copy of your book.I read every post you put on and I am so encouraged by them. A lot of the times they are just what I need to hear that day and other times it is what God has been speaking to me and is confirmation. Thank you so much for your weekly post. May God continue to bless you in all you put your hands to. You are truly an inspiration.  I am looking forward to reading your book. God bless you and Todd.”
                                                       Betty
    Betty
    Betty receiving a course certificate at the Bible School in Wickham NB.

    Betty,
    I’m so glad you were the winner!  I know you love to study the WORD!  Praying God refreshes your spirit as you go through the book and soak in all the scripture it contains!  Glad God connected our paths again so I could hear that things were going well for you!
    Much love, ~Sherry

    Get Ready For MORE Contests!!!

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  • Choosing Your Words Song

    Hey Everyone!

    Monday’s devotion this week was about #ChooseYourWordsWisely and ever since I wrote it the Hawk Nelson song WORDS has been in my head!  If you’ve been following my blog for a long time, you know that music is such a powerful part of my life.  So much of what inspires me comes through song!  I just don’t know why God didn’t give me a better singing voice 🙂

    Words Have Strength!

    They yield power that can tear down faster than a crow bar or build up faster than a hammer.    I love the message in this song.  It rings in my heart and in my ears.

    “Let my words be life” 

    Hawk Nelson’s words echo the message in:

    Ephesians 4:29 

    Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them.
                                                                                                   (The Voice)

    Take a listen to the song and you’ll be encouraged and reminded to let YOUR words be life to those around you!

    Hawk Nelson Band  Hawk Nelson Band   

    Youtube Channel     Website       Song Lyrics

    Words Song on   hawk nelson album made  Album.  Buy it on Itunes!

    Article on Hawk Nelson and the Song WORDSChristian Rock 20

    Click on the video below that is the band telling what inspired them to sing this song.

     

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  • Missionaries

    Hello friends!  It’s been a long while since I’ve been able to write a post outside of my weekly devotions.   Since Todd’s surgery, things have been crazy busy with us.  After the months of recovery I was really worn out and just needed some time.  In the past few months so much has changed for us and we have some VERY exciting news that I can’t wait to share with you in the next while!  Until then, I will write whenever I can. Tonight I can’t sleep because I feel so strongly to post this blog about MISSIONARIES!

    On Monday I wrote a devotion blog called ALL OVER THE WORLD.  I shared about how God desired to do great things ALL OVER THE WORLD through every one of us!  I told you about some of my amazing friends who were doing just that.  Today, I want to introduce you to some of them and connect you to see the wonderful things they’re doing ALL OVER THE WORLD!  My hope is that you’ll take some time and check them out to possibly partner with their great organizations!  Maybe God will inspire you through them like He has in my life!

    First I mentioned one of my closest friends, Wendy Pauls.  Wendy is one of those people who unassumingly makes this world a better place just by being in it!  Wherever she goes, she inspires others to become the best they can be through her coaching and friendships.

    Theses are some pictures of Wendy during her most recent trip to Guatemala.  I think she feels at home in Guatemala as she has spent so much time there over the past years.  Her partner in crime (those are good crimes of course), for many years was another friend Sam Welten.

    Until recently, Wendy worked with Sam at his Missions Organization Possibilities International.  Sam desires to inspire a world full of “Everyday Philanthropists” who make a difference ALL OVER THE WORLD!  Their mission tagline and website is: IAM1RU???  So, if you’re wanting to be an “Everyday Philanthropists” and go oversees to help others, you should check out the humanitarian trips Sam leads through Possibilities International.

    Reynold and Kathy Mainse have been friends for years.

    They often travelled to Africa in their leadership at Crossroads Relief and Development years ago, but now have taken a HUGE step of faith into what God has called them to as they left the creature comforts of Canada and moved to Gulu, Uganda to open an office for their organization, World Embrace Ministries.  The way they live out their calling to build unity in the church of Uganda and to facilitate another Heaven’s Rehearsal is so inspiring!

    One of my new friends Cheryl Weber is the current reporter and spokesperson for  Crossroads Relief and Development.  Many of you will have seen riveting footage of Cheryl’s missionary journeys on the 100 Huntley Street show.  I am so blessed to be partnering with Cheryl and the team at Crossroads Relief and Development on their water project in Turkana, Kenya!

    Crossroads Relief and Development  is digging wells in the deserts of Kenya and cultivating the land for the people. Families receive a 1/4 acre plot of land once the soil is ready.   When completed, there will be 12 farms, each providing land for 130 families!  That’s over 1500 families!!!  The first set of farms have just started growing crops!  They are literally growing gardens in the desert!!!  That’s something only God could bring about!!!  This is a link to their webpage that contains a video that shows gardens growing in the desert and a little of what Cheryl does!

    Crossroads Turkana Update Webpage with Video and don’t forget to donate

    Peggy Kennedy is one of the most encouraging Missionaries you can ever meet!  She effortlessly (well it looks that way!) travels the globe and spreads God’s Word to the nations, yet finds time to not only read my weekly devotions via email, but never fails to write me and tell me how God uses them to encourage her or how it ties in with something God is doing somewhere else!  I know that was a long sentence, but it’s almost 4 am and I’m usually sleeping at this time 🙂  Peggy heads up Two Silver Trumpets ministry with her partner in life love and ministry, Jack.  Together they make an impact ALL OVER THE WORLD and right here in Canada!

    In December I wrote a blog called Christmas Giving.  In it I told about my friends Jamie and Michelle Stewart who lost their beautiful daughter Emma to cancer.  I was also able to share about how they have turned this tragedy into something beautiful!  Blooming in the desert!  They have started a fund called Emma’s House and have begun building homes for  orphans in Africa as that was a passionate desire for Emma!  Please read the Christmas Giving blog and hear more of the amazing story!

    I also have friends doing work in Remote Access Nations.  These are countries whose governments are closed to the gospel and their lives are at risk if it is publicly announced that they are doing any form of aid work.  It’s so hard for them to fund their work as they can’t share pictures or talk openly about what they do like other ministries.  These are the Rambo missionaries (without the guns!) who have the most intense calls of God on their lives, in my opinion!

     We need to pray for them and bless them financially whenever we can!  

    If you feel a tug and want to help, please click on the website link below and help out my friends in a Remote Access Nation.  http://www.agreatdoor.com  Please logon and register to make a donation that will make an impact ALL OVER THE WORLD!  Due to the nature of their work and for their safety, they will have to confirm your identity in order to partner with them.  It’s not a hard process like they live out, but a little more difficult than just logging on and donating like with other ministries, but oh the impact!!!

    Thanks for letting me brag about some of my amazing friends!  I really have a ton more, but this blog is getting long and I need some sleep 🙂

    Love you all,
    ~Sherry xoxo

    “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world”                                   Romans 1:8 NIV

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  • Christmas Giving

    christmas givingChristmas Giving

    Now is the time for CHRISTMAS GIVING! Malls are closing. The presents have all been purchased and most are wrapped under the tree.   Families everywhere have begun to meet and will for the next few days, giving gifts to one another.   I know God loves when we give gifts to each other because we’re following in his example.

    “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son…”

    John 3:16 NIV.

    How much more does He love it when we give to those less fortunate than ourselves! We are all so blessed in North America. It’s good to take the time out and bless others who need our help.

    Earlier in December I wrote a devotional called CHRISTMAS—WONDERFUL AND WOEFUL! In the post I shared about a few of my friends; some who are experiencing wonderful times and others who are struggling with woeful feelings of hurt. I wrote about my friend KEVIN PAULS and how God has opened up doors for him to fulfill a dream to host a nationwide Christmas tour. The 2014 Spirit of Christmas Tour with Kevin Pauls and Friends was a huge success! In the devotional CHRISTMAS—WONDERFUL AND WOEFUL I also shared about friends, Jamie and Michelle Stewart whose daughter Emma lost her battle with cancer at the tender age of 15.

    Donating to Emma’s House

    Emmas HouseEvery Christmas we give donations to charities as a family. It’s one thing I just LOVE doing! This year we decided to partner with our friends Jamie and Michelle Stewart and give to Emma’s House.

    Jamie and Michelle, along with their other four children started a charity in memory of their daughter and sister. Emma was a beautiful girl who loved to sing. From the website of Emma’s House here is the motive behind the mission:

    ‘”She (Emma) loved babies and always dreamed of going on missions trips…out of this and our desire, as her family, for her life to continue to have a positive impact, Emma’s House was birthed. It is our desire to continue Emma’s legacy of light and love by building homes for orphans all over the world. The first home will be built in Kampala, Uganda as we partner with Watoto, for 8 children and a house mother who will care for them.
    All proceeds from purchases will go towards making dreams realized…Emma’s dreams, our dreams, the dreams of orphans.”

    Earlier in 2014, Jamie and Michelle went to Kampala Uganda with family and friends. They began construction of the first ever Emma’s House! This home is now completed and being lived in by 8 orphaned children and their house mother through Watoto ministries.
    emmas house no. 1 Uganda
    This year, why not increase your CHRISTMAS GIVING and help the Stewarts raise money for another Emma’s house to be build in Rawanda! The rewards will be eternal!
    Follow the links below for more information or to donate.  You can donate through purchases of beautiful jewelry on their site:  http://www.store.emmashouse.ca

    Merry Christmas Everyone!

    In His Grip,
    Sherry
    xoxo

    Check Out the Emma’s House Blog for more details: https://store.emmashouse.ca/blogs/news
    Donations to Emma’s House are processed on the Canada Helps site: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/emmas-house/


    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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  • Mentored to Lead by John C. Maxwell

    John MaxwellWOW!  I’m just re-reading this post and blown away at how many dreams I’ve chased down in the past 7 years!!!
    Since writing this post in 2014, I joined the John Maxwell Team of Speakers, Trainers and Coaches in 2016.  I even got to meet John Maxwell and talk to him for a few brief moments {pinch me… is this real}.  I hope reading this inspires you to chase after your dreams.  If you’re interested in finding out more about the John Maxwell Team or the Online Leadership University I’m a part of, just email me from my Contact Page, I’d love to tell you how much it’s benefitted me.


    THE START OF MY LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

    Sisters Lori & I
    The first pictures mom had done of Lori & I. Sadly most of our childhood photos, taken in clothes made by mom, have water damage from a basement flood. Lori was seriously the cutest baby!

    The birth of my little sister Lori changed my life 🙂
    At the age of two, with the event of Lori’s birth,  I became a leader and I’ve taken my role seriously.
    You can read about that in my #soulh2o blog post on Leadership Leads…Good or Bad for more on that story but let’s just say that I didn’t just become a bossy big sister for nothing! Ha!
    By my teenage years, I was involved in leadership positions at church and in school.  During my years at College: I was was a TV Show Co-host, ran a field ministry team, led a missions trip, was a youth pastor n two towns, preached at a small-town church, was the third-year class president… Seriously, the list goes on and on.  I recognized from a young age that God made me a leader and saw repeatedly how He strategically placed me in leadership roles.  As this understanding and finally accepting of his calling grew, I desired to be the best leader I could be… wherever I served.

    MY MENTORSHIP BY JOHN C. MAXWELL

    I’ve read so many books, magazines, and articles on leadership.  The Bible is a huge resource for leadership training.  Following Jesus model for servant-leadership is the biggest lesson to learn from the Bible.  I’ve learned to lead with the mentorship of John Maxwell–even though we’ve never met!  I’ve read a bunch of his books, listened to more on CD and through Audible or Scribd.  I love watching his videos and have been blessed to attend events where he’s been the keynote speaker.

    John C. Maxwell book Laws of GrowthEvery time I read a book by John C. Maxwell it takes me forever to get through it!
    There’s so much helpful information
    that most pages are covered with highlights and notes in the margin!

    I’ve begun something that has kind of built into a tradition.  I tend to buy a John C. Maxwell book on leadership at Airport stores and read the book on my vacation or speaking event.   Todd and I both love reading and always bring books on holidays.  Todd feels like he’s reading two books each vacation because I’m not really good at keeping things to myself when I learn something new or if something inspires me…  I’m compelled to share the treasures I find!
    This became really clear to me as I began to write this post.   I went to my bookcase to find what books I have of John Maxwell’s and could only find two books and 2 Books on CD.  I can’t keep his stuff because as soon as I read it I want to share it and sometimes when you share a book, you never get it back 🙂  I just hope the recipients pass them along too!
    Right now my John C. Maxwell Stock Consists of:

    • Talent Is Never Enough
      Discover The Choices That Will Take You Beyond Your Talent
    • 25 Ways To Win With People
      How To Make Others Feel Like A Million Bucks
    • The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
      LIVE THEM and Reach Your Potential

    …and my most recent purchase at the Choice Books in the Detroit Metro Airport :

    • How Successful People Lead
                 Taking Your Influence To The Next Level

    Aren’t you inspired just by reading the Titles and Sub-Titles?  I am.  Reading anything on leadership energizes me! I recently put John C. Maxwell’s book apps on my phone for the last two books on the list.  The apps have a listing of quotes from the books on them that you can share on social media.  There’s a bunch of other features on each of the apps that are helpful in goal setting too.  Great Leadership tools!
    As you can see, I am Mentored to Lead by John Maxwell!  One day, Lord willing, I will get to attend his Equip Leaders Course, meet him and let him know!  Hey, you gotta let a girl dream 🙂
    http://www.johnmaxwell.com
    John Maxwell’s Online Bookstore Click Here!
     



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  • Toby's SPEAKING LIFE in song

    Whenever I write about something, songs just seem to come into my life that back up the message. This week I’ve heard some great ones that hit home the message from my WORD POWER Devotional on Monday.

    SPEAK LIFE–TOBY MAC toby mac

    Toby Mac’s song “Speak Life” is one of my faves.  Generally, I like most things Toby has put on the market since about 1989 in the DC Talk days!  You can find one of his songs on my itunes playlist at any given time.  This song is no different.  It really shouts the message of Proverbs 18:21 that says,

    “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

    The music video is amazing how it shows the devastating or life-giving effect our words can have on others to bring life or death.  The most impactful line in this song for me is when Toby says:

    We can turn a heart with the words we say.”  1

    The music video brings this line to life.  I love how he ends the video with a quote from a book I now want to read!   

    “In Every encounter we either give life or we drain it; there is no neutral exchange.”
    ~Brennan Manning 2

    Watch the Video, Listen to the Song and Read through the words so Toby Mac can “Speak Life” into your heart today!
    Toby’s Online Music Video for “Speak Life” Link
    AZ Lyrics for “Speak Life”
    Toby Mac’s Website http://www.tobymac.com
    toby mac speak life
    1     Mac, Toby.  SPEAK LIFE.  Capitol Chrisitan Music Group ©  2014
    2     Manning, Brennan.  ABBA’S CHILD. The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging. © 2002

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  • God Doesn't Make Junk-Video

    This week I was struggling to come up with an idea of what to write for my Monday devotional.  I usually have a bunch of ideas and this week I had nothing that was going WOW in my head.  Everything seemed lackluster.  Todd knew I was having “writer’s block”.  One night he was busy working on a project in the garage when all of a sudden he came in and gave me the topic idea of “God Doesn’t Make Junk“.
    https://soul-h2o.com/god-doesnt-make-junk/
    In the middle of writing the devotional for this week I came across an incredible video.  It absolutely went along with my devotional.  It’s a great video clip from this guy Matthew Carter’s Youtube Channel.  He has some really great video clips on his channel of peopl’e testimonies.  Kind of like the I AM SECOND videos.  I love hearing peoples life stories and especially thier “God Stories”.  I find them truly inspiring!
    The video I stumbled upon is such a wonderful true-life story of a girl named Kayla Curfman.  She called it “God Doesn’t Make Junk“!  She opens up her life to anyone who will watch and shares with you how God stepped in and changed her world.  Matthew Carter did a great job producing the story to make an impact.

    HEAVEN
    HEAVEN

    You might think I’m a little crazy, but one thing I’m REALLY looking forward to in heaven is meeting people and hearing their stories!  I won’t have deadlines, housework, meetings, kids or a job to keep me running.  I’ll have all the time in eternity just get to know people.  I really can’t think of anything better.  I’m thankful for the technology we have today that allows us to hear the testimonies of people all over the world–or in our local church.  Our music and media pastor Drew Mercer works with his amazing wife Amy to bring us video testimonies from people in our church almost every week.  It’s my favourite part of church.   I don’t know what it is about human nature that always things that everyone else has it all together, but these testimonies help us to see the struggles that people have faced and how God helped them overcome.  They are SO inspiring!

    Kayla’s Youtube Video


    Take less than 5 minutes out of your day and watch Kayla’s Youtube Video “God Doesn’t Make Junk” Her story will help you to believe that when it comes to YOUGod Doesn’t Make Junk!
    In His Grip,
    Sherry
    xoxo

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