Inspiration For Your Season of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a special time of year. It’s a great reminder of the blessings surrounding us all. Choosing to take time and focus our attention to the goodness of God in our lives helps us to put the problems in perspective. This practise helps your brain chemistry to bring about a state of peace and solace but also hope for the future. As you recognize the blessings and express gratitude towards God for them, your life is enhanced in wonderful ways.

I’ve compiled a post full of Thanksgiving inspiration for you. There are:

~Soul H2O Devotions
~Soul H2O Podcast Episodes
~Downloadable Scripture Graphics
~#musicpic Song Suggestions
~#paperbackpic Book Suggestions

Everything listed below is related to Thanksgving or Thankfulness. I hope it fills your heart to OVERflowing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

In His Grip,
Sherry
xoxo

*THIS POST WILL BE UPDATED EACH YEAR WITH NEW INSPIRATION*

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR

SEASON OF THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episodes

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Episodes will be added each year as I record more Thanksgiving Themed Shows.

Thanksgiving Themed Soul H2O Devotions & Blog Posts

Soul H2O Devotions and blog posts will be added each year as I write more Thanksgiving Themed posts.

Thanksgiving #musicpic Songs

Songs Will Be Added Here. If you have any suggestions, put them in the comments.

Thanksgiving #paperbackpic Books

Book Suggestions Will Be Added Here. If you have any suggestions, put them in the comments.

Thanksgiving Scripture Graphics

You can download these graphics easily.
To your phone: Touch the graphic with one finger and hold, save to photos.
To your computer: Right-Click on graphic and select save as picture

The HOPE of Resurrection Life

Easter is an amazing time! I love hearing the story of Christ’s resurrection, but Good Friday is a difficult day for me. It felt like the saddest day of the year yesterday. Normally, family gatherings help to lift my spirits, but in another year of Covid Lockdowns, it was rough. Listening to the horrors that Jesus had to face on my behalf are almost too much to bear, but…then I turned my focus to Resurrection Sunday… and thought, not even a Covid Lockdown could have kept Jesus in the grave!

“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
Anyone who believes in me will live,
even after dying.
Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.
Do you believe this, Martha?””
John 11:25 NLT (italics & bolding added)

The HOPE of Resurrection Life

It’s shocking to think that Jesus, the Son of God was resurrected, but to comprehend that you and I can one day experience RESURRECTION LIFE is mind blowing!

This verse in John makes it clear that anyone who believes in Christ will live…after dying! Jesus had to ask Martha if she believed His statement because, it’s just so hard to fathom. Christians, we don’t need to fear death because God’s Word promises us WE don’t actually die.

If we don’t need to fear death, then what on earth is worth worrying about?
No-thing!

The GREATEST Hope

This gives us the greatest hope and the greatest confidence. We live after dying and so do those who believed in Christ before us. We will one day be with those who have gone on before us. A blessing that the life-giving power of Christ’s resurrection provides for our RESURRECTION LIFE experience!

Prayer

Father…God I thank-you that your resurrection power is at work in ME! It’s overwhelming and wonderful! Help me to live in a way that exudes resurrection life in all I do! May it cause others to want what I have— RESURRECTION LIFE in YOU! In Jesus Name…Amen.

John 11:25
Romans 8:11
John 3:16
John 1:4

Gal Pals

This devotion was inspired by the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast EP 56 with my gal pal Kathleen Hardaway. Hope you get refreshed from both Soul H2O media offerings. ☺

Galentine’s Day

Well, I want to wish all you girls a Happy Galentine’s Day! I love hearing from you and hope more of you join us in the Soul H2O Splash Group on Facebook.

Galentine’s Day is a newer holiday that was started back in 2010 through the power of tv. In the second season of Parks & Rec, they named an episode “Galentine’s Day” where the quirky character of Leslie Knope played by Amy Poeler gathers some of her closest gal pals on February 13^th for their annual brunch of waffles and love.

I think it’s crazy how a tv show has created this really beautiful holiday that can take your mind off of Valentine’s and any heartache that might bring, to focus on something we can all celebrate because as Leslie’s says in the Galentine’s Day inaugurating episode, the day is all about,

“Ladies celebrating ladies.”

I love that!

So, this year I decided it was time to start celebrating Galentines Day and planned an online brunch with girls in the Soul H2O Splash, some Zoom meetings with girlfriends, and next week I tape with my Fab Four friend group on the topic of Friendship for The Goodness Speaks Show, watch my social media to find out when that show airs.

To say that I believe having Gal Pals is crucial to you living your happiest, most fulfilled and purposeful life, is an understatement. I don’t believe you can get to the destiny God had for your life without a posse of women to cheer you on and open doors for you.

We need each other.

Women have been helping each other to live out their purpose in Gal Pal Packs since Bible Days. I love how the New Testament writers record the stories of Jesus’ female disciples. They didn’t often get pulpit mentions in the last century, but often when you read about Jesus with his 12 main guys, it says this group of women were there with them… and they weren’t just creepy groupies.

Women were key in Jesus birth, childhood, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension and the spread of the gospel in our world. It’s probably why the orthodox and Catholic churches have venerated about 41 women as saints. Females are integral to the health and growth of the church.

You can read about the impact the first Gal Pal Pack made in Luke 8:1-3. It tells about how Jesus went out on a ministry tour and how, “His twelve disciples traveled with him as did a number of women.”

Jesus broke all cultural norms and acceptable practices of a Rabbi to include women in His ministry and social circles. Jesus, was one of the first Feminists, placing value and worth on the women around him.

Throughout the gospels this group of women had some key leaders who were mentioned numerous times. There was Susanna, Joanna, Salome, Mary the Mother of James, Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary from Magdala or Mary Magdalene as many call her. Luke 8:3 says these women and “Many other women supported Jesus ministry from their own personal finances and also traveled with him.”

Together

Together, these girls were Jesus financial and ministry partners. Together they powerful. Together they made a difference.

You too can make a difference in this world with the right pack of Gal Pals. So, don’t let this Galentine’s Day pass by without making sure to build on the friendships that will help you fulfill your God-Given destiny!

Prayer

Father… I thank you for including women in your call and that I’m one of them! You have good plans and purposes for my life and I’m thankful for the women in my life you’ve placed there to help inspire me to live my best life. Help me to reciprocate the same. In Jesus Name…Amen

GET WEEKLY REFRESHING

Become a Ministry Partner & help Sherry continue to share Refreshing from God’s Word to thirsty souls!

Donate To Soul H2O Ministries

Luke 8:1-3
Matthew 28:1
Mark 16:1 / Luke 24:1
Acts 1:12-14

ep 56 gal pals kathleen hardaway — EP 56 Gal Pals With Kathleen Hardaway

Gal Pals features an interview with author and speaker, Kathleen Hardaway as she shares her story of overcoming the loneliness of being single by chasing after her God-Given destiny with Gal Pals by her side, on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show, Episode #56.

#musicpic SONG: Still Rolling Stones by Lauren Daigle
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/PQZNcZcfo8E
Soul H2O 2020 Spotify Playlist: Online | On App

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

Bringing Your Soul Into Focus

This devotion was inspired by the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Episode with Melanie Stevenson, Bringing Your Soul Into Focus. Hope you get refreshed from both Soul H2O media offerings. 🙂

Bringing Your Soul Into Focus

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. ~ 3 John 1:2 NKJV

Eye Examinations

I was first prescribed to wear glasses in Grade 10. Since then, I’ve started going yearly, for an eye exam; you know, that enjoyable experience when an optician or ophthalmologist shines the brightest flashlight known to mankind in your eyes… ya, that one. Then, there’s a part when the doctor swings the phoropter in front of you, a big lens machine and through a series of examples, shows you two different lens prescriptions and you’re supposed to decipher which helps you better read the Snellen Eye Chart. Everywhere, doctors ask their patients, “#1 or #2?”

You Need To Focus

Your answer is the process by which the eye doctor determines your prescription. Doctors keep asking you this question until finally you can see clearly, when everything is brought into focus. It’s interesting with all their years of schooling and expensive instrumentation, the doctors cannot prescribe you the proper lenses if you don’t properly discern which lenses bring your eyesight into focus.

You have to focus, to decipher what brings you focus.

Soul Examinations

You’d be wise to begin regular examinations on your soul, like you do with our eyes. You need to start bringing your soul: your mind, will & emotions into focus, in order to live healthy. If you’re going to live out today’s verse and prosper as your soul prospers… then, you’re going to have to direct your focus on your soul in order to experience soul health that leads to health in all areas of your life.

Bring your soul into focus, as clear as an eye-exam and make it healthy!

Prayer

Father… I ask that you would help guide me in the process of bringing my soul into focus. It doesn’t come naturally but I know Your Word is telling me I can and even prosper in it! I thank you for giving me the ability to prosper in health of my body, soul and spirit! In Jesus Name…Amen

Do you struggle to bring your soul into health?

Yesterday’s Soul H2O Splash Online Event with Melanie Stevenson and I took the message of BRINGING YOUR SOUL INTO FOCUS one step farther with 10 TIPS TO HELP BRING YOUR SOUL INTO FOCUS… You can watch if you are a member of the Soul H2O Splash Private Facebook Group.

Become a Ministry Partner

Become a Ministry Partner & help Sherry continue to share Refreshing from God’s Word to thirsty souls!

3 John 1:2
1 Samuel 16:7
Luke 16:15
2 Peter 1:3

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

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

Praying You’re Blessed & Refreshed!

Soul H2O Radio Anniversary!

1 Year WOW!!!!

Join Us For 3 Anniversary Events!

Soul H20 Radio/Podcast with Sherry Stahl, your weekly on-air Ladies Bible Study Event on JOY Radio is celebrating the show’s one-year Anniversary! We’d love for you to be there and invite your girlfriends to join in on the fun and inspiration! Don’t miss the Soul H2O Anniversary party on JOY! DETAILS ON THE SOUL H2O ANNIVERSARY PAGE: http://www.soulh2o.com/anniversary

Contest Giveaway Details

SHOW SPONSOR: http://www.glowbox.ca
CONTEST OPENS: Saturday, September 19^th during Episode #38
CONTEST CLOSES on Saturday, 26^th at midnight

CONTEST PRIZES:
1 – Summer Glow Box
3 – Signed Copies of Sherry’s Soul H2O Women’s Devotional
 WINNERS ANNOUNCED on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 12pm (Noon) EST on the Joy Radio FB Page. Winner will be contacted via text after announced.
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
Text the word “glow” to 905-338-1250 and you’ll automatically qualify to win a Summer Glow Box with the Anniversary Guest Tracey Mitchell’s book, Becoming Brave inside! Valued at over $100, this prize will bless your socks off!
The Glow Box Giveaway is courtesy of our Anniversary Show Sponsor, Glow Box.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON A FACEBOOK LIVE ON THE JOYRADIO PAGE-Wednesday, September 30, 2020
DETAILS ON THE SOUL H2O ANNIVERSARY PAGE: http://www.soulh2o.com/anniversary

Celebrating Passover & Communion

Today’s Devotion is talking about the power of celebrating Passover & Communion Together.

“This day is to be a memorial for you,
and you must celebrate it
as a festival to the LORD.
You are to celebrate it
throughout your generations
as a permanent statute.
~Exodus 12:14 NIV

TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF PASSOVER

When you sit down to have lunch today at 12noon Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, April 8, 2020; people in Israel will start their Passover celebrations and continue until Thursday, April 16^th. Hebrew people living outside of Jerusalem will start their celebrations the next day. Every year the Jewish people set aside 12 days to remember how God delivered their nation out of Egyptian bondage and how the angel of death passed-over their homes after the 10 plagues when they applied the blood to the doorframes of their homes.

This Year Is Monumental

This year’s Passover celebrations have much more in common with the first Passover experience than most as Jewish people and others join in to pray and ask God to stop the spread of this corona virus and let it pass-over our homes.

TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF PASSOVER! Learn about joining Passover & Communion.

When I was growing up in church there wasn’t a whole lot of talk about Jewish traditions. It wasn’t until I was a late teen that I heard the term Seder meal when our pastor brought in a special speaker in to show and explain this Jewish Passover meal; revealing Christ as the sacrifice of Passover.

I remember being awed at the parallels of Jesus’ life and the Passover traditions. Jewish people were instructed to take a 1-year old sheep or goat (sorry to my vegan/vegetarian friends) without any blemish. They had to shelter it for 5 days and then they would roast it in bitter herbs, serving it with bread that has no yeast.

How Passover Is Celebrated Today

Today, the Seder meal is most often lamb served with bitter herbs and vegetables dipped in salt-water to remind them of the bitter sufferings they experienced in Egypt or that life brings.

They eat matzah bread, breaking the middle piece in half to remind them of how God parted the Red Sea for them to crossover. Half of the broken matzah bread is wrapped in a cloth and hidden for children to find later.

At one point in the meal, the children ask four questions that lead into a retelling of Israel’s history, the difficulties they’ve faced and how God miraculously set them free! They tell the stories in a way that connects them to their ancestors experience. The Jewish website Chabad.org gives direction that…

“At the Seder, every person should feel as if he or she were going out of Egypt… We are with them as G‑d sends the ten plagues to punish Pharaoh and his nation, and follow along as they leave Egypt and cross the Sea of Reeds. We witness the miraculous hand of G‑d as the waters part, allowing the Israelites to pass, then return to inundate the Egyptian legions… As we eat bitter foods of affliction and poverty, the Exodus becomes a reality—as real as the festive meal and celebratory toasts that follow.”¹

With thankfulness they drink four glasses of wine to pronounce blessings with (something we might call a toast), that end in pronouncing their faith in a coming Messiah. They end the Seder with songs of worship.

Passover & Communion Connected

It’s with the broken bread and glasses of wine where the connection with Jesus work on the cross powerfully connects the celebration of Passover and the observance of Communion. Jesus makes this clear during the last supper with His disciples in Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26 & Luke 22:14-23.Jesus explains how He is the promised Messiah and how Christians are to take communion to remember the freedom He brought us through His shed blood on the cross.

It’s only in the past few years where I’m coming to understand the importance of commemorating Passover and Communion combined. I feel strongly that this year is more important than ever for us to take part in Passover celebrations and take communion, asking God to have Covid-19 pass-over our homes, our countries, our globe.

Prayer

Father… I thank You for your heart that hears your children in their distress. You hear our cries for health and healing in the midst of Covid-19. I join my voice together with believers around the globe in thankfulness for Your saving grace. Jesus I’m so thankful for your willingness to come down to earth and die on a cross for my sin. I plead the blood of Jesus over my life… my household and the nations… may You cause Covid-19 to pass-over our homes, our countries, our globe. In Jesus Name…Amen

Joe amaral on 100 huntley street — Joe Amaral on 100 Huntley Street with Ron & Ann Mainse explaining the Seder Meal

Joe is sharing a special Good Friday message on Facebook Live that you’re all invited to watch. Click HERE

1. Exodus 12:14
2. Exodus 12:17
3. Matthew 26:26-30/Mk 14:22-26/Lk 22:14-23
4. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Why Radio Is Your Best Friend

Soul 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!

For Deeper Refreshing

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

“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

Isaiah 61:1-3
Psalm 96:1
Zephaniah 3:17
Psalm 40:3

ENDNOTES

https://insider.pureflix.com/movies/how-music-affects-our-brains-and-hearts Pureflix Website Accessed: 2019-09-14

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

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

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.

If 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!

I’d Love For You To Partner With Me!

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

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

Do you Take Time For Self-Care?

After David had finished talking with Saul, 
Jonathan became one in spirit with David,
and he loved him as himself.
~1 Samuel 18:1 NIV

This post was inspired by a Florida vacation with a 7-day Caribbean Cruise in the middle!!! {Insert PARTY sounds and cue the streamers}.

Our Christmas gift from Todd’s parents this year was, shall we say… a little over the top, thank you Jesus 🙂 Ma and Pa Stahl took Todd and I, along with his sister and brother-in-law for a dream vacation on an Oasis of The Seas cruise—God Bless ‘Em! Thankfully none of us were too sun-burnt at the point of sending this email.

So, why would I write about my cruise in a devotion?

I’m not trying to make you jealous if you didn’t get away from the snow. But trust me, I have a reason. You see, going on a cruise and only getting internet for a few hours one day to work while on the ship is a HUGE form of self-care… something I haven’t been the best at.

I was brought up well to think of others but often, in the past, I would get mixed up thinking others needs were more important than mine. This faulty mindset would leave me physically, emotionally and spiritually dry… like I’m talking dried up, dusty like the desert floor, all cracked and brown… and that’s no way to live!

The Bible Tells You To Be Good To Yourself

Our English language often falls short in translation from Hebrew and the word ‘love’ is one of those difficult to translate words since the Hebrew language has 3 words for love when the English language only has one¹. The Hebrew word used for “love” between David and Jonathan here is much different than the Hebrew root word for love used in much of The Songs of Solomon to describe a more sensual love.

The word love in this week’s verse is also used in GN 44:30 to describe love between a father and son² and then used in verse 16 of this same chapter to define the nation of Israel’s love for David as a war hero.

When I read today’s verse the ending hit me, “he loved him as himself”. Jonathan loved David… but not more than he loved himself…

Therefore, Jonathan loved himself.

Those thoughts reminded me of Jesus words in Mark 12:31,

“Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Next, I thought about when Elijah was suffering burn-out and God didn’t scold or tell him to pull-up his boot-straps and get going. No. God led Elijah in 1 Kings 19 to a few days of self-care or what I often call soul-care. I also thought about how Jesus took time away to recharge from the crowds. In the past two years, I’ve been growing in the understanding of the truth 3 John 1:2 teaches that we will only prosper, as our soul prospers and we’re in good health. You have to take care of your body, soul, (mind, will & emotions) and spirit.

Soul H₂O is a necessity!

Reading this devotion is hopefully one way you do that. When I’m writing well, it should help refresh your spirit and parts of your soul but it’s not enough to build you up completely. God created you: body, soul and spirit so you need to ensure you’re taking care of yourself in all areas.

Do You Take Time For Self-Care?

This week why not take the time to review your schedule.
Are you allowing enough time for self-care each week?

If you are, then pat yourself on the back and keep doing what you’re doing. If you’re not; then change your ways 🙂 You don’t want to end up in breakdown mode as Elijah did! God Wants you to be good to yourself, He’s given you permission and been the example… now be like Nike and Just Do It!

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful for your love. It’s comforting to know, You don’t love me so You can get something out of me. You love me for me. Wow! On some days, I really don’t understand why but help me to grow in this understanding of Your love, so I can better care for myself. Help me to be good to myself. In Jesus Name…Amen

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

1. 1 Samuel 18:1
2. Mark 12:31
3. Matthew 11:26-30; Luke 5:16 (Both verses very clear about what Jesus thinks about self-care in The Message Translation)
4. 3 John 1:2

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Why Mothers Are Always So Tired

This post is to help any non-moms understand why mothers are always so tired!

“…in humility value others above yourselves, let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 NIV

When I became a mother, I never knew how much work was involved! You see, I had babysat a million or so times and thought I’d be a pro… but, good moms, are much more than babysitters.

Really good mothers are selfless and, they take Scripture to heart.

The Job Checklist

Loving moms live out these verses on a day-to-day basis, putting the needs of their children before their own. Moms are willing to stay up late or get up early; to wash clothes, cook a meal, prepare lunches, sit with a sick child, clean the house, work from home, ‘help’ do homework, listen to a broken heart, wipe away tears, and other questionable substances.

For many moms of littles, tweens, or teens right now, you know that being what your kids need takes a lot of effort and Covid-19 has added the role of teacher to the litany of job requirements.

And that’s why mothers are always so tired!

In Philippians 2:3-4 Paul was encouraging believers to treat each other well. He reminded us all to have the same attitude of Christ in the way we interact with one other. He instructed with these words:

“don’t be selfish and…
think of others as better than yourselves…
take care of the interests of others…
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

Leading By Example

As a great leader, Jesus never asks us to do anything He hasn’t already shown us by example. The selfless characteristic of a mother comes from being made in the image of God. At no other time do we reveal the attitude of Christ better than when we place the needs of others, before our own.

But sometimes it’s hard to know when to stop helping and take a rest. It seems Jesus was very discerning with his need to balance work and rest, but I don’t think many moms have mastered this divine dance.

Moms would be wise to heed the advice in Galatians 6:9 and discern, where to draw the line, taking to heart these words that say,

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time… we will reap a harvest… if we do not give up.

Wise moms rely on God’s strength to help them be the best mother they can be, not wearing themselves as thin as the carpet on their floors. Oh! How I wish I’d been a wiser mom when my kids were little.

Mothers, it’s my prayer that you understand how valuable your labour is. You are truly the hands of God extended to your child. Believers everywhere, follow in the attitude of Christ to be His hands and feet to those around you.

Prayer

Father…I thank You for showing me how to love self-lessly by sending Your one and only son to earth. Let me not become weary in well-doing as I follow Your lead. I ask You to help me love in the attitude of Christ, placing proper value on those around me and providing for their needs. In Jesus Name…Amen

Related Soul H2O Radio/Podcast Episode

Ep#39 The Weary Mom Syndrome

I hope this conversation with Heather Rodin and Becki Baxter help provide some practical tips to break the crazy cycle of The Weary Mom Syndrome in your life and leave you refreshed!
http://www.soulh2o.com/39

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Do You Take Time For Self-Care?

Prayer

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

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Prayer

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