What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself the question, What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up? I’m hoping this devo will be all the encouragement you need to keep on, keeping on!

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Soul H2O Devotion

What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up?

Yup! That’s a picture of a flat tire and the picture beside is the amazing Heather Ireland; two truck driver, former Biker TV Host and owner of Silverbird Towing, graciously changing my tire as transports are whizzing by.

These pictures were taken on the side of Highway 401 where I had to quickly pull over when I clearly drove over something, causing my tire to blow… after a long day when a relational situation broke my heart just hours before.

Some days are just like that. I find they happen a lot when you’re pushing through, going to a new level, walking toward what God’s called you to do, or making progress to becoming the person God wants you to be.

It’s Not Always Easy

That’s exactly what was happening in my life when these pictures were taken. I was getting ready all day to go away, so I could attend an important ministerial event for our denomination way up in Mississauga. It’s my first one since the 1990’s as I just renewed my credentials in 2022 (OOPS I don’t think I posted about that… for another day). Earlier that day, things just kept going wrong and taking longer than they should have, then the relational upheaval that left me hurt, doubting my identity and questioning if I should be going at all.

The enemy was trying to wear me down and stop me from going but I was wise to his tactics this time.

After only getting 4 hours of sleep I headed out for the meetings. Staying awake when anyone prayed for an extended time was difficult, but pushing through and not letting the enemy steal away from me was worth pushing through every struggle I had to. I left on a high, affirmed in my calling, having received a prophetic encouragement from God, reconnecting with old Bible College friends, and being used by God to share a message of encouragement with a fellow minister.

Powerful Alignment

I was aligning myself with the mission of Paul as he said in Philippians 3:14.

I PRESS ON
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 ESV

The enemy tried to wear me out and get me to give up on doing the right thing but in the end, it was the enemy who was tired out and frustrated because not one of his tactics worked.

I kept moving forward and God was able to do some amazing things. If I’d given up, none of that would have happened.

What Could Happen If You Didn’t Give Up?

Has the enemy been trying to wear you down, so you don’t go there or do that? Don’t let him get you down for the count, remind yourself of what God promises in Galatians 6:9, Don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time you will reap a harvest of blessing… if you don’t give up.

Prayer

Father…I thank you that you’ve put more strength in me than I realize. Help me to grow in faith to believe that I can do all things… In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help 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. Philippians 3:14
2. Galatians 6:9
3. Philippians 1:6
4. Hebrews 11:35-36,39
5. Philippians 4:13

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#musicpic SONG:
Don’t Lose Heart by Steven Curtis Chapman

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Will I Get Through This? | EP #128

on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show. You can find the Show Notes at https://soulh2o.com/128/

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#192 Ever Feel Like Someone’s Trying To Wear You Down? https://www.sherrystahl.com/wear-you-down/

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Catching A Vision For The Future

It’s in taking the time to look back at last year that’s helping me catch a vision for the future and I can’t wait to start living it!

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Soul H2O Devotion

Catching A Vision For The Future

It’s hard to believe that Christmas and New Year’s are behind us.

This is the time when we tend to reflect on the past year, while envisioning our hopes for the new… and that’s the headspace I’m in right now. Reviewing the past, to catch a vision for the future.

God Knows You Need A Vision of The Future

You might have heard Proverbs 29:18 quoted from the King James Version, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” but I think the ESV is closer to the original language as it translates this verse to read: “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,” or how the NLT says, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.” And I think my favourite translation of the verse is from the CSB,

Wait For The Vision

When we’re making plans for the next year or trying to set a 5-year plan, it’s imperative that we spend time waiting on God to hear His direction; and then follow it. When I don’t, I feel like I’m running wild, taking shots in the air… and mostly missing. I don’t want to do that this year, and I’m guessing you don’t either. I want to live on purpose, on mission.

There’s a sense that this year is critical, a pivotal time in the history of the world. I want to make sure you and I are following God’s lead to make the greatest impact.

Review & Envision

I challenge you to take some time, like I did, to write out key life events from 2022 and prayerfully envision this year. If you need an example, you can see mine HERE. Then, get moving to make those dreams reality!

Prayer

Father, I thank You for giving me dreams and visions for the future. Your Word assures me that you speak to Your people, so I can be confident that you will guide me. Help me to wait for Your Word, hear it, and follow through to completion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sherry’s 2022 Year In Review & Vision for 2023

Check out the plans for Soul H2O Ministries that you can be a part of this year HERE.

Verses to help fill up your well.

1. Proverbs 29:18
2. Psalm 19:11
3. Exodus 32:25 (in NIV if you can)
3. Psalm 85:8

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New Day by Danny Gokey
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Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

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2022 Year In Review & Visions of 2023

Have you ever taken the time to do a Year in Review, so you can plan for the future?

2022 Year In Review and Visions of 2023

I think you’ll be surprised to see some of the amazing things that went on last year and I hope you’ll check out the plans for Soul H2O Ministries in 2023 that you can be a part! Some start soon, so make sure to read below. When you’re done, make sure to read my latest Soul H2O Devotion inspired by creating this post… Catching A Vision For The Future.

Much love,

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

I’M A LEGIT PREACHER NOW 🙂

In January of 2022 I started the process of re-applying for my Licensed Minister Credentials with the PAOC as I had let them lapse since I had my son Brandon. I never stopped ministering, I just didn’t have credentials.

At the end of June, I found out they were reinstated. In October, the week of our Refresh Conference, Todd and I attended the WOD Minister’s Gathering in Collingwood, Ontario. There were powerful services where you could feel the presence of God. We had such a great time visiting with old friends and making new ones.

I was super excited to attend the breakfast for female ministers. There were 85 in attendance!!! At my table of 7, five were Lead Pastors and two of us in non-traditional ministries. I think our fellowship is changing in positive ways toward women! Praying this happens in all churches around the world.

2022 BEST BLOG OF THE YEAR AWARD

In the fall of 2022, I received The Word Awards – Best Blog of The Year award for writing in 2021 from The Word Guild; Canada’s most highly esteemed Christian Writer’s Guild. This is the second award the blog has won, but this time it’s the highest award a blog can receive. WHOOT! WHOOT! I can’t tell you how much this meant.

FIRST REFRESH LIVE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE!!!!!!

On October 22, 2022… dreams came true for me and my team! Since 2019 we’ve been talking about, planning and preparing for running live events… and then gave up as lockdowns seemed to never end. So, when in August it seemed the Lockdowns were really over, we quickly began planning our first-ever Refresh Conference for women!

We’ve heard such life-changing testimonies from women and are excited to get planning for our next one. With just over 230 women in attendance, we raised $1,542.00 in the offering for our missions trip to Kenya! One girl attending has signed up to go with us to Kenya (possibly another) but more women expressed interest in coming on future Missions trips with us (Check the next one out in the 2023 Visions section).

BACK TO IN-PERSON EVENTS

We were able to be a part of the annual Single Mom’s Event at Braeside Camp again. Jenn Chamberlain from our team joined me and led the girls in fun with games and giveaways. I spoke on the Friday night and for a seminar session on Saturday morning.

In December I was back to traveling for speaking! I spent a week in the GTA, speaking in Newmarket at Cedarview Commutity Church to over 225 women and did a little sharing at the See, Hear, Love TV Show Christmas Event held at the Crossroads Centre for my friend Melinda Estabrooks. If you don’t watch this girls show yet, you wanna check it out. It’s sooo good! I was on in year two of taping but the show and set have changed so much since then.

THE RADIO & PODCAST SHOW—Year 3!

At the end of December, I had a great meeting at the JOY Radio.CA Station with Matt, the owner. I’m super excited for the upcoming year of teaching and guests the show is going to feature. Matt has offered an opportunity for me that has blown me away. Get ready to her more from me and Soul H2O Ministries on the station! 5 Ways You Can Listen

PERSONALLY

Got to have so much fun in November and December! Todd and I were blessed with a gift to be jetsetters for two days as my dad was inducted into the Canadian Drag Racing Hall of Fame!

Catching A Vision For 2023!

I’m already getting bookings to speak at events for 2023… not like a normal year yet, but it’s starting! Along with Recording weekly Soul H₂O Radio & Podcast Shows, posting devotional blogs, emails, mentoring women and coaching leaders, running a Life Group…

JANUARY

Relaunching Traveling Through The Desert With You 8-Week Online Course & Coaching for the 2^nd Cohort. Interested? Sign up for information HERE.

Traveling to see my daughter in Florida!!!! Woohoo!!!! Speaking in Chatham at a Women’s Event on the 23rd.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Launching Leading Transformational Bible Studies 6-Week Online Course & Coaching

APRIL/MAY

KENYA—Delayed from 2020… Happening in 2023! From April 19-May 3, 2023 I’ll be travelling with a small team of women to speak at the Queen’s Conference in Kagan, Kenya to about 200 women… it’s a dream coming true! We’re getting to meet with women one-on-one and bless them individually too. At the end we’re going on a Safari! How crazy is that?

MAY

We’re traveling again to Mexico for my son’s wedding to the love of his life, Niall! Woohoo!!!! I’ll be speaking in Petrolia for Mother’s Day right when we get back.

MAY/JUNE or FALL

Launching reDefining Me – In Who God Says I Am Online Course

FALL 2023

1-3 Refresh *Live* Conferences for women (Leamington and 1-2 other cities in Ontario)

FALL 2023 OR EARLY/SPRING 2024

Trip to Israel

We’re planning a trip to Israel with renowned teacher and author, Joe Amaral. This one you could even bring your hubby along for!

If this interests you, subscribe HERE to receive information as we make plans.

Missions Trip to Guatemala

We’re talking about doing a trip to Guatemala where we help with the Maternity Hospital and Women’s health in hospitals. If there’s interest, we’ll be raising money to provide Mammograms for women. We would also be leading women’s events to pour out love on the women of Guatemala.

If this interests you, subscribe HERE to receive information as we make plans.

Please, let us know what you're interested in. Send an email to: info@sherrystahl.com

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A Real Chip Off The Old Block

Have you ever heard the saying…
She or he’s a real chip off the old block?

Soul H2O Devotion

A Real Chip Off The Old Block

I can look at my kids and see their gifts and misgivings. Most often I recognize how the way they are, seems to be a lot like me. Brandon has always cared about the underdog and never been good at sleeping because he hates to miss out on things. Shelby’s a geek with excel like me, she’s fun-loving like her momma and inherited the clutzy gene too.

Their chips, are often chunks off the old block.

“Chip Off The Old Block”

That phrase a chip off the old block makes me think of Isaiah 51:1 that challenges us to inquire about things, to ask the deeper questions when it says:

“Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance— all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined.
Isaiah 51:1 NLT

Do you realize what this verse is getting you to ask?

Who’s the block you’ve been chopped off?

The Block & Chip Maker

Psalm 139:13-14 confirms that God created and formed you in your mother’s womb and Genesis 1:27 makes clear that God made you in His image, are you starting to see that Isaiah 51:1 is hinting that you’re a chip off the old block from the one who made you in HIS image?

No matter if you’re short, tall, skinny, curvy, shy, bold, dark skinned, freckled or fair… how you’ve been made is wonderful. You’re a real chip off the old block and your creator is so happy with his work! Don’t let the enemy of your soul cause you to feel less than.

Live in the confidence that God made you and He loves you! You are A Real Chip Off The Old Block, made in the image of God, how can you be anything, but good?

Prayer

Father… Thank You God for recording truth in Your Word that tells me what You think about me. Help me combat the lies I’ve believed about myself and help this new revelation sink deep into my soul. I am a chip off Your block, created in Your image. I am good! In Jesus Name…Amen

Wanna go a little deeper?

In Episode 120 on the Soul H2O Show I go a little deeper with this devotion and share some more insights to help build confidence in WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE!

Verses to help fill up your well.

1. Isaiah 51:1-2
2. Psalm 139:13-14
3. Genesis 1:27
4. Romans 8:1

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Listen on Your Fave Podcast App

A Real Chip Off The Old Block EP #120

Kathi Lipp vulnerably shares about her struggles with host Sherry Stahl, as they talk about how your most difficult issues can actually be a tool for connection with others. http://www.soulh2o.com/120

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG:
Overcome by Elevation Worship

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Where it all began

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Gather The Girls Together!

Right from the heart of God… a call to Gather The Girls Together!

Soul H2O Devotion

The Lord said, Gather The People Together
and I will give them water.
Numbers 21:16

Gather The Girls Together

I read this verse and was blown away that I’d never noticed it before. It was a timely word the Lord brought to my attention earlier this week. I feel it was just another confirmation that we’re doing the right thing by putting the Refresh Conference on next Saturday. Answering an ancient call to gather God’s people together, so they can be refreshed by Him!

Where The People Were At

In the portion of Scripture where this verse comes from, the people of God were tired and worn out. They’d been fighting battle after battle. One of their favourite leaders; Aaron, the brother of Moses had just died. They wandered around the desert, thirsty for water to feed their bodies and souls.

The struggle was so intense it says in verses 4-5 of this chapter that they began to grumble and complain about how difficult their circumstances were and God got fed up with their bad attitude.

I know you’d never be like that, but me…
I might be a little #guilty of it!

I Don’t Have It All Figured Out

I don’t write this to you as someone who’s gotten this right all the time, but someone who keeps picking herself off the floor whenever she falls. God sees your human frailty and loves you in spite of it.

This verse is so amazing to me because right after the people failed their test of faith, God still gives them a promise and brings them to the water.

I believe God has something great for you at the Refresh Conference. It’s no mistake you bought a ticket, or someone bought it for you.

Get Yourself Ready

I encourage you to start spending time in prayer today, asking God to prepare your heart for what He’s about to do in you! I know He wants to build you UP!

We’ve been gathering HIS girls online for the past couple of years and now *live* an in-person! If you’re one of the girls who’s answered the call and is coming the Refresh Conference next Saturday… I can’t wait to see you!

If you know of anyone sitting on the fence about coming or God has brought them to your mind as you’re reading, why not contact them and see if they might join you… but don’t delay, today is the last day to buy tickets (details below).

Hope to cya soon!

In His Grip,
Sherry
xoxo

Ticket Timer

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TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL FRIDAY, OCT. 14 @ MIDNIGHT

Get Your Tickets Today

Because tomorrow you can’t!

Refresh Conference
GRAB A GIRLFRIEND & JOIN US! Saturday, October 22, 2022 | 10am – 4pm EST LakePoint Family Church – Leamington, ON
CLICK ON REFRESH PAGE

💧 Sherry Stahl is the keynote speaker

💧 Brianne Danter is the worship leader

💧 6 Breakout Session Options

💧 Lunch & Snacks served

⏰ Tickets on sale *ONLY* until Fri. Oct. 14, 2022 ⏰

Check the webpage for full details: https://www.sherrystahl.com/refresh/

Conference put on by Soul H2O Ministries in partnership with Lakepoint Family Church.

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#musicpic SONG:
Overcome by Elevation Worship

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/mvF9Hc5XZOo
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Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

Tuning In God’s Voice is Part 4 in the Hearing God’s Voice Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #69. You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/69

Where it all began

Want to read the first Soul H2O Devotion?
Repeats (Do Not Worry)

https://www.sherrystahl.com/repeats/

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

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

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Costumes For Candy And To Conceal

When I was little, I wore costumes for candy, but as I got older, I’ve been known to wear costumes to conceal. How about you?

Soul H2O Devotion

Costumes For Candy

Children will be dressing up in costumes on Sunday to walk their neighborhoods in search of candy. I used to love this time as a kid and so did my children. Beyond all the candy, dressing up was so much fun!

Cute Costumes

This is a picture of my favorite costume, Raggedy Ann. I’m sitting with my cousin Angie and my sister Pebbles, I mean Lori. Weren’t we cute? My mom used to sew and made a lot of our costumes but this will go down as my fave! As the years go on, I appreciate the painstaking effort mom put into making that wig, gluing each strand of yarn onto what I can’t remember. {Thanks Mom!}

The First Costumes

As I was thinking about wearing costumes, my thoughts went straight to Adam and Eve in the garden. This is the first time in history where people put something on to disguise themselves.

“They sewed fig trees together and made coverings for themselves.”
Genesis 3:7

Right after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, guilt overwhelmed them and created a desire to hide. Shrouded in shame, they crafted the first costumes known to mankind out of some fig leaves.

Costumes To Conceal

Everyone has the tendency to be like Adam and Eve when it comes to dressing up, concealing so people can’t see your frailty, your failings, your brokenness, your sin. We’re afraid that if people see who we really are they won’t accept us, worse yet, that God will reject us. That’s what Adam and Eve thought was going to happen in their relationship with God, and I’m guessing you’ve feared that a time or too yourself?

Hiding In The Fear Of Being Rejected

I’m so thankful that Adam and Eve’s fears of God rejecting them didn’t materialize. Sure… they reaped the consequences of their bad choices, but God never rejected them. God never pulled His love away. Instead, He sought after Adam and Eve and then, set into motion a plan for salvation that wouldn’t just “cover-over” their sin but wipe it completely away through Christ’s work on the cross.

There’s no need for you to hide from God. Take off whatever costume you’ve been wearing to conceal yourself and let His love in!

Prayer

Father…I’m so thankful that You don’t reject me. Your Word promises this over and over. Help me to shut the lies of the enemy down that tell me I should cover-up who I am and hide. Help me to lay my heart bare before You so I can experience Your unconditional grace, mercy, love, and acceptance. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.

1.Genesis 2:25
2. Genesis 3:7
3. Genesis 3:8
4. Romans 8:38-39

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Splash Online Event

It’s the season for wearing costumes. Have you ever felt like the character or person you dressed up as?
Dress UP – To Find Out Who You Are our October Online Splash event is hosted by Sherry Stahl and the #SoulH2O Team.
October 28, 2021 @ 8pm EST

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

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

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

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Nehemiah–Wash Behind Your Hears

Good Morning! In the past few months my computer has been in the shop a few times and it decided to crash again. I know from many of your emails that these Monday morning devotions are a boost to your week so even though I can’t access my devotions I’m still posting one. It’s the first devotion from my hubby’s book (Details below) and it’s really good! Be encouraged today as you read and no matter what happens…DON’T GIVE UP!!!

Nehemiah--Wash Behind Your Hears...

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down…Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.
—PSALM 27:6

Many times in my life, I have given too much thought to background noise. Those voices attempt to make you think aspects of your life are falling apart. You anticipate that the future will be a scary place, or the walls feel as if they’re pressing in on you like a vice. Do not allow those sounds to be played. God has provided courage and faith to confront your fear and anxiety.

Nehemiah, a mighty man in the Bible, encountered an excellent example of this dilemma. At a time when he could have been comfortable with his highly honored position of cupbearer for the king, God spoke to him, confirming that he would be the lead man to reconstruct the walls around the city of Jerusalem.

During the physical work, Nehemiah heard sounds of criticism, verbal attacks, and false accusations day in and day out. Nehemiah refused to listen. He kept his focus. Not only did he refuse to crumble to the background noise, he and his construction crew completed the job in record time!

Don’t be surprised if the devil starts heating up the adversity when you pursue a goal that God has confirmed in your heart. In your own life, scrub away those words or thoughts that have held you back from spiritual growth. Listen for the voice of encouragement. Open your spiritual ears to hear what God is saying to you today.

The enemy desires nothing better than to play the sounds of negativity, doubt, and confusion in our minds, hoping we’ll lose focus. These words are attempts to smother the dreams God placed in us to fulfill. Turn off the old playlist of doubt and fear. Download the new sounds God has given to you—lyrics of hope, anticipation, and excitement towards a future that is music to your hears!

Prayer

Father…Help me today to focus on You and Your plan for my life. Please help me to “tune in” to your station so I hear Your voice of encouragement and not the negative voice of the enemy as I move forward towards Your great purposes for my life! In Jesus Name…Amen.

Todd’s book, 40 Days In The Man Cave is available everywhere books are sold!

Check Out Todd’s Website http://www.toddstahl.ca

Does Forgiveness Equal Restored Relationship?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example…”
Ephesians 4:32-5:1 NIV

Life is so generous to give us lots of opportunities to extend forgiveness to people who hurt us. What’s the proper response to offence? Do we always have to forgive?

Does forgiveness =equal= restored relationship?

If we are to follow God’s example, as this verse instructs us, then forgiveness is a must and restored relationships need to be our intent.

Sadly, I don’t think forgiveness can always lead to restored relationships, and we see that in Jesus’ relationship with the Pharisees.

Isaiah 59:2 explains that our sin is an offence to God, separating us in our relationship with Him. The more we sin and the longer we continue offending Him, the more distant our relationship with Him becomes. Forgiveness can take place in an instant when a prayer is whispered, but it takes time to rebuild a relationship with God.

Restoration happens when we take ownership of our offense and change our ways. We have to go through a process to rebuild our closeness with the Father.

The same principle needs to be applied to our earthly relationships.

We must forgive others for their offenses towards us. If we don’t, it keeps us bound in bitterness. It’s healthy to learn that a restored relationship is separate from forgiveness and requires a healing process.

When approaching relationship restoration, we need to consider the whole counsel of scripture.

Proverbs 4:23 warns,

“Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life” (NLT).

Proverbs 22:24 cautions,

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
do not associate with one easily angered...”

Forgiveness + Ownership + Repentence = Restored Relationship

Sometimes you’ll need to forgive and protect yourself from unhealthy or even toxic relationships. In the best of times, forgiveness leads to a better, stronger restored relationship.

Prayer:

Father, I thank You for Your forgiveness. I ask for the grace to forgive others in my life who have hurt and offended me. I take myself out of the judge’s seat and release them to Your judgement and justice. Please help me to guard my heart, without closing it in the area of relationship restoration. May I walk in Your wholeness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ephesians 4:32
Isaiah 59:2
Proverbs 22:24–25
Proverbs 4:23

This post was first published on January 19, 2014 and then included in my first Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
Devotion #17 – Forgiveness and Restored Relationship. The original devotion also inspired a #musicpic post called, The Forgiveness Song

Leadership Leads… Good or Bad

“...from the prophets of Jerusalem 
ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” 
Jeremiah 23:15  NIV

All my John Maxwell training is going to be put to the test in three and a half weeks when I’ll be moderating a panel on Leadership at the Women’s Connection District Retreat in Grimsby, Ontario. {If you’re going, make sure to stop by my table and say hello!}

I have some amazing ladies on the panel who hold various organizational leadership roles in business, government positions, church leadership, and home management. The goal is to elevate the confidence of women in leadership positions and practically help improve their skills, enabling them to walk further and faster into the destiny God has for their lives.

As we’ve been preparing for the panel, I can’t help but look back and rate my skillfulness as a leader. Lots of passes, and plenty of fails. My thoughts went back to my first leadership position as a big sister. 🙂

Sometimes, my little sister, Lori would follow me around playing ‘Copycat’. Remember that annoying childhood game where people followed you around; often one-step behind you, repeating every word you said, copying move you made? Lori used to drive me crazy doing this! Thankfully, we’ve grown up and now have a great relationship! {Don’t we look cute together now 🙂 } As a “big sister” I hope I’ve given Lori more good examples to follow than bad ones! No matter how small your leadership role may seem, it will have a huge impact because

Leadership Leads…Good or Bad!

RECOGNIZING YOUR REACH

Sometimes we minimize the effect our leadership has in the home, school, court, field, rink, church or place of employment. Whenever God has elevated you to a place of leadership, people are going to follow in your footsteps—It’s a scary thing!

A friend once said to me,

“I was forced to go to church and I won’t put my kids through that.
I don’t want them to be forced to live what I believe but to be able to choose for themselves.”

Since she never took her kids to church, they simply followed her lead and have seldom gone to church because they were never given another option to choose from. Failure to give guidance is, in fact, leading, since it causes people to blindly follow your example and not know why.

[tweetthis]You’re leading, even when you try not to lead. #leadership [/tweetthis]

Our leadership in life is followed,
much more than we recognize.

Today’s verse comes from the book of Jeremiah. In his time, many of the prophets weren’t leading well. They weren’t proclaiming God’s word to the people, but instead speaking what they knew the people wanted to hear, so they would keep following them… following them down the wrong path.

These false prophets were sharing a watered-down message with false hopes that led the people to be disappointed in God; causing them to turn away from Him. Jeremiah had to swim against the tide of his time as their poisonous message,

“spread throughout the land”.

Leadership was difficult for Jeremiah, but he knew his responsibility was to clear the path for others, so they could follow the right way; because

[tweetthis]Leadership Leads… Good or Bad #leadership[/tweetthis]

So, what’s going to spread in the future as people follow you?

Prayer

Father… I’m overwhelmed when I recognize that you have given me such influence in my world. Help me to be wise with my words and actions so that my life impacts others to know and love you more! May others follow your plans for their lives as they see me chasing after the destiny you’ve set before me. In Jesus name…Amen

I WILL RISE
Women’s Connection Conference

https://womensconnection.ca/events/conference

If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll join us
Don’t forget to sign up for the Leadership Panel}.

Ephesians 1:5
Hebrews 13:7
James 3:1
1 Timothy 4:12

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!

Other posts about my journey with John C. Maxwell, the JMTeam, or John’s Books:
John C. Maxwell And God Want You To Be A Talent-Plus Person
Mentored to Lead by John C. Maxwell

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

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