September 1, 2014
Music Monday: You Speak
Posted by ShariCakes under Religion & Faith | Tags: Audrey Assad, God, silence, speak |Leave a Comment
November 5, 2013
Truth…
Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Religion & Faith | Tags: Bible, God, Jesus, redemption, truth |Leave a Comment
What is it? Verified facts, evidence, testimony, written words, stories, details…and so on. Facts and statements are why I love the book of Luke – it is truth – it’s backed by other gospel accounts; Luke wasn’t the only one. But I enjoy the “truth” in the facts. To believe in something it first should be true (fact). Bible history is just that, historical fact, believe it or not. And by faith, conscience, choice, wisdom, compulsion, desire, pedagogy, realization – I believe the Bible to be true. I believe its stories, messages, inspiration, and mystery – the historical redemptive message of TRUTH.
Besides the historical truth(s) – there are those personal truths that God has set on our hearts…You and I have been CREATED by God (Psalm 139), LOVED by God (Jeremiah 31) and REDEEMED by God (Isaiah 43, Luke 2:10, 21:27-28). We have been PROMISED eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11, John 3:16-18, Revelation 21:1, 5).
These are just a few of my most treasured passages in the Bible – the ones that speak to my personal journey of faith and truth – from the same “book” that has been esteemed and revered by many cultures for centuries.
My focus this past year has been a quest for TRUTH. Truth about God, truth about my life –truth in promises of God – plans laid out for me, for a specific purpose and long before I was born. It is my (responsibility) choice to seek and accept these truths and purposes for my life.
This is not an ego trip – it is and will be a life long journey. Believing and accepting – the truth –that the LORD God created us with a purpose, loved us and saved us is a hard one to accept. I think the hardest part is that our fear – reverence – of the Lord comes out of feeling as though there is no way that God as powerful and majestic as He is has our best interests in mind. We just don’t hold ourselves as that important to the Creator of the Universe. We ask – I ask – we all ask, why would HE care about us – love us – want to save us enough to die for us? Yet, our minute and meaningless existences are much more purposeful than you or I can ever fathom. We believe the truth, we accept the truth, we are led by the truth and still we are in awe of its glorious mystery…
That is…TRUTH.
November 3, 2013
I cannot take credit for this photo, at all. But it is history. Not necessarily my history, rather, I am just a part of its story. The little white house in the right corner (of the photo) is home where I live. It is not part of my family history and I am just a visitor in the history and the roots of this house and home.
This the key I use to get in the door to my home house. I’ve lived in eleven different houses since I was born; all of them were home at some point – but which one (do) did I belong? In the past year I have asked myself these questions so many times – Where do I belong? Who do I belong to? What is my purpose? (Am I going through a mid-life crisis? I am too young for that. Right?)
Or am I seeking – God’s purpose? I know that I am tired of wandering. I am tired, weary and directionless. I want more but I am stuck. Lord, I am stuck – where do you want me to go? What is my purpose? Where do I belong?
Be with me as I wait…
As I search…
As your purpose and plan is revealed to me….
in your time…show me where …
I belong.
December 31, 2011
One Word 2012: Health
Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Religion & Faith | Tags: faith, God, Grit and Glory, health, One Word, One Word 365, trust |[3] Comments
Last year my good friend, Amy (@Backseatwriter) wrote her One Word 2011 post for New Year’s Day. I didn’t. I wrote a post, yes, reflecting on my year past and the things I hoped to change in Reflections: A Year Past and A Year Ahead. In my post I had hoped that my 2011 would be brighter and filled with less of the stress, anxiety, negativity, pain and bitterness that overshadowed 2010 .It seemed each day was filled with dread – dread of each day at work, more bad news, more ho hum days, grim, grey and faithless. Looking back on my 2010 reflections, I suppose “trust” should’ve been my One Word 2011.
Not that 2011 was uneventful, no it was filled with a lot of events. Unbelievable events, uncertainty, and many questions filled 2011. I claimed faith and trust in my Savior at the beginning of the year:
“And though it seems cold and solitary – my Saviour walks with me.
This year, this journey – I have no idea what lies ahead on this road.
I have to take it and I have to rely on my faith and communion with my God to make the journey…
I know that I will look and I will see the miracles, the grace, the joys and the hope.
Through the hard times and the pain – I will still see Him and I will rejoice.
I know I won’t understand everything but I haven’t given up and I know I am not ready to.
During this “new year” I am determined to rely on my faith and my God to guide my steps.
I am hoping and praying for a better year or a better way to handle what comes.
I truly hope and pray for a blessed 2011!”
I had no idea that I would have to trust God – I said I would trust Him and He guided me through life changing emotional pain, emergency surgery, cancer, medical bills, more surgery, renewed faith, relationships and He is still holding my hand. As of December 19th – my health is still of concern to my doctors, I am ending 2011 with uncertainty, about my health and wellness.
So this year I am claiming my “health” – yes, my physical, emotional and spiritual health. I am claiming it in the name of God. I feel like my trust came with faith and my health will come with happiness and abundance. No matter how dark the days seem, I have this irrepressible hope that remains. So I claim my health and happiness and my faith, trust and hope shall remain as I enter this year of uncertainty.
I claim my health for 2012. What are you claiming for this coming year? What is your ONE WORD 2012?
Have a blessed New Year! In Jesus’ name! May He bless you always!
August 10, 2011
This day…
Posted by ShariCakes under Illness, Life, Religion & Faith | Tags: change, faith, fear, God, hope, Jesus, love, prayer, recovery, redemption, surgery |[2] Comments
In this not so “Wordless Wednesday” – I am facing surgery. As most of you read this I will be in the hospital and possibly still in surgery. I know that I am very blessed and loved, to spite the circumstances before me. It has been a rough road since my initial surgery in April – which discovered a carcinoid tumor and cells. As I was refered to doctors and then eventually facing the treatment ahead – a right hemicolectomy to remove part of my colon, any remaining cells and lymph nodes – I have had a lot of time to think and pray. I have accepted my situation and I know I am not alone. I have some wonderful friends and family.
Romans 8:26-28
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts and I will be home soon (I hope).
June 21, 2011
All things are possible…It’s a Giveaway
Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Religion & Faith | Tags: (in)courage, Christ, faith, God, hope, inspiration, inspired daily deals, Phillipians |[9] Comments
The month of June is filled with excitement and anticipation, worry and frenzy. There is so much to do; work, school, kids, vacation planning and finding the time to relax are all things that are crammed into the mix. One wonders how it will all get done. “Will I have the strength to get through it and still enjoy the blessings around me?”
The past few months have been quite turbulent – an emergency surgery and cancer diagnosis has affected my life and the lives of those around me. Strength to get through life’s trials and struggles with dignity, hope and courage is part of life in Christ. Being able to a real inspiration to those around me is a strength that comes from God alone. When I saw this plaque, I was in need of a reminder that through Christ I can beat these trials and endless worries. I smiled. The colors and flowers were so cheery and bright. I thought about who I might be able to pass it along to – who could gain inspiration and joy from this reminder that we are not alone. We can do “all things” through Christ our strength. He will make miracles and joy “possible”, no matter how dark the night and how dim the future looks.
There it sits, on my shelf – a daily reminder that strength will come. I will not be alone. I will have the courage to stand on my feet and fight. I will have the joy to share my journey with others through faith and inspiration. For more inspiration and more courage visit the Dayspring Online Store. And be sure to check out (In) Courage and the Inspired Daily Deals.
FTC Disclosure: I selected and was provided with the I Can Do All Things – Wooden Plaque from Dayspring, free of charge for review. These opinions are my own and do not reflect those of Dayspring in anyway.
This giveaway is now closed!
Now for the giveaway:
For a chance to win a $20 coupon code to Dayspring Online store, just do one of these things:
1) Comment below – what are some words, verses or sayings that lead you to feel empowered through Christ.
2) Tweet this giveaway, be sure to stop by at the (in)courage site and remember to use the @ShariCakes so it will get back to me and you can be sure you’re entered.
All things are possible…#GIVEAWAY #Dayspring @incourage @ShariCakes http://bit.ly/j1SCgo
This giveaway will run from Tuesday, June 21st thru Friday, June 24th, 2011 . And the Dayspring Coupon code is good until August 13th.
Many Blessing and Hope that through Christ anything is possible,
June 4, 2011
Fearless or less fearful…
Posted by ShariCakes under Illness, Life, Religion & Faith | Tags: BackSeatWriter, belief, cancer, faith, fear, fearless, God, health, Jesus, Josh Wilson, mustard seed, treatment |[8] Comments
I haven’t posted anything in a while. I’ve been a jumble of nerves and busy with appointments, phone calls and finances. Funny, I never said work – work is where I feel most at ease and my mind is at rest.
Work
I went back to work earlier last week to spend time doing what I do best – working with children. I love my job. I love being part of the lives of little ones who have their whole life before them. I have the opportunity to be a part of that – a big part – and it’s an amazing opportunity. I lead and they follow – yet they are fearless at every opportunity and they live in the moment. I have spent the past 6 months so wrapped up in the busy-ness of the day, that I missed the joy, the meaning, the importance. I missed God and the blessings in it. I am so blessed to be back at work and I enjoy it more now than ever.
Health
As far as my health goes – I feel that being part of my regular routine has helped – I feel good, a little tired but more normal and blessed. I know it seemed simple, I even took for granted that it was a routine health issue. But it isn’t the end – it is a beginning and I have to accept it. I have cancer. I said it. I’m not giving up nor am I going to let it define me. The treatment, however, is kind of drastic and major. Yet I am less fearful….but not fearless.
Did I shut down? Yes. Did I and do I cry? Yes. I am human. Am I scared? Sure. I feel the surge of helplessness and hopelessness from time to time creep up and I know it will continue. I need all the faith I can muster and all the prayer that I can manage to get through this. I know it will be long and dark but I have to be ready to go this distance. I have to be ready to journey this dark road with my Savior.
Thanks Amy and Josh Wilson Music.
Thank you [everyone] for your prayers and thoughts,
May 13, 2011
Waiting…
Posted by ShariCakes under Illness, Life, Unexpected Situations | Tags: blame, cancer, colon, faith, fear, God, guilt, hope, life changing events, recovery, scared, surgery, tumors |[3] Comments
So I am waiting…for answers, for options, for relief, for this all to be over. I can’t do anything because I feel like my options are do nothing or do something drastic. There is little research to help in any decision. I feel like and anomaly that no one can explain.
I can do nothing – I am waiting. The doctors are unsure what the next course of action should be. I am praying that God will intervene and tell them what to do.
I am in the potter’s hands – He is the one making the decisions on how this is to be done. I am just a broken piece of pottery in His hands. Waiting to be whole again.
May 6, 2011
Look up…
Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Religion & Faith | Tags: depression, God, God's Will, hope, hopelessness, nature, surrender, trust |Leave a Comment
My eyes are cast down. My spirits are in limbo. Neutral, disenchantment, stagnant – I gaze ahead with no focus, oblivious to any thing outside my line of vision. I feel like a cloud of dread has hovered over me. A bubble of doom. A grey shroud of “bad luck” has held me idle in my misery. There is no looking ahead, no hopeful prayers or wishes. The waiting has driven me crazy. I have wallowed in this madness for weeks. I have tried to control things that are beyond the realm of possibilities.
Yesterday, anxious with things left undone and worry of what to do, I prayed. I asked God what do you want me to do? What should I do? Should I make those phone calls? Should I wait? Should I sit back a neglect things to be done? How late in the day is too late? Confused and upset. I dialed the phone. One call after the other reminded me again – I am not in control of any of this. I relinquished any and all thoughts and I walked away. Literally, I walked away from the phone.
At that moment my answers would come. One by one the phone calls came, my loose ends were beginning to secure themselves. I walked away, I gave up control and I waited. My relief had come in some form of answers and accomplishments. Last night I was able to rest my mind a bit.
This morning, I decided to sit outside in the sun and have my coffee. As I gazed out at the line of trees in the front yard, I noticed the lush green leaves. Its like they appeared over night and I never noticed. My focus has been at eye level and focused on too many negative things. The words that came to mind at that moment were “Look Up”. Look foward and away from the things that are keeping you bound to misery and negativity. Look at the crisp blue sky, feel the fresh crisp breeze and behold the beauty outside of the walls that you have made. Stop focusing on all the negative things that are consuming you and look up – look to God, surrender to His Will – He will take care of you.
Here’s to looking to God and yielding to His Will.
Love and Prayers,
April 23, 2011
My Easter Reflections…
Posted by ShariCakes under Religion & Faith, Special Times | Tags: Easter, God, Lent, meaning, stress, Sunday |1 Comment
I sit here weary and tired (since surgery – I get tired) and wondering where did the Lenten season go? Where has this past year gone? It has been so tumultuous since 2011 arrived. There have been many issues since January. And as Easter Sunday approaches I am bittersweet. I have missed Sundays hands raised in worship and singing in the choir. Wondering what does this all mean? What do I mean? Do I matter? Do I make a difference?
No matter how humble, everyone wants to know that they are loved and they do matter. I have been feeling like this for a long time. After a major life change and move four years ago things have remained unsettled, unfinished, unfocused and chaotic. I have been so disenchanted with church but earnestly seeking God with all my heart – even when it is hard as hell. And it has been really hard this past few years trying to find my focus, meaning and purpose. There are those times when I feel disconnected and far away from my Lord. But I know that HE is there, in every small moment, I can see His Wonderous works.
I can see where, I have gotten ahead of myself I have not let the hand of God work over my life in awesome ways. I get in the way, ALWAYS. And before I know it time has passed and I am clueless as to how I got there. Its nuts. I know I need to slow down, I know I can’t be perfect, I know I need to reflect, refresh and relish all the mysteries that are before me. I pray that I can turn my disenchantment into joy and purpose. Learning to live joyously, full of love and life is harder than it seems. Learning to” live like you belong to God” is one very hard part of this journey of faith.
This Easter I pray that I (and you) can find that part of you that feels worthy to be called HIS and find that you do matter to the Father, you do belong to GOD. I also pray that I will see others as HIS and learn to appreciate all that is God’s. To new life, new hope, new journey – may you be transformed by Christ’s Resurrection.
Happy Easter! Much love and Many Blessings,
Shari
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