Find and Follow Your Destiny in God

It was a very cold day, around 10 degrees. Harold and I were watching the news when the newscaster started interviewing a homeless woman that was sleeping on the streets of Portland because she owned a dog and the shelters would not let her have her animal in the shelter. When ask what if anything would you like the people to know or do for you she stated “ bring me a cup of hot chocolate”. Of all the things she could have ask for all she wanted was something warm to drink. Of course Harold and I looked at each other and immediately felt the calling of the Lord to go out on the streets and hand out hot chocolate, blankets, gloves and hand warmers. We called the Jerry and Rose and Jerry and Pam to see if they would like to go out with us. We had the Bergamo family Christmas that night so that put us out on the streets about 10:30 PM. We called Jeanie who works with the homeless and she went as well. We prayed prior to leaving and Jerry Z. felt God was telling him shopping center and Oak tree. It was very cold that night and I remember thinking God goes before us and comes after us so I had no fear but was very cold. The first stop we made there were four men and all of them were very cold. Brad was one of the men there and he started to cry and ask what do I do I am very tired of this. The last time Brad was on the streets he was stabbed and in pretty poor health. We told him to meet us at the Store down the street at 9am and we would take him to church with us and that we would talk about what to do then. We continued on and were able to serve many people that night. We even went out to the place called the pits in the middle of Bush Park in the dark. It is a place with some shelter and the guys hide in there when the weather is bad. I thought is was a pretty safe place for them to be but found out latter that the high schools kids go in there and beat up the homeless and helpless. Which really broke my heart. The last stop was on the off ramp going onto highway 22. When we stopped there was a lady there sleeping under a tree and she was freezing with only one blanket. We couldn’t stay long because if we had attracted the police they would make the homeless leave and give them a ticket. This spot was across from the shopping center and the tree was an oak tree just as God had told Jerry. We ended getting home about 2 or 3 am and we were very tired and cold.
The next morning we went to pick up Brad at the Store and he was not there because we were late so we went to Jeanie’s house behind the store and there was Brad waiting for us. We headed off to church and on the way we ask Brad if he would consider going the Lord’s Ranch in Newport Washington which would get him out of his stomping grounds and away from the access to drugs and alcohol. He decided to go so we got him a bus ticket, Harold called the ranch and made arrangements for them to pick up Brad in Spokane and away he went. Harold received a letter from him and he is doing great. Before he left we found out that Brad had a learning disability and could not read real well so Harold shared that with Michael at the ranch and they said that they would work on it with him. In his letter he stated that he is a slow reader but God told him that it is okay and he is now reading in front of 40 men at the ranch. He is very excited and in love with the Lord. He stated that he shines at fixing vehicles and is working on the cars and trucks donated to the ranch. He also was healed of drugs and alcohol addictions. One day at the ranch he was really struggling and one of the guys came up and started praying for him and he felt the addiction lift off of him. I guess the reason I am writing this is because God has a destiny for all of us. Harold’s and mine are working on the streets of Salem with the homeless for now. That my not be your cup of tea but God does have a plan for every one of you every day of your life and when you are obedient to what God is calling you to do it will excite you and warm you heart. Not only that you will save lives for the Lord. God Bless you and keep you.

Draw Near to God And He Will Draw Near to You

God has given us an invitation in James 4:8 and what an invitation it is. He wants us to initiate the contact and in this we determine how close we are going to be to God. I see where the more intimate I become with God the more intimate God will become with me. God desires to be with us but in that He wants us to desire being with Him. I find the more I talk to God the more He talks to me. God has so many aspects to Himself yet when it all comes down to it, all He really wants is a solid relationship with us.
Have you ever been talking with someone and they are looking off at something else or are whispering to someone or playing with their phone? If that happened I would just walk off and be very hurt or even a little mad. Well I have done this myself to God. I sat down today to just seek God and after a few minutes I found myself up looking in the fridge. Then God said to me Cherylynn you wanted to spend time with me then just as I was drawing close to you, you got up and wondered off. You did not even give Me a chance to get sat down and get comfortable before you started to wonder not only in your head but physically as well. This caught my attention (which by the way is very short). I then went back and sat down and started soaking in God. Talk about a relaxing time. The peace of God came over me and it was better than any high anyone could ever have.
I think about when John was reclining at the table with Jesus and stated " the disciple whom Jesus loved". The only way you know someone loves you is to spend time with them, lots of time. The more time I spend with the Lord the more I can see clearly how much He loves me. I work full time and have a house to maintain and a husband to look after. I sometimes feel like there is not much left for anything else, but I desire to have an intimate relationship with God and the more I tell Him this and the more I take time for Him the easier everything else becomes and time seems to just multiply. I want to love God the way in which He loves me and that can not be on a partime bases it has to be a fulltime desire.

Thanksgiving

My it has been a while. Harold and I are in our 5th year of helping put on a Thanksgiving dinner for people who are in need. With the economy the way it is you would think that it would be hard to come up with enough money and door prizes but with God all things are possible. This year we have a friend that has done most of the donation work and has collected over $5000 worth of prizes to hand out. God even gave us a $570 dimond ring to give out. I always stand in awe at the work of the Father's hand. He is so good to us. On top of everything else He gives us grace.
I just want to give thanks to God for my family and that includes everyone at Vineyard as well as my children and grandchildren. I am so lucky to have the support that I have. God has provided me with a wonderful husband who loves and serves God and is wonderful to me. I am most thankful though to Jesus Christ who died on the cross for me so that I am able to spend eternity with Him and the Father as well as the Holy Spirit. I hope everyone has a wonderful time this Thanksgiving and God Bless.

Judas Iscariot's Fatal Mistake

My thoughts today turn to Judas Iscariot. I have always kind of felt sorry for him in a way, but today as I study the book of Luke it said that “then satan enter Judas”. I began to wonder how in the world could a disciple be demon possessed. Well go back to John 12: 1-6 and it talks about Mary pouring expensive oils on Jesus and Judas protested because he was a thief. Judas followed Jesus for many years without giving his heart to Jesus. This left Judas wide open for demon possession. The other disciples had times of weakened character, but the difference was their heart attitude towards Christ Jesus. In Luke 22:4 it tells how Judas went to the chief priests and discussed how he might betray Jesus. Who do you think really discussed how to betray Jesus “then satan entered Judas” your right satan. Satan methodically tries to get anyone he can to do his will. Eph 6: 11-12 tells us to put on the full armor of God so you can take up your stand against the devils schemes. We do not struggle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, and against the powers of the dark world. What exposes darkness, you got it light. For your sake do not just sit in the chairs at church get involved with Christ on a personal level. We cannot just simply think we are okay because we rub shoulders with Christ Jesus. We need that personal love relationship with Jesus. He desires that and satan hates it but again darkness is exposed by light and if we are filled with the light of Christ, satan has no place to hide and will be exposed every time he comes near us. God bless and have a great day. I encourage everyone to get into the Word of God it is living and every time you pick it up God will reveal something new to you.

Israel

Harold and I are feeling like we are called to go to Israel in 2010. Not sure how that is going to happen unless there is a big change in our finances. I do know that God does not give a desire to do something unless He has already made a way for it to happen.
I was reading in Luke about keeping your lamp lit and being ready for the return of our Master. I was thinking, what does that look like and I thought about when one of the kids went out and you leave the light on for them and wait up for their return even if your in bed you keep one eye open and listen intently for their return. I think that is what God means by keeping our lamps let. He says that we will not know the time of His return and He also says that when He finds you watching for Him that He will dress Himself to serve and He will have you recline at the table and will serve you. I wonder what that will be like. I know that there are times when I get angry or frustrated with life, then I wonder what that will look like to Him if He were to show up on the door step at that time. God is so good to us but He also stands on His word.
I am not sure what that has to do with Israel, but it is what came to my mind while I was typing. Go figure He would give me a puzzle like this to think on. God bless have a great day!!

Royalty


You are a Princess clothed in
Jesus’ majesty given at the cross
Heirs to His throne
Is your destiny

You have the rights
Of the Royal Family
Clothed in a majestic gown
Come enjoy you Kingdom

Take hold of the Kingdom
Spread your wings
Share His Love through your beauty
The world awaits you on your Coronation day

Your life is in harmony with the King
Walk in the purple robe of righteousness
Given by your Father
And paid for by Jesus Christ

You are Royalty!

I guess I wonder what does being royalty really feel like. Life gets to be so lifey that sometimes we forget who we really are and what it is really all about. I have this friend that says she puts on a happy face while at work but then when she gets to her car or home she has a hard time and feels overwhelmed by life and what has happened in hers. Boy that sounds like a lot of us. There are times when it seems like what is going on is just to much to take. But what does the King of Kings say about that.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

One of the promises that the King has given me as part of the Royal Family is that God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

I want to learn to live like the daughter of the most high. I want to be able to claim my birth right that Jesus died for. I want the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,to guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

I know that this is easier said then done but just knowing that I have a God given right to wear the Purple robe of righteousness and walk with my head held high proclaiming the work of my Father through Jesus Christ will make it all worth while.

My husbands new saying is No rain, No rainbow. I think we are the pots of gold at the end of the rainbow for God. He has given His most precious gift for all of us and we need to know that He loves us right where we are and that is why He has made a way for each of us to be in the Royal Family.

Dad's Excitement

My son just called and he was so excited that Kendra Lynn my little one year old grand daughter just said "I love you" for the first time. He called earlier today excited because she said I poo poo and had a dirty dipper. Oh the joys of parenthood. As I was listening to Nathan's excitement I thought about how God must feel the first time He hears us say "I love you" or "I poo poo" when we sin and He has to wipe us clean.
I am so blessed to have a Father God who loves me so much that He made a way for me to get clean before Him and to be privileged enough to say "I love you Daddy" and know that He loves me back. I bet He calls all the angles and tells them " guess what Cherylynn just said "I love you" to Me.
Kind of an exciting concept isn't it. It makes me think about Rahab a common prostitute and how excited God must have been when she turned her life over to Him, thanks to the spies being obedient to God. He was so excited that He made her part of His Sons family line.
Just a little thought for the day:
I believe that God is still going to the streets to find drug addicts, prostitutes, homeless, helpless people to show them the way to salvation. Without the spies, Rahab may never have known how to save herself. Who does God want you to share Him with? It could be a government official, prostitute, a banker,or a homeless teen. Be ready to tell others about Christ. God is preparing their heart right now to receive His message from you. I know for me, I don't want to miss a chance to be part of God's plan.

The Love Dare

I just got the book "The Love Dare" from the movie Fireproof. Today is the first day of the book and it is about being patient, Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

You would think that since you love your husband or wife, which ever the case may be, that it would be easy to have patience with them. It talks about love being built on two pillars which are patience and kindness. I so want to be patient with my wonderful husband and also be kind to him. It is so easy to lose sight of that especially in today's fast pace life.

I have always just ran my mouth without thinking and I don't always get the facts straight. I don't know if I just half listen to things people tell me or that I am just to lazy to try to remember the facts straight or that I just don't care to be accurate. I know this makes Harold nuts and I have been to self centered to try to change. For instants if something cost $5.30 I round up and tell him it is $6. This has caused a real problem for us. Well if I am going to be patient and kind to Harold I am going to have to make some changes in the way in which I react and act. I will have to take time to think before I speak and not react but make a choice to act in a Godly way. This is very important to the Father. He gave me a precious gift when He allowed me to marry Harold and I need to treat it as such.


I am excited about becoming the kind of wife God has for me to be. It is not going to be easy but it is going to be worth it. It is kind of like cleaning house, it is not alway fun but in the end it is so well worth all the effort that I put into it.

Oh yeah, my little Kendra Lynn is walking now and it is so cute to see her walk all over. She looks like she has been riding a horse to long but I think that is because of still being in dippers. She is a little ham to when I am taking pictures of her.



She was in the store today and picked up the little doll she is holding and Nathan and Bobbi was trying to figure out how to get it away from her without a lot if crying and these two little old ladies were in line at the check stand and they ask if they could buy the doll for Kendra Lynn. Bobbi did not want to hurt their feelings so she let them buy the doll for Kendra Lynn even though she has so many toys now there is no where to put them all.

God bless and have a great day.

Lion of Judah

I love the Lord so much. I just got a book from the Elijah List called "Transported by the Lion of Judah." It is a very good book and really shows the heart of the Father. If anyone gets a chance to read it, do so it is worth it.

I feel that God is doing something new in my life. He is giving me a desire to pray for others, but in that He is showing me how to empty myself out of myself and filling myself up with the Spirit. I am not sure how to explain it except I am like a conduit for Him. This is all something new because I really have a hard time praying for others with them. I am always afraid that I might say the wrong thing and hurt their relationship with the Father. To heavy for me to carry but lately I am not even thinking about what to pray for it just comes out and I watch in amazement at the work the Father is doing.

I have been trying to do soaking worship a lot and the ability to connect with Jesus is getting easier the more time I spend in His presence. Today I found myself driving down the road having this conversation with Him just like as if someone was in the car with me (well He was but not by the eyes of anyone ) I was asking Him questions and He was answering me. I want to know how He can love me when I am so stinky and when I don't spend the time with Him that I should. I ask Him all kinds of questions. I felt like a little kid that was saying "what's that" "why" "when are we going to get there". He just sat there answering my questions.

I don't know what it is like for a Groom to be excited about showing off his bride and getting her a new home to call her own, but I can guess what it is like to do those things for someone. I know I love to do things for my husband and I get excited when he comes home and the house is clean and there is a great meal on the table. I am sure that Jesus is very excited about the home He has ready for His bride ( that would be me and you ), exciting isn't it? I just pray that all my children and their children are as excited as I am. I always pray that they will have an agapeo love for the Lord. He has done eveything for them.

Well I hope I made some since today, God bless and see you later.

Cranky Driver

I was on my way to work the other day, just praising God, when a lady pulled right out in front of me. I yelled "you idiot" and then just kept on praising God. Guess what happened then, ya if you said God spoke to me you can say that again. He did loud and clear.
Proverbs 4:20-24
My daughter, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to My words.

Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.


The words we speak are determined by our hearts. What kind of treasure is in your heart Cherylynn. That really stopped me short. By your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned. Pretty serious stuff if you ask me.

The scripture tells me that my tongue determines the course my life will take. It is up to me to take responsibility for my mouth. The only way to make sure I speak only edifying things is to only take in edifying things. To fill my heart with the word of God. Proverbs 4 tells me to give attention to God's word and the way to do that is to hear it. Faith comes by hearing and as I speak God's word I sow seeds into my heart. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow so to know the word is to know God.

I just want to thank you Lord for the correction that you give me daily.

Where New Song Came From

This is my heart!
Psalm 40

Ps 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
Ps 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Ps 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Ps 40:4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Ps 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

Ps 40:6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced ; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
Ps 40:7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll.
Ps 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

Ps 40:9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.
Ps 40:10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

Ps 40:11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.
Ps 40:12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.

Ps 40:13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
Ps 40:14 May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
Ps 40:15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame.
Ps 40:16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The LORD be exalted!”

Ps 40:17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.



This is Nick's beautiful daughter Abby.

Hawaii Here I Come

I have always wanted to go to Hawaii and finally my wonderful husband is going to take me in May. I am so excited because of the art part of it. I love photography and painting so I am looking forward to the opportunity to be able to see such beautiful surroundings. My camera is excited too. God is so good. We are going to stay at the Wyland and the artist that it is named after is fantastic and has his art all over the hotel.

The women's retreat is coming up and it is going to be so exciting. The theme is "Miracles". I can see God already moving and changing the women and it is not until the 13th of March. The scripture that comes to mind is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse just makes my so excited and it is so fun anticipating what God has for all of us.

At The Feet of Jesus

We went to Albany Vineyard last evenging and this picture was up on the screen with the words of the worship songs on it. Harold and I both really liked it so I got on the web today and found it. It is beautiful. The word was good last night. There was one thing the speaker said that really stood out to me and that was. "God wants us to go out into the world where He is not invited and take Him with us. " We can be as holy as we would like, but unless we are taking God out into the hurting world what good is it.

I had a wonderful day. My awesome husband, Harold, took his two daughters to the father daughter breakfast at the Church this morning. Nathan, my son took his daughter Kendra and his wife, Bobbi was taken by her father. Nathan text me this am and I think he was feeling sorry for me since I was the only one not going but I text him back letting him know it was okay since my dad was having breakfast with Jesus and His Father.
We had our "Power of a Praying Woman" group this am and Vicki had the most incredible worship music it took us all right to the feet of Jesus. Then Shirley shared on Chapter 8 and it was great. The only problem is we ran out of time.
That reminds me I am so amazed how time goes by so fast. I know that God has a destany for me and am just starting to get what it is for the moment. Harold and I both have been praying about what we are to be doing and we have come to agree that for the time being we are to be like Mary and sit at the feet of Jesus and just soak up His presence. This of course if had for both of us since we are much better at being Martha, but I do know that we can do all things throught Christ Jesus who give us strength.
I am so blessed to have a husband who has a heart for God. May the peace of God be with you today.

Surrender

Some times it is hard for me to be disciplined in any area of my life and as I was praying about why I am not committed to be in the word every day and why I am not committed to lose weight and become healthy I came upon these five reasons. It now has become time to makes 5 decisions that will change my walk with God and my health. I need to trust that God has my best interests at heart. The big word here is trust that God can and will be here for me in all my circumstances.

These are the 5 decisions I have decided that I need to make to be all I was meant to be in Christ Jesus.

1. Be truthful (to God and to myself)
2. Be forgiving (all those who trespass against me especially myself)
3. Be committed (to be all God has for me to be)
4. Be interested ( in all things of God and in myself)
5. Surrender ( surrender all things to God even the things I keep locked up in my messy room that I don't let anyone see that lurks in the background all the time)

To start off I wrote a surrender statement to God.

Here is my statement;

I surrender today to you God. I am going to be all You intended me to be Father. Father help me to not give up when things get hard. Show me how to press thru no matter what and most of all Father give me Agapeo love for You, the same as You have for me. Lord help me to lay all things at your feet. Oh thank you God for being my strength and my refuge. I am the one you love and died for thank you Jesus.

I hardest thing for me is to be forgiving of myself and feel worthy of Gods love. I know in my head that this is not true, but I now want that to be a known fact to me in my heart.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

If you have been fighting a losing battle for years and are ready for a change consider writing a surrender statement to God and saying it every morning before you do anything, to help you stay on track.

My husband and I went to the Christian Renewal Center this weekend and it was so peaceful. It was nice to just spend quite time with God. Be still and know that I am God Ps 46:10 what a hard thing for me to do. My mind goes a hundred miles an hour for the most part. As I was going thru scripture the thought of Faith came to mind and I just could not get it out of my mind so I wrote this little poem.

Faith

Oh how beautiful is faith, God has given us a gift that is unspeakable.
The trees sing of His mercy, the mountains speak of His love.
The flowers bloom with His Glory.

Being filled with the knowledge of His will.
Bearing fruit in all things
Seeing the unseen to be the Truth of God

The sound of children’s laughter soaring
The sound of a lullaby
The sound of a Daddy’s comfort

The wind caressing your skin
Yet not able to see it
Yet all the time knowing it is there

Seeing the unseen beauty in all things of God
How lovely is Your dwelling place O God
Having my heart and flesh cry out for the Living God

Knowing that the Word of God will always stand for eternity.

My grandaughter got burned real bad just before Christmas and it has been a long hard road getting her well. She is still having to go to the burn center for compression bandageing starting the 11th of February. She is a real trooper. I have been parying for her to be filled with the Holy Spirit since I first held her in my arms when she was 5 minutes old. I know that she has a great relationship with God and alway will.