MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
As you celebrate
the birth of our Savior
Jesus Christ!
2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
************ EXPECTATION ************
What are you expecting?
What are you speaking about it?
Now the question is what are you getting?
What we think and what we say need to be in unison.
Believe in the good things God has for you.
Give life to what you speak!
Don't destroy it!!
Expectation!!
Denise Sherriff
11-03-09
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
He is Right Here Always...........
In a world ever-changing....
In all the inconsistencies
There you are.
My Rock.
Never changing....
Never inconsistent
Forever near to me.
My Standard.
My God.
My King.
Denise
10-12-09
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Rest
******************************************************
He maketh me lie down in
green pastures……..
He maketh me lie down in
green pastures……..
Why?
To restore us!!
To refresh us!!
To help us choose
What we think about.
Note: Journal. It’s easier to remember
and dwell on negative things – not the most wise.
Denise Sherriff
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Something That Brings New Life
Trim my branches
Like that of a tree
The dead falls away
So that the new
Springs forward.
Like that of a tree
The dead falls away
So that the new
Springs forward.
Denise Sherriff
09-26-09
Friday, July 24, 2009
How Much More Will God Do For Us
Have you ever noticed trees, houses and high wires in a neighborhood – perhaps where you live? Watch what happens as you may notice (busy) squirrels there. When I watch them, I can hardly see how they maneuver such great distances in what seems to be a thread of a branch. Yet, somehow they do………all day long. In a way that seems effortless for them. In their environment, they have learned to use their instinctive gifts that God has created within them.
How much more will God do for us?! He will get us from here to there---always.
There Are No Gaps
In the time line of my life
There are times………….
Times that I question
What the purpose and intent
of a particular thing is.
There are questions
I have for God………
Like, where are you?
The hills and valleys are high and deep.
At times………….
I feel as though I’m drowning
and I can’t breathe.
And I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Nor can I see the way around this mountain.
Where are you God?
I’m so alone in thoughts of despair
and what seems to me……….
a wasted and out-of-sorts life.
How much more will God do for us?! He will get us from here to there---always.
There Are No Gaps
In the time line of my life
There are times………….
Times that I question
What the purpose and intent
of a particular thing is.
There are questions
I have for God………
Like, where are you?
The hills and valleys are high and deep.
At times………….
I feel as though I’m drowning
and I can’t breathe.
And I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Nor can I see the way around this mountain.
Where are you God?
I’m so alone in thoughts of despair
and what seems to me……….
a wasted and out-of-sorts life.
Then………..suddenly…………….
I am reminded of a life that others may have.
A life that makes mine seem like a “day in the park”.
Into many of these lives
I am the encourager.
Yet………
Often, I am not encouraged myself.
Though, as I continue to speak life
I find that I receive life.
I tell them, God has surely not abandoned you!
He is your help-----your Rock!
Is He not mine also?
We forget.
I forget.
There are no gaps in time that my Lord
does not have His eyes focused intently
and purposefully on me.
He saw me before the beginning
and sees me beyond the end.
He makes a way for me.
I will get from here to there
and experience all that He has for me
in the transition.
Denise Sherriff
July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Change Me
Change Me
Redefine me every day Lord.
Shape me------
Mold me-----
From the inside out.
Shape me------
Mold me-----
From the inside out.
7-09-23
Denise
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Happy Father's Day
If it were no bother to create a father;
With hands to heal and eyes to see,
Wouldn’t He?
If it were no bother to create a father;
To triumph and lead,
Wouldn’t He?
To cross valleys—dry deserts—move mountains,
Indeed, wouldn’t He?
If it were no bother to create a father;
With gentleness and strength,
To pass on a heart of praise
And to teach,
Wouldn’t He?
If it were no bother to create a father;
With sincerity and character,
To ponder God’s Word like the depths of the sea,
Wouldn’t He?
Thank you God for I can see
What you have done—in love
Within this family.
Because it was indeed no bother to create a father.
Denise Sherriff
June 21, 2009
With hands to heal and eyes to see,
Wouldn’t He?
If it were no bother to create a father;
To triumph and lead,
Wouldn’t He?
To cross valleys—dry deserts—move mountains,
Indeed, wouldn’t He?
If it were no bother to create a father;
With gentleness and strength,
To pass on a heart of praise
And to teach,
Wouldn’t He?
If it were no bother to create a father;
With sincerity and character,
To ponder God’s Word like the depths of the sea,
Wouldn’t He?
Thank you God for I can see
What you have done—in love
Within this family.
Because it was indeed no bother to create a father.
Denise Sherriff
June 21, 2009
Forgiveness--Always Forgiveness
Say not “Lord forgive my repeated sin”.
Today is a new day.
Yesterday is no more.
The East is far from the West.
I remember not the sin of yesterday.
I look forward to no sin tomorrow.
Today you are forgiven, as you ask.
Right now
This very moment
Is your new day.
Yesterday is no more.
The East is far from the West.
I remember not the sin of yesterday.
I look forward to no sin tomorrow.
Today you are forgiven, as you ask.
Right now
This very moment
Is your new day.
Denise
06-25-09
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Conviction--NOT--Condemnation and Guilt
Those whom God loves, He corrects—
Now listen---
He loves everyone and convicts
everyone-------However-----
Those that don’t know Him don’t
realize they are being convicted
by God.
Now listen---
He loves everyone and convicts
everyone-------However-----
Those that don’t know Him don’t
realize they are being convicted
by God.
Denise
5-12-09
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Christ The Evergreen
Christ the Evergreen
When you look out amongst the leafless trees
In the dead of winter,
You may notice patches of green
Swaying to the wind in the middle of it all.
That’s the Evergreen.
Every season it’s the same.
You need not ask why it has a name----Evergreen.
They seem to be timeless in their beauty.
They rise above it all.
They give shelter and protection---year ‘round.
They are majestic in nature. They sway back and forth and
STAND in strength.
The Cedar tree is one of the most magnificent of all Evergreens.
I have walked through the forest of the Giant Sequoias
in California all my life.
Their girth – their height – their enormity
their history if you will—if they could only speak,
is amazing enough.
But their age……..
These cedars are the oldest living thing.
Some of them are dated well over 2,000 years old.
One of these Giants holds the title
“The Nations Christmas Tree”--------faithfully.
Even in a time when people are being pressed
to remove such things as;
The word Christ–mas…….
To remove God……..
To remove what our country is founded upon such as
In God We Trust………
To remove the 10 Commandments………
To remove prayer………..
To make our lives more and more about our selves
instead of others………..
Some things will simply never – ever change and that is faith and that
IS Christ.
I’ve often thought of the Cedars of Lebanon in Palestine.
Though I have never been able to go there yet,
the kinship of the Giant Sequoias
to those in Lebanon is evident.
They Stand.
They are forever---green.
They are a symbol of history
We can see with our natural eye.
In their beautiful silence and serenity,
They hold the scenes and events of decades.
If that some how is destroyed,
Christ is not.
He is our hope and faith in the midst of our heart
Supernaturally…….for ever.
And THAT can never be taken away.
He remains-------without any effort of “time”.
These giant Cedar trees stand in only a few places on earth.
I believe they are placed strategically.
As all things are by the hand of God.
These giants thrive in higher elevations.
Shouldn’t we all?
------thrive at a higher elevation,
Instead of depths of despair?
These are definitions of what thrive means:
To increase in goods.
To be successful.
To grow vigorously.
To flourish.
To grow luxuriantly.
Think about it people…….THRIVE!
The great Cedars in Lebanon thrive on a range of mountains
along the Northern border of Palestine
on mountains whose peaks rise to a height of 10,000 feet.
The Cedars of Lebanon were used in the building
of the First Temple, for Solomon’s Palace
and for the Second Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:6; 7:2).
These giant trees continue to stir the hearts of multitudes
Right where they were seeded so many—many years ago.
God has purposefully and personally
spoken to me about the significance of the Evergreen Trees
in relationship to my FOREVER Christ.
Denise
March 24, 2009
When you look out amongst the leafless trees
In the dead of winter,
You may notice patches of green
Swaying to the wind in the middle of it all.
That’s the Evergreen.
Every season it’s the same.
You need not ask why it has a name----Evergreen.
They seem to be timeless in their beauty.
They rise above it all.
They give shelter and protection---year ‘round.
They are majestic in nature. They sway back and forth and
STAND in strength.
The Cedar tree is one of the most magnificent of all Evergreens.
I have walked through the forest of the Giant Sequoias
in California all my life.
Their girth – their height – their enormity
their history if you will—if they could only speak,
is amazing enough.
But their age……..
These cedars are the oldest living thing.
Some of them are dated well over 2,000 years old.
One of these Giants holds the title
“The Nations Christmas Tree”--------faithfully.
Even in a time when people are being pressed
to remove such things as;
The word Christ–mas…….
To remove God……..
To remove what our country is founded upon such as
In God We Trust………
To remove the 10 Commandments………
To remove prayer………..
To make our lives more and more about our selves
instead of others………..
Some things will simply never – ever change and that is faith and that
IS Christ.
I’ve often thought of the Cedars of Lebanon in Palestine.
Though I have never been able to go there yet,
the kinship of the Giant Sequoias
to those in Lebanon is evident.
They Stand.
They are forever---green.
They are a symbol of history
We can see with our natural eye.
In their beautiful silence and serenity,
They hold the scenes and events of decades.
If that some how is destroyed,
Christ is not.
He is our hope and faith in the midst of our heart
Supernaturally…….for ever.
And THAT can never be taken away.
He remains-------without any effort of “time”.
These giant Cedar trees stand in only a few places on earth.
I believe they are placed strategically.
As all things are by the hand of God.
These giants thrive in higher elevations.
Shouldn’t we all?
------thrive at a higher elevation,
Instead of depths of despair?
These are definitions of what thrive means:
To increase in goods.
To be successful.
To grow vigorously.
To flourish.
To grow luxuriantly.
Think about it people…….THRIVE!
The great Cedars in Lebanon thrive on a range of mountains
along the Northern border of Palestine
on mountains whose peaks rise to a height of 10,000 feet.
The Cedars of Lebanon were used in the building
of the First Temple, for Solomon’s Palace
and for the Second Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:6; 7:2).
These giant trees continue to stir the hearts of multitudes
Right where they were seeded so many—many years ago.
God has purposefully and personally
spoken to me about the significance of the Evergreen Trees
in relationship to my FOREVER Christ.
Denise
March 24, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Jesus Teaches
Ready your heart.
Learn to embrace.
Stay on the path.
Rise to the occasion.
Teach others.
Learn to embrace.
Stay on the path.
Rise to the occasion.
Teach others.
Denise
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dreams
The Lord can use dreams to kindle our hearts.
For in the deepest recesses of our mind,
a dream or vision is a way of
stirring it to the surface.
We meditate upon it and seek Gods council.
Often times it's Gods way of saying
He wants to birth something through us.
Gods timing has arrived.
We should not contain or restrain
what He has set in motion.
Denise
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Unconquered Quest of Obtaining Toilet Paper
Simple, everyday, life brings opportunity to pray.
People are often misled by what it means to pray without ceasing.
It’s easy----it’s about everyday life.
Let me give you an example.
It’s my workday. And I am driving quite a bit today.
And behind schedule.
Often times I think I can squeeze one more thing in
before I head home to pick up our son from school.
As I’m driving, I notice a big billboard sign at one of the local drug stores
displaying their sales for the week.
Do I stop, do I not stop?
Do I really need the good buy on toilet paper-----today?
I mean is anyone ever really out of toilet paper?
I’m always a better shopper than that for essentials--usually.
Anyway, I decide to turn the car around and go in.
Of course I can’t find the end cap that has the item
so I wonder around the store before finally asking where it is.
I get in line-----a long line----the clock is ticking.
Can I make the purchase in time?
Do I want to drive like most everyone else in this city-----
Toooooooo fast?
A lot of others do this very comfortably.
Zooming past me on both sides.
The times I have had to drive faster than I should
I’m sure there’s a neon sign on my car alerting any police around.
But more importantly than that
I’m sure people will notice my Christian Fish symbol
displayed proximately on my car. (I notice others’ don’t you?)
That little reminder is not an excuse for me to do what I want.
It is to remind me of my bad behavior
when it should be good behavior.
And to change it to such.
People are often misled by what it means to pray without ceasing.
It’s easy----it’s about everyday life.
Let me give you an example.
It’s my workday. And I am driving quite a bit today.
And behind schedule.
Often times I think I can squeeze one more thing in
before I head home to pick up our son from school.
As I’m driving, I notice a big billboard sign at one of the local drug stores
displaying their sales for the week.
Do I stop, do I not stop?
Do I really need the good buy on toilet paper-----today?
I mean is anyone ever really out of toilet paper?
I’m always a better shopper than that for essentials--usually.
Anyway, I decide to turn the car around and go in.
Of course I can’t find the end cap that has the item
so I wonder around the store before finally asking where it is.
I get in line-----a long line----the clock is ticking.
Can I make the purchase in time?
Do I want to drive like most everyone else in this city-----
Toooooooo fast?
A lot of others do this very comfortably.
Zooming past me on both sides.
The times I have had to drive faster than I should
I’m sure there’s a neon sign on my car alerting any police around.
But more importantly than that
I’m sure people will notice my Christian Fish symbol
displayed proximately on my car. (I notice others’ don’t you?)
That little reminder is not an excuse for me to do what I want.
It is to remind me of my bad behavior
when it should be good behavior.
And to change it to such.
Back to my little story.
I’m still in line
and I take notice of the very nice clerk behind the counter.
She is friendly, visiting with the customers.
It’s indeed refreshing and I don’t see it often enough.
While I wait, I decide to look for my list of things to do that’s in my purse.
You know----the things that will have to go on tomorrows list
because it ain’t happening today!
The line had not moved up. Still standing and waiting.
I take the opportunity to practice patience.
Funny----there’s always time for that.
I do realize however, that I should not have tried to accomplish
this little task of acquiring the toilet paper on sale.
So---------I step out of line, return the toilet paper
to the end cap where I found it.
Please notice that I did not just put in somewhere random in the store.
I leave the store, get in my car and drive off.
Reflecting briefly on;
“well that stop absolutely served no purpose”.
I have nothing to show for it.
Now get ready, this is where the prayer comes in.
I thought of the nice clerk.
Did she think I left because she was inadequate?
or she wasn’t working fast enough?
or she was spending too much time visiting with
customers?
or she was, do I dare say being “too nice”?
I’m still in line
and I take notice of the very nice clerk behind the counter.
She is friendly, visiting with the customers.
It’s indeed refreshing and I don’t see it often enough.
While I wait, I decide to look for my list of things to do that’s in my purse.
You know----the things that will have to go on tomorrows list
because it ain’t happening today!
The line had not moved up. Still standing and waiting.
I take the opportunity to practice patience.
Funny----there’s always time for that.
I do realize however, that I should not have tried to accomplish
this little task of acquiring the toilet paper on sale.
So---------I step out of line, return the toilet paper
to the end cap where I found it.
Please notice that I did not just put in somewhere random in the store.
I leave the store, get in my car and drive off.
Reflecting briefly on;
“well that stop absolutely served no purpose”.
I have nothing to show for it.
Now get ready, this is where the prayer comes in.
I thought of the nice clerk.
Did she think I left because she was inadequate?
or she wasn’t working fast enough?
or she was spending too much time visiting with
customers?
or she was, do I dare say being “too nice”?
Ridiculous!!
I begin to hope this was not true.
I prayed that she did not feel this way about her service.
She was indeed doing an excellent job.
Many clerks could learn a lot from her.
I prayed that she saw me looking in my purse
or for that matter that others’ in line saw me as well.
I prayed that she thought I left because
I begin to hope this was not true.
I prayed that she did not feel this way about her service.
She was indeed doing an excellent job.
Many clerks could learn a lot from her.
I prayed that she saw me looking in my purse
or for that matter that others’ in line saw me as well.
I prayed that she thought I left because
I did not have enough money to pay for the item.
Then, if she thought this,
she would not be hurt and feel inadequate by my leaving.
I was not going to allow pride to keep me from this prayer for her.
I wanted her to think it was me,
that I didn’t have enough money.
So that she would not be discouraged nor feel any blame.
So many people are not encouraged in life.
Then, if she thought this,
she would not be hurt and feel inadequate by my leaving.
I was not going to allow pride to keep me from this prayer for her.
I wanted her to think it was me,
that I didn’t have enough money.
So that she would not be discouraged nor feel any blame.
So many people are not encouraged in life.
In their jobs.
In their homes.
In schools.
In church.
We don’t know what goes on in the lives of everyday people
in every day life.
I prayed that she would be blessed in her work.
That she would continue being that courteous clerk behind the counter,
taking time to visit with customers. -- Amen
That’s it.
Simple prayer. It took a matter of minutes---if that.
In the simple tasks and events of everyday life we can pray.
Even for the quest of obtaining toilet paper.
Denise
2-23-09
Monday, February 16, 2009
Marriage
Over this past weekend we went to a Jack and Jill Wedding Shower. This is the way to go sometimes for a different twist to a Wedding shower. All friends and families are welcome. And my husband actually won one of the prizes for getting most correct answers!! All the other wives were encouraged!
Anyway, my heart was touched by the disire of young couples who believe in remaining pure before marriage, such as this couple. We have known this family for years and have many wonderful memories of our children and families together. Our son is near 15 and for him to see the steps taken in this couples' courtship have been very encouraging. There is a beautiful countenance they radiate to all around them and -------- innoscence. They have set up boundaries for themselves and the blessings they will have are immeasurable.
It is my hope that other's will take a stand for setting and appreciating boundaries in their lives. I believe there are many that would, but cannot stand against peer pressure. Three simple words about that: YES YOU CAN!!
We as parents should want this for our children. As for me, well I have been praying since my son was a baby for the beautiful bride that God has set aside especially for him.
Many people today are on a wrong course. I believe that to change the direction in America today, we have to strengthen our core family and values.
Bless you today as you walk alongside others in your life and those that walk alongside you.
Denise
Anyway, my heart was touched by the disire of young couples who believe in remaining pure before marriage, such as this couple. We have known this family for years and have many wonderful memories of our children and families together. Our son is near 15 and for him to see the steps taken in this couples' courtship have been very encouraging. There is a beautiful countenance they radiate to all around them and -------- innoscence. They have set up boundaries for themselves and the blessings they will have are immeasurable.
It is my hope that other's will take a stand for setting and appreciating boundaries in their lives. I believe there are many that would, but cannot stand against peer pressure. Three simple words about that: YES YOU CAN!!
We as parents should want this for our children. As for me, well I have been praying since my son was a baby for the beautiful bride that God has set aside especially for him.
Many people today are on a wrong course. I believe that to change the direction in America today, we have to strengthen our core family and values.
Bless you today as you walk alongside others in your life and those that walk alongside you.
Denise
Friday, February 6, 2009
Putting Steps to My Faith
I didn't think I was going to write anything this morning. But as soon as I said I wasn't going to pick up a pen, my mind caught sight of what my eyes saw. I picked up a scratch paper and jotted down a few lines quickly and then before I knew it there were a few more lines.
Enjoy your quiet time to start the day. Even if it's just a few minutes.
Enjoy your quiet time to start the day. Even if it's just a few minutes.
Putting Steps to My Faith
Lord, when I think of my life,
and all that it is not;
For a brief moment
sadness engulfs me.
…….for a brief moment.
Then…..what captures me
in the solitude of my morning
Is the sight of a photograph of my son,
or my husband or a friend.
I look intently at that “still” moment
The eyes---the smiles---
…….the many expressions.
They are “still” moments you see.
Quiet moments.
I can look freely upon THEM,
to ponder my own thoughts.
To a stranger, they might seem lifeless,
……….unknowns.
But as I do ponder them,
my heart is flooded with memories
of incredible magnitude.
I am then reminded of life.
……MY life
And living.
For you see,……today……
After this brief moment is gone,
I will realize all that my life IS.
My life is living
……and moving
………and changing
………...and growing.
Today, I will again put steps to my faith.
I will create new memories
to tuck away in the locket of my heart.
And I will live with purpose
…….and intent
I will affect the ones nearest
and dearest to me.
Those in my own home and backyard.
I will not forget,
nor limit God;
That beyond the gate of my backyard,
is a whole world and people
of unlimited potential.
To be affected by how I live
my simple life.
It isn’t about what my life is NOT.
It’s about what my life IS.
……Everyday.
…………Putting steps to my faith.
Denise Sherriff
February 6, 2009
Lord, when I think of my life,
and all that it is not;
For a brief moment
sadness engulfs me.
…….for a brief moment.
Then…..what captures me
in the solitude of my morning
Is the sight of a photograph of my son,
or my husband or a friend.
I look intently at that “still” moment
The eyes---the smiles---
…….the many expressions.
They are “still” moments you see.
Quiet moments.
I can look freely upon THEM,
to ponder my own thoughts.
To a stranger, they might seem lifeless,
……….unknowns.
But as I do ponder them,
my heart is flooded with memories
of incredible magnitude.
I am then reminded of life.
……MY life
And living.
For you see,……today……
After this brief moment is gone,
I will realize all that my life IS.
My life is living
……and moving
………and changing
………...and growing.
Today, I will again put steps to my faith.
I will create new memories
to tuck away in the locket of my heart.
And I will live with purpose
…….and intent
I will affect the ones nearest
and dearest to me.
Those in my own home and backyard.
I will not forget,
nor limit God;
That beyond the gate of my backyard,
is a whole world and people
of unlimited potential.
To be affected by how I live
my simple life.
It isn’t about what my life is NOT.
It’s about what my life IS.
……Everyday.
…………Putting steps to my faith.
Denise Sherriff
February 6, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Today -------- all is fresh and restored.
I understand the need for people to want to reach out to others these days. The Internet is a good portion of that for sure. The Internet can be a tool for all to use with lots of information. Though this is true, the information available is not always the best. We need to be selective and careful and use it for good purposes.
I don't totally understand why letter writing and phone calling have become a lost art though. You would think with living in such a fast paced world that everyone would have more time. I guess it's how we use our time. Anyway, I will always be the one who writes cards, notes, letters etc. It's something I really enjoy. I still have to pick up my film at the store for most of my pictures. The ones on my digital camera, well, I can't seem to find them without help when they somehow get put on my computer. I am slowly adapting because I understand also that I need to. That doesn't mean for one second I will stop letter and note writing because it is a wonderful quiet time to do so. And......people still enjoy receiving them.
I suppose, for the most part I really want to share simple reads, stories and journal notes that I write so that others might enjoy and be encouraged.
SHIMMERING HOPE
Give me the light of day, Lord.
That which is the radiance of you.
Let the shimmering rays of Hope encompass me.
Infiltrate my heart in such a way
that I see the timeless existence of your very nature.
You are so enthralling my Lord
that I cannot contain my heart.
***********************
Denise 2-4-09
I'm standing in a beautiful field
surrounded by majestic snow capped mountains.
A wisp of white clouds
lingering o'er
My arms held high.
My face pointed upward,
as my feet move me slowly 'round and 'round;
Lifting my very being
to the arms of my embracing God.
....................................Aaah, but alas, I'm just sitting on the living room couch.
As usual, please forgive grammar. It is journalling after all and things get written "as is" a lot of time.
Denise
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