Matter of Fact

His Voice Makes the Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 13:04:00 +0000

Jesus did not come to overthrow governments. The people actually wanted him to be king. But he said His kingdom was not of this world. He came to bring the Kingdom of God to the hearts of men. He came to transform the hearts of men. Political power was not appealing or necessary for a Man from another kingdom.

Laws are used as an outward sign to show us what is right and wrong, in the eyes of men. But God's laws are written on our hearts, so that we might not sin against Him.

We can read His word for ourselves. We can ask His Holy Spirit to speak to us regarding it. It is all intertwined-- much like a good novel (but better and more powerful), we must read it in its entirety to grasp the full meaning-- see the correlations--but His Spirit makes those black and white words come ALIVE and will speak to us personally of our own condition. He gives us commands, and guidance and promises that make much more sense when we study it in context and not just cut and paste His words.

There is more for all of us to learn-- and we can go directly to Him for answers. In His word, in prayer-- He still speaks. He will bring clarity where there is confusion and show us the way.

When I've heard enough opinions, I get away with Him. He begins speaking. His voice trumps mine. Everytime. I don't even want to hear my own voice.

Lord, help us all.

The Pit

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:46:00 +0000

"I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God..."
~Psalm 40:2-3

A slimy pit

-what a perfect description. Basically impossible to climb up and/or out of a slimy pit without help from above.

If you've ever found yourself in this situation, and were rescued, praise for the One who rescued you is inevitable!

And not only does He rescue us, He then sets our feet on SOLID ground. He becomes our firm foundation....the reason for my very early morning PRAISE!

HALLELUJAH, to the Most High God!

He rescued me.

Rain, Rain...NEVER go away!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 17:56:00 +0000

Sitting on my sofa this morning near the window, I heard raindrops and turned to see the refreshing rain pouring from the sky. I immediately jumped up and went to gather my plants from the front porch to move them onto the sidewalk so they can drink up the goodness, because we all know that plants THRIVE with rainwater-- especially when it has been hot and humid. The natural rainwater is filled with all they need-- so much better for them than that which comes from the water hose.

I watched as they soaked it in-

I could almost hear them say, "Thank you!"

I had tears in my eyes as I saw our souls-- sometimes dry and parched-- waiting for a RAIN from heaven to give us what we need-- a rain that is better than anything that comes from THIS world.

We have to position ourselves to receive that flow-- just as the plants need to be moved from the porch so they don't miss the opportunity.

He is pouring out His Spirit on ALL flesh

--that means anyone who moves toward Him--getting into position to receive the fresh water-- the nourishment for our souls-- that is unlike anything else this world has to offer.

Once you taste of HIS fresh water, NOTHING will ever again suffice. You will crave more, and more! You will grow-- you will become rooted and grounded as He continually waters and feeds you from HEAVEN!

Position yourself to receive from Him

HOW?

Kneel. Lift your hands to the heavens and tell Him you are thirsty and dry, and you want His LIVING WATER to pour over you and through you. Just as the summer rains come again and again, He will continually refresh you. As often as you move into His flow. He will fill you, even to the point of overflowing. And from the overflow, you will refresh others.

If you are living in a "desert", time to move to a new climate/habitat. The RAINforest sounds like a plan!

Don't miss the opportunity.

PERSEVERANCE

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 18:19:00 +0000

PERSEVERANCE

It's something we don't hear as much about anymore. I don't know of as many people that possess this character trait as I once did. There are so many mentions of perseverance (or the synonyms; diligence, endurance, persistence, steadfastness, patience) in the scriptures-- beautiful lessons for us to learn .

PERSEVERANCE is basically when we continue doing something TO THE END-- regardless if it is fun, attractive, easy or appealing. I have noticed that most of us lose our steam (and commitment) when the "new " wears off-- when the going gets tough-- when "in the meantime", life gets all "sucky" (for lack of a better word).

I don't believe I am alone-- when I look back on my life and see things I should have completed, times I should have hung in there just one more day, maybe, wondering how things might have been different, how I might have been different, had I persevered to the end.

That seems to be a major difference between me and my ancestors-- persevering TILL THE END! I think that was something they learned when they were young, whereas, our generation has been bombarded with a " if it feels good do it, otherwise, don't waste your time" mentality. We tend to throw in the towel before we've ever even busted a sweat!

Perseverance always precedes something wonderful

A college degree follows YEARS of hard work-- time, effort, research, hands-on experience.
A farmer's harvest follows months of hard work, planning and preparation. These are just a couple of instances where perseverance is key to reaping the benefit.

Read the first chapter of the book of James. There are so many golden nuggets there to glean. He basically reminds us of the importance, of not letting go of our faith when it is tested. When perseverance (or endurance) is COMPLETE in us, the bible says WE WILL LACK NOTHING!

There is also a reward for perseverance-- He has promised us a Crown of Life-- a victor's crown, so to speak. One that marks us as OVERCOMERS-- we finished the race set before us!

Lies are whispered in our ears, "Just give up-- you will never be able to do this." How do I know they are lies? Because His word says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
I don't want to start out from the gates all powerful and full of strength, only to give up and quit in the middle of this race, when it becomes difficult. Not only do I want to finish,

I want TO FINISH WELL!

I want to emerge from the trials here as a woman of worth-- strong and pure, not just a shadow of who I was created to be.

Ladies, (and men), this is a call for you to persevere TO THE END! Do not give up-- LOOK UP! You CAN do this-- and the reward (both here and eternally) will be more valuable than anything you've received up to this point. I promise it is worth hanging in there. HE tells us to endure, persevere, be diligent, persistent, patient and wait on the fulfillment of His promises.

"Waiting on God" is an active phase-- not passive. We are moving in closer to Him-- filling our spirits with His words (both spoken and written) and seeking Him for wisdom, and peace, and strength.

As with anything worth receiving, work is involved --but we "work" using HIS strength! How cool is that?

Galatians 6:9 tells us, "Don't be weary in well doing, for in due season, we WILL REAP, IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP ."

Do.not.give.up. Ever.

Fight for this! Don't lay down and die and lose your reward. Don't fall for the lies that you don't have what it takes to finish, and to finish well! Because you have been fully equipped to persevere TO THE END, and emerge the victor! YOU are an OVERCOMER!

Plant your feet- regain your balance-- focus and begin again. It's not over and

you ain't seen NOTHING yet!

Mustard Seed Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:16:00 +0000

I know people that need miracles. I know people that believe in miracles. I know God still performs miracles.

Sometimes, the problems in our face are so huge that it would seem as if "huge faith" is required to make a difference, but His word says something different.

~Matthew 17:20 "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

It's because we are believing in HIS power-- the One who created us ( from dust and a rib)--yeah, Him.

Is there anything too hard for Him? What circumstance is too hard for Him? We have nothing to lose by believing, but so very much to gain!

BELIEVE!

Some Things are Worth Fighting For

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sun, 03 May 2015 14:01:00 +0000

God reminded me of yet another powerful lesson this week. I can't even go into all that has transpired, but a roller coaster ride would be the best description. If I lived by my emotions and things going on around me, I would have been easily led to the brink and fallen off the deep end (and I have lived that miserable existence in the past and it was NO WAY to live, just let me tell ya).

I watched as God has "parted the sea" so I could walk right through it. I watched Him make a way when there seemed to be no way. I watched Him "come on the scene" and immediately bring peace and reconciliation and wisdom and trust and power and love and hope to all hearts that were willing to receive.

I've been reminded how important it is to take our concerns to HIM, rather than sit in fear and watch it turn into a mountain before our terrified eyes.

CONCERN leads us TO God-- we go to Him for prayer-- wisdom, peace, etc.

FEAR causes us to step AWAY from His presence and try to rationalize and control things we have no control over, causing even bigger problems.

None of us will get out of this life unscathed. We get bumped, bruised, scratched and muddy by the battles we face. But I am here to announce, that the only fight left in me is the fight for what is right! I will fight to get closer to HIM-- THAT is worth fighting for.

I'm learning what the scripture "Fight the good fight of faith" really means.
It is a fight--with eternal rewards. But I'm getting to see some of the rewards now too.

I love when my heart can say, "God is good" when circumstances try to convince me otherwise. He is just waiting for us to hand over the "reigns" so He can show Himself mighty on our behalf.

In turmoil? Have a problem you're trying to fix and getting nowhere? Miserable fearing what's to come? Think you have to fix, control or manipulate an outcome?

GOOD NEWS! If you fight to get to Him, you can lay it all at His feet. HE will fight your battles for you. While you REST! And I'm not talking about resting once it's all over with-- I'm talking resting right in the middle of it. It can be done. It has been done.

My lips shout HALLELUJAH! I don't know what else say.

RUN TO HIM.

Resurrection Power

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:20:00 +0000

When I awoke today, I thought of the followers of Jesus who also woke that first day after witnessing His gruesome death; probably the darkest morning they had witnessed.

But they didn't ALL stay to witness His actual death (His mother, and brother and Mary Magdelene were among some who stayed till the end). Most of His followers, even those closest to Him who broke bread with Him and proclaimed their allegiance, fled the scene in fear for their own lives (much like many followers today would do if ISIS was in our midst killing Christians on the spot when pointed out, as is happening in our world today).

We share more with Jesus' disciples that we care to admit. We proclaim our undying love for our Lord, unless our own comfort or safety is jeopardized. Also, much like His disciples, we often have a hard time truly believing what Jesus has to say. He told His followers in advance that although He would die soon, He would rise again in three days. Not only did they not want to believe He would die, even after those words were fulfilled, His promise of a resurrection 3 days later, also did not resonate.

I'm sure while many saw Jesus beaten beyond recognition, and then hung to die on the cross in a horrendous manner, and hearing of threats of the same fate for themselves, the trauma of those events would make it hard to believe any promise of good to come-- even if Jesus was the One who made the promise. Their eyes remained on the circumstances surrounding them, rather than the truth of His words spoken. And we do the same.

Sometimes, we are so traumatized by the circumstances around us, that we are unable to focus on the voice of the Lord-- the Voice of truth-- speaking precious PROMISES (not wishes) that we do not truly grasp-- promises left unfulfilled many times, until we change our focus and begin to believe and act upon His words.

The scriptures tell us that EVERY one of His disciples were SURPRISED when He was resurrected. EVERY one of them. He promised it in advance-- they watched Him perform miracles when they walked with Him before His death. They saw every word that came out of His mouth be proven, over and over again. Yet, they were SURPRISED when His promise of His resurrection was fulfilled.
We share another flaw with them. Often, rather than expecting Jesus' promises to be fulfilled, we are shocked- surprised-even suspicious when His words come to pass.

His disciples were transformed by His call, inspired and educated by His life and example, devastated by His death, and shocked by His resurrection.

I believe much of what is written in the gospels is to show us all a glimpse of ourselves. Regardless of the good we have done, or the hope and miracles that may have come through our own lives as we follow His lead. And even when we proclaim our great love and devotion for Him, we all have issues that need brought before Him. Blind spots- hurdles we have yet to overcome- because it is hard for us to fully believe what He says is true.

Hindsight being 20/20, we know how this ended, so it is easy for us to say we would have understood and believed Jesus till the end. We would like to believe that we would all be counting down those three days, patiently waiting for Him to rise again, with faith like a rock. But I have to wonder if we would have been able to "see what He saw" deep down, rather than looking at what was transpiring around us.

The best news?

Of course, the remission of our sins through His death-- we can now stand clean before a Holy God because of His great sacrifice. But something we often overlook, is that after he died and was resurrected, He gave us another promise (and THIS time, the disciples decided to take Him at His word.) He promised that once He left, the Holy Spirit would come and live in our hearts- continuing to teach us, lead us even while His physical presence was no longer on the earth.

In the book of Acts, after the Spirit had come to them: "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 'For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.' "

We have not been left alone to deal with the craziness this world has to offer. He is still calling disciples-- and now calling on us to make disciples of those wanting to follow Him, even while we ourselves are still learning. But His Spirit inside us is the game changer. We now have the power through His Spirit to overcome. We are no longer slaves to sin. We walk FREE! But we must believe that. We must listen to His words. Meditate on them. Act on them.

Even the most horrendous life can be resurrected through His power.

Transformation is possible to Him that believes.

Fix Your Eyes on JESUS

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 14:50:00 +0000

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" ~Philippians 4:8-9

Who is ALWAYS true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy?
One and only One comes to mind.

Jesus

When my thoughts are diverted by anything but, so goes my peace.

Keep my eyes ever focused on you, Lord.

What's in a Name?

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 14:27:00 +0000

Does our name matter?

In the bible, names were given that gave insight to the purpose and calling for that person. As often as we hear our names called in a day, it is one way our calling is being re-affirmed. I was very careful choosing the names of my sons, and when I call them by name, I am also calling out who they are and will become.

In the book of Jeremiah (1:5) God told the prophet Jeremiah,
"before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you, and called you..."

John 10:3 says that His sheep hear His voice and He calls them by name.

Isaiah 43:1 comforts me on a deep level. "...Fear not. I have
redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine..."

GOD KNOWS MY NAME! He CALLS me out and tells me I am HIS!

BEFORE He formed me in my mother's womb, He called me and had a special purpose for me. It doesn't matter who or what others say I am. GOD, my Creator, chose me as His own. HE has given me a new name. My name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life!

I will answer only to the name He calls me. Regardless of my past, my flaws, struggles, and any name that could be attached to me that I don't want, I will not answer to that name. The name I answer to is what is important.

WHO DOES GOD SAY I AM?

He says I am His beloved. I am a daughter of the King of Kings! I am forgiven! I am redeemed! And that's only the beginning.

I am confident, but not in my own abilities-- I am confident that in my calling, I am fully equipped by Him to carry out that which He has called me to do.

I know who I am in Him. Because I know how much He loves me, it is much easier for me to trust Him-- because it is hard to trust someone if I don't feel that I am loved by them. Isn't that true with all of us?

Rest assured, YOU ARE LOVED! You can trust the One who knew you before you were formed and calls you by your name.

Do you want the crumbs or the whole cookie?

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 14:10:00 +0000

"Don't settle for crumbs when a FEAST has been prepared for you."

God has so much more for you than you could ever imagine! All He has for you is to nourish and strengthen you-- to cause growth so we will be STRONG and ready to run the distance.

I say this often, but I mean it--- with all that is in me-- We're not meant to just SURVIVE this life-- hangin on by a thread-- He has given us the power to OVERCOME! Don't settle! GO to Him---get the "feast", not the crumbs. He is not serving up sloppy seconds, either. YOU can go DIRECTLY TO HIM, on your own!

TODAY is a new day. His mercies are new every morning, the Bible says. I believe that. I've found it to be true. He wants to pour out His love on you. RUN, don't walk, to Him. "Crumbs" only last for so long-- if you are hungry for more, belly-up to His table-- enjoy all He has to offer from His feast prepared especially for YOU!

You are loved and from His love He has provided an answer for your every need.

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."~Psalm 34:8

To everything there is a season....

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 17:28:00 +0000

I am blessed to live in a region where the changing of seasons is vivid. I'm able to experience the long days filled with the warmth of the summer's sun-- the cool, crisp autumn with its multi-colored trees waving and shouting, "Look at me! Look at me!" --the winter's cold white snow blanketing the ground causing everything to appear pristine--and spring's spectacular flower show and nearly perfect temperatures reminding us all again of new life.

There have many many years when summer's sweltering heat and humidity was hard to endure, especially when it seemed to last longer than I felt it should.

And many times autumn seemed too short-- sandwiched between the relentless grip of summer, and the strong arm of winter, only a few weeks of my favorite season were recognizable.

After enjoying the first beautiful snow of winter, often the blistery snow storms, the dangerous ice storms would continue for what would feel like an eternity.

Spring often arrives gloriously but also drearily-- full of seemingly nonstop rains and violent storms.But a wonderful lesson is presented to me through each of these seasons-not only through the beauty that each has to offer me, but also through the portions I don't enjoy.... they teach me about HOPE.

Even during the coldest winter, the stormiest spring, the most miserable summers and the dreary fall days, I KNOW a new season is just around the corner. I never doubt it for a moment. I find myself longing for summer's heat (that I don't normally enjoy) when winter's cold is stifling my outdoor adventures. I never doubt that the trees will once again bear fruit when the last leaf has fallen in autumn. It actually causes me to appreciate spring's arrival all the more.

Seasonal celebrations and traditions are enhanced by the changing climate: pool parties in the summer, hayrides and campfires in the cooler fall, sledding in the winter's snow and gardening, hiking, bike riding and outdoor dining in the springtime.

I romanticize the seasons-- focusing on the best each has to offer, through memories and anticipation.
I know each will come and go-- nothing lasts forever.

My HOPE is made stronger after the passing of each. We experience seasons in our lives that are both wlecomed and embraced, and hard to endure. But each will end. A new season is just around the corner, with its own gifts that will bless us, as well as challenges to stengthen us, if we allow it.
There is something to learn and enjoy in every season, and of course, we'll have our favorites.

I've found Him to be present in every season of my life, whispering hope to my soul. When I become weary, He reminds me though the scritpures, and speaking to my heart, to focus on HIM--not so much on the changes occuring around me that I cannot control.

I share the same hope of a King [David] who lived and reigned thousands of years before I came to be--

"Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God."

My HOPE is in God--the maker of the seasons. And I, like King David, must remind my own soul where it is to put its hope. My Creator sees the leaves falling around me, prepares me for winters, promises the beauty of spring and a restful summer.

He is good. He can be trusted. He has a wonderful track record.

This WILL be a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 19:27:00 +0000

Changing what we do stems from changing how we think.
Things of value ( this would be all of us), should be treated as such.
Never again look at someone (including yourself) and say, "You're not worth it." Because nothing is further from the truth!

I am a daughter of God! I know my worth and value to my Father. I know I am an heir to His kingdom-- I believe He withholds NOTHING from me that would be for my benefit and/or the benefit of others through me.

I see the value and worth of those He places in my path. Including those reading this. I pray you come to know your worth, so you can live FREE as a child of a KING! Not "settling for crumbs when a feast has been prepared for you", as He spoke to my heart a couple of years ago.

For once, someone ELSE did the work, paid the price-- we can stop the struggling and resolve to surrender to Him. Accept His sacrifice-- He laid down His life for YOU! Valuable you!

He has made a way for all of us to be free from the very things many of us are vowing to change in the new year-- things that we may have little hope of truly laying aside. Not this year! THIS year can be the year when our direction changes as we follow the path He has created for us. The path that leads to freedom, peace, wisdom and always love.

Lay those heavy burdens down....allow HIM to carry them for you. This God with huge shoulders who loves to bless His sons and daughters has a FEAST waiting for you. You can dig in now! No need to wait!

Walk as a free man/woman this new year. FREE from addictions, bad habits, bitterness, jealousy, fear, shame, guilt, pride.... eat from His table this year. Dine in freedom on love, peace, contentment, joy, wisdom, health, patience, self-control and righteousness. All made available to us through his Spirit.

We mustn't allow anything to define us (not failures or accomplishments)--only who and what He says we are. Ask Him who you are to Him. Resolve and declare that THIS year, we will allow Him to love on us and through us. Fully. Unconditionally.

We won't "cross our fingers" that things will be different and hope for the best. We will declare now that THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT. WE WILL BE DIFFERENT.
Because of Him. Our Father.

LOVE to you all in 2015.

Close Encounters With Darkness

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 20:30:00 +0000

I remember the very first time it happened.

I was 15 years old when I first experienced this encounter with darkness- a darkness so black and heavy that my young heart felt as if it would crush underneath the weight.

This unfamiliar visitor, depression, decided to take up residence although no invitation had been extended, and I wasn't certain how it had entered my life.

I had been blessed with a natural sunny disposition, able to see the proverbial silver lining behind every cloud. I was the one who always managed to bring a smile to an otherwise sad face, and encourage a heart that needed a little nudge to find its path toward peace. But somehow, on this day, all that was familiar to me had disappeared in a thick cloud - a dark fog. A fog so thick, I could not see my way clear as my hope and joy was being choked out of my young teenage existence.

An ordinary circumstance that would leave any young girl's eyes filled with tears, but not a horrible incident by any means, became the introduction into a world I did not know truly existed until that day. A world where dark heavy cold blankets are wrapped tightly around those who visit there.

Although those that are tightly wrapped are more like prisoners and less like visitors.

I wanted to run from this horrible place but my feet would not move. They were shackled to the floor. My mind told them to get up and run but I was unable to loosen those shackles on my own. Severe hopelessness set in and my days and nights were blurring into one long never ending bad dream.

The memory of the initial pain that had brought me to this place, had now faded and was replaced by a much deeper overall, overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and despair. ..for all things in general. Everything was dark. My once happy-go-lucky spirit had been crushed beneath the weight of something so much more powerful than any emotion I had ever experienced. It was so foreign to me, I didn't even know what to call it. "Depression" didn't seem black enough to describe it.

Depression robbed my sleep, and blocked the brightness of the morning light that was created to give me hope. It left me tired, and lonely and full of fear. I feared that it would never leave or that I would be held prisoner endlessly and would spend the rest of my days choked by the thick fog that would not allow my escape. I would go to sleep with it in my bed, and awaken early in the morning with it by my side. A ball and chain had somehow made its way to an innocent girl and refused to be removed.

Nothing seemed to matter. This overwhelming sadness seemed to overshadow even the most joyous moments. My brain was clouded and unable to process thoughts properly. Common sense was not so common, and uplifting or encouraging words from others fell on deaf ears.

For the first time ever in my life, I experienced the feeling of no longer wanting to live.

I never thought about taking my own life, but was honestly hoping that my days would be shortened on this earth if this was how I would have to spend them. I could see no light at the end of the tunnel and had I seen it, it would have just been a cruel tease as my feet were unable to walk toward the opening had it presented itself to me.

I remember my mother allowing me to miss 2 weeks of school while she tried to get help for me. She took me to my doctor, who at the time was not much help. She would pray over me, the sweetest most heartfelt prayers, but even that did not break through the darkness.

She began telling me of her own experience with depression, and she shared her intimate secrets with me, of the pain she had struggled with for many years. She also began to read to me from the scriptures, words that brought little glimmers of hope to her soul, and scriptures that ultimately brought her out of the dungeon.

She told me of her many fears. Fears that she and I shared. Fears that our minds would never go back to the peaceful place they had been accustomed to . She then opened the Bible and read these words to me, and it was as if a powerful sword had sliced through the thick lingering cloud and the brightest light my eyes had ever seen was now not only visible, but penetrated my soul.

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

A sound mind? I had never known that the Bible contained scriptures relating to those struggling with mental issues, as I never really read much of the Bible for myself at that point. I mean, I had grown up in the church, and knew all the stories of Noah's Ark, and Creation, and Jonah in the belly of the whale, but as far as just reading it for my own knowledge, wisdom and peace, I'm ashamed to say that as a 15-year-old daughter of a Pastor, the Bible was not on my list of must reads.

My mother pointed me toward more and more scriptures on peace, and hope and joy and freedom from fear, and the more I read, the more these things became a part of my life once again. I could feel the heavy cloak falling off of my weak shoulders as I began to finally make my exit from the abyss.

I could not get over the fact that King David, in his Psalms, could articulate many of my very thoughts and feelings as his also dealt with fear and despair. I could relate so well to a KING, from thousands of years ago. The same life that sprung from the pages into my soul was the work of the Spirit of a LIVING God that King David was experiencing so long ago.

I had finally realized why this book had become so treasured to all those old folks who were always quoting from it . It had been become LIFE giving to them. And now to me. It was not just pages filled with fables and stories and poetry, it was life giving- hope giving- PEACE giving- those powerful inspired words written through men thousands of years before, had touched my young soul and inspired me to dig even deeper. And I didn't want to miss a thing.

So much of the words are now a part of who I am. They come to mind when I'm faced again with circumstances that rob my peace and joy and try to steal my hope. They cause life to be stirred up within me once again. Courage rises up- enough courage to hang in there and fight the fight- regardless of the size of my opponent.

Depression has tried to hold me down a few times over the years. It seems to disguise itself each time it makes it's entrance and tries to catch me unaware. But if you are one that has ever been a victim of this strong-armed enemy of your soul, you know it is no one you want to visit, let alone live near.

I am still experiencing disappointments, discouragements, pain, unanswered questions, and I have suffered in many ways that I can't fully share here, but no longer does depression hold me captive.

I will literally run in the opposite direction if I even sense darkness in the distance.

But now, I am not afraid. I have Peace. I have found a refuge.
I feel His presence. I know I am not in this alone. I know He is going before me and clearing a path for me. I feel His peace, and I can truly rest. My sleep is sweet. What a gift!

King David said it so well. Especially in the beginning and the end of Psalm 91;

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

"Because he loves me, says the lord, I will rescue him. I will protect him for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Psalm 91: 14-15

*There's a prideful part of me that would rather not share about this experience because depression is viewed by so many as a weakness, and some who have never battled with this powerful enemy do not realize that the victim CAN'T "just snap out of it!" so they may view those who suffer from depression as not only weak but lazy or selfish. But I continue to come across so many people (in my blog life and in my "other life") who are battling or who have battled with the same that I felt like sharing my story. Or part of it anyway. Because I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking that my life is or has been perfect or that I am always HAPPY, because I am not. But I have found my way clear of the darkness, and am so thrilled to be free that of course, I want to share the escape plan that worked for me, in the hopes, that some one else lost in the fog would see that little glimmer of hope, which will lead them to freedom...once and for all.

And then they can say, along with King David and me..."He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm." Psalm 40:2

A girl can dream...and I just happen to have a few (a repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 11:00:00 +0000

(Jordan Murphy Photo)

I have a dream that one day every child, in every nation will lie down in a comfortable warm bed, with a full belly and surrounded by the love of their family.

I have a dream that the intelligent minds of the world would grasp the importance of listening to the cries from the hearts and souls of those in need.

I have a dream that every adult would realize the importance and power of their words when landing on little ears.

I have a dream that one day the importance of teaching self-sacrifice and reaching out to others will top the lists of parental lessons passed down to their young.

I have a dream that one day we will not wait and rely on governments and leaders to begin the aid to the elderly, the poor and those who are sick, but we will first start the giving, assistance and healing and let them follow our lead.

I have a dream that one day our leaders will lead from their hearts, and not political agendas, and poll ratings and labels and fears.

I have a dream that one day every human will feel the love of their Creator and know their worth as a Divine creation of the Master's hand.

I have a dream that one day we will all decide that we will not be ready to leave this earth until we have made a difference...a change... a positive impact, a lasting impression that will forever benefit someone other than ourselves or our own.

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~William James

Every word we say today, every action or reaction will make some sort of difference (be it good or bad) in our lives and the lives of those we come across. Our words and actions will either encourage and build someone up, or they will tear them down... choose carefully.

AND DREAM BIG!

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

*I have posted this again today-something I wrote awhile back. I'm still dreaming these same dreams.

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 16:32:00 +0000

I saw this photo and I wanted to share it, because it I could see so much that mirrors what we do as we approach the New Year awaiting us....we bring a bunch of our junk along-- WAAAAYYYYYY too much junk.

So many things that we should leave behind, but instead we choose to spend the time carefully packing and stacking them, so we can lug them through another year---another back-breaking year!

It's obvious which things are worthy of a new trip-- wonderful memories, lessons learned, love, peace, joy, hope, dreams, ideas, creativity--things that never weigh us down, no matter how much of it we pack! But it's those other things-- those HEAVY ones that slow us down, hurt our backs and shoulders as we try to bring them along wherever we go because we just can't imagine leaving them behind, regardless of the misery they cause us.

You know the ones-- the bitterness we hold because of someone's hurtful words or deeds against us-- the resentment we feed when we are let down once again by someone we love and trust. The shame we feel over things we've done in the past that have caused harm to ourselves or others-- the regret that keeps us from moving forward. Fears that shackle our feet to the ground. Jealousy of others when we have no idea what people are actually dealing with, but we continue to begrudge someone of happiness because we may feel we've been slighted.

There's the same old sins, addictions and attitudes we carry around year after year-- those that have become so familiar to us, that we forget they are not a part of who we REALLY are, and we've decided to allow them to become a part of us, but they are taking up space for something much more valuable that should be in their place.

We have the power to do something about this ridiculously heavy load we've been accumulating over the years and trying to drag it through the days of our lives.

Time for a PURGE!
Time to lighten the load!

There are things we are hanging on to that need to be thrown away. Other things need to be given away, still others need to be BURNED in a huge bonfire! When we clean out a basement, or attic, or closet, cabinets, etc., we usually make three piles: Trash, Donate, Keep. And we must make the decision on every item our hand touches in order to bring order and make a change in what we see and in so the space can serve an actual purpose-- not just gathering junk!

If you're like me, the task may seem overwhelming and you may choose instead to run from the time-consuming task-- saving it for another day, another time, that never comes-- and the junk gets heavier, and more labor-intensive to make any head-way.

So, today-- as you approach yet anothe new calendar year, carefully decide what is worth taking with you.

Make your piles:

TRASH

-all those things you are hanging onto that are robbing you of joy--

UNFORGIVENESS
BITTERNESS
RESENTMENT
JEALOUSY
FEAR
GREED
PAST HURTS
SINS

DONATE/GIVEAWAY

-Those things never meant to be hoarded, although they are good--like our

FINANCIAL BLESSINGS
LOVE
PEACE
JOY
ENCOURAGEMENT

KEEP/USE

PRECIOUS MEMORIES
WISDOM
LAUGHTER
HOPE
DREAMS
CREATIVITY

If you are still saying, "I can't! There is too much here to clear out! I don't think I can part with it! And I don't have the time, or strength to get this job done", I have great news! I know this man......
He has HUGE shoulders--strong hands with a gentle touch. ALL He asks is that YOU lay these things at His feet. HE will take them from there.

Look at that photo again. Why in the world would we ever think a life filled with this much junk will ever get us to where we want to be? And oh, the weariness from lugging it around, every place we go. And the cost of maintaining it!

They don't call Him "Savior" for nothing! He specializes in the insurmountable! Try Him. What have you got to lose besides loads that you were never meant to carry? Find out for yourself what FREEDOM IN CHRIST is all about.

You may kneel before Him where you are. Tell Him your story. He's a great listener. Ask Him for forgiveness, RECEIVE it and allow His love to flow over you, and HIS PEACE to cover you like a blanket. His Spirit will enable you to overcome what you thought was impossible.
2014 awaits.....SKIP through this year with a lighter load.

TAKE NO JUNK!

Sweet Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 12:24:00 +0000

Photo by Jordan Murphy

We take so much for granted....just assuming "it's always been and always will be."

Today, I am grateful to be living in a country where I have the freedom to pray, gather together with my brothers and sisters in Christ and openly worship our Creator with no fear of punishment or harm (not the case in many countries in our world).

I can express my opinions and may receive criticism but I'm still afforded the opportunity to express them. I can freely vote to further express my opinions, and do so without fear (unlike many countries around the globe).

I can hold Bible studies in my home and publicly invite others to attend, I can share scriptures openly--verbally and through the Internet-- and ask for and offer prayer from and for others. I am not forced to "smuggle" the sacred scriptures into my home and I can openly share the Gospel, The Good News, with others.
-
THIS is freedom OF religion-and I for one, am very grateful that I am still allowed to follow Christ openly with no fear of retribution. That is not the case for many of my brothers and sisters in Christ living in other parts of the world-- not just as missionaries, but as natural-born citizens of other countries who have converted to Christianity and are now in harm's way-- their very lives and livelihoods at stake. We have no idea how blessed we are-- and to those who came before me who sacrificed to make this freedom possible, THANK YOU!

And to my brothers and sisters in Christ, offer a prayer of Thanksgiving for this blessed freedom.

Praying for wisdom for those who lead us and govern our people--that the Spirit of our Creator will whisper in their ears what is right and good and just. And give them the courage to carry it out.

To My Father

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I wrote a poem to my Father to try to articulate just how powerful the example he set for me was in regards to the relationship I now have with my Heavenly Father. I've shared it before, but am sharing it again in hopes that a Father will read it and be inspired to be such an example.

My relationship with God the Father was strengthened by the example you set

I know Him as my provider, as you have never failed to meet any need that was within your power to grant.

I know Him to be forgiving as you chose to look beyond my faults and give me another chance...and another one...and another.

I know Him to be all powerful as you have shown me how even you will try to move heaven and earth to fix any problem that would cause me harm.

I know of His wisdom, because you have enlightened me through His written word so I could understand what is best for me.

I know Him to be patient as you have tried to teach me the same things over and over, sometimes years of trying until I finally "got it"!

I know of His compassion as I watched you reach out to the lowest of the low,and to those who were down and out and "undeserving".

I know of His joy as you have passed along your wonderful sense of humor to me.

I know Him as my protector as I have always felt safe knowing that you are around and that NOTHING will ever come between the two of us.

I know of His peace because you have always been a refuge for me when I'm in need- I can always run and hide in your strong arms.

I feel the love of God in ways many may never know, not only because you have continually pointed me toward Him, but by your example as a Father here on earth. I know Him as One who takes pride in His creation who enjoys my company. I can feel His delight in me, and I know I am treasured--not because of who I am, but because of whose I am.

I am a unique creation of the Most High God. Valued highly and I am not replaceable.

Thank you, Dad, for giving me

this priceless gift.

Happy Father's Day!

I love you.

Don't just stand there--DO something!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:38:00 +0000

Billy Crystal candidly articulated what many of us feel when he admired the physically fit, rock-hard body of a fellow actor at an Academy Awards show, and I've never forgotten it.

"I'd do ANYTHING to look like that....well, except eat right and exercise!"

Now, before you click away thinking this is yet another New Year's Resolution Healthy Tip blog post, hang with me here, because Billy's statement actually resonates with many of us, regardless of the object/goals/dreams or just wishful thinking we are accustomed to jotting down this time of year.

Osmosis. I wish it were more common that it is--especially regarding growth in many areas of my life. If becoming physically fit with rock-hard abs could happen by osmosis, I'd begin saving my dollars to be the first in line to purchase it! Wouldn't it be nice to become smarter without having to read or study or take tests? I would also love to become wealthy without really having to work too hard. I'd love to be able to run in a marathon without having to put in those laborious hours of training. I want to become fluent in sign language and Spanish....by osmosis. And yes, become wise and spiritually sound like King Solomon and have the patience of Job just by wishing for it.

I think many of are wishing our lives away while we never make plan one, or even a feeble attempt to move toward a goal we'd like to meet.

What do you REALLY want?

If you're like me, anything I REALLY want, I will try to get it. And I don't meet try as in "wish" I'd get it, and mean I will plan and make the attempt to have whatever it is in my hands. (Think, Peanut Buster Parfait from the DAIRY QUEEN. It may be late, I may be tired, but if the mood strikes, and the craving begins, I will get up off the sofa, scrape up some money, get in my car and drive to purchase one.)

Why do so many fail at keeping resolutions they pledge to keep to start the new year? Or why will many avoid making them at all? I believe it's because we never plan to move toward our goals. We don't want to invest in the dream. We don't want to train our bodies or minds or spirits. We want these wonderful things to happen to us by osmosis.

So, with that said..what is it that you want? What do you really want? Write it down, then write down a few steps that will get you closer to getting what you want. Then, DON'T JUST STAND THERE, DO SOMETHING!

FOR YOUR BODY

Diet and Exercise

If you have the desire to be physically fit, obviously, some sort of exercise will be required to achieve that goal. Find a plan that you would enjoy. Some enjoy the gym. Call or local one, and a least visit once and see if it is doable. Others enjoy group classes like ZUMBA or SPINNING or water aerobics. Others prefer walking. Or home exercising with a DVD.....whatever it is, make the first step toward it. Sign up for the class. Purchase new sneakers, or dumbbells, or the DVD....then actually SHOW UP! You will be one step closer to becoming fit!

If eating right is your goal, make out your grocery list that includes many more fruits and vegetables. Don't purchase the sweets or sodas or bags of chips, or whatever may be your downfall food. Look up some healthier recipes from healthy food you actually like... make it possible and convenient to stick with healthier eating by actually having healthy food within reach!

FOR YOUR MIND

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to educate yourself. This may include formal/higher education, but also READING and learning about things of interest will enhance your life, makes life more interesting (and you'll be more interesting also). I ask alot of questions. I GOOGLE for many answers, I then may purchase a book to find out more on the subject, or sign up for a class that gives me more knowledge. I love to learn!

The local library houses thousands of free books on every subject imaginable. The Internet has videos you can watch to learn how to do something you've been wanting to learn to do, or if you are an audio/visual learner, on a video on a certain subject matter will benefit you.

Sign up for ONE CLASS at a local community college. One class will allow you more time to focus on the subject and is much more affordable. Most colleges offer online courses for those unable to go to the campus for classes. You may find that you really enjoy the subject and will desire to learn more, or decide to earn a degree in the field of your choice. There is so much more to learn. Don't limit yourself regardless of your age or background.

FOR YOUR SPIRIT

First Things First

Start at the beginning here. The starting point is at the feet of Jesus. Come humbly before Him. Be honest about your situation. Tell Him your heart's desires. Ask forgiveness of Him and thank Him for the sacrifice He made on your behalf- dying on the cross for your sins and cleansing you from all unrighteousness. Ask for strength. His strength to overcome. Lay your burdens down at his feet. Allow His Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct you from this day forward.

BIBLE READING

Fist of all, Bible reading is NOT boring or drudgery. We are unlocking answers to the many questions that arise in our life. In addition to the greatest plan of Salvation and eternal life, there is unlimited wisdom to be gleaned for our day to day lives. It draws us closer to our Creator and we listen to hear His voice as we read the words He inspired.

You can start a daily bible plan, like "reading the bible through in a year" , but sometimes that becomes overwhelming for some, and it causes them to quit altogether, Some like to begin the new year by reading a chapter in Proverbs each day (since there are 31 of them).

I like to begin in Matthew, and reread the life and times of Jesus while he walked among us. I like to see how HE acted and reacted to those around him. The believers and unbelievers. You may actually be surprised when you read it in context.

Joining a BIBLE STUDY in a small group is also beneficial. Some are held in the church in Sunday School classes or mid-week services, others are held in the homes. Small group studies are very beneficial as they help to form friendships and bonds and relationships among fellow believers. Something that we will find more important in the upcoming days. We are able to bounce questions/ideas/answers off each other and gain fresh perspectives. It also helps us commit to reading and studying and gives food for thought for our daily lives. Call a local church to find if there are any you would be interested in attending.

A devotional book is a great way to begin your quest into the Word of God. They are a great way to begin your day and start your "conversation/meditation" with Him. I recommend "JESUS CALLING" and MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, but here are countless good ones. Make a visit to your local Christian bookstore . Ask their opinion as well. If the price is too steep, check out the same book on Amazon.com

CHURCH ATTENDANCE

I cannot tell you the many benefits of finding a local church body to become a part of. In addition to hearing the word of God preached through a spiritual leader who devotes himself to prayer and reading of the Word and offers an inspired and fresh perspective, the fellowship of believers is so important. There is strength in numbers! Prayer when needed, visitation to hospitals, prisons, clothing rooms, feeding programs, Seniors groups, youth ministries, Bible schools, ,etc., are all a part of this beautiful family of God who meet together frequently to strengthen those ties that bind. To attend as a family, and become a part of a local body will strengthen you as well. You will learn alot about the Word of God, loving each other as family, and persevering.

A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP

The best thing you can do for yourself, is to develop that personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as our relationships here on earth require time spent and sacrifice on our part, we must choose to spend time talking to Him, consulting Him on issues and decisions (through prayer and reading His word) in order to strengthen that relationship and become more like Him. it does NOT happen by osmosis. It is a commitment. And you be be thrilled with the outcome of this commitment. Unlike other things we commit ourselves to that drain us physically and emotionally, this commitment offers strength and REST! Jesus said, Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest." He goes on to tell us to learn of Him, as we yoke ourselves to Him.

Regardless of where you find yourself lacking, you must make a plan to move toward your goal. Don't just WISH things would be different in 2013, PLAN for things to change! You can do this!

To "-er" is Human in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 01:48:00 +0000

So, here we are-anticipating the arrival of spring, just as we were all anticipating the arrival of the new year just a few months ago...you remember-when we each were vowing to make major life-changes and drop old habits by the simple declaration of a resolution.

Well, not everyone made resolutions because there are many conflicting ideas as to whether are not they are beneficial. I've pondered the remarks from those who are either too "cool" to resolve to do anything differently,or those who don't believe in setting oneself up to fail, against those who believe anything is possible if it begins with a goal.

I have resolved to do many things and failed and I've set no goals and succeeded (in the fulfillment of nothing) and really,I ask you- which is worse?

So this year, I compromised. In my human-ness, I decided to "-er".

Here was my plan:

I did not resolve to become a healthy eater and fitness nut because I knew by day two, sometimes as early as day one, I would cheat, fall short, fail or give up ...but I did resolve to become healthi-ER than I have been in the past ...THAT was possible-foreseeable-doable- attainable.

I may not be able to have a perfect temperament in every situation, but I resolved to be kind-ER and gentl-ER, in 2011.

I knew that most likely I wouldn't sign up for some extra college courses this year, but I look forward to becoming smart-ER about the things I know little of including things that don't necessarily hold my interest presently.

I might not make the best decisions in each situation, but in 2011, I resolved to be wis-ER about the choices I make regarding my time, my energy, my money and my actions.

I am a goal setter, but I prefer setting realistic goals that build upon each other in order to place myself in full view of the prize. And it is obvious that those goals must begin with a plan as well as a concentrated effort on my part. So, I resolved to become bett-ER about planning and following through with my good intentions.

And how is that going, you ask? Well, a less-ER woman would get defensive when that question is asked, but I will say, I am a bett-ER woman for even making the attempt to move forward when it would be much easier just to sit back, relax and stay just the same.

So, as I enter this new spring season, full of hope and wonder, I lift my fruit smoothie to the sky and offer a toast: "Here's to the rest of 2011- may it be filled with "-ers" that will make your former human self green with envy!"

A Little Child Shall lead Them (a repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:00:00 +0000

This was one of my very first posts from a few ago when I began blogging. It's also one of my first articles to be published in a regional magazine. It has always been one of my favorite "life lessons" that I learned from my children.

Many years ago during the early years of our marriage, my husband and I were preparing for yet another Christmas holiday, putting together our gift list and planning to give to a very worthy cause.

My brother had told us of a church nearby that had parked a semi-truck in their parking lot and were going to fill it with furniture, gifts, toys and clothes and drive it to a community in Mexico to be distributed to the needy villagers there.

We were struggling financially, so there were no new items to purchase, however, we had plenty of extra clothes and toys we could donate.

I went through my closet and pulled out a large pile of clothes that we no longer wanted or needed, picked out a few other items from around the house, then went to talk to my 4-year-old son about going through his toy box to give from his abundant collection of unwanted toys.

I explained to him that his toys would be going to children who may have never had their own toys and many had no parents or family to help meet their needs. We discussed how very sad their life was in comparison to ours, and although we didn't have much money, we would be considered rich in their eyes. I told him how any toys that he decided to give away would help put a smile on the face of a needy child many miles away.

I left him alone in his room so he could sort through his toys so he could choose the toys he didn't want to play with anymore. A few moments later, he emerged from his room with two contributions; a fuzzy lamb backpack full of books and a pair of "Pound Puppy" house shoes.

He handed them to me and said, " Here Mommy. Give these to those kids to make them happy."

When I saw his gift choices, I thought he had misunderstood what was going to happen to his gifts.

"Now, you won't be seeing these again, they will stay in Mexico with the kids", I said, certain that he must have been too young to understand this concept.

"I know. I don't think they have puppy shoes and lamb backpacks in Mexico", he explained.

In that moment, my entire perspective on giving to the needy changed.

Let me explain the significance of his gifts.

Each morning when he awoke, he would fill this lamb backpack, (his favorite) with books for me to read to him each day. If we finished reading those books, he would refill it. He would walk around the house wearing this backpack and would take one out and ask me to read one aloud to him. He loved the backpack, and so enjoyed the many books we would read together.

The "Pound Puppy" shoes basically never came off his feet unless we were going out of the house. He would even sleep in them! They were just white slippers with puppy heads on them but he was so attached to these little shoes.

I looked at the two gifts he had chosen to give, then I glanced at the LARGE pile of "gifts" I had chosen to give.

Mine were clothes that were out of style, didn't fit , or things I just didn't care to keep. His were the two most cherished items from his collection of treasures.

I was immediately humbled.

A four-year-old child was giving the very best he had to someone he didn't even know because he wanted to make them smile. He was HAPPY to give his most cherished possessions if it meant making life better for someone else.

I went back to my closet, picked out my best Sunday dress, with the matching shoes and purse and laid them on the top of my pile as I asked forgiveness for my very selfish "generosity".

I really had not given anything. I was getting rid of things I didn't want to help make space for the new and improved items that would soon take their place.

My four-year-old child led the way to inspire my giving from a heart of love and true compassion.

As we make our plans to give again during this season, ask yourself a couple of questions?

What can I give that would put a smile on some one's face?
How can I help lighten some one's load?
Am I truly giving from a heart touched by compassion or am I just giving my "sloppy seconds"?

Will you allow a child lead you?

How I became a Grandmother (in two words...well, several two-word lines)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 11:52:00 +0000

son-Army

Mom-tears

leaves-bootcamp

letters-lots

heart-aches

all-wait

10-weeks

finally-ends

holiday-break

son-loves

time-flies

son-engaged

thumbs-up

son-moves

far-away

time-drags

married-yes!

love-abounds

couple-plans

child-wanted

couple-waits

little while

months-later

phone-news

"GRANDMA!"-wow!

tears-fall

heart-swells

knees-weak

shopping-NOW!

Male?Female?

all-wait

call-"GIRL!"

all-cheers!

Shopping-FUN!

dreaming-starts

Army-done!

discharge-honorable

Move-HOME!

Family-THRILLED!

months-nine

time-drags

belly-grows

back-aches

excitement-builds

couple-sweet

time-flies

Momma-ready

call-"NOW!"

Nonna-nervous

drives-fast

labor-slow

all-wait

time-finally

push-hard!

baby-born!

cord-cut

all-cry

eyes-cry

heart-swells

knees- weak

excitement-builds

baby-perfect

Nonna-proud

baby home

all-well

Nonna-helps

Nonna-kisses

Nonna-holds

Nonna-melts

love-much!

Smile-permanent

Paw-paw-Smitten

Baby-Lia

God's gift

Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen....and Survived!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:17:00 +0000

US Olympic gymnast, Gabby Douglas fell during her beam routine last night. Not only she did not receive the coveted Gold Medal spot (as she has enjoyed recently), she didn't earn any medal in this category.

Only days before, she finished first in the all-around competition (the most-coveted achievement by Olympic gymnasts), as she led her US teammates to capture the gold medal.

After her fall, she quickly hopped back on the narrow beam (which I'm sure suddenly seemed more narrow than usual) and finished her routine and cheered on her teammate who was awarded the bronze medal.

Such is life. One day we're on top, the next day we may stumble and someone quickly takes our place in the spotlight. In no way does this prove we weren't good enough or well-prepared, it simply means that we are human- and "perfection" or success in any area is the goal, not always the reality.

Do you see the muscles in her thighs? Those muscles didn't come from quitting when she fell...that strong definition of muscle tone came from the countless hours and many times she hopped back on the beam and continued her discipline regardless if she landed on top or on the floor.

Here's to all of us in our attempt to succeed in our lives- falling on the floor doesn't mean it's over, it means we now have a different view--perspective from the floor is also very valuable.

Learn the lessons from the floor and the beam routine will become stellar!

To Tattoo or Not Tattoo, that is the question....

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 11:44:00 +0000

I'm reposting this account of my reaction of my son's tattoo. Yes, I'm ashamed of how I reacted. Maybe when you read this- you'll see what a poor choice I made handling this situation and will avoid the same behavior should something similar happen to you.

I'm a survivor. I survived the parenting of three teen-aged sons!

I have battle wounds, lifelong scars and some great stories to pass down to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

My sons are three very unique personalities so "something new" was always coming up or going down in the Murphy house.

Some of my parenting skills were adopted by others who thought I was doing a great job rearing three boys (blind leading the blind) but as you will see, my most shining moments as a parent, were usually preceeded by a blundering attempt controlled by knee-jerk reactions. (Now I know where the word JERK originated)

There were times, though, I would feel very passionate about an issue and there was no moving this Momma! Some of those things I don't regret, but other things I did not handle properly at all, and later, I would find the need to apologize to my sons. Sometimes the apology would come immediately, other times it has come years after the fact when it just dawned on me that I hurt them.

I am happy to report that my sons are very merciful!

One particular incident that I handled all wrong was the tattoo debate.Once the boys hit about 13-years-old, they would start asking, "In a few years can I get a tattoo?"

"No." I would reply ,very matter-of-factly. End of discussion.
The issue would arise again and again. In fact, some foreshadowing took place when #2 was in the 6th grade. He wrote an essay on what he wanted to be when he grew up.

"I want to be an architect," he declared.

I was so proud. He was already a great artist and had such an eye for detail. I knew architects were paid well so he wouldn't have to struggle financially like his father and and did for so many years. I began instantly dreaming of the pride that would come by being able to say, "My son is an ARCHITECT."

Have you ever heard the scripture, "Pride comes before a fall"?

Well, it was like I fell out of a 10-story building and landed belly down on some pointed sharp object when I read the rest of the sentence in his essay...

"Or own a tattoo parlor."

A TATTOO PARLOR?

What the...?

Whose kid in the 6th grade wants to be an architect by day and work in his tattoo parlor at night?

Did I mention my kids were weird? No member of our family has ever been like the majority around us. Yep. We're all weird.

I let that one go, thinking he was just speaking nonsense, although he did get put in time out once for drawing tattoos on kids in the classroom that very same year.
I guess I was in denial or something.

Anyway, when the boys would start asking about getting a tattoo, I would always say ,"Sure. So long as your very first is a picture of me and it says "I love my MOMMY on it!" That would usually end the discussion for the day.

I would find sketches he had drawn of possible tattoos laying around the house.
(More foreshadowing). I would then sketch my "I love my MOMMY!" design and leave it with his artwork.

When he was a senior, many of his friends had already had a tattoo, and his begging was driving me up the wall! (and you all KNOW what a great driver I am!)

I would explain for the 57,987,210th time, my many reasons he should NOT go ahead with such a silly idea.

1. I know him.

He changes his mind every time he blinks, and although he thinks it sounds like a great idea right now, he'll change his mind later and be stuck. (Did I mention that his mind had actually "stuck" with this desire for 6 years?!)

2. He could catch Hepatitis, Aids, or a bad infection from a dirty needle used by the heroin addicted tattoo artist.

Yeah, I've seen some of the parlors around here.

3. He may not land the perfect job as an architect when they either saw his tattoo or asked him if had had any during the job interview.

( I know this would be an illegal question to be asked in an interview, but he was only 17. He had no idea).
I know that was not a great parenting skill demonstrated right there, but Hey, do as I say, not as I do--Or did.

4. He has a beautiful back and that would just "mess it up"!

5. You shouldn't mess with what God gave you.

It's just not right.
(Did I mention that I have double pierced ears and get my hair colored and highlighted every month? Yeah, well that's WAY different.)

Anyway, the debate continued for what seemed like an eternity. But I always felt that at the end of our one-sided "discussion", he would agree- it was not a good idea after all.

On a cold, blistery day in January, the day after his 18th birthday during his senior year, I went to awaken him for school. There he lay, on his belly, muscular arms wrapped around a pillow, his beautiful back all cut and...what is that? His beautiful back had GRAFFITI on it!

"Oh #2, HOW COULD YOU!" I asked. Okay, I asked loudly. Okay, I YELLED at the top of my lungs! (I'm not proud of my reaction, but I'm trying to be transparent here.)
My reaction even surprised me. We then had a big yelling match, right before school.
I was going over all the reasons he shouldn't have, he was telling me all the reasons why I was crazy! Then he left for school, with a slam of the door and a screech of his tires.

Alone with my thoughts, I realized that my biggest issue was I felt he had defied me. That my reason and logic and parental influence was no longer a powerful factor in my son's life as it had been when he was younger.

Those are actually valid reasons to be upset, however, never valid reasons to react like a crazed woman! I was hurt. I was angry.

I called my sister and started ranting, "You will NOT believe what #2 did!". I went on and on, now giving her the reasons why he should not have done this.

She allowed me to rant for a bit, then she answered me. Her answer was very sobering (not that I was drunk or anything. (although at that moment, had booze been in the house...).

She calmly said, "Sher, I'd give anything to see Sean lying in his bed with a tattoo on HIS back."

Her son had been killed in a Jeep accident when he was 16.

That was a defining moment in my life. The day that these insignificant differences that I had made HUGE deals about just all fell into perspective.

I could not wait till he returned from school so I could kiss his beautiful back, tell him I was sorry for my reaction and let him know how much I love him.

As soon as he entered the door, I rushed to him to apologize, kiss and love him. We both just cried, holding each other. Lucky for me he has a heart of gold and is very merciful.

He then said , "Mom, did you even see it?"

"No." (my eyes were more blurred than normal with rage!)

He proudly lifted his shirt and explained the tattoo's significance.

It was a four leaf clover ( proudly representing his Irish heritage). Boxing gloves were inside the clover. One with his late Grandpa's name on it, "Chick" who was a golden glove boxer in the army who he never got to meet. The other glove had Sean's name on it. Sean had just started boxing a few months before his death.

I cried some more.

I was so ashamed of my reaction, especially when this meant so much to him and the meaningful symbols he chose just made what had offended me earlier, become something very beautiful in my eyes.

This was the beginning of my trying to find out the back story when people act in ways in which I don't approve . To dismiss a person entirely, due to an outward sign, or behavior is missing out on the VALUE of that person.
I know of people who have quit speaking to their children because they have done things that have "disrespected the family" or church. I'm sorry, but my children are MY CHILDREN who will always receive my love and guidance. I don't have to agree with their choices, but I am required to love them. (And not flip out when I disagree with choices they have made that do not please me.)

I'm counting on the same from God. Regardless of how bad I mess things up, I still feel His love, and I can take these things before Him for forgiveness, cleansing and guidance. Always. And forever.

Now my son has another tattoo. You can see it in the above photo. It is a scripture within a cross that has special meaning to him.

I kiss it when I see it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was originally written three years ago. Son #2 is getting ready to be a father in a few months. As you can see by the photo below, he now has MANY tattoos--all very meaningful to him--the "sleeves" are actually illustrated bible stories (that he designed) that hold particular meaning to him. He recently purchased his own tattoo gun and has begun tattooing others on the side. No tattoo "parlor", just fulfilling his dream. His lovely wife Sol has a brother who is an Architect. :)

Murphy Marriage: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 09:00:00 +0000

*I wrote this last year- in response to the questions I would receive when people learned we've been married so long after marrying so young. Rarely does a couple who marry when the bride was still 17 (yes, I had graduated high school, but hadn't turned 18 yet- my parents had to sign for me) and the groom was only 21. I don't think a betting man would have put much money on this marriage (as many others didn't) but what do they know? Now I actually speak o the topic of marriage, sharing from my own good, bad and ugly attempts at wedded bliss. I think it's important to share not only what works, but what doesn't! And I've actually learned more from what doesn't! The only thing that has changed since writing this last year is the date, so it has been updated.

Today, Big AL and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary! Yes, we started young, and began adding to our family just two years after that, then every three years we added another son until, by the age of 27, I already had three sons!

Looking back, although we had many struggles, I have no regrets of marrying so young.

There are many things I wish I could do over, though, if given the chance, but we all know that is impossible, so I can only choose to do the next best thing, which is learn from my mistakes and try not to continually repeat them...on purpose, anyway. ;)

I think we have a very healthymarriage--not always an easy one- and yes, there were times over the last three decades that it would have been very easy to say, "I'm done, here." But a feisty Italian girl and a mild-mannered yet stubborn Irishman have always realized that we had much more going for us than anything that could ever destroy us--and we fought for what was rightfully ours--a good relationship!

Don't think we are just "lucky". Nothing could be further from the truth! NO relationships (whether it involves spouses, friends or business partners) ever lasts 3 decades without some major work on both sides. Healthy marriages don't just happen- they happen on purpose. And yes, it takes two.

Our strong points include that we are still physically attracted to each other (and no, that's not shallow. It's important.) We try to keep the attention of each other, and that is done ON PURPOSE. There are all sorts of ways to keep the interest even after 3 decades...see photo below. ;)

Yep! I think we were off to a good start!

Gotta fan those flames!

*This photo was taken on Valentine's Day a couple of years ago. I made a Chinese dinner for the two of us, complete with music, Asian table setting and I wore a kimono.

Let's just say... the evening was a success.

This sure beats hamburger helper served in a tattered tee and sweatpants, dontcha' think? It's those "intentional" moments that are appreciated.

More importantly, we respect each other. We are VERY different personality types, which can open us up to lots of friction at times.I think he's too quiet, he thinks I should be quieter.(Like that's ever gonna happen!)

Guess what? It ain't gonna happen! THIS is the way we were created and also is one of the things about the other that attracted us. Although it's still frustrating at times, we can see the perfect balance of our opposite personalities. God knew what He was doing when we brought us together. We need the balance. It's actually a wonderful survival tool.

The older we get, it is much easier to overlook things that really are of no consequence.Does it REALLY matter that he leaves the toilet seat up in the middle of the night? Well, yes it does if mine is the rear that hits the cold water , however, that can be easily remedied with a simple prank that doesn't require a nagging comment from me. Nagging is much easier, but usually doesn't change much. We intentionally, look for ways to laugh at things that could otherwise make us really angry.

We learned the importance of arguing without hateful comments. (It CAN be done!) And we've both learned to hold our tongue when a tongue-lashing would only cause more pain and or scarring. (Big AL is much better at this than I am!)We argue much less than we did when we were younger. And when we do, the duration is short. And no, I'm not a 100% tongue-holder- still working on that one. But I can call myself an 80% tongue-holder. (95% on a good day.)Not bad for a peri-menopausal woman!

We also enjoy making each other happy.NO "looking out for number one" here. I serve him, he serves me. SO much more rewarding than hoarding for ourselves.

We've learned to VALUE each other.

If you believe that each person on this planet was created in the image of God (even if they are now unrecognizable from the initial created intent), it is much easier to see their value as a one-of-a-kind creation. Anything we value, we take care of-protect-give a special place-esteem highly. There were times when I didn't see his value- his worth- especially if I thought he was wrong! The more I dwell on his worth, the easier it is to take good care of him. I WANT to serve him. I want to be gentle with him. I want to protect him. He is not replaceable. I don't want to lose him, or damage him. And yes, I believe I have the power to do both.

We take vows seriously.

We vowed to love, honor, cherish each other, forsaking all others... till DEATH do us part! Why would we bother saying that if we didn't intend to keep those vows? And when and if our feelings change, do the vows then become void?

If I sign my name on a home mortgage because this house was "everything I always wanted!" and then later, I find that I need a bigger one, a better one, one with more features I deserve, can I just stop making the mortgage payments and walk away?
Well, I CAN, but I will pay a big price...for many years to come.

I am bound to an oath I signed. A promise I made to be faithful in fulfilling my oath. Our feelings wane from day to day. One day, I feel the love so strongly I could burst! But there have also been days in the past I thought to myself, "What was I thinkin'?

The commitment to the vows we made, "For better or worse", can sometimes be the very glue that keeps us where we belong. I want to be a woman of my word. Not a woman who is blown around by every wind. I am proud to be called a faithful wife.My husband has no worries- he knows I can be trusted.

THE BAD: There were times when the boys were growing up and Big AL worked long hours and was exhausted when he was home, and I resented him for that. I felt as if we were cheated on quality time spent with him. I felt that too much pressure was on me as the disciplinarian as well as the many other roles I didn't want to fill. My resentment caused me to be miserable at times. And you've heard the old saying...
"If Momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!" Well, I'm
ashamed to say that was probably true more often than I'd like to admit.

Only later in our marriage did I learned to live by the philosophy, "It is, what it is." Deal with it.

If you never take away another tip from an old married lady, put this one in your pocket. RESENTMENT IS UGLY!strong> It looks good on no one! It is a detriment not only to relationships, but to souls as well. It is a cancer that will devour any living thriving cells in its path. It is the beginning of the end. It leads you down a path going no where. Well, actually, all paths lead somewhere- resentment leads to a path of all things bitter. WHO in their right mind wants a life full of bitterness?

When I decided to forgive and let go of disappointments and unfulfilled expectations,
I finally was able to enjoy my marriage fully- maturely, as it was intended for me to enjoy it.

I can honestly say that I LOVE my husband-with everything in me! We have a physical bond as well as an emotional and spiritual one. We share a love for our Creator and Savior and that has always brought us even closer. The Bible says that a "three-strand cord is not easily broken." So we work on building those "cords". We are bound together in body, spirit and souls. Rather than shredding the cord by picking apart everything about him that drives me crazy, I want to continue to strengthen that cord- In every possible, conceivable way.

Ours is not a perfect marriage, but a loving one. It is strong-s even stronger as the years go by.I feel very blessed to have the relationship I have with my Big AL. God knew exactly what I needed. He is a good balance for this otherwise "off-balanced" lady.

And yes, 3 decades later, I get butterflies when I see him. I do still think he HAWT!I choose to be with him over others. I want to grow old with this same man I have grown up with.

To you, Big AL--may we enjoy many more loving years together as we continue to strengthen that cord. That cord becomes a lasso, luring the other even closer.

Happy Anniversary! My love. My life. My better half. My soul's desire.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry? Well...in moderation.

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 19:38:00 +0000

Have you ever given much consideration to the subject of Gluttony?

Well, other than the uncomfortable moments after a heavy holiday meal when you vow to never eat again...until a few hours later when the bloat goes down, and those memories of sugar plums dancing in your head get the best of ya, as you indulge AGAIN!

I've thought about it from time to time--always after I've eaten too much and feel horrible--physically and emotionally- the guilt that follows after over-indulging is just as uncomfortable as the waist in my jeans after a Thanksgiving feast!

I've laughed about it--joked about it-- justified it--tried to stop doing it-failed miserably and then just ignored the fact that sometimes, I am given to gluttony. On a bad day, it may be many times throughout my day.

"If a handful of peanut M&Ms taste good, then the whole bag would be wonderful!"
"If a small piece of cake after my meal is good, then a large piece would be AWESOME!!"

That mentality has not only caused my tiny natural size 4 figure to "blossom a bit " over the years,but it has also left me with a feeling of disappointment. I'm disappointed that a woman of my age, with a pretty strong will who is able to say NO to many things that I know would not benefit me, has been failing at overcoming the urge to splurge when it comes to food.

The following is a part of a Bible study on Gluttony I recently held in m home. ANd before you say ths would be a deinite case of the blind leading the blind...as I told the girls in my group, blind people can't see the path-- I now can see. My eyes have been opened. What I choose to do with this vision before me, has yet to be determined. I've not mastered it--but I will overcome! And you all will get to be the witnesses of the MIGHTY power of God! Because "His strength is made perfect in my weakness." and I will be the first to admit, this an area of weakness for me.

The definition of a GLUTTON is "one who is given habitually to greedy and an insatiable appetite for eating and drinking."

It is sheer defiance of reasonable, balanced behavior. Gluttony is the EXCESS consumption of food/drink. Taking in much more than we need.

Synonyms for gluttony : To cram, stuff or guzzle.

(nice visual there)

Now, there are three things to remember here, before I go any further:

1. Gluttons can be skinny people.

2. All who are overweight are not necessarily gluttons.

3. According to the scritpure, GLUTTONY is sin.

*And for the sake of time and space of this study, we will be handling to gluttony/food portion of this topic.

Gluttony is not just "unpleasant", it is sinful behavior, that will lead us down a road to destruction.
Let's take a look at some of the scripture references on gluttony:

Proverbs 23:20-21:

"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunken and glutton will come to poverty and slumber will clothe them with rags."

Phillipians3:19

"Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things."

*That part about their god being their belly--makes me think of America...nd one red-haired woman in particular.

Proverbs 23:2

"And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony."

* I should be a dead woman.

Psalm 78:18

"They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved."

There are more, but this is just for starters.

I think we can tell by just a few of these scriptures, it is much more serious than most of us believe. It is sinful.

We have taken something God has provided for us a means to sustain and strengthen our bodies, and made it something different entirely, by consuming it in massive amounts-- sometimes, many times throughout the day.

"The stomach was not made for food, but food was made for the stomach."

God, in His goodness, created food for us to not only to eat to sustain us, but He went a step further and made it tasty so we could also enjoy it--in moderation. (He's good that way)

But I notice that especially here in America, our huge portions have become acceptable and average, so often we are tricked into believing we are fine. Normally, we don't give the subject of gluttony a second thought until our own vanity steps up and screams NO MORE when we catch a glimpse of buldges, flab, or fat we're not accustomed to seeing in the mirror.

Or possibly, we feel the need to cut back when a doctor tells us we need to lose weight due to heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes or other physical illnesses, which have been linked to overeating, and especially those linked to overeating the foods that aren't healthy for our bodies.

But gluttony is not wrong only when it shows, it's wrong before the effects are measurable, like every other sin we deal with.

Therein lies the problem. Like other sins, we feel we can get away with committing them for awhile before any ill effects are evident- which is precisely why our Creator, in His wisdom, gave us guidelines-- because He knows that eventually, without moderation and self-control, our paths will end up going down a slippery slope to the road to destruction.

We shouldn't wait to see the effects of our actions before we obey His words. His guidelines are always for our BENEFIT--not to take away pleasure--but to do just the opposite, actually. It is so while we are here in these earthly bodies, we may experience MORE pleasure.

In a 12-step program that we are all familiar with, they always say "the first step is to admit you have a problem." And I agree. However, much like alcoholics and/or drug addicts, we can't just STOP AT STEP ONE! Admitting we are gluttons, or alcoholics/addicts, etc., gets us no closer to freedom than the day we never uttered the phrase.

We must not only admit we have a problem, but begin TREATING IT!

We must treat this excessive behavior as we do other sins we struggle with.

1. Confess (call it what is is. Don't call it "over eating"-- call it gluttony, and admit you are guilty of it.)

2. Ask for forgiveness. Like any other sin we bring before the Lord, when we ask forgiveness, sincerely, He is "faithful and just to forgive our sins and heal us of all unrighteousness."

3. Ask for His Spirit to help you OVERCOME! A fruit of the Spirit is self- control. So, you think you don't have enough self-control to overcome? Not a problem. That's where bowing to HIS spirit comes in. DYING to our flesh and allow His spirit to rule and reign in our mortal bodies is the key.

4. Stop making provisions for your flesh. (Don't have snacks lying around the house. "Just in case. " Plan in advance how you can overcome. "I will eat when I'm hungry-till I'm full- not miserable. I will not snack unless I need strength between meals.)

5. When you feel the urge to splurge (on another piece of cake- or seconds of a great-tasting food, or eating when you're not hungry) PRAY! Read the scriptures! Declare the word of the Lord regarding this.

I love this thought my sister-in-law Judy shared at the bible study: Drop the word "try" from your vocabulary. It really is a wimpy word. "I'll TRY to do better." I'm gonna TRY to get this under control." --It's like we our giving ourself an out because we expect ourself to fail. (I think that is so true!)

Instead, declare HIS words of victory. " I WILL get a handle on this and I WILL demonstrate self-control because "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!" ~Phillipians 4:13

(Part II soon to follow)