Matter of Fact

The Messenger

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:38:00 +0000

*This post was written a couple of years ago. I decided to share it again for two reasons. I love reading about a stressful time in my life that ended up turning out well- a great reinforcer that builds my faith- and also, hopefully, it will give encouragement to those who are in the middle of a stressful situation presently. As my Momma says, (and Jesus said it before her ) "...And this too, shall pass."
For the last few months, we have been experiencing financial problems. Probably not unlike the rest of Americans, and I'm certain we are better off than many throughout the world, but it has been a very difficult time for us. Beginning with a series of unfortunate events; the economy's effect on car sales (Big AL's income), and my job ending at the car lot,and Big Al's Motorcycle wreck that introduced more bills and a loss of work for a short time. Because I am not the one who handles our bills, it is much easier for me to bury my head in the sand and choose to remain oblivious about our situation....not as easy for my husband, on whom the financial burden lies.

It was getting really scary here lately and although I was beginning to fear what would be around the corner for us, God sent a messenger to us. Not to bring us money,or to help us meet any physical need we have, but to speak to our souls- calm our fears, and let us know that He is looking out for us and He will provide for our needs.

I hesitated to share this story here-but I think I need to.

The Messenger

I was home, beginning to worry a bit about Big Al, because he was about an hour late for supper. I had carefully planned a meal around the staples we had in the cabinets, trying to stretch a dollar while creating something warm and appetizing on a cold, rainy fall evening. The spaghetti dinner was still warming on the stove, when my neighbor arrived to show me a new outfit she had purchased to wear to a special occasion.

We talked about her recent weight loss and her daughter's Senior Night at the volleyball game and shared some laughs, but all the while, I was still wondering where my husband was and why he had not called me to tell me he would be late.

My front door flew open, and entering was one of my sons. He was looking for a bag of clothes I had washed for him (I know, I know- I still help them out when I can).
I yelled to him from the other room that I had already sent them home with his brother. (They both live about 1 block away.)

In the next moment, Big AL came in and non-chalantly says, "I need some clothes...we have a homeless guy out here and he's soaking wet."

My neighbor and I exchanged wide eyed glances as Big AL goes upstairs, grabs some clothes, hands them to my son , who leaves with the homeless man.

Now, just to insert here, I live in a very small community and homelessness is not common here. But there was also a double homicide committed in my hometown only days before, and the suspects were still at large, so I think I joined with others in my community feeling nervous to reach out to a stranger. especially one needing shelter. Now this stranger was leaving with my son.

After they left, Big AL sat down with a plate of spaghetti and explained:

"I was about ready to leave the car lot, and this guy comes up- in his twenties- soaking wet and looked scared to death. Says he's from California, been on a bus for three days (hasn't eaten in the same)and was supposed to meet a part of his family in Marion and he never found them. They live in West Frankfort, but he didn't meet up with them. He had their name but no address and the phone number was not a working number. He went to the Police Dept. and they said they do not give out addresses and could not help him. He walked from Marion to West Frankfort (about 15 miles) in the rain to try to find them, with no luck. He stopped to ask if our town has a homeless shelter (we do not) so he could spend the night and return tomorrow to Marion to meet up with his family.

Big AL said the young man looked scared to death , so he offered to get him some clean , dry clothes and he'd find him a place to stay. He said, "I just don't want anybody messing with me." Big AL assured him we were all harmless, but my son was a Cage Fighter- just to warn the guy- in case HE had bad intentions. He brought him to our home after stopping off at the local Dairy Queen to get him something to eat. He called my son who said he would give him some more clothes and he could spend the night with him, but he was on his way to a Bible Study, so the guy would have to come along.

The evening went off without incident, and the next day my son drove him around looking for the home the man couldn't find the day before. They had no luck so they went back to Marion to find more help there. My son left him in capable hands with people that could help him find his way to relatives.

Now, here's the part about THE MESSENGER and how God used this incident to calm our fears about things totally unrelated....or so we thought.

Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

I've heard this scripture since I was a child. I have it memorized. But on this day, I saw a completely different meaning while I was studying the words.

Did you know that the word "Angels", in the original Greek translation used here, is the very same word used in other scriptures by many Christians when referring to themselves or other believers when God had sent them to deliver a message- as "Messengers of God." It was not necessarily referring to an angelic being, but someone who has been sent with a message from God.

With that in mind, I questioned, "What message then did this man have for us?"

Instantly, this thought came to my mind.

"If He would watch over a man all the way from California- and bring him directly to the doorstep of my husband (out of all the other businesses he could have chosen to stop for help)and meet his need for food, clothing and shelter and even meet his spiritual need, I can rest assured that He is making a way for us- when there seems to be no way."

Yes, this was a messenger- his message was a reminder for us to trust- trust the one who created us- to also meet our needs regardless of what means or who He uses or how He chooses to bless us.

We are blessed. With peace. Peace that is priceless.

Thank you God for your messenger. Bless him.

I found this song that so beautifully illustrates His provision for us.

It was a GOOD Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Betrayal, violent beatings, blood shed, torture, endless mockery.

What could possibly be good about this Friday?

It is called Good Friday, because it was on this Friday, an innocent Man, humble and loving, gave up his life and stood in the gap for all mankind and offered his life as a ransom for our sins.

Christians around the globe today will be focusing on His unimaginable sacrifice.

His short time on earth while spent serving, and healing and aiding all those he came across, has sparked more controversy than any other religious leader even THOUSANDS of years after His death.

A Man who came spreading the gospel of PEACE , but to this very day is hated and mocked by so many.

My life has changed because of Him.

His words have become life-sustaining for me. Words from a Man I've never met. Words so powerful that my heart would suddenly find peace, when no peace could be found otherwise.

His words of wisdom guiding me when I had no idea where I was going.

His words showing me how to love, and help and heal.

His words of Peace, calming my troubled soul.

His words of encouragement causing Hope to rise up within me.

His sacrifice providing for me the opportunity to be freed from chains that bind me.

His love making it possible for me to stand before a Holy God, washed clean, covered by His blood.

This is my tribute to Him, on this VERY GOOD FRIDAY.

*If you have 4 minutes, you can be reminded of his sacrifice on this HOLIEST of ALL DAYS. Although this video does contain some disturbing scenes, it is a beautiful glimpse into his life and ultimately his death that changed the world forever.

Why Pray When You Can Worry?!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 11:50:00 +0000

If you can identify with the title of this post,

Why Pray When You Can Worry?!

please continue reading.

I was only slightly surprised when I read recently that 1 in 4 people will meet the criteria for anxiety disorder. The makers of PROZAC couldn't be happier!

Depending on those who you are surrounded by on a daily basis, you may find the statistics even more troubling as the 1 may actually be a 2 or 3 in your circles.

A quick read-through on my news feed on facebook on any given day is filled with topics of concern for people that share about the things that are causing them stress, and fear and anxiety: wars and rumors of wars, sickness and disease, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, drug problems, our children, jobs (or the lack thereof), the ever-dwindling economy, and of course, democrats and republicans (the latter possibly causing more anxiety-inducing opportunities than any other!).

We are a nation glued to 24 hour news stations and YOUTUBE videos that constantly feed our fears and worst nightmares. We pride ourselves on our awareness, our political savvy and technological advancements, but at the same time, we have become a nation of worriers.

A few years ago, I made the conscious decision to stop watching the morning national news to begin my day. I noticed how it was affecting me physically (a racing heartbeat,rising blood pressure, etc.) and emotionally ( sadness and anxiety over things I can't control is no way to start a day!).

I have also made other decisions that don't feed the fear monster that tries to enter my door daily. I do not look up every symptom my body experiences on the Internet, which often was suggesting that my bra was causing breast cancer, and my sniffles could be cancer of the sinuses and my aching, aging body could actually be in the first stages of a debilitating disease, rather than just feeling the effects of living on this planet for nearly half a century! (Why did I choose to put it that way? Now I'm feelin' old!)

Worry, fear and anxiety is nothing new to man, however, and long before TV and IPhones and CNN and FOX NEWS were invented, stress over things out of our control were plaguing mankind.

Our ancestors actually were the inventors of DRAMA (making a mountain out of a mo hill), dating back even before Jesus' time on the earth, however, He dealt with topic often, and He knew how destructive it was to the heart of man, and addressed it accordingly. As a matter of fact, in the New Testament alone, there are over 25 mentions of anxiety/worry as things we should avoid.( The Bible addresses fear over 300 times!)

In the book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World~ Joanna Weaver,(which I strongly recommend),an illustration is given about our common worries.

WHAT WE WORRY ABOUT

40% are things that will never happen
30% are about the past-which can't be changed
12% are about criticism by others-mostly untrue
10% about health- which gets WORSE with stress
8% are real problems that CAN BE SOLVED!

Worry/fear/anxiety is a CURSE! Never a blessing. It is an ongoing burden we were never meant to carry, but many of us feel the need to pick up that heavy load as we open our eyes each morning and begin fearing the day and what it may hold, rather than anticipating the opportunities that lie ahead.

Even those of us who call ourselves Christians(followers of Christ and His teachings who claim to be "born-again")find ourselves offering mere lip-service to the heavens as an obligatory tradition we were taught to do. Then quickly, after the ten-second prayer, we worry, fret and wring our hands over the situations causing our anxiety for HOURS on end!

And let me ask you....how productive is worrying? Does FEARING that you or a lovedone has cancer and picturing the agonizing disease taking a horrible toll on the body and planning a funeral and/or imaging your life without them EVER make a lump go away?

Does worrying that your job may come to an end, and sitting for hours talking with co-workers about how hard it will be to ever find a job as good as the one you currently hold (you know, the one you've been complaining about every single day and declaring how much you hate going to work, and hate your boss and co-workers, etc.)and worrying how you will put gas in the car, or make your house payment or put your kids through college, or pay those medical bills...do those horrible imaginations of the dreadful things to come, EVER provide the answer to your problem?

Does worrying make it all go away? DO you feel better when you worry? Are you of the mentality: "Why pray when you can worry?"

If you are one who finds worrying much more comfortable than praying, and actually taking a PRO-active stance against those problems (real or perceived), then it's time to try a new way of handling these fears and phobias, and stressors.

Being driven by fears and anxiety is no way to live! And not only will it eventually cut our life short,we are being robbed of the abundant life promised to us.
Jesus said, "The thief [Satan] has come but to kill, and steal and destroy. But I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly." ~John 10:10Have you been robbed of peace, and calm and joy due constant worry and stress?
Has the fear of the future become a thick fog that hides the face of God in your circumstances?

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love". When God is on the scene, when His presence is invited into our situation, fear is dispelled- with all other darkness. As darkness and light cannot remain in the presence of the other. Light ALWAYS dispels darkenss. A heart full of fear has no room for faith. And the Bible says "without faith it is impossible to please God."

In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Don't be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding..." that is the peace that others can't understand because it has nothing to do with our present circumstances. Our peace, when it is from GOD Himself, does not rely on a perfect world, or president, or gas prices, or job security, or perfect children or health and wealth...it relies on the POWER and faithfulness of the CREATOR of the universe to continue providing for us, and preparing us for our eternal home- and making a way for us to overcome--not only in this life, but in the life to come.

Jesus said "In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart...I have overcome the world."!

Our mind is a battlefield, and much like a computer, in that all we allow to enter (through our eyes and ears) is stored, and begins coming out of us in ways that make us miserable. We must "reprogram, or reboot ". We must renew our minds, as the Bible instructs us. Be careful which negative messages you are chewing on and mulling over.

The bible tells us to
"cast down every vain imagination and every high thing which exalts itself against the knowledge of God."

Don't allow your fears to become greater than your God. Anything that is exalted above God is an idol. And yes, that includes fears, and worries.

We must learn the difference between CONCERN (a red flag, sign or symptom that draws us TOWARD God for an answer- and causes us to seek the solution) and WORRY which separates from God and begins a slippery-slope of anxiety that has a snow-ball effect on negative thoughts, one leading to another never going in the direction of a solution or peace.

So which is it going to be?

WHY PRAY WHEN YOU CAN WORRY?
OR
Why worry when you can pray?

Let's practice what Paul instructed us to do:

1. Don't be anxious about anything.
2. By prayer-make your requests known to God
3. Be thankful

And the peace of God WILL guard our hearts and minds.

I have included a list of scriptures on peace CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST- to aid in the renewing of your mind...this is crucial to a new way of looking at things- and after going to Him with your requests, this will help keep your mind (the battlefield)in a state of peace. It's time to surrender...to HIM!

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."~Jesus

The Great Rescue

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:04:00 +0000

>"This is what the Lord says...'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze'." Isaiah43:1-2.

Nearly 30 years ago, I first discovered this passage of scripture, and it spoke loudly and clearly to my fearful heart. I was afraid of many things and my fears were robbing my peace, and anyone robbed of peace becomes miserable. A miserable existence is no way to live, especially when we have been PROMISED so much more!

If we look closely at these words, we can see that in this life, we are not promised that we will not face difficulties and challenges (passing through rivers and waters-walking through fire-obviously not easy paths to get to our destination), but I love two things I see here:

1. The obvious promises given to us WHEN we face these difficulties.

"I will be with you."
"[The rivers] Will not overflow you."

"You will not be burned," by those fires and the flames and they "will not set you ablaze" (or destroy you).

2. Notice the words
"PASS through the waters",
"WALK through the fire",
"PASS through the rivers",

it is when we MOVE THROUGH these obstacles,that we are finally able to be released from their grip. We are not meant to JUST STAND THERE! If HE says, we can move out of them, then WE CAN WALK AND PASS THROUGH any obstacle thrown in our path! Will it be difficult? Yes. Will it destroy us? No. We will be destroyed only when we stand in a fire- while flames consume our bodies, or stand in the raging, rising waters. If we remain stuck in the middle of it all will be eventually be destroyed.

How do we escape the raging waters and fires? He says He will be with us--just like a firefighter in the midst of the fire--reach out to Him--he will clear a path for us- He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

TOP 10 lines to use when you're in trouble with your better half

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Many years ago I owned a gift shop. I sold all sorts of cool things, but I specialized in designing themed gift baskets for every occasion. I had many customers who would just walk in the door and say "fix me up something really nice", or they would call in their order saying the same over the phone and they would state the price range, pay for it, I would deliver it and always was welcomed with a smiling face of those on the receiving end.

You may have guessed already, but I'll state the obvious anyway...those customers that were clueless on gifts and allowed me to choose the gifts and arrange them however I desired, were usually MEN.

Now I'm not bashing men, I LOVE men! You all know how I feel about my main squeeze, and together we reared 3 men of our own. I'm just stating a fact. Most men that shopped in my store were pretty clueless when it came to gift-giving...or knowing just what to say on special occasions....or in certain circumstances, and I was more than happy to help them in this department...just a little extra customer service I provided.

I cared about my customers and came up with a way to help them dig themselves out of a bad situtaion...and I didn't even charge for this service. Nope--free advice was given, and one day I finally typed out the tips, and shared them with all my male customers upon purchase. (Yes, I made them buy something first- I couldn't give it to them for absolutely nothing! I was a businesswoman, you know.)

While cleaning out a drawer looking for yet another misplaced item (my third today), I stumbled upon the TOP TEN list I had created for my special customers.

Since I'm no longer in business, and really, was NOT that great of a businesswoman afterall (WAAYYYY too many "freebies"), I thought I would share it here, for free.

SO MEN...take note. Print this out. Put it in your pocket--leave it discreetly by your phone because this is one of those "WHEN, not IF you need it most" lessons that will get you out of more hot water than a stink bomb in a bathtub!

Are you ready?

Please read the fine print before proceeding:

This list has been scientifically proven to be successful however, it may require the use of all ten at one time to guarantee results. Sherri Murphy is not responsible for any failed relationships due to the improper use of these statements.

TOP TEN LINES TO USE WHEN YOU"RE IN TROUBLE WITH YOUR BETTER HALF

1. "Have you lost weight?"

2. "Here, have some cash!"

3. "You're absolutely right."

4. "I'd rather just hold you."

5. "I never was attracted to skinny women."

6. "Let's go shopping!"

7. "Turn off the TV and let's just talk."

8. "I think you need more shoes!"

9. "Which room would you like me to clean first?"

10. "Here, have some chocolate."

I think my former male customers miss me. :)

Ladies, feel free to add your own!

You're welcome.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:12:00 +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.

It's Ok...look back--just don't drive in reverse!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:55:00 +0000

If your are reading this, you have survived 2011, making it into yet another new year here on planet earth. Go ahead and look back- it's OK. It's even OK to take some souvenirs from 2011 and carry them with you into 2012. Not the heavy things like bitterness, fear and unforgiveness, but those lighter things like joyful moments and even hard moments where lessons were learned. Those lessons fit nicely into your backpack, never weigh you down, and remain there for easy retrieval- trust me---you're gonna need them sometime during the upcoming year.

2011 mistakes can miraculously turn into great wisdom in 2012, so don't throw it all out the window. Go ahead, start packing your bags for the 2012 journey- just be very selective about which items you bring along. Fill your backpack with lessons learned, wonderful memories and moments--leave the bitterness and forgiveness on the floor. Better yet, take it away- far away from your soul--lay it down-at the feet of Jesus. He will properly dispose of it--and no toxic waste will destroy you.

Here's an easy way to begin the year--look back over 2011 and decide what things to lay down- of which things do you need to let go? Which memories and lessons should you take with you into 2012?

You can do this thing! Go ahead and check that review mirror when you are about to make a turn--just for safety's sake-- but never drive in reverse. It takes takes twice as much energy and you'll get nowhere fast!

Welcome 2012. Here I am with my bags packed full of blessings, and hard lessons learned and wonderful memories. I'll be getting into this bag from time to time because it is full of things I will need,but I will try to keep it as light as possible, and refuse to allow those heavy ugly things inside so I will not be weighed down --I've got mountains to climb and I hear the view from the top is spectacular!

Looking forward to the view.

Does it matter?

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:33:00 +0000

I just returned from a visit to my brother's ministry, THE PROMISE, a hands-on ministry to many families who are living in one room at a motel nearby--some live in campers behind the motel. Obviously, not the American dream that most of us share.

I watched as two little guys with guitars in hand that someone had donated,laughed and talked with my brother (who they call "Pastor Dave")and I saw their faces light up when my brother told them that his son-in-law was going to give them guitar lessons- for free!

Sometimes we can do things that seemingly are insignificant, but they MATTER. I looked on my brother's wall in the office there, and he had framed a quote that my Dad once said:

"I'M TIRED OF BEING GOOD AT THINGS THAT DON'T MATTER."

I love that thought--a great one to carry in 2012 as we plan to make all sorts of changes.

God help me be good at things that MATTER, and lay aside those insignificant changes that are not worth my time, energy or money.

My resolution for 2012: To spend my time, energy, money and thoughts on things that matter.

Two days before New Year's Day (better known as the LAME DUCK SESSION)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Here I am, two days before the New year and counting-- planning my resolutions for the year ahead,but I dare not begin a single one of them as I am experiencing what I like to call the "Lame Duck Session"-- that week after Christmas and before New Year's day where I would gladly begin a healthier diet if it weren't for all the leftover sweets and creamy food I prepared.

I don't want to begin a daily devotional on Dec. 28th that is set to start on Jan.1st and risk getting the days all jumbled up...might throw off my Mojo.

Getting organized a few days early may prove to be overwhelming, so rather than risk failing at every resolution I have made (on paper) before the New Year arrives in all its glory, I've decided to begin my planning during my otherwise Lame Duck session.

I'm strategically planning for several of my resolutions--all of which end in the same goal
-"To be the best me- closest to what I was created to be."

There is NO WAY I can attain the goal of fulfilling what I was created to be without first seeking my Creator.(It would just seem silly to not be consulting Him, don'tcha think?) So part of my planning of course includes prayer time and reading His words- approaching Him for wisdom and strength to achieve the plans HE has for me.

I have a ONE YEAR BIBLE, which is a regular Bible, but it is divided into a daily reading plan (a chapter from Old Testament Beginning in Genesis, a chapter from New testament-beginning in Matthew, One Psalm and Proverb each day). At year's end, you will have read the entire Bible (cover to cover)if you follow the prescribed reading plan. You can also set up an online daily reading program from the same Bible I'm using.

Click here for the online version.

This is a discipline- and won't really be included in my regular individual Bible study (I don't want to be all rigid with my readings- I'm more of a "random" sort of girl.) It takes about 10-15 of your day depending on how quickly you read and if you are a ponderer (a very good thing to be), then it may take a bit longer.

The idea is to get these words inside of you. Get acquainted with the wisdom of your Creator--learn about history-enjoy the poetry and there's even a love story in there--the book of the Song of Solomon is pretty racy! You may find while reading it, that you would like to get to know your Creator better...and as you continue to read, and seek His face, you will! If you diligently seek Him, He will be found-- and by believing in His son, Jesus, and asking His forgiveness, and opening yourself up to HIS spirit, you will also find the power to actually put into practice the things you find within the pages....and then the peace-that passes all understanding enters into your life.

Wisdom comes when knowledge and faith are intertwined. Wisdom will save you from many sorrows. Wisdom will also help you deal with sorrows that have come and will come your way. My life has been full of pretty much everything everyone else battles, but I can say I have HOPE. I am a peaceful women-- and although I still haven't got it all down perfectly, and I continue to slip up, I do feel that I am on the right track. I have a clear goal, and I am daily striving toward it. His words and the power of His spirit is what will get me there. I hope others will join me in this journey.

SO as you make your list of things you would like to change about yourself-- or plans to have, places to go, people to see, things to conquer....remember these words:

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...and all these things will be added unto you."~Matthew 6:33Put Him at the TOP of your list.

Enjoy the best year yet...here's to growing--spiritually, physically, emotionally in 2012.

A time to celebrate? Seriously?

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:43:00 +0000

My emotions are all over the place as I savor the time with my sons and daughter-in-law Sol, while wishing my other son, who is now living in California, could be with us to enjoy it. (My first time experiencing Christmas without one of my children-- and I realize many of you have done this for years- especially those who have a family member who has passed on.)

My friend Gail's son is in the hospital on oxygen, a local soldier is recovering from major injuries from a roadside bombing (losing a limb, sight in one eye and burns on his face-but is doing better thank GOD!) and other friends have children/spouses serving in the military who can't come home- many right smack dab in the middle of a war as we celebrate the season back home. Friends who have lost lovedones this month, some at the bedside now of those getting ready to cross over-- and then those whose children are fighting cancer....it's almost too much to think about. My heart aches for all of them.

But, I still celebrate. I celebrate the fact that I have a refuge--a place to go with this heavy heart, that I'm not alone and have not been asked to carry these heavy loads on my own. Some may think it's a myth or silly to believe in a Savior, but I have proven Him, over and over in my own life as He has BLANKETED me with His peace when I came before Him- belly down on the floor pouring my heart out to Him.

When words from no other could comfort me-- His words soothed my soul and made sense of things of which I had no previous understanding-- He is as real to me as my family members I can see, feel and hear. And without Him, I would be full of fear and unrest.

I celebrate His coming to earth and the change His presense made in our world. Thousands of years ago, and He is STILL touching lives. Giving hope and peace and wisdom and forgiveness to anyone who diligently seeks Him. For this reason, I celebrate the Christmas season, while lifting up in prayer, those who are facing hard days and nights.

He came to us. And now He says, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened. I will give you rest." Celebrate the Peace He has to offer. With all the fanfare it deserves!

The Christmas Confession (an annual repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:29:00 +0000

I have a confession to make.

*WARNING! After reading this you may view me differently and decide to run for the hills!

But, be certain that as always, I will try to justify my sins, because...well, that's how I roll.

Ahem.

This one goes WAY back.

I was between 3-4 years old.

My brother and sister were 8 and 10 years older than me, so I was given LOTS of love, affection and attention around the house. My siblings were much like extra parents and I was also one of the few small children in the family at the time, and I come from a LARGE family, so the doting just went on and on and on.

I guess the term some uncaring person would use to describe me was "spoiled".
(Jealous people always use the term "spoiled".)
If another baby or child came along, and I would catch my precious Momma, "oohing and ahhing" over my perceived competition, it would make me VERY jealous. So basically, I was jealous of any babies that received attention from my Momma- Attention that was rightfully mine!

ANY BABIES included BABY JESUS, I'm ashamed to say.

Momma had a large family Bible that stayed open on the coffee table.

It was always opened to the picture of the Holy Family following BABY JESUS' birth, while they were in the stable.

Especially around Christmastime, she would read The Christmas story to us. Telling the story of BABY JESUS' miraculous birth. She would tell us how she loved him.

Other families would send us Christmas cards with BABY JESUS' picture on it.

Then there were the stained glass windows in the Catholic church downtown with the blessed Baby Jesus artistically portrayed.

Sadly, rather than growing fond of BABY JESUS, I began to grow envious of the attention my Momma was paying to him. In my young mind, all I heard was "Baby Jesus this...and Baby Jesus that."

He was PERFECT! How could I compete?

Well, the green-eyed monster got the best of me. One night while my family was in the other room, I grabbed an ink pen. I had one agenda, and one agenda only. I was going to to tell this Baby what I thought about all this attention he was stealing from me, and that My Momma was MY Momma, and should just back off. He had his own Momma.

I walked closer to the bible. Looked at the Holy Baby staring up at his mother, and did the only thing a jealous 3-4 year old could do to settle the score...

I SCRIBBLED OUT BABY JESUS' FACE!

GASP! (I know.)

I dropped the pen and ran out of the room! I thought no one would be the wiser. How could they PROVE it was me?

Well, it took a few days for anyone to notice, but as I knew it would, JUDGEMENT DAY came for this spoiled little baby girl.

My Momma came to me and asked,"Sherri. Did you scribble out Baby Jesus' face in the bible?"

(me) "HUH?"

(Momma) "Sherri. Look. Last time I checked, Baby Jesus' face was fine, and now you can't see it because someone has scribbled out our Savior's face. Was it you?"

(me) "No."

(Momma) "Really? Are you sure?"

(me) "I'm sure."

(Momma) "Why would ANYONE want to scribble out the face of our Savior?"

(Me) "Because he has his OWN Mommy and I want him to leave you alone!"
And I started crying.

She smiled, hugged me, told me of her great love for me AND for Jesus, but that it was a different kind of love and I need not be jealous of Him, for He loved me too!

So, that day in my young mind, I decided I would share my magnificent mother with Jesus, 'cause it looked like He was here to stay and I was just going to have to deal with it.

And I did.

I've come along way! It is funny,though. She still has that Bible, with my graffiti in it.

Now, I don't find ANY scriptures against putting graffiti in the bible, or more specifically, crossing out Baby Jesus' face keeping me out of heaven. I've looked several times, it is NOT in there. So I think I'm good. (Pastor Mark? Are you there? What say you?)

But during this reflective week, this little "transgression" popped in my head and I thought I may need to confess it and move on.

I'm a changed person now. I'm mature. I am willing to share my awesome mother's love with Jesus, or any others she chooses to adore.

I believe I'm forgiven. And all Jesus jealousy is gone!

Momma was right.

He.is.awesome!

Do YOU have a confession to make? Come on...It will make me feel better.

Luxurious Bed and Breakfast Getaway Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:42:00 +0000

This is a teaser for TOMORROW'S Giveaway!

Visit my food blog, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION blog tomorrow, Dec. 16 (actually after midnight tonight) for an inside tour of this Luxurious Bed & Breakfast in Metropolis, Il. and you may win a FREE NIGHT'S STAY (up to $200 value)!

All you need to do is leave a comment and random draw will determine the winner.

MOre details and photos tomorrow...in the meantime, scroll down on the blog for some delicious rocipes perfect for the Christmas season.

See you there tomorrow!

UPDATE; THe winner is Julie Macier of West Frankfort! Congratulations, Julie, and thank you to the 70 or so who participated and left wonderful comments!

A Little Child Shall lead Them (a repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0000

This was one of my very first posts from a couple of years 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?

The Thanksgiving Fleas....

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:02:00 +0000

What do Thanksgiving and fleas have in common?

More than you think. Actually, you may never look at a flea the same again.
Hopefully, you'll never view Thanksgiving the same.

It's fairly easy for most of us, to rattle off a list of thank-yous during the month of November. I hear the thankful lists from children at school, and adults participating in a Thankfulness countdown on facebook,and I notice a familiar theme: "Thankful for family, health, my home, my freedom..." All wonderful gifts, indeed.

I join them in thanking God for these gifts I have been given. I have a need to be thankful for more than the obvious gifts, though.

Some days, I must search harder for the "gifts" in my day- to find a reason to give thanks for things that on the surface anyway, I find nothing good in: mundane tasks I so often take for granted. Annoying or frustrating circumstances disrupting an otherwise good day. Actually, there are things I don't feel very grateful for;things that give me reason to gripe, moan, groan and complain : Doing dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. And then there's that ever-growing list of physical attributes that are changing before my my eyes that leave me less than grateful including newly appearing wrinkles, stubborn lumps and bumps on my body that refuse to leave and making clothes fit differently than they ever have before. And then I think of difficult people. You know the ones--the people that seem to take pride in making your day less than desirable--the incompetent employee who doesn't do their job that causes stress on the part of those needing proper service. The rude lady in line at the grocery store that cuts in line, or takes the last parking place you had been waiting for...or those that are never happy unless they can spread some of their misery to innocent bystanders.

And then I think of many of my friends and relatives facing horrible situations: the death of a child, a loved one with cancer, financial ruin due to job losses, couples divorcing after many years of marriage when their spouse announces, "I never really loved you." Are these same people expected to be grateful around the same Thanksgiving table as the rest of us? That seems impossible, even inconsiderate to even ask that of those struggling just to keep their head above water.

As my mind wrestles with these thoughts, I am reminded of a story of some fleas, and how this nuisance became an unexpected object of thanksgiving for some ladies facing horrible circumstances. Yes, I said FLEAS, of all things.

Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy, were prisoners in a concentration camp in Germany back in the 40s.They were not Jewish, however, they were arrested for hiding Jews in their home to save them from certain death when the Nazis invaded their home during the war.

The living conditions were horrible;filthy, cramped rooms. No toilets, only monthly showers, little food, too much labor and unspeakable torture and many of them were witnessing and/or experiencing this daily, the annihilation of nearly their entire Jewish race including many friends and family members.

To make matters worse, when the ladies were moved to a new section of the prison in Ravinsbruck, the overcrowded cell happened to be infested with fleas. Corrie's reaction was understandable. "Fleas? Really, God? On top of everything else we are asked to deal with, we now must live in a flea-infested,overly-crowded room?" Her sister Betsy reminded her of the scripture in Thessalonians, "In ALL things give thanks..." Corrie argued with her vowing that she could never be thankful for such a thing. Fleas were only adding to their miserable, daily existence.

Corrie and Betsy were Christians and felt the only thing keeping any sense of peace and hope in them, was the wisdom, hope and peace they found in the scriptures. Scriptures they had read daily for many years in their home when life was good. They knew the power behind the words inspired by God many years ago had been at times, the only thing that had gotten them through rough times in the past. Corrie had smuggled a Bible into the concentration camp, and was reading it aloud to the ladies cramped inside their filthy cell, being careful to hide their bible studies from the unforgiving guards who would punish them unmercifully if they were caught participating in this illegal activity.

As the ladies read about giving thanks in ALL things, Betsy reminded Corrie that even the overcrowded room was a blessing as it allowed many women to hear the comforting words of the scriptures, when no other comfort could be found. She thanked God for the opportunity and for the situation of overcrowding which made this possible. But the fleas? Corrie remained adamant that there was no perceivable reason a flea would be the worthy object of thanks.

After awhile, the ladies noticed that the frequent cell visits from the guards (that were always unwelcomed and feared) were becoming much less frequent. This gave them more time for Bible study and prayer- and encouragement--and less of a chance for their illegal activity to be discovered and stopped, as punishments would have surely been brutal...even fatal.

Soon, Corrie realized the reason for the guards absence...it was because of the fleas. The guards would not enter their room because of them. The fleas, the very object of Corrie's added misery, was at the same time, the very object being used for not only her protection, but also for her mental well-being--as well as those around her.

Unbeknownst to her and those around her, the fleas were actually a blessing. Before Betsy knew a good reason to be thankful for the fleas, she chose to be thankful anyway, as the scripture had instructed her to do.

I thought of the "fleas" in my life. Those things for which I've never been grateful. My new wrinkles--which are actually a sign of my survival. I wept as I thanked Him for laugh lines--the years of joy they represent. My double chin that is the result of having an abundance-- I am well-fed, and then some! Those difficult people, the "fleas" that cross my path from time to time. What is their purpose in my day? "Thank you God, for the life lessons you are willing to teach me through these people. Patience, Mercy, among other valuable, eternal lessons."

My list of things to be grateful for, just continues to grow : The mounting laundry..proof that I am blessed with more clothes than are necessary." My electric bill :and our ability to pay it every month- however difficult it may be, to keep my family warm in the cold, cool during the hot humid temps, able too see in the darkness..." It's actually becoming difficult to stop the thanks giving.

My "fleas" each have a reason to be in my day. Somedays I will know their purpose immediately, some purpose of the fleas may only be known to God. But if I choose to be grateful IN all things like the scripture commands, I will survive those situations (either temporarily or for eternity) and will be at peace during the struggles, big and small that come to every man, woman, boy and girl, walking planet earth.

I am learning to practice the art of gratefulness. True gratefulness. Not just for the obvious "good gifts" I have been given (and they are too numerous to count), but also for my "fleas".

My prayer, to you God, is that you would enable me to see Your hand at work in my life in ALL things that come my way. Help me to trust You-believing that You have my eternal well-fare and well-being in mind, and Your plans for me will always result in good, regardless of the difficulties I must face along the way. Help me to not only trust You, but to thank You for the FLEAS, that carry great purpose, unknown to me.

CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:18:00 +0000

Dear Mrs. Miller,

I will not be at school tomorrow. I've had chest pains on and off all night. Was having diffulty breathing and at one point, even lost bladder control. I was up till after midnight!

Thank you for your understanding,
Sincerely,

Mrs. Murphy

P.S.
CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! You can read more about it here:

Stagnant Water Stinks! (a repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000

I've been taking notes for awhile now. I'm noting the differences in people that I knew from childhood- some relatives,some friends- people I have known very well for many years- and how they have become different over the years.

The aging process certainly has a role in the deterioration of some of the energy and strength I witness departing the once agile bodies of those I love. I notice though, some qualities that are being lost are not due to age, but due to the lack of drive, inspiration, or hope that often times comes with age- like an unwanted stowaway on the journey into the unknown.

Now, I'm not talking about my elderly parents who are well into their seventies and have experienced more than their share of physical problems that would have killed a lesser person! I'm speaking of those who are much younger who seem to have fallen into a rut and remained there, while stagnant water filled up all around them until the smell becomes so strong, and the waters so murky that it seems no one wants to be close enough for any length of time to offer any way out.

Several years ago, I was noticing that familiar odor of stagnant waters that seemed to be too close to home. My once fun-loving personality was beginning to morph into a comfortable, safe- yet boring existence. I had begun to settle. Unmoved or inspired by much that was unfamiliar to me. My flow was blocked as I was full of fears, and uncertainties and was unwilling to move into any unfamiliar places regardless of the appeal.

I was living in stagnant, murky waters. Eventually, all stagnant waters begins to stink, and even worse is that fact that these waters become TOXIC! It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Polluted waters cause disease and eventually death. The very same happens to a soul left unmoved and not cleansed regularly.

There are two ways to combat stagnant, murky waters.

1. Always allow drainage.
Just as water is not meant to stay immobile in one place without flow (or to empty into a larger body of water) neither are we just to soak up all the good there is in life and not allow it to spread and move from ourselves, into the lives or bodies of others. We must take what we have been given- our talents-gifts-resources- and pour them into the lives of others. It works almost like magic- the more we give- even more returns to us. Most of us feel "drained" but it is not often because we are flowing or draining into the lives of others. We are trying to tread water in our murky, stagnant pool we've created for ourselves. It's time to stir up the muddy waters!

2. Never avoid regular cleansing. When the boys lived at home, we had a pool in the backyard. To keep this contained body of water clean, we had to purchase a filter and many chemicals that would work together daily to maintain a safe level for swimming. I'm sure as young boys,my sons (or their friends) left a "yellow stream" occasionally that could easily be swallowed up by the next unsuspecting swimmer! The strong chemicals would fight against the harmful bacteria until it would rid the danger from the pool. But then would come the fallen leaves, and bugs and other unwanted foreign objects that were not meant for a pool- it was always something- these things had to be removed quickly so further problems would not arise. Filters become clogged- bugs on the waters surface lay eggs...and the problems worsen.

My "cleansing" comes in the form of a spiritual cleansing that must take place often and immediately when "things that shouldn't be there" fall on the surface to be dealt with. The longer I wait...the more toxic the things become...the deeper the danger lies... the more harmful the water becomes to me and to those around me. One cleansing is never enough because of the constant encounter with destructive elements. The cleansing must become regular and thorough.

If you should find yourself treading the murky ,stagnant waters, ready to go under for the last time, you must decide to remove yourself from the rut....start moving- and begin your cleansing.The first step you take is the most important- the step you take towards Christ.

Allow the movement to become a flow. Start the cleansing and drainage process.

Don't allow another day to become routine and all about you. Step it up. Give of your time- your talents- your resources- flow into the life of another. Stop standing still. MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!

Present yourself for a cleansing before your Creator who desires nothing more than to allow you to enjoy the best this life has to offer without guilt and shame, and fears and regrets -Allowing you to feel refreshed, renewed, restored ,healthy and hopeful. We are washed clean in and by the blood of Jesus.

"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceived ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:7-9

Jesus calls Himself the Living Water, and whoever drinks of this water will never thirst again.

What a wonderful trade.

This...

For this....

It's kind of a "no-brainer"...don't you think?

Well ,hello there....I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival ( a repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Autumn is my favorite season; my hands-down favorite.

I love everything about Autumn. The look, the smell, the sounds, the food, the clothes...for those of you that are summer-lovers and just can't let go, let me provide some visual stimulation and plead my case for voting Autumn the number one season.

Gorgeous, colorful changing leaves in hues so calming -contrasting nicely against the blue sky.

The Feel

Stiflng humidity has gone, leaving a breathable, comfortable temperature suitable for outdoor rest and recreation that does not leave one dripping with sweat while trying to catch your breath . Evenings requiring a jacket that keeps the cooler air at a comfortable distance from my skin.

The smell

I so enjoy the smell of burning leaves (in moderation) they scream FALL IS HERE!

Simmering pots of soup on the stove,

Apple pies baking in the oven....

ahhhh, Autumn, you are too good to me.

Scented candles burning filling my home with scents of the season.

The Decor

Pumpkins and wreaths and leaves and warm colors scattered throughout porches in my neighborhood. Scarecrows, corn stalks and hay bales add to the comforting homey Autumn scenes.

The Clothes

Jackets and sweaters

and more material to cover up my ever changing body! Finally time to wear those boots I purchased!

The activiites

Football games to attend-

hikes in the woods-
sipping cider on the front porch while enjoying a good book .

Visiting Local Pumpkin Patches with small children

Attending craft fairs,

Raking leaves and watching children jump in them.

The food

Hearty Soups and stews.

Homemade breads.
Crisp apples and fun fall foods

Warm casseroles to feed a brood of Irishmen.

The benefits

Saving money on the electric bill by turning off the AC!
Hair that is actually manageable now that the humidity is gone.
Snuggling on the sofa while watching a a good tearjerker.

I realize that Spring is quite spectackular, and winter holds the best holidays, and summer is full of vacation time and lazy days, but honestly, I think they're all jealous of Autumn.

Autumn in her quiet glory- reminding us all the endings can be a marvelous thing- if we take the time to notice the beauty and enjoy the moment.

So....clothes DO make the man....(or “What NOT to wear”)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:37:00 +0000

(from the Bible study last night in my home)

Read through this set of scriptures, and try to get a visual for what is being said:

Colossians 3:5-145 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[a] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythia, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”New International Version (NIV)

Before we put on anything new (verses 12-14), we must remove the old (verses 5-10).
We can't just “cover up” the old . How silly it would be to leave on our old clothes and put the new garments over them! We would still see parts of the old showing through. It would be very uncomfortable, and why on earth would we wear something OLD when we have something NEW to show off?!
We must REMOVE them, and REPLACE them with the new "garments"!

Jesus chose for us “new garments” which will fit perfectly, and NEVER WEAR OUT!
He doesn't force us to wear the new clothes, however, ...He says, “clothe yourself”. And also tells US to “put to death” those old habits and sins.

The power to destroy them is through Him, however, it is our choice –He doesn't do it for us. The Holy Spirit was sent as our HELP-er—not the DO-er. He will HELP us put to death the old sin nature and the ugliness that came with it. He will also HELP us put on the new, beautiful garments He has chosen for us.

The clothing we choose to wear daily is strictly our OUR CHOICE. We must CHOOSE to clothe ourselves in His finest garments.
At times, an old grungy pair of shoes or jeans is appealing to us because they have become comfortable. Our bad habits and sinful nature often feels “comfortable” as well.

However, once we put on something new, and we try them out, walk around in them, wear them a few times- break them in—they feel “right” and also become appealing-not only to us, but to those around us. The new garments become a part of our new wardrobe and style-our “signature look”.

I love the last part: “Put on love, which binds them altogether in perfect unity.”

LOVE is the perfect accessory! It looks good on everyone, goes with everything, One size fits all and it never goes out of style!

So, this morning, and every morning, as you look through your closet for something to wear, let it serve as a reminder to CLOTHE YOURSELF in the beautiful garments He has chosen for you to wear--but don't even think about leaving on those old ones---let's support each other as we put to death those old smelly garments that only weigh us down, trip us up and eventually will destroy us.

PUT TO DEATH:
sexual immorality
impurity
lust
evil desires
greed, which is idolatry.
anger
rage
malice
slander
filthy language
Do not lie to each other

PUT ON:

compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness
patience
forbearance
forgiveness
LOVE

THIS WEEK'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to be aware when I leave on my old, dirty clothes I thought I had removed, and help me destroy my old ways that are not pleasing to you. Remind me to put on the new garments you have chosen for me to wear as I face the day—so I may be prepared for what ever, and whomever crosses my path.

I'm on the air...Goodwill Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:39:00 +0000

Today I will be interviewed LIVE on WINI 1420 AM on the program SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON THE AIR with Lori Libby, 1-2 pm.

For those of you who didn't know, I have a little past time called thrifting, I affectionately refer to my frugal finds as a "Goodwill Hunting" trip because, yes, my trips often include shopping the local GOODWILL store.

This is really more than a hobby or a money saving venture, it is a mentality--living below our means, that at one time seemed embarrassing to many, but now I have people asking for my secrets when they compliment my home, or my outfit, etc. and I tell them how little I spend.

I am been asked several times to speak on this lifestyle (and I get paid and everything! )

And yes, there ARE tips that help you become successful and save yourself some big bucks and your sanity!

You can LIKE my GOODWILL HUNTING page on facebook, to receive regular updates, tips, ideas and see photos of recent finds.

You can listen HERE LIVE online from ANYWHERE in the world today from 1-2 Pm (CT)and hopefully become inspired to live on less.

"Just what DO you do?"

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:40:00 +0000

I've been asked this question many times. I am involved in many things and sometimes folks tend to think I'm everywhere and involved in everything (sometimes I feel the same way). So I just thought I'd answer the question here, and then I'd also like to pose the question to you here, as well. Just what do YOU DO? I think it will be interesting to see your passions, and career choices.

I'll go first:

I am a public speaker.I encourage others to rise above their situations and try on a new outlook. You can learn more about that on my Murphy's Law website.

I am a free-lance writer. I write regularly for two seasonal publications, Good Living In Southern Illinois and Good Living in West Frankfort.

I handle the Marketing for MORTHLAND COLLEGE in West Frankfort. *I landed this part-time position after months of promoting this college I believe in on facebook. I love to promote my hometown, and this time, it paid off in more ways than one for me!

I work as a Teacher's Aide in Special Education. I worked in a room for children with behavior disorders for many years, then I tutored children , and finally began working with autistic children.

I volunteer in many different ways.

I created the REDBIRD READY program in our school district and work alongside some WONDERFUL people using the donations generously given by community members to meet the need of school children (clothing, school supplies, fees, etc.) so they can be ready for the school day.

I've been involved with the American Cancer Society's Franklin County Relay For Life for many years (as event chair, co-chair, team captain, committee head, and team member.

And a part-time hobby is running the community page on facebook for my hometown, WELCOME TO WEST FRANKFORT. It is my personal page that promotes and highlights people and business within my community, as well as weather reports and other events and newsworthy items to share.

I also have a weekly Bible Study in my home that will resume later this month.

I am a mother to 3 grown sons, a new MOTHER-IN-LAW to one fabulous girl! I'm a wife of 29 years to Big AL. I'm a daughter, sister, aunt, great-Aunt, cousin and friend to a wonderful bunch of people.

Now, I'll spare you the list of all my hobbies...it goes on and on and on!

So, this is what I do. Now, you know.

SO, JUST WHAT DO YOU DO?

Upcoming Speaking/Singing Engagements

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Below I have listed a few of my upcoming speaking/singing engagements. I will keep a current listing posted on this blog and a link will be provided on my sidebar.
VIsit my website at www.MURPHYSLAW.yolasite for more info.

LADIES SPRING BANQUET
Friday, May 4th
McKinely Ave. Baptist Church
Harrisburg Illinois

I will be singing at the Sunday, April 1st morning session (10:00 am) at this conference.

Saturday, Sept. 17
Women's Health ConferenceJohn A. Logan College, Carterville, Il.

I will be speaking at a break-out session on the topic of THE HEALTHY MARRIAGE.

Saturday, Sept. 10Singing at the Tanner-Bowers Wedding
West Frankfort, Il.

AUGUST 15
First Christian Church, West Frankfort, Il.

Speaking at the BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER RALLY on behalf of the REDBIRD READY program (designed to get needed school supplies, clothes, shoes and funding to children to get them ready for back to school)

AUGUST 5 1:30-2:30 pmSpeaking LIVE on WINI's talk show (SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON THE AIR) with Lori Libby. *You can listen to the LIVE STREAM online from ANYWHERE!

JULY 14 6 am and 6:30 am
WSILTV3 Morning News show"CHILLIN AND GRILLIN" segment

Preparing a couple of no-cook recipes "Lazy Berry Salad" and "Pineapple Salsa"

Click here to view segment.

July, 13 NoonWest Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Speaking on behalf of the REDBIRD READY PROGRAM which provides school supplies, clothing and other needs to ensure that kids in need are READY for school in West Frankfort, Il.

Sunday, July 3rd, 10:30 amFREEDOM CELEBRATIONWhittington Church, Whittington, Il.
Singing during the morning service as we celebrate our heritage, and give honor to those who sacrifice to serve and protect.

Friday, June 24,9 pm
Franklin County Relay For Life (American Cancer Society Fundraiser)
West Frankfort, Il. City Park

I will be walking to raise money to help stop cancer, and will also be singing AMAZING GRACE during the touching Luminaria cermony.

Sunday, May 22
Singing
Mini-Concert of old, inspiring, timeless Hymns.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH in Johnston City, Il. during the 10:45 worship service. If you are in or around the area, would love to see some familiar faces there. I will be singing some old hymns, with a bit of a new arrangement for each of them.

Sunday, May 1st
Speaking at the COMMUNITY OF FAITH Ladies Spring Banquet
12:30 pm
"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" Seeing ourselves through God's eyes.

Friday, April 29
Speaking & Singing at the LADIES SPRING BANQUET
McKinley Baptist Church
Harrisburg, Il.

MARCH 7
THOMPSONVILLE GARDEN CLUB

Speaking about my mission trip to the village of Lagosette, Haiti and how these precious people inspired ME!

On Sunday, March 20, I will be singing at COMMUNITY OF FAITH CHURCH in Marion, Illinois at the 10:00 am service. My brother, David Maragni will be bringing the message. Click on link for directions.

Saturday, March 26 8:30 am-2 pm
Speaking at GAM Women's Conference
SIU Conference Center
Carbondale, Ill.
I will be speaking on the topic of Marriage: "If you H.U.G. him and K.I.S.S. him, you'll bless him and keep him."

*For more info on conference, visit www.gamwc.org

Friday, Feb. 11
Singing at Helia Healthcare Valentine's Sweetheart Dance

Saturday, February 26 1:00-4:00pm
Speaking at a FREE Couponing 101 class At the West Frankfort Public Library conference room
*Rachel Taylor will be bringing the presentation on Extreme couponing, and I will be presenting my tips on "GOODWILL HUNTING" (bargain shopping, sales, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. )

For more information on my speaking or singing engagements, please visit my website:
www.murphyslaw.yolasite.com

SILLY SATURDAY DORKIEST PHOTO CONTEST

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:03:00 +0000

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS:
First, the BAD NEWS: You are about to view a bunch of dorky photos.

GOOD NEWS: I know ALL of these people personally, and NONE of them are dorky in real life. They all learned how to fix their hair, they've memorized some fashion tips and now they all lead happy, successful lives! (So no need to pity them)

And...ONE of these dorky people is about to enjoy some DELICIOUS, HOMEMADE FOOD
IFThey are chosen as THE DORKIEST PHOTO on this page!

We need your help.

Study the photos closely. Then vote for your favorite. Then go tell your friends and family to come and vote for their favorite.

The dorky photo that receives the most votes (in the comments on this blog), will receive a homemade meal (if they live in my hometown) OR homemade cookies mailed to their door, if they live out of town.

Voting begins now, and ends tonight at 9 pm. Central time.

GO ahead...make someone's Dorky day! VOTE!

(Feel free to log in as "anonymous")and leave the name of your favorite dork in the comment section- and any comment you'd like to add.

1. Meet "Jane", our first contestant.She's the one standing front and center sporting the ever popular, Steve Erkle look. Wait a minute- EVERYONE in the photo is sporting the SAME look! But we're only voting on Jane today. (This photo could easily take the prize for the highest amount of dorky people in one photo.)

2. Meet "Tonette", contestant number 2. She's proud to have the highest bangs the eighties ever gave us! 2 cans of hair spray and 1 hour of teasing later, she posed for this pic.

Meet Contestant number 3, "Dr. Tim" No one would have suspected that this fine fella would have gone on to greatness and not only become a medical Doctor, but he also founded his own college!In graduate school, they suggested he "lose the gold chain" and from then on, the world was his oyster!

Meet "Denise", contestant number 4. Tiny Denise was trying to look as cute as possible in her new short do. Which may have been a "don't", however, she learned early on about the best styling options, and has gone on to be a gorgeous 50 year-old with a great DO!

Meet "Karen", contestant number 5. Speaking of hair "don'ts"....I present to you THE MULLET. Nuff said.

Meet "Mr. Romero", contestant number 6. You never know when a Mardi Gras party is gonna break out, so it's always best to be prepared.

Meet "Tracy", contestant number 7. Tracy is the classic example of why you NEVER--EVER attempt a home-perm.

Meet "Lisa", contestant number 8. With her velour top, large-framed glasses and short do/don't, she was a great representative for "what not to wear". However, back then, you know she was stylin! (And today, she's a little doll!)

Meet "Disco Danny", our 9th contestant. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER was his favorite movie, and he was happy to sport his Disco-wear line at the elementary school. Later he became BBQ sauce KING, but has been known to break out the disco pants when the mood strikes.

Our 10th contestant is "Mr. Williams." The well-dressed third grader who KNEW he was destined for greatness, and decided to go ahead a dress the part! I heard he made his classmates call him "Mr. Williams" and was sent to the office when he demanded that his teacher do so as well. It was while he sat in the Principals office that he decided he wanted to be a man in power. His subsequent success dates back to this photo.

Our 11th contestant is Julie. Cute little face hidden by yet another hair
don't". As an adult, she sports a very short DO!...Live and learn. :)

Contestant number 12 is little Judith. Grown-up hair and grown-up teeth just making their debut, Judith was happy to have this photo taken. (But later admitted to trashing all she could find.) Her mother of course, still had one! ;)

And last, but certainly not the least dorkiest, is me. This is NOT a perm, this was God's work right here. SO watch it when you are tempted to make Bozo jokes. He doesn't take kindly to His handiwork being heckled! BUT NO VOTING ON MY PHOTO I only threw it in to show I was just as Dorky, and a good sport.

So, THANK you to all my Dorky friends who threw vanity to the wind and shared their dorky photos with the rest of us!

Remember--VOTE! And send all your friends here. LEAVE A COMMENT--that is your vote!

Hey- a girl can dream...and I just so happen to have a few (repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:00:00 +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.

PMS for Dummies (a repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:06:00 +0000

*I wrote this a couple of years ago, and it still applies, however,I now have begun phase one of the journey into menopause, or better known at my house as MEANO-pause. Meanopause is basically the same as chronic PMS so I felt that it was my civic duty to educate and warn men or other innocent bystanders of what is happening to the women around them. Wherever you read the word PMS, you may also insert the word MEANOpause, because they are basically one in the same.

I must ask all my readers, especially men, to put on a hard hat before reading any further....I'll wait. Really, it is THAT dangerous here today...

Pastor Mark- all I can say is I'm sorry. But you can probably benefit from this too. Although you could probably write this post having raised 3 daughters and being married all these years. ...and Big Al, you KNOW this is really written for your benefit, so you might want to print this out and keep in in your wallet.

YOU KNOW there will be a test! ahem.

Alright class. You have all now entered the PMS Zone, and I am willing to give each of you a free tutorial as I will be addressing the age old problem of PMS, and the wonderful females who are forced to live with it- and the men who love them.

I've got some good news and some bad news regarding PMS.
First, the bad news.

There's no escaping it! If you live with or near a female in the age range of 12 and 50. The worse news is, after age 50 or so,menopause takes its place and I hear that menopause makes PMS look like teddy bear!

Although, there is no known vaccine for your protection guys, (We'll make sure one is not invented so we don't have to suffer alone), there are some strategic moves that can be practiced on your part that may lesson the severity of the outbursts, and keep the damage limited to only a few minor cuts and bruises.

I just noticed the striking resemblance in these two pictures...I bet Big AL could tell you which week this photo was taken!

First of all, there are a few things you need to realize. Men, listen closely. Nuggets of gold being shared here today for free. Are you taking notes?

1. IT IS VERY REAL! It's not all in our head. It's in our heart, and head, and our bodies.

2. It feels horrible. Something like having your brain and heart strapped to a roller coaster...that's being run by one of the circus carnies that look like they've just escaped from prison!

3. It makes us want to slap people. Sometimes, innocent people.

4. We may cry for no reason. All day long. Many days in a row.

5. We can easily love you one minute, and plan your death the next. (You may need to sleep with one eye open, or at least keep your hard hat on!)

6. Our emotions SOMETIMES can become uncontrollable. ahem.

7. We MAY tend to "blow things out of proportion." Best advice is to wait it out... much like a tropical storm. Hunker down- duck and cover. You're pretty much powerless at this point. You may be one of the lucky ones who lives to tell about it.

Not that I have ever acted out in any of the aforementioned ways, but I've heard that other women suffer from this horrible syndrome- so I'm speaking strictly on their behalf. Ahem. (HUSH Big AL!)

Then there's a few things you should do during this time:

1. Keep lots of chocolate in the house. The bigger the candy bar, the better. None of that cheap stuff either. We girls get kinda' "picky" during this time as well.

2. Just nod along when we are talking. Don't ask questions! Even innocent ones. Trust me- you're better off with fewer words. WHAT YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU! And will be on file for MANY years to come!

3. Give us extra shopping money. Credit cards, with unlimited spending...

4. Watch LIFETIME and don't complain about it.

5. Shower us with compliments- especially about our slim figures (Rent the Movie Shallow Hal if you think you can't fulfill this request)

Then a few things to NEVER do, Under ANY circumstances during this week:

1. NEVER, I mean NEVER EVER ask us if we have PMS!!!! Especially during one of our rants!

2. Don't leave sharp objects or any weapons laying around the house in plain view.

3. This is not the time to bring up budgeting, housekeeping skills or lack thereof.

4. Never recommend taking us for therapy or counseling-unless you want EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER DONE FOR THE LAST TWENTY YEARS to resurface and be microscopically analyzed.

And men, for those of you who are still clueless, here's a list I found to help you say what you need to say during this most difficult time:

The safe way to say things

DANGEROUS: What’s for dinner?
SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.
SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: What did I do wrong?
SAFEST: Here’s fifty dollars.
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn’t overdo it today.
SAFEST: I’ve always loved you in that robe!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate.

(Thanks to http://www.funtasticus.com for the safety tips for conversing with a woman during PMS.)

Okay, now that all of that is out of the way, I'm gonna' go lie down, eat some chocolate, turn on LIFETIME and suggest that Big AL come in here and read this post. You know, just for kicks...or maybe to avoid some.

Okay ladies, it's your turn. Tell the men just how you feel! Can you add anything to my list of dos and don'ts?

Men, am I making any sense? Have you learned anything here today?
(It's okay, I know you're scared. Keep your words few, and mail me some chocolate, and all will be well.)

Another tip: Google "PMS". You'll be overwhelmed.

Disturbing Test Results

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Murphy) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Yesterday while cleaning out drawers, closets, etc., and making great strides in a job I HATE to tackle, I was talking on the phone with my mother, and she mentioned that the verdict for the Casey Anthony murder trial was about to be read, so I decided to stop what I was doing and listen in while taking a well-deserved break.

I normally read my news online- a conscious decision I made a few years ago to save my sanity- but I have also been following the story of this precious little girl whose life was ended tragically,too soon. I followed the courtroom coverage and was pretty certain I knew what the verdict would be.

My reaction? My jaw dropped...my head began spinning...my heart sank. My head was instantly filled with legal questions, and moral questions. I love finding answers to things I can't figure out on my own, but no "answers" were satisfying. I would Google, and read and ask those who should have answers for their thoughts to make it all make sense to me. It never did (still doesn't). THEN, after at least 2 hours, I realized that I wasn't going to the right person for the answers. I needed to go straight to the top,to "THE Counselor" of all Counselors. But I chose instead to take the long route....which caused blood pressure spikes, fear and discouragement, and I waited to go to the top only after nothing else satisfied me. (I HATE it when I do that!)

Starting at the top (through prayer or searching the scriptures for answers) always brings me peace (and I could have probably finished cleaning the whole house had I not been so caught up in "injustice" in the wrong way).

I think our knee-jerk reactions are a way we learn that there is still plenty of work to be done in our hearts. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." said Jesus (Matthew 12:24).Listening to our own words is like having a heart check-up--we get to see what is buried deep inside that we may not know is there until something causes it to surface- just like a heart symptom that would warrant a visit to the E.R. Yesterday I had an echocardiagram, of sorts,and found some disturbing results. My heart needs some fine-tuning. A heart-healthy regime that needs bumped up a notch or two from the regular routine. Today I begin to get back on my reg. healthy "diet" which does NOT include watching the news, but instead listening to the One who knows exactly what my future holds, and trusting that this God I serve,who is just,will keep my heart at peace as I follow along the pathways He has set before me.

It is His wisdom I seek today. And His forgiveness for allowing my heart to be filled with things never meant to reside in a heart of one that desires to follow after Him.

So today, I implore you to follow his instruction. Turn off the news and seek wisdom from the scriptures: Philipians 4:8

"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."