Sheryll Monique

Holla if You Hear Me!

2014-09-30T11:13:00.000-05:00

Just a thought for my fellow "Yelling Mommas" - I looked over my morning yesterday and played it all back in my head. Although my yelling moments don't happen often they do happen and it always makes me more stressed than I was in the first place. I realized that I was tense before my son approached me because I was not fully prepared for my day which also left me feeling drained. I also neglected to spend time with God prior to the start of my day which always gets me on the right foot and I neglected to plan out my day leaving room for flexibility of course which helps me see what I can and can't realistically do.

So I began to multitask and was trying to fit way too much stuff into 2 hrs because I had so much left over from the previous day that still needed to be done. I had a chance to breathe during our homeschool group and afterwards I did something I should have done at the start of my day, I acknowledged Him. Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths".

When I stopped and asked God what should I do with the remainder of my day and all that was on my task list He directed me and I followed His lead. I know this but often times I don't do this. I was still feeling a little drained as my day went on but because God had mapped it out for me I was not stressed. His plan was perfect. I still didn't do everything I wanted to do but I did what was needed.

Today is a new day and I have not yelled yet. I am taking my day moment by moment and instead of trying to do it all I am doing what matters and seeking Him for direction. How is your day going?

Sheryll

Quiet Noise

2014-05-19T06:04:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you but when I prepare to have my "quiet" time, you know time alone with God, I like to actually do it in quiet. That is hard to come by since I am a homeschooling mom of three boys in a home with birds and a dog and the noise of home life.

So to accomplish this I wake around 5am and have my quiet time. I cover the bird cage so they will be "quiet", I take the dog out and give him a chew stick so he will be "quiet" and the rest of the house is asleep so all is "quiet".

Yesterday morning I chose to sleep in. I decided that I wanted to sleep longer after going to bed so late. I got up around 8:30am and decided that there was no way I would have a "quiet" time this morning. I had laundry to do that I procrastinated on so even if the birds, the dog and the kids cooperated there would still be the noise of the washer.

Upon taking the dog out a bird caught my eye, he or she was eating a worm. I was honestly amazed because I had never witnessed this before. I didn't want to disturb the bird by going to get my camera so I just watched and held the dog close so he wouldn't disturb her either. That of course did not last long but it lasted long enough for my eyes to be opened and look at the wonders around me and hear God's noise.

Before marriage and kids I would enjoy time with God in my yard tuning out the cars and all the distractions of the world and instead tuning in on God. It has become hard to do that now because I feel like I am surrounded by so much "noise" daily. In that brief moment outside in my yard God reminded me that I could still meet with Him and He could still meet with me in the midst of all that goes on around me.

My goal is still to awaken at 5am to enjoy the stillness of my home and the day, but if I miss my window of "quiet" it doesn't mean I have to miss time with God.

Sheryll

In Boiling Waters

2014-05-01T05:31:00.001-05:00

"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." Isaiah 43:2

It amazes me how God speaks to you through the simplest of things. I was preparing stuffed eggs one morning for breakfast and as I cracked the shell of the egg I thought about how fragile it is before it gets to this state.

It lies there under the protection of the shell, guarded from danger and harm, keeping all threats at bay. Once placed into water and the temperatures rise, the shell allows the egg to become firm and solid in the midst of all that is going on around it. Without the level of heat required to shape it, the egg would never be able to serve its purpose. The shell allows the egg to feel the heat just enough to develop it but not enough so that it becomes damaged.

In life we are faced with all kinds of situations and circumstances that cause us to feel as if we are not able to withstand the heat of it all. But when we are covered and protected by God, what is going on outside only affects us enough to make us better. Don't fear going into boiling waters if that is where God is placing you. It may be within those waters that your purpose is revealed.

Be blessed!

Sheryll

The Mediator

2014-04-28T08:55:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my post last week, I write once a month for my church blog. Below is a portion of my post for this month:

It was her third offense. She had already been in front of this judge before and he told her that the next time the outcome would not be in her favor. As she walked into the courtroom her head hung low. You could see the shame and the guilt that weighed upon her. She lifted her head as she got close to her seat and you could see the tears that were welling up in her eyes.

Click here to continue reading.

Sheryll

Peace, Passion and Perspective

2014-04-22T10:35:00.000-05:00

There is only so much you can do before burnout is inevitable. That is pretty much where I was the last time I posted here. The break was much needed but much longer than I anticipated as well. Although it was hard to completely remove myself I knew that I need to focus more on my first ministry, my family, and that was something I would not regret. We feel that we can do it all but when we try nothing gets our full focus.

I was so busy trying to make it all work that nothing was working. My time away remedied that and I now feel peace . God showed me that everything has its proper place in order for it to work together. That may seem like an obvious statement but when you lose your focus you lose sight of even the simple things. One of the things that weighed on me and us as a family was me working outside of the home. At the end of last year God changed that.

I am no longer working outside of the home and that is a huge answer to prayer. My heart ached when I was away from home on the weekends, unable to participate in all of the activities that would take place from time to time. In addition to the loneliness I felt being away from my family, the tiredness from working and homeschooling took its toll. My focus was off and I wasn't motivated. Since quitting I have begun to appreciate what a blessing it is to be able to teach my boys and I do not take it for granted.

My passion for my family has been renewed. I am no longer weary and weighed down. I have begun to take more time for myself even if it means waking up before the kids or pausing in my day to pray. These two things help me to stay focused and feel refreshed. If you do not spend time with God alone on a routine basis and you would like to know how to establish a routine leave me a comment and I can share what I do.

While away my writing did continue on a different platform. I became one of the contributors to my church's blog and I write there monthly. You can click here to see my most recent post. Writing there has been a blessing and has even stretched me a bit. I am grateful that God still allowed me to use the writing voice that He gave me while taking a break here.

With a fresh perspective on how my life should be order came the desire to write here again and the permission from God to do so. I look forward to continuing this journey with you. I have never admitted to having all the answers, only God does. I do admit to be honest with you about my successes and my failures, my insecurities and my flaws. I want to be used by God to be a blessing to you as you journey through life. I hope to make you laugh and cry only tears of joy as we reflect on God's goodness.

I have missed you and look forward to talking with you again.

Sheryll

P.S.

My family and I are also working on a few projects that I am very excited about. I plan to share more about that with you soon. Oh and since I missed wishing you a happy new year I would like to do so now. Happy New Year!

Taking a Break, Obviously

2012-10-02T07:15:00.001-05:00

Between all the many hats I have tossed into the air, blogging has seemed to take a backseat. Although I enjoy writing and sharing with you, my focus has been re-directed. I have been pulled away to focus more on my family, taking care of our home and homeschooling my three boys. In the past, I have struggled to give these things my full focus and when school started I didn't want that to happen again.

I spoke with a friend of mine the other day, Hyacynth of undercovermother.net, and she encouraged me that we go through seasons. Later on I read on http://sarahmae.com/ that she was doing some refocusing as well. I decided to follow Sarah on her 31 Day journey to a fresh start. I am praying that God will show me how to make blogging routinely a part of my life without it pulling me away from what matters most, my family.

Sheryll

Good Old Fashioned Values Shouldn't be Old

2012-08-21T07:23:00.003-05:00

I went to Wal-mart this morning and as I walked around I would say "Good Morning" to the people that I would see, very few spoke back; but this didn't bother me or strike me as odd. As a matter of fact, had everyone that I spoke to spoken back, I would have been quite surprised.

What I have come to find is that people aren't as polite as I recall them being years ago. I am from the south and maybe that makes a difference, at least that is what I have been told. When I was growing up you spoke when you crossed someone's path. Acknowledging and greeting someone was the norm and was in fact considered an insult if you did other wise. Even when walking down the street, if I passed in front of someone's home and they were outside I was expected to say something.

It is a little sad to me that people don't do those things. Even if they don't reply, a smile or a kind nod would be fine. I am raising my boys to have the same attitude as I did when I was younger and still have today. I challenge you to do the same. Imagine how much more pleasant this world would be if we acknowledged and greeted everyone that we would see.

I will continue to greet those I see and offer them a smile as I go through my day. My hope is that it will start a small change that will encourage all the "old" things to become new.

I hope that your morning is a good one and that you can spread "good" as you go about your day. Good morning, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

Sheryll

No Time Like the Present

2012-08-13T06:20:00.001-05:00

Have you ever said that this year would be the year you read though the entire bible? Then months pass by and you still haven't started, so you plan to wait until the beginning following year.

Well I would like to challenge you to do what I did the other day, start now. Don't wait for January to roll around again to start.

If reading the entire bible is something you want to do, then start today. I simply set up a reading plan through YouVersion and I was on my way. If you are not familiar with the way it works, here is what you do: go to the site, just choose a plan from the ones available and it sets up a calendar for you. If you miss a day, just click "catch me up" and you are back on track.

The plan I chose is the Discipleship Journals Book at a Time . I chose this plan because many of the other plans mix up your reading between different books in the bible and I personally don't like that. Choose what you like by looking at samples of each one. The key is to just start doing it.

Let me also say that although reading through the entire bible in a year is a nice goal to have, don't pursue it just to say that you did it. This was honestly my first reason for wanting to do it, but I realized that this reason alone would not keep me doing it.

I want to truly know God and I know that the way to do that is through reading His word. I prayed and asked Him to change my focus. So, I now have a new desire for wanting to do it. Additionally, my prayer is that God will continue to use me to share with you what I learn through the time I spend with Him, reading His word.

I am ready for time spent with God to become a daily habit. Will you join me?

Sheryll

Recipe Review: Self-Crusting Quiche

2012-08-12T12:11:00.000-05:00

I love cooking and trying new recipes, so when I came across a recipe for a "Self-crusting Quiche" I figured I would give it a try.

There are times when I want a quiche but don't have any pie crust in the freezer nor do I feel like attempting to make one so I decided to try this.

I did adjust the recipe a bit by adding in what I had on hand. I also split the recipe in half and used two dishes that I got from the dollar store. If you want to make a large one to fit into a pie pan just double the ingredients listed.

2eggs
1/2c milk (I used 2%)
2tbs butter (melted)
4 slices of deli ham (the original recipe just called for ham)
1 1/2c shredded cheddar cheese
1/4c of diced seasoning blend sautéed in a little oil ( this came from the frozen bag that I use from Wal-mart)
1/2c Bisquick ( I used the heart Healthy kind)

I combined all of the ingredients into a bowl adding the flour last and then baked in the oven at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Just check it around 20min to see if a toothpick inserted into it will come out dry. If not leave it in and check after 5 minutes. Note that if you are placing all of the mix into one dish baking will take longer.

I asked my boys how they liked it and there were mixed reviews. One said it was good because he doesn't like pie crust and the other said he preferred the pie crust. I agree with him, I thought that it was okay in a pinch but I would also rather use the pie crust. To do that you can use the same ingredients that I have listed here minus the Bisquick and prepare it in a pie crust. Remember to double the ingredients if you are going to do this. I would love to hear how it turned out. Enjoy!

Sheryll

Walking the Walk

2012-08-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

If you have seen my latest status updates on Facebook then you have noticed that I mentioned using a DVD to walk mile after mile in my home. The DVD I refer to is one of many by Leslie Sansone in her "Walk at Home" collection.

I first used this DVD in the earlier part of the year, and although I enjoyed it I didn't stick with it. I wasn't focused at the time on being committed to my health, but that all changed.

As you may recall, in June of this year I decided to make some permanent life changes to help improve my overall health. In addition to making better food choices, I also began exercising at least 5 times a week.

I was doing 30min on the treadmill when my husband suggested that maybe I do some aerobics to help change things up a bit for me. After going back to my old DVDs, I realized that I was no longer interested in them. This led me to giving Leslie's DVDs another try. My goal was to purchase one so I decided to borrow some from the library and see which one I liked. I am still in the process of making a final decision since I have about 9 on hold that I still want to try, but so far my favorite is "The Ultimate 5 Day Walk Plan".

Almost all of the routines on her DVDs use 4 moves: high knees, side steps, kicks and of course walking. She throws in some other moves as well and picks up the pace. I find them to be a fun and different way to walk. I also love that she does mile markers which allow you to stop or keep going.

The DVD that I mention above allows you to create your own workout and she even includes some simple strengthening exercises. I didn't find the strengthening exercises that challenging so I used another DVD for those by Denise Austin.

While I continue to search, I am enjoying the variety and it is keeping motivated to walk each day. Who knows, I may continue to borrow them from the library even if I invest in one just to keep things interesting.

Sheryll

Updated: Life Unedited: Parenting

2012-08-08T12:10:00.001-05:00

I have never written a post where I just write. I am always trying to make sure the grammar is correct and that everything flows and makes sense. Although those things are important, there are times when I want you to just know me without the editing. I have decided to do that from time to time. I think I will call it, "Life Unedited" and follow that with a simple label like you see in this post. These posts will be spur of the moment, "this thought just crossed my mind" or "this situation just happened", kind of posts. I am nervous but also looking forward to doing this; because to me, just putting yourself out there at times "unedited", is what it's all about.

So here goes:

Do you ever feel like you don't know how to do this whole parenting thing? I mean just when you think you have it all figured out something happens that make you realize that you don't.

I feel like I can never make my middle son happy. He seems to always want to do the opposite of what his brothers are doing so he feels no one wants to play with him.

A minute ago we were having snacks and he decides to check to see which plum he wanted by removing some of the peeling, apparently the ones with the dark flesh are better. Once he found that one he gave us all the other ones. I made him give his away to one of his brothers which of course brought tears. Earlier he was bothered because he didn't have anything to do and wouldn't take any of my suggestions. I can't win with him and I don't know what to do.

I know that my kids won't always be happy but he seems to always be unhappy for one reason or another. I just can't figure him out. Lord, help me.

Sheryll

Update

I realized after I relaxed a little bit that the above post may not get the point across that I was trying to make. I was reminded of the scripture that says, "Everything that is permissible is not beneficial". Although speaking 100% freely is okay, without adding how to resolve the situation leaves this post benefiting no one. My overall goal in writing is to let mothers know that they are not alone in how they feel and in the situations that they come across. In addition to that I want to also be able to help moms become better and encourage them on their journey.

I realized that the above post told you that you were not alone, but it gave no encouragement nor did it say what to do when you get overwhelmed in this case or others that are similar. Therefore, it was not beneficial. I also realize that if my son were to read this, he would feel as if he is a problem and he isn't. I love the fact that he is different and I never want him to go along with the crowd just for the sake of being with someone. To me this shows that he will be a great leader one day.

Here is the benefit that I want to offer. When you have a moment where you feel like you just don't get your kid stop and really think about who they are and you will realize that you do get them. Embrace their differences and what makes them who they are and show them how to fully be all that they can be.

Sheryll

The Visual Verse - John 15:5

2012-08-08T08:33:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Philippians 4:6

2012-08-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Lamentations 3:22

2012-07-30T22:52:00.001-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Matthew 6:33

2012-07-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Matthew 11:28

2012-07-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Genesis 8:11

2012-07-27T19:56:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Hebrews 12:1

2012-07-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Isaiah 40:31

2012-07-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

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The Genie in the Lamp

2012-07-24T06:53:00.000-05:00

A week ago the lamp went out in our projection TV and my husband has yet to replace it. This TV is located in the family room, basically the central area for all thing digital. The boys Wii, Netflix and our DVD player relies on this TV. On most days, mommy relies on this TV to be a babysitter when my day isn't going as planned.

What my husband and I have noticed is that when all things digital are cut off the creative side in my boys begins to reappear. Mind you they are normally creative but they become extra creative. I am now able to go to McDonald's which is located in the boys room, Burger King which is located in the play room and a Sweet Shop which is located in the play room. The best part about all these new fast food places that I have access to is that all the food is calorie and fat free which works great for my eating plan. This will be the first time that I can eat all I want and I don't have to worry. In addition to that, I know the owners so I get all the food for free.

What do your kids create when they are forced, I mean inspired to?

Sheryll

The Visual Verse - 1 Corinthians 10:23a

2012-07-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - 2 Samuel 12:16a

2012-07-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

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The Visual Verse - Revelation 3:20

2012-07-21T10:37:00.002-05:00

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Deliver Me From Chocolate

2012-07-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit: PetitChef.com

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1st Corinthians 10:13

Last night I attending a dinner meeting at my church. We started with a salad which gave me my veggies and then the entree which provided my protein, more veggies and a starch. I was feeling pretty good and was looking forward to dessert. Soon enough it was on it's way. As I saw the ladies approach with the cart I waited in anticipation of what my sugary delight would be. As it came into the room I saw that what I wanted I could not have. It was chocolate. And no there isn't anything wrong with chocolate but it was something I had decided to stay away from for health reasons. Now had this been a drizzle of chocolate I may have satisfied my craving but this was full on chocolate on top of chocolate and there was no way my acid re-flux issues would accept that joyfully.

I sadly smiled and ushered the young lady to pass me by and looked at my husbands plate with somewhat jealousy. Then I felt God say to me that had the dessert been something I could have I would have over eaten. I thank God for giving me the strength to withstand the temptation and I am grateful that He allowed the dessert to be something He knew I would be able to resist.

Sheryll

The Visual Verse - Genesis 3:6a

2012-07-20T08:17:00.002-05:00

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