Trusting...

Trusting God even the answer is "No"...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=6wKoaxd-Ypc

Soaring on a Challenging Journey

As we moved through another year, I find myself reflecting on a past writing entitled "Words of Faith". The past several years have truly been challenging and life-changing. As I faced each life challenge, I was (and still is) strengthened and comforted by God's Word because the words of faith to me are like the sweet nectar to a butterfly.

Legacy Butterfly V (c) 2012 Sally Cherry

Legacy Butterfly VI (c) 2012 Sally Cherry

Words of Faith
As nectar nourishes...
 a butterfly,
The words of faith...
 nourish me.
So, I feed on...
God's Word
For it strengthens me. 

Verse © 1999 Sally Cherry

   Each challenge has been an essential step toward a deeper and stronger faith. As I move forward, I wrap myself in God's love, pray for His grace, seek His mercy and cling to His Word. The blessing of God's presence inspires me to reflect and share through my blog, photos, and verses better known as "My Butterfly Story". The butterfly which symbolizes "metamorphosis" (or "a marked change") serves as a personal reminder of my ongoing journey. When I reflect on the amazing story of the monarch butterfly, I am in awe of its journey as depicted in the 2014 documentary based on the critically acclaimed book, "Four Wings and a Prayer: Caught in the Mystery of the Monarch Butterfly" by Sue Halpern. It follows the migration of the Monarch butterfly from its Canadian birthplace to its wintering spot in the rainforests of Mexico. As I reflect on this "great mystery", I prayerfully feed on God's Word and soar forward on my journey.

Blessings of A Story Behind The Story

Previously posted on my Facebook Timeline. Definitely worth repeating here on... Steps of Faith! 

.  In recognition of African-American History Month, I was invited to
a White House visit and Tour as a guest of the Cameroon American Council (CAC) on Friday, February 14th. The other CAC guests were from more than ten (10) states (i.w. New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, DC, North Carolina, California, Georgia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, etc) and more than ten (10) countries in Africa (i.e. Nigeria, Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Benin, South Africa, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Gambia and other African descendants). I truly enjoyed meeting and networking with the other guests especially the African delegation from New York. The Tour showcased numerous occasions featuring President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama with prominent leaders and at events that celebrated the past and present roles of African-Americans in the history of the United States. In addition, the Tour highlighted several historical moments in which African-American leaders and cultural icons were recognized at the White House by five (5) past Presidents. 
.

Although it was an awesome cultural experience, there is a "story" behind the story! It is always amazing how a person's day can be unknowingly impacted by others' actions - may it be a smile, word or an invitation to the White House. While traveling to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. on a morning commuter train to attend the event, I encountered a lady as a seatmate at one of several stations. Almost immediately in our "polite" conversation, it became evident that she was a sister-in-Christ with an amazing story of God's goodness and mercy. As I told her that I had a friend who lived in the local town without mentioning my friend’s name but I made a mental note to call my friend soon. When she told me that her name was Diane, I could only smile. 
.  What a blessing! The train ride is usually reserved for reading or photo-taking. On this Friday, it became one of my most enjoyable train trips to DC. God always know what we need even if we don't. On the snowy morning of Feb 14th, He knew that one of His weary servants needed a "Koinonia moment". There is indeed refreshing power in His Word; Christian fellowship and unity. I almost missed the moment due to several little "distractions". What a blessing to just sit and share stories reflecting the power and goodness of a loving Father on Valentine's Day. What an awesome story of God's healing power and mercy shared by my seatmate, Diane. 
. Immediately I knew why there had been so many "distractions" earlier. There is no doubt in my mind... spiritual warfare is real! Amazingly, my "Restart: Stepping Out in Faith" devotional for the day was centered on Nehemiah 6:5-9. Regardless of the "distractions" when God has a message, task, or someone to place on your path, Nothing can stop what God has deemed. Although, God's plan has not been fully revealed, I pray for "strength for the task" following the example of Nehemiah and other faithful believers. 
.  Just when you thought that it was the end of the story (or encounter), the story got better at the end of a delightful day at the White House. During the Tour, it was indeed a blessing to experience the uplifting and powerful performance of The Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel Choir from Howard University. They literally had some of the visitors rocking, clapping, and "having church" on the spot. Believe it or not, I met my morning seatmate, Diane again on a departing commuter train at Washington's Union station even after walking through three or more "standing room only" cars. As I turned to advance to another car, I saw my morning seatmate. Only God could have placed her on my path again and have her sitting beside a vacant seat on a much crowded commuter train. Our morning conversation picked up as if we had never parted. It got even better... the name of my friend that I made a note to call is "Diane". Now I know two Dianes in Bowie and one was Indeed my "Valentine Angel" from God!
At the end of the day, I had to smile and give praise as I could almost heard God whispering, "See What I can do regardless how small; so let me handle the big stuff too". Thus, “my story” behind the story. 
. I humbly thank God for a wonderful day and those placed on my path! God is good! 
.

Click here to view more photographs.

Glorifying God with Christian Writing

 

MCC Christian Writers Group Meeting (2005)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

 Since the late 90s, I have been blessed to be a member of Mountain Christian Church (MCC) Writers' Group, a supportive community for Christian writing. As a Christian and a writer, I embrace the blessing of collective prayer, uplifting fellowship; and skill-enhancing information received within the open community. Throughout the years of growth and development, the MCC Writers Group's leadership and members have been true to its mission. 

MCC Christian Writers Group Retreat (2005)

As a member of the MCC Writers Group, I embrace its mission… Desire to glorify God by providing a supportive community for Christian writing by: Enhancing our spiritual growth and writing skills; Encouraging one another at regular meetings that include Bible study, prayer time, motivation and skill enhancement; and Equipping Christian writers to minister using the Word and their talent to inspire others.

Perdix perdix (Grey partridge) by Marek Szczepanek

The MCC Writers' Group publishes a weekly blog, Portions of Grace to glorify God through devotions. For the next twelve days, the MCC Writers Group will be posting a devotion for each of the twelve (12) verses of the popular Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas. I am honored to write the first day’s devotion, “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”. During my research, I discovered several unfamiliar accounts pertaining to the origin of the song. Thus a devotion with a deeper look at the first gift noted in the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

You are invited to read, reflect, and comment on Portions of Grace's Christmas devotional, The Twelve Days of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Portions of Grace
MCC Writers' Group weekly blog to glorify God through devotions. 

Mountain Christian Church (MCC) Writers Group
A ministry for Christian writers to help each other grow professionally and spiritually.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pearl Tree
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me a partridge in a pear-tree

---

Resources for Christian Writers

Faith Bloggers
Help Christian Blogers Find their Place Online 

FaithWriters.com^®
FaithWriters.com, the Ultimate Community for Christian Writers.  

Compassion Bloggers.

The Christian Writer's Market Guide 2013
The most comprehensive and highly recommended resource on the market 
for Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and writing teachers.

Weebly - Website Building
Create a FREE website for your Christian Blog and/or Ministry!

Weeping for Joy and Thanking God for the Years

Wow... Today is my birthday! I thank God for every year given.

My Birthplace

Sixty-one years ago,  a doctor in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland turned to an awaiting father to tell him that "She would had been a nice, little girl." Years later, the father would expressed that it was a sad moment Not to hear his baby girl cry out. It was only as the doctor was placing the small, lifeless bundle at the foot of the bed when he sensed a flicker of life. Years later, the awaiting mother  would comment that if the baby was not dead before, "she should have been after the ice water and 'body slinging' used by the doctor". 

As the baby cried out, the father would weep for joy and thank God for his new baby girl who would remind unnamed for an entire month.  When she was named, the father and mother agreed to give her the name of his beloved mother, "Sally".  

Clockwise: Mother, Me, Father, Daughter

As you may have guessed, I was that baby girl... Sally Shervonne (Sharvonne) Cherry. Needless to say, I will forever be grateful for that attentive country doctor. I thank God for guiding the doctor to do "whatever" it took to revive his small, lifeless patient. I thank God for a mother and father who would love and nurture their "small bundle" until their respective homegoings.

So I embrace each day and experience placed on my path. For God has a plan. Today, I am excited to see what The Lord has planned for my birthday. I pray for discernment, wisdom and strength as I focused on Jesus Christ who loved me even before I was born. God said "I will take care of you!" I hear it... I believe it... End of discussion! He has taken care of me for 61 years and He will not leave me now. So giving all praise to God I go forth on the day of my earthly birth. God is so good!

Miracle of the Sunflowers

As you can see I finally got a closer look at the "Sunflowers of Jarrettsville" this year. In the past, I have driven by the “golden fields” and just admired them at a distance. A couple of years ago, I saw a picture of the sunflowers in a local newspaper and immediately made plans to visit the fields. After reading that the sunflowers would only be good for pictures another week, I promised myself to visit "next year".



God's timing is so amazing.

Although my "next year" did not come right away, the timing was perfect for an intimate outing with God. As I walked among the golden sunflowers, butterflies, and bumble bees, I quickly forgot about a leaking brake line and even an impromptu lawn mowing session after a broken promise. In the quietness of the moment, I found myself reflecting on the beauty and miracles within the unending rows of golden sunflowers. My thoughts wondered to that day's reading from my daily devotional, Sarah Young's Jesus Calling...

"You see miracles happening all around, 

while others see only natural occurrences and "coincidences".

   
As I walked deeper into the field, I was taken in by the overflowing miracles within this golden ecosystem. I am talking about the miracle of providence... co-existence... diversity... and even pollination as the butterflies and bees "danced" among the beautiful flowers as if to music.

I don't even remember what was planned for the afternoon but God's plan was indeed far superior. As I "played"  in the "golden fields", I was able to spend some time in God's presence. Simple pleasures are indeed golden!

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

The Words of Faith Nourish Me

Another day... another step of faith.
The Words of faith continue to nourish me with each step. As I embrace the many life changes, I pray for  wisdom to see The Lord's path for me and courage to follow that path. I don't want to get in His way.

Seeing a butterfly is very uplifting... With each sighting, I am quietly reminded of "The Butterfly Struggle". Life challenges and changes strengthen us for our journey may it be that of a human or a butterfly.

According to "Journey North: Monarch Butterfly", some monarch butterflies from the northern US travel all the way to Mexico for the winter. That's over 3,000 miles! Although it is a long journey especially for a "delicate" butterfly, it is not traveling alone. That's the same with us, life may be a "journey" but we do not travel alone nor unnourished.

As nectar nourishes the butterfly, 

the Words of faith nourish me. 

 So, I feed on God's Word because it strengthens me. When I see a butterfly flying high, I smile because I know that as the butterfly flies strong and free... it is through God's divine plan. And God has a plan for me!

 "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." 

                           1 Timothy 4:6 (KJV)

Going about my way... Steps of Faith

Hello to you and another God-given day,

 Filled with anticipation and excitement, I greet another day... unlike yesterday or tomorrow. No day is ever the same! Indeed, I am excited and humbled about discovering what (or who) will be placed on my path today. What will I learn... who will I meet... What will I see... Who will I help! Each day is truly a gift. So I venture out to see what awaits me today. If our paths should cross, let's walk together... Connecting, Reaching, Growing, Serving, and Giving together.

I humbly thank God Almighty... for each and every amazing day...for walking with me... for carrying me... for His grace, patience, and amazing love. Over the years, I have traveled various life paths. Some were overwhelming, and The Lord cleared my mind. Some were blinding, and The Lord opened my eyes. Some were painful, and The Lord was my comfort. Through it all, my faith and I have grown stronger during the darkest hour and in the lowest valley.

How is that even possible? Simple answer... Steps of Faith.

I know that throughout my "walk", I am Never alone. God Almighty walks with me each and every day! Some days, He carries me. I am so thankful that our God Almightly loves me so much!

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Taking a Step of Faith In a New Direction

As I take a step onto a new path, I know that God has a plan for my experience, knowledge, and skills to benefit others. The events of the past months serve as affirmations for me as I pursue a vision that has been placed on my heart.

So, I step forward with Community HIV/AIDS Resource Exchange Project (CHAREproject) providing HIV/AIDS prevention capacity building, social media marketing and related services. With the reality of a worldwide audience, unlimited creativity, and true collaborations, I am truly excited about integrating real life nonprofit, laboratory, and business activities into virtual world projects.

Don't know where the path will lead me...
But I do know that I am Not alone!
As I take a "Step of Faith".

The Butterfly's Struggle

Several years ago, I heard the story, "The Butterfly's Struggle" on a local Christian radio station, (WRB-S 95.1 FM). It had such an inspirational impact on me that I wanted to share it and my thoughts...

Whenever I have life struggles, I press on because I know that without the struggles I could never fly high as the God has planned for me. My faith has grown deeper with each struggle as I follow the path prepared for me.

So, when I see a butterfly flying high, I smile because I know that as the butterfly flies strong and free... it is through God's divine plan. And God has a plan for me!

"...Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven...."
Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

Blessed be the Name of The Lord.

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

The Butterfly's Struggle
(Author Unknown)

A man found a cocoon for a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly.

He took a pair of scissors and snipped the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. Something was strange. The butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and deformed wings. It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the small opening of the cocoon are God` s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life.

If God allowed us to go through all of our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Not only that, we could never fly.

My Butterfly Story: The Words of Faith

Over the years, many of my "Steps of Faith" have been bookmarked with a butterfly symbolizing the metamorphosis or marked change in condition brought with each step. Thus, "My Butterfly Story" is a collection of inspired verses, photos, and thoughts from my quiet moments with God. "My Butterfly Story" is my personal reflection on "marked changes" in my spiritual condition as I grow deeper and stronger in faith.
"The Words of Faith" A beautiful, brown butterfly is a special bookmark...
Photographed on a bright Sunday morning after I had listened to a spiritually moving message at my church. As I was walking and reflecting on the message, the butterfly crossed directly in front of me. Then, it perched on a blossom-covered bush beside me. So, I paused to watch as it fed on the nectar of the nearby blossoms. It never moved from the blossoms. Not even when I slipped out my camera and took several photos of it. The butterfly's attention was solely focused on the source of it's nourishment... the nectar.So, this feeding butterfly is a bookmark for me...

Words of Faith
As nectar nourishes a butterfly,
the words of faith nourish me.
So, I feed on God's Word
For it strengthens me.

Bible Scripture
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."
1 Timothy 4:6 (KJV)

Text and photographs © 1999 Sally Cherry. All rights reserved.

Faith-related Links

During my daily reading, I found the following faith-related articles...

Should I Wait in Faith--Or Step Out in Faith?

Stepping out in Faith

From Fear to Faith

Feel free to share your favorite faith-related link(s).

Steps of Faith

"Stepping Out... In Faith" "Steps of Faith", is a Christian blog to spread the word of God's grace, goodness, and love. It is a humble way to share daily experiences, thoughts, and faith-related links. I pray for the wisdom to see The Lord's path for me. I prayer for the strengthen to embrace the path. As I walk the path, I know that The Lord will not leave me. You are invited to share your comments. Trust In The Lord

"If You Want to Walk On Water..."

You are invited to read, and discuss books within the "Steps of Faith" Reading Group. To join, simply select, and read a featured book. After reading the book, or during your reading, feel free to you can post your thoughts, or comments about the book.

The first book, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" is a very uplifting and inspirational book. The author is Pastor John Ortberg (Zondervan Publishing House, 2001). The book teaches how to stay focused on Jesus Christ during the "stormy" times of one's daily walk.

A little while ago, The Lord lead one of His faithful servants to share the book with me. Now, I want to share it with you...

If You Want to Walk on Water,
You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

Reading Group

Welcome to the "Steps of Faith" Reading Group

You are invited to read, and discuss faith-related books within the "Steps of Faith" Reading Group.

To join, simply select, and read a featured book. After reading the book, or during your reading, you are invited to post your comments about the book. Please feel free to share your thoughts about the books' effect on your daily Christian walk.

Featured Christian Books

If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat
   Author: Pastor John Ortberg