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. 
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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! 
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Click here to view more photographs.

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)