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!