Pausing With God

Bruised and Broken

The other day while driving down the street, I saw something in the road up ahead; but couldn’t quite make it out. As we got closer, I slowed down to take a look. To our left, close to the median; I saw it laying on its side. Right next to it was another one, I wondered could it be its parent or a friend; who knew?

The bruised duck didn’t appear to be able to move. I couldn’t make out if it was breathing, but next to it was an unharmed duck sitting next to its friend, looking just as broken.

This made me think of us, humans and how we treat one another. Romans 12 reminds us that we are many members in one body. We are to have brotherly love for one another. If you are rejoicing, I should rejoice with you. If you are crying, I should be crying with you. Most of all I am to live at peace with you.

The Lump

My 2022 has started out with a lump. I woke up with soreness and a lump under my swollen left armpit. At first, I shrugged it off as I had been doing some new exercises targeting my arms.

Last night the pain was alerting me that something wasn’t right. My husband and I prayed over my body, and I went on my evening. As I climbed in bed, I thought to lay a heating pad on the area and see what it would look like in the morning.

I woke up this morning and of course the first place my hand went was under my armpit. The swelling went down, but there is still a soreness and a little bump. Before I got up to get ready for church, I was encouraged as I just had a mammogram, and the results were good, but it can’t hurt to get another one. So, I emailed my doctor describing what I felt and requested a mammogram referral.

It’s Here!

It’s finally here, December has arrived, the last month of the year. I know you’re thinking 2021 has come and thank goodness it’s almost gone?

Throughout this year, many of us have or had something that we’ve been praying about, something that we asked ourselves, and even asked God…when will I see, experience or possess it?

Recently during one of my morning devotions, I was in the Book of Samuel, and I noticed how David was anointed BEFORE he became king. I paused and thought about that, and my thoughts quickly transitioned to Esther. I closed my eyes and imagined how she had a time of preparation BEFORE becoming queen.

Imagine twelve months where someone prepared all your meals and bathed you. This process no doubt included cleansing, hygienic exfoliation, followed by a regimen of oils and perfumes. We could all use one of those right now.

It would appear that all Esther had to do for 365 days was to chill and walk around until it was time for her myrrh and spice treatments. (Esther 2:12-15).

The Stones

Before we moved to Florida back in 1999, we were involved in street ministry for kids. When I considered the move, I thought my season for this type of ministry was possibly coming to an end. But to my surprise, I found out that a team member, attended training with someone in Jacksonville who was doing the same type of ministry.

Well, we moved, and I tried to chill out for a bit to get our family settled, but I was so excited about seeing what was happening with the JAX outreach. Shortly after contacting the founder, my family and I joined as helpers in the Ramona Boulevard, now known as Victory Pointe Boys & Girls Club and before we knew it; the residence (especially the children) became like family.

Some months later, we had an idea to have a breakfast. The first year, the mini buffet was birthed from toaster and microwave ovens. The feedback was so overwhelming, we began planning for the following year. This blessed event went on for nine years. With each year the gifts as well as the attendees multiplied.

The youth grew up and I went on to another season of ministry. With the help of Facebook, lately we have had the pleasure of reconnecting with some of the youth and we hope to have a reunion one day.

Fast forward to the reason for this post. I was digging through some papers and found my notes for the 2009 Mother & Daughter Breakfast. This specific year, each mom was given one of the gemstones like those on the garment for the priesthood (Exodus 28:15-21) to line up with the message I would be sharing. The is a timeless message and one that I hope will be of some encouragement to you.

The Keys

The piano is a widely recognized instrument known for its beautiful sound. Every key has a different range, from soft to strong. Well, some years ago, I purchased a keyboard for the sole purpose of making a joyful noise, well at least I was going to try.

I exited the music store with the salesperson in tow behind me. He gently packed the box in the trunk of my car. At last, my newfound friend and I were on our way home.

In the family room, after taking the contents out of the box, I fastened both of the legs on. One, two, three, counting down like I was about to blow candles on a cake, as I took my right index finger and pushed the power button.

I do not own the rights to this video

Running or Looking?

The other day out of the blue I found myself humming, I Wanna Run To You by Whitney Houston. I goggled the title of the song to see if I could find a reason why this popped in my head. It was a song from the movie, The Bodyguard.
I pulled up and read the lyrics which seemed to represent what many of us women have felt at one time or another.
Most of us have ran and some still running to people, places and things. We have been scared, hurt, felt all alone and just want someone to take the time to get to know the real us.
In between the deep breaths, we make it look like we have everything under control, but on the inside we are falling apart. We all have a little girl inside who is longing for love and want to be kept safe from harm.

My countenance changed as I looked over to the right. I selected the video, I Look To You.
After we have been through, when we have given our all; and there is no fight left in us. It is then, we usually stop running and start looking.
Let’s not wait till we realize that we cannot do it on our own, LOOK to Jesus right now. He will be our bodyguard and in Him we will find that His love is perfect and in Him we can be strong!

If this post has encouraged you, let us know by pausing and posting a comment.

Sheri is also the author of ‘Pausing With God: A Journey Through Menopause’ (English & Spanish), ‘Pausing In His Presence: A Shut In Experience’, ‘A Woman of Excellence: The Ministry of My Mother’ and the just released: ‘God’s Got It Don’t Worry About Anything’.

Sheri looks forward to watching God show up and show His creation that He is who He says He is and will do what He has said He will do. Sheri is available for seminars, conferences, evangelistic outreaches, youth events, bible studies, workshops, or book signings for your event. To contact or book Sheri for your engagement, submit a request by US Mail: Pausing With God Ministries P.O. Box 9172 Fleming Island, FL 32006 or email at PausingWithGod@gmail.com.

One Letter

Com·pete (verb) 1. strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same.

Com·plete (adjective) 1. having all the necessary or appropriate parts.

Pause and look closer at these two words…do you see what the difference is?

Once you noticed what it is, like me; you will probably catch yourself smiling. Ahh, the letter ‘L’. For me this meant that without the ‘Lord’ in our lives we have a tendency to compete with one another. One of the many reasons why we would do this is because it covers up our own insecurities. Within ourselves we feel incomplete, defeated and think that in our striving we will gain respect or be noticed.

It Started with ‘Men’

If you grew up in the 1950’s, you may have viewed an educational film called Molly Grows Up.

( I do not own the rights to this video).

This film in a modest manner, did it’s best to introduce you to a new friend, that for most, showed up on a monthly basis; her name is Menstruation.

The average woman spends about 10 years of her life menstruating. To think after all those years, we would get a much-deserved break… oh no, off to another season we go: Menopause.

Menopause like menstruation, isn’t a curse, but just the mere mention of these ‘M’ words leave a negative undertone. This is more likely due to the fact they are misunderstood. Today there is a great deal of information available for women and this article is to encourage you that you no longer have to suffer in silence.

It’s Still 2021

For you journalers out there, you ever pause and flip through the pages to see what your thoughts were months or even years ago? Well, if not you ought to try it. You will cry, laugh and more than likely find a past entry that will bless your socks off.

January 1, 2021, my entry mentioned Our Daily Bread titled ‘Uncharted Waters’ with Scripture reference Isaiah 43:1-7.

My eyes paused at the subtitle, in my Bible it read; God will redeem His people.

But NOW says the Lord that created me, Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name, you are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.

For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…

I have no revelation or news to share with you as to why we are all still experiencing unchartered waters nor can I share what tomorrow or the rest of this year holds, but I pause in hopes to encourage you that one thing for sure; we know Who holds it!

Until next time dear friend, may the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

From Our Readers

Sheri I read this book on my flight a couple of weeks ago. It had been sitting on the shelf in my work room. I was a little hesitant about reading it, one reason being I did not have a relationship with my father, didn’t have any idea how a father daughter relationship should feel like, and wasn’t sure i wanted to read about yours.

I am so glad I followed the nudging of what I now KNOW was the Holy Spirit to put your book in my carry on. I began reading as we took off and finished it before I reached my destination. I laughed, cried (happy my seat was a window seat), totally enjoyed the journey with you and your dad, I loved his view of life. Sheri, I was forced to see my life without my father from a different pair of eyes…Gods…He was with me all along.