Rainy Tuesday

I feel slightly like I have been hit by a Mac truck. It is good though. I feel like I gave birth and then got in the car and hit the road. I have spent only 2 of the last 10 weeks at home. You couldn't drag me out right now. I am tired. In the few moments that we are not moving, I hear the sweet voice of God pushing me forward. Today these words ministered to me:
"the living stone was rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious to Him." Do you ever feel completely rejected? It is hard to remind yourself, but it shows more of the other person than it does you. It shows lack of confidence, grace, and the love that God says will define us. Why is it so hard to love each other? Our one defining characteristic almost never shows through because it is derailed by critical spirits and pride.
This Saturday, after a rockin' Mexican wedding (there were Mariachi!), the Cherry family went to Pipe Creek, Texas to play for our smallest crowd ever. It was one of the most refreshing and fulfilling moments we have had. People were just pleased to see us. It was so humbling to sit and talk with sweet, unassuming people. We also were blessed to see Robert Barge. We met Robert in Santa Anna last fall. God has put a love in our hearts for him that has been unmatched. It was a blessing to visit with him for a few short moments. My personal prayer is that more preachers and teachers would rise up like him. There is no pretense or supposition in his manner. Blessings on you, Robert.
Next week, the 2nd of 2 of my closest friends will move away to fulfill God's desire for her life. I must say, Emily, Melissa, a little part of me is already missing. I pray God's blessing on you both. I am sure this will inspire a tear-filled blog to come.

Let Us Be Unassuming

Do you ever feel set up for failure? It's like you went as a date to some one else's high school reunion. Everyone is talking about yesterday. No one actually ever engages in conversation with you. All the while they assume you are unsocial.

I love people. Sometimes, however, God drops me into situations where He simply never opens the door for fellowship. Why is that? I can think of several reasons this time. I have a Word that God is preparing these people to hear. He wanted to talk with me. He wanted to show me something. God did indeed speak. He confirmed some things to me about our future through Leviticus 25:1 and romanced me with promises. He showed me something that is lacking in the body of ministers I come in contact with. None of us are unassuming. We are judgemental and critical and side with whoever will agree with us. Many would love to say it is the gift of discernment, but I think it is a critical spirit hiding insecurity. We expect from others what we do not give ourselves.

I read a historical novel (Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin) this week about Hezekiah and it really drove the point home to me. We have to learn to open ourselves up to love and work together. We have to pray for God to work in our lives. Where ever you are, I pray you have learned to meet with Him...on your knees or on your face.

We believe God is telling us to build a retreat center for people in ministry to come for no cost to be refreshed.

Leviticus 25: 2 When you come into the land which I give you... 35 And if your brother has become poor and his hand wavers [he is unable to support himself], then you shall uphold (strengthen, relieve) him, [treating him with the courtesy and consideration that you would] a stranger or a temporary resident with you, so that he may live [along] with you.

My husband spoke a Word over our church leaders yesterday. I am including it here. His eyes are open and His ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15 (New American Standard Bible)

13"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,

14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

15"Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.

What I Am Doing

I am spending the week in Waco with my family. I thought I would give an update on what I am doing.

I am taking care of our beautiful daughter. She is teething and needs an abundance of snuggles. We have been trying to determine how soon we can have another baby! Denbigh is missing her this week. He is leading worship in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

I am writing a little booklet and looking for someone to produce it. It is called Benediction (spoken blessing). It is about the power of our words. I see a Christian bent to be negative and want to address it. Why are we so hateful?

We are working on some fall retreats.

God has put beautiful vision in my heart and Denbigh and I are praying toward that. You will have to ask me in person for the details on it.

Two of my closest friends are moving away within a month of each other! I know God has big things in store for all of us.

Other than that, I am reading and doing Beth Moore's recently rereleased A Woman's Heart Bible study.

Let me know how and what you are doing.