2011 year in review: joy(ful)

The chosen theme for 2011 was audacious joy. It was primarily "audacious" because at the time of selecting this theme my world was in shambles. Everything was out of whack, off kilter. Uncertainty abounded. We were both unemployed and moving continents for the third time in less than two years. The few things we owned were held in embargo in Africa. We were living in a new place (Virginia), where we were strangers and unfamiliar with our surroundings. The pressure on our relationship was almost more than it could bear. I looked at my circumstances, which were heartbreaking, and in response I chose joy.

Shortly after choosing the theme for 2011 I read a scripture in Habakkuk 3 that summarized my position.

Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord:
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.


In February, I received a job offer for my current position. Employment was a welcome blessing. Kenyon was blessed with the position he wanted at a hospital in the area beginning in June.

In March, the shipping company found a way around the embargo and our stuff arrived on our doorstep. If you knew the specifics, you would know this was miraculous.

In April, we found an apartment and began to re-establish our lives in a new place. God met our need and then blessed us to overflowing. We were given enough household goods to actually set-up house.

Living in the US is like living a 5-star existence (especially in comparison to our previous locations), but the amount of grumbling and complaining remains a mystery (and frustration) to me. Once again, the Bible provided guidance - joy is NOT determined by circumstances whether they be want or plenty. The comedian  Groucho Marx reminded me that joy is a choice.

I had plenty of days with tears and wallowing. Troubles have not ceased. But, on the days when I chose joy - joy is what defined my day. Joy is a choice. As often as possible, choose joy.

In summary, in the year of audacious joy - God showed up. He showed himself to be faithful - even in my disbelief.

just Sheri, more joyful

Willing Surrender

I believe strongly in voluntary personal sacrifice. It is a value we admire in our society. We have sayings like:

"Live simply so others may simply live."

Someone quoted this to me recently - while owning two homes, three cars, a sail boat and more "toys" than I can name. I try not to be judgmental, but I definitely have a reaction to such hypocrisy. As my friend Phim often reminds me - I have "no poker face"...no matter how I try.

While I cannot control the choices of others, I can make personal choices about the depths of my sacrifice. On a regular basis I evaluate expenses or schedule and adjust accordingly.

In the month of January the congregation I attend is asking that we each willingly sacrifice something. One of the families I hang with is giving up meat. Another woman I know is giving up sugar. I cannot decide what to surrender. I am willing, but clueless.

I've thought about giving up TV altogether. Though I don't watch much television there are a few shows I follow online or have weekly watch parties with friends.

I've thought about giving up eating out, but that is also a rarity in my life.

I don't eat much meat already. I don't drink coffee or alcohol.

I am not saying this to toot my horn. I just haven't come up with an idea that I feel is enough of a sacrifice and worthy of the cause.

So, I put this out there in cyber land - what suggestions do you have? What might you (or have you) given up for a similar cause?

Just Sheri, clueless

What kind of gift can I give to the King?

Christmas is upon us. A season of celebration- though the reason is often lost in the noise of a commercial holiday. We are celebrating the birth of a special baby. That child changed the world. That child changed the course of history (literally the calendar we use to this day). Whatever one may think about Jesus - His influence on earth cannot be denied. Thousands of years after his death he still has millions of followers. His name is still relevant because we remember it and have formed opinions on him - like or dislike. 

I count myself one of his followers. I call him "my King."

I was recently reminded of a deep spiritual truth through a children's song I knew as a child.  It leaves me asking myself an important question on this day...

What kind of gift can I give to my King?

Question:

What can I give to the King?

Give to the One who has everything?

What can I give?

What gift can i bring?

What can I give to the King?

What can I give to the King?

Answer:

Give Him a heart that's opened up wide

Give Him a life that's got nothing to hide

Give Him a love that's tender and true

And He'll give it all back to you

Yes, He'll give it all back to you

Question:

What can we give to the King?

Give to the One who has everything?

What can we give?

What gift can we bring?

What can we give to the King?

What can we give to the King?

Answer:

Give Him all glory, His people on earth

Give Him all praises, this day of His birth

Give Him all honor in all that we do

As He's given His life to you

As He's given His life to you

Question:

What can we give to the King?

Give to the One who has everything?

What can we give to the King?

What can we give to the King?

What is your answer to this question?

Neti pot users beware

You may remember that I suffered from terrible allergies earlier this year. A Neti pot was recommended (and literally forced upon me). It worked. But, one must follow the directions carefully. No tap water people. No tap water!
Here is why:
Neti pot danger? Two die from amoeba infection

The Art of Successful Grant Writing

On this blog I don't talk a lot about what I do for a living. I have held various positions over the years and the work only gets honorable mention a few times. There is a skill I have had to develop in my professional life, and it is one I am asked questions about often.

What skill is that? 

Grant writing.

In the world of change makers it is an important part of the fundraising tool belt. I was recently asked by our local Chamber of Commerce to do a lunchtime presentation on the topic. If you have 45 spare minutes, and want to mostly hear the presentation because the visuals aren't so good, then feel free to play the following video.

If you would like a copy of the Powerpoint presentation, let me know and I will email it to you.



Happy grant writing!

just Sheri, sharing lessons learned