Here is the video link that Lisa mentioned last night about pearls. Remember, she said it didn't have much to do with anything, but it was intersting! :o)
Enjoy!
http://www.karipearls.com/cultured-pearls.html
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Kick Off and Schedule!!!!!!!!
Hey GEMS!
Can you believe that the kids go back to school next week? Can you believe that the middle of August is upon us? Do you know how much I have missed all of you? I can't wait to get back together!!!
I met with my Small Group tonight and it was awesome! Even though everyone couldn't make it - we had a great time of fellowship and food! :o) We all mentioned how we miss each other and can't wait to start back up again.
Well, guess what? The GEMS Kick-off is just around the corner!
September 10th - 6:00pm at Eastview
I can't wait to see everyone! I will be there early to greet y'all! :o)
The rest of the schedule is posted on the side. Every other week, beginning September 10th. That means 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/12, 11/26, 12/3, and 12/17 in 2008! 2009 looks like this: 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13 and 5/27/2009.
Put the dates on your calendars and bring your friends. You are in for a real treat!
See y'all soon!
Love and prayers,
Cheri Lynn
Can you believe that the kids go back to school next week? Can you believe that the middle of August is upon us? Do you know how much I have missed all of you? I can't wait to get back together!!!
I met with my Small Group tonight and it was awesome! Even though everyone couldn't make it - we had a great time of fellowship and food! :o) We all mentioned how we miss each other and can't wait to start back up again.
Well, guess what? The GEMS Kick-off is just around the corner!
September 10th - 6:00pm at Eastview
I can't wait to see everyone! I will be there early to greet y'all! :o)
The rest of the schedule is posted on the side. Every other week, beginning September 10th. That means 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/12, 11/26, 12/3, and 12/17 in 2008! 2009 looks like this: 1/7, 1/21, 2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/13 and 5/27/2009.
Put the dates on your calendars and bring your friends. You are in for a real treat!
See y'all soon!
Love and prayers,
Cheri Lynn
Friday, August 1, 2008
Whew!
Hey all you beautiful GEMS!
I am sure that everyone thought I had fallen off the earth, but it has just been a very busy summer. I have missed seeing y'all, but I have been keeping the road hot between here and Camdenton, MO. We got my folks moved last week and the kids and I are going down next week (Wednesday) for a family reunion. My sister is hosting and it should be a great time together.
I have been praying for all of you and can't wait to get back together. I hated to miss the picnic, but we were out of town. Hope everyone had a great time. I thought about you!
Well, my youngest is ready for bed. Have a great weekend everyone and know that I love y'all and pray for you daily!
God Bless y'all!
Love,
Cheri Lynn
I am sure that everyone thought I had fallen off the earth, but it has just been a very busy summer. I have missed seeing y'all, but I have been keeping the road hot between here and Camdenton, MO. We got my folks moved last week and the kids and I are going down next week (Wednesday) for a family reunion. My sister is hosting and it should be a great time together.
I have been praying for all of you and can't wait to get back together. I hated to miss the picnic, but we were out of town. Hope everyone had a great time. I thought about you!
Well, my youngest is ready for bed. Have a great weekend everyone and know that I love y'all and pray for you daily!
God Bless y'all!
Love,
Cheri Lynn
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hi GEMS!
We’ll be taking a look at this wonderful idea of “peace” in the next 2 weeks.
To walk in peace throughout every part of your life is an amazing thing. So much of what our culture throws at us may be “fun”, but it isn’t peaceful. Unfortunately, Satan does a good job of making our human hearts think that we need “fun” more than we need peace. God has wired us for peace – but that doesn’t mean we can’t also have “fun”. What we find is that when we live in such a way that we are pursuing peace, God opens our eyes to amazing “good, clean fun” that fills us up and truly replaces our desire for the worldly “fun” that only leads to fighting, pettiness and regrets.
I’ll be praying for peace in your life – but as you’ll see, peace doesn’t just “happen”…read on!!
Love ya~
Lisa
Thur/July 3: Psalm 34:11-14
The fear of the Lord means that we love Him and have reverence for Him. Notice in verses 13 and 14, the psalmist is telling us to do certain things that will lead to peace. We have to actively choose to live peaceful lives. If all you do is pray for peace but you do not exercise control over your tongue (meaning watch what you say), you are not going to get peaceful results from your relationships. The Holy Spirit in you will help you hold unkind words in – pray and ask for His help.
Fri/July 4: John 8:31-37
In celebration of Independence Day – read these verses and celebrate your freedom from sin and eternal death!!
Sat/July 5: Matthew 5:9
This verse is found in a sermon of Jesus’ known as “The Beatitudes”. He give practical advice on ways to live. Again, notice that he says the “peacemakers” are blessed, not the peaceful. It takes effort to live a peaceful existence.
Sun/July 6: Romans 12:17-21
Paul writes of more ways to live the peaceful, Christian life. Note that this section revolves around verse 18. The other verses just give good practical advice on how to live out your peace.
Mon/July 7: 2 Corinthians 1:2 and then 2 Corinthians 13:11
Notice how Paul opens his letter by wishing “grace and peace” to them (sound familiar? From Doug’s teaching on June 29). In the closing of his letter, Paul wishes them peace again, but here, he is telling them that they need to choose to live that way.
Tues/July 8: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
The Greek word for “quiet” is the same root word from which “peaceful” also comes. Do you live your life by minding your own business and being productive? You can be a better witness for the love of Jesus in your life if others see you living a peaceful, “quiet” life.
Wed/July 9: Hebrews 12:14
Another verse that is to the point of why we should try to live peaceful lives.
Thur/July 10: James 3:13-18
I love the book of James. He just lays it out. Look how he ties wisdom to peace. Take an honest look at yourself: Do you live with envy, selfish ambition or disorder in your life? Do you want more wisdom and to live in a higher way? Read James 1:5-8.
Fri/July 11: Jeremiah 29:12-13
For those of you who wonder if God hears when you pray (like for wisdom that we read about yesterday) – read this as an assurance that God hears you when you come to Him with a sincere heart.
Sat/July 12: Galatians 5:22
This is the list of the “Fruit of the Spirit” that lots of Christians talk about. Take stock of where you are right now spiritually. Notice that it is not the fruits of the Spirit – it is the fruit (singular). If we are allowing the Spirit to run our lives, all of these characteristics should show up in our lives – not just the ones that are “easy” for us.
Sun/July 13: Ephesians 4:20-32
Another great writing from Paul about how to live a peaceful, Christian life. It is not easy to deny our nature – believe me I know that as much as you. The truth of the Bible shows us that when we choose to live how Jesus taught us, we have peace. When we do what we want and don’t care about Jesus’ way, it can lead to pain and separation from God and others.
Mon/July 14: Philippians 4:4-7
God’s peace is yours when you stay close to Him in prayer.
Tue/July 15: Psalm 85:8-13
God promises peace – but not if His people are going to act like fools. Peace is a benefit of living God’s way – we have to choose to live peacefully. Salvation is completely free – we don’t deserve it and we can do nothing to “get” it: We only have to accept it. Peace, on the other hand, is ours to choose once we have the Holy Spirit living in us.
Wed/July 16: Acts 10:34-36
Peter the apostle/disciple of Jesus is talking for the first time to a man who was not a Jew about the fact that Peter is finally understanding that Jesus came to save all people, not just the Jews. You are so fortunate to live in a time and country where it is easy for you to choose to listen to God and to love Christ. Following Jesus leads to peace.
We’ll be taking a look at this wonderful idea of “peace” in the next 2 weeks.
To walk in peace throughout every part of your life is an amazing thing. So much of what our culture throws at us may be “fun”, but it isn’t peaceful. Unfortunately, Satan does a good job of making our human hearts think that we need “fun” more than we need peace. God has wired us for peace – but that doesn’t mean we can’t also have “fun”. What we find is that when we live in such a way that we are pursuing peace, God opens our eyes to amazing “good, clean fun” that fills us up and truly replaces our desire for the worldly “fun” that only leads to fighting, pettiness and regrets.
I’ll be praying for peace in your life – but as you’ll see, peace doesn’t just “happen”…read on!!
Love ya~
Lisa
Thur/July 3: Psalm 34:11-14
The fear of the Lord means that we love Him and have reverence for Him. Notice in verses 13 and 14, the psalmist is telling us to do certain things that will lead to peace. We have to actively choose to live peaceful lives. If all you do is pray for peace but you do not exercise control over your tongue (meaning watch what you say), you are not going to get peaceful results from your relationships. The Holy Spirit in you will help you hold unkind words in – pray and ask for His help.
Fri/July 4: John 8:31-37
In celebration of Independence Day – read these verses and celebrate your freedom from sin and eternal death!!
Sat/July 5: Matthew 5:9
This verse is found in a sermon of Jesus’ known as “The Beatitudes”. He give practical advice on ways to live. Again, notice that he says the “peacemakers” are blessed, not the peaceful. It takes effort to live a peaceful existence.
Sun/July 6: Romans 12:17-21
Paul writes of more ways to live the peaceful, Christian life. Note that this section revolves around verse 18. The other verses just give good practical advice on how to live out your peace.
Mon/July 7: 2 Corinthians 1:2 and then 2 Corinthians 13:11
Notice how Paul opens his letter by wishing “grace and peace” to them (sound familiar? From Doug’s teaching on June 29). In the closing of his letter, Paul wishes them peace again, but here, he is telling them that they need to choose to live that way.
Tues/July 8: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
The Greek word for “quiet” is the same root word from which “peaceful” also comes. Do you live your life by minding your own business and being productive? You can be a better witness for the love of Jesus in your life if others see you living a peaceful, “quiet” life.
Wed/July 9: Hebrews 12:14
Another verse that is to the point of why we should try to live peaceful lives.
Thur/July 10: James 3:13-18
I love the book of James. He just lays it out. Look how he ties wisdom to peace. Take an honest look at yourself: Do you live with envy, selfish ambition or disorder in your life? Do you want more wisdom and to live in a higher way? Read James 1:5-8.
Fri/July 11: Jeremiah 29:12-13
For those of you who wonder if God hears when you pray (like for wisdom that we read about yesterday) – read this as an assurance that God hears you when you come to Him with a sincere heart.
Sat/July 12: Galatians 5:22
This is the list of the “Fruit of the Spirit” that lots of Christians talk about. Take stock of where you are right now spiritually. Notice that it is not the fruits of the Spirit – it is the fruit (singular). If we are allowing the Spirit to run our lives, all of these characteristics should show up in our lives – not just the ones that are “easy” for us.
Sun/July 13: Ephesians 4:20-32
Another great writing from Paul about how to live a peaceful, Christian life. It is not easy to deny our nature – believe me I know that as much as you. The truth of the Bible shows us that when we choose to live how Jesus taught us, we have peace. When we do what we want and don’t care about Jesus’ way, it can lead to pain and separation from God and others.
Mon/July 14: Philippians 4:4-7
God’s peace is yours when you stay close to Him in prayer.
Tue/July 15: Psalm 85:8-13
God promises peace – but not if His people are going to act like fools. Peace is a benefit of living God’s way – we have to choose to live peacefully. Salvation is completely free – we don’t deserve it and we can do nothing to “get” it: We only have to accept it. Peace, on the other hand, is ours to choose once we have the Holy Spirit living in us.
Wed/July 16: Acts 10:34-36
Peter the apostle/disciple of Jesus is talking for the first time to a man who was not a Jew about the fact that Peter is finally understanding that Jesus came to save all people, not just the Jews. You are so fortunate to live in a time and country where it is easy for you to choose to listen to God and to love Christ. Following Jesus leads to peace.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Let's pray for one of our own.....
Hey GEMS!
I am sorry I have been off for a couple weeks, but I was out of town and then had a very frustrating time with my email and couldn't get things and read things and..... Please forgive me! I am back and wanting to share things with y'all.
I am sure several of you have gotten emails about the loss of our dear sister Lisa. Lisa's Mom passed away on Thursday morning. Lisa is doing okay, but hurting and dealing with all the family stuff too. Please lift her up before the Throne and ask God to give her and the family that peace that only He can give.
I love y'all and will be writing more later!
Remember: God is good ALL the time and ALL the time, God is good!
Love and prayers,
Cheri Lynn
I am sorry I have been off for a couple weeks, but I was out of town and then had a very frustrating time with my email and couldn't get things and read things and..... Please forgive me! I am back and wanting to share things with y'all.
I am sure several of you have gotten emails about the loss of our dear sister Lisa. Lisa's Mom passed away on Thursday morning. Lisa is doing okay, but hurting and dealing with all the family stuff too. Please lift her up before the Throne and ask God to give her and the family that peace that only He can give.
I love y'all and will be writing more later!
Remember: God is good ALL the time and ALL the time, God is good!
Love and prayers,
Cheri Lynn
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Note from Lisa and Daily Bible Reading Update
Hi GEMS!
I am up early and sitting at my computer on a beautiful sunny morning. I see the incredible nature of God in the way He faithfully grants each of us a new day in which to make an impact the people around us. I have been daily praying for you and I’m looking forward to being with you again – whether at summer picnics or when we get together in the fall!
God has been leading me to Psalm 139 this week, so we’ll spend some time looking at this interesting section of God’s word.
Love ya!
Lisa
Thur/June 19: Psalm 139:1-4
You know how you sometimes hear that “God is always with you”? This section shows us one place where the Bible teaches us this. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, no matter what you say – the Lord is there.
Fri/June 20: Psalm 139:5
Here, we see the loving protection of God. He lays His hand upon you. Are you seeing it? Sometimes, we miss how God is protecting us because He isn’t doing it in the way we want. If you are truly His child, you are a part of His promises, and He is protecting you. If you’re not “feeling” this, perhaps a good prayer starter today is, “Father, please show me how you are protecting me – open my eyes to see you.”
Sat/June 21: Psalm 139:6
In this verse, the “knowledge” is God’s complete knowledge of every single thing about us. Do you ever find yourself doing or thinking things and you wonder, “Where did that come from? Why am I acting/feeling like this?” We mystify and amaze ourselves sometimes—but God knows us more deeply than we can know ourselves. Because of this, as we draw closer to Him, He reveals more and more about who we are to us.
Sun/June 22: Psalm 139:7-8
One of the characteristics of God is that He is omnipresent. This means that because He is Spirit, He is in all places at all times. Our human minds cannot really understand how that’s possible. But, this verse assures us that this is true. What a comfort to know that the God we worship is able to be there for each one of us at all times no matter where we are. Additionally, we need to remember that because God is omnipresent, He sees everything we do…”The Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little hands what you do.”
Mon/June 23: Psalm 139:9-10
The idea in verse 9 is that God sees the entire scope of the world. The “wings of dawn” meaning where the sun comes up (in the east) and “far side of the sea” probably meaning (at the time of this Psalm’s writing) the most western seas. Again, we see the promise and comfort from verse 10 – He will lead us and guide us everywhere we go.
Tue/June 24: Psalm 139:11-12
We cannot hide from God. He sees all the wonderful things you are doing everyday, and He sees the ugly things you do. Remember, you are not condemned for the “bad”, but you do need to confess them to God and simply ask His forgiveness.
Wed/June 25: Psalm 139:13-16
I LOVE these verses. I refer to them all the time when I’m talking to someone who does not like the way God made them. Either they think they are too short, too tall, too fat, too skinny, too slow, they have a disorder, they’re not pretty enough, their nose is too big, it’s too small, etc. etc. Read these verses and see that God made you. He does not make mistakes. Every person is wonderfully made. Another way to understand these verses is, ““I thank you because I am so wonderfully and mysteriously made, and because all your works are so wonderful; you know me completely” (Robert Bratcher)
Thur/June 26: Psalm 139:17-18
These verses give us a way to worship God. When you are getting wrapped up in the problems of your life, it’s so easy to lose the “big picture perspective”. In verses 17 & 18, the psalmist is reminding us that the God who knows us and is with us has more “thoughts” than we could ever imagine. He is so immense and incredible—yet, He personally cares for each one of us. You are precious!
Fri/June 27: Psalm 139:19-22
Wowser! Strong words! #1 – I love the honest emotion we see here. This guy was not afraid to lay out exactly how he was feeling—and we should never be afraid to do the same with God. The psalmist is showing his hatred for those who are enemies of God. He is so in love with the Lord that he cannot stand those who hate God. Of course, we have to strike the right balance between hating the sin, but loving the sinner.
Sat/June 28: Psalm 139:23-24
Are there any of us who have “anxious thoughts”? Use these 2 verses as a prayer to the Father. You can’t hide anything from Him anyway, so open up and acknowledge that you want Him to search you. Looking at the very last line – what a loving conclusion to this great Psalm. God, “Lead me in the way everlasting”. It’s only the things of God that last; our lives are better and stronger when we live according to His ways.
Sun/June 29: Psalm 143:10
This is a great follow up prayer verse. By ourselves, we cannot always do the good things we know we should and that we want to do. Here is an honest prayer that says, “God, I need you to show me how to be like You.”
Mon/June 30: Psalm 26:2-8
Verses 2 & 3 again touch on the idea of God examining our hearts. Verses 4-8 give some ways that a Christian lives when she is wanting to please God.
Tues/July 1:Jeremiah 17:10
I keep taking us into the Old Testament because I believe it is very important for us to see that the core characteristics of God have been around for thousands of years and He does not change. That is a comfort to me when my world is going crazy. I am hooked up to God who has seen it all and still the world continues. Here, God again assures us that He sees what we do and rewards us for choosing right ways. Never forget, however, that when you do wrong, you can be forgiven – but His forgiveness cannot take away the consequences that come from our choices.
Wed/July 2: Ephesians 4:20-32
Paul is writing to the church and telling them to remember that they are Christ’s people. He reminds them (and us) that when we choose to live as His children, we are new creations. With each new day, we can grow towards being more like Him. Paul gives some specific examples of ways to live a God-honoring life.
I am up early and sitting at my computer on a beautiful sunny morning. I see the incredible nature of God in the way He faithfully grants each of us a new day in which to make an impact the people around us. I have been daily praying for you and I’m looking forward to being with you again – whether at summer picnics or when we get together in the fall!
God has been leading me to Psalm 139 this week, so we’ll spend some time looking at this interesting section of God’s word.
Love ya!
Lisa
Thur/June 19: Psalm 139:1-4
You know how you sometimes hear that “God is always with you”? This section shows us one place where the Bible teaches us this. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, no matter what you say – the Lord is there.
Fri/June 20: Psalm 139:5
Here, we see the loving protection of God. He lays His hand upon you. Are you seeing it? Sometimes, we miss how God is protecting us because He isn’t doing it in the way we want. If you are truly His child, you are a part of His promises, and He is protecting you. If you’re not “feeling” this, perhaps a good prayer starter today is, “Father, please show me how you are protecting me – open my eyes to see you.”
Sat/June 21: Psalm 139:6
In this verse, the “knowledge” is God’s complete knowledge of every single thing about us. Do you ever find yourself doing or thinking things and you wonder, “Where did that come from? Why am I acting/feeling like this?” We mystify and amaze ourselves sometimes—but God knows us more deeply than we can know ourselves. Because of this, as we draw closer to Him, He reveals more and more about who we are to us.
Sun/June 22: Psalm 139:7-8
One of the characteristics of God is that He is omnipresent. This means that because He is Spirit, He is in all places at all times. Our human minds cannot really understand how that’s possible. But, this verse assures us that this is true. What a comfort to know that the God we worship is able to be there for each one of us at all times no matter where we are. Additionally, we need to remember that because God is omnipresent, He sees everything we do…”The Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little hands what you do.”
Mon/June 23: Psalm 139:9-10
The idea in verse 9 is that God sees the entire scope of the world. The “wings of dawn” meaning where the sun comes up (in the east) and “far side of the sea” probably meaning (at the time of this Psalm’s writing) the most western seas. Again, we see the promise and comfort from verse 10 – He will lead us and guide us everywhere we go.
Tue/June 24: Psalm 139:11-12
We cannot hide from God. He sees all the wonderful things you are doing everyday, and He sees the ugly things you do. Remember, you are not condemned for the “bad”, but you do need to confess them to God and simply ask His forgiveness.
Wed/June 25: Psalm 139:13-16
I LOVE these verses. I refer to them all the time when I’m talking to someone who does not like the way God made them. Either they think they are too short, too tall, too fat, too skinny, too slow, they have a disorder, they’re not pretty enough, their nose is too big, it’s too small, etc. etc. Read these verses and see that God made you. He does not make mistakes. Every person is wonderfully made. Another way to understand these verses is, ““I thank you because I am so wonderfully and mysteriously made, and because all your works are so wonderful; you know me completely” (Robert Bratcher)
Thur/June 26: Psalm 139:17-18
These verses give us a way to worship God. When you are getting wrapped up in the problems of your life, it’s so easy to lose the “big picture perspective”. In verses 17 & 18, the psalmist is reminding us that the God who knows us and is with us has more “thoughts” than we could ever imagine. He is so immense and incredible—yet, He personally cares for each one of us. You are precious!
Fri/June 27: Psalm 139:19-22
Wowser! Strong words! #1 – I love the honest emotion we see here. This guy was not afraid to lay out exactly how he was feeling—and we should never be afraid to do the same with God. The psalmist is showing his hatred for those who are enemies of God. He is so in love with the Lord that he cannot stand those who hate God. Of course, we have to strike the right balance between hating the sin, but loving the sinner.
Sat/June 28: Psalm 139:23-24
Are there any of us who have “anxious thoughts”? Use these 2 verses as a prayer to the Father. You can’t hide anything from Him anyway, so open up and acknowledge that you want Him to search you. Looking at the very last line – what a loving conclusion to this great Psalm. God, “Lead me in the way everlasting”. It’s only the things of God that last; our lives are better and stronger when we live according to His ways.
Sun/June 29: Psalm 143:10
This is a great follow up prayer verse. By ourselves, we cannot always do the good things we know we should and that we want to do. Here is an honest prayer that says, “God, I need you to show me how to be like You.”
Mon/June 30: Psalm 26:2-8
Verses 2 & 3 again touch on the idea of God examining our hearts. Verses 4-8 give some ways that a Christian lives when she is wanting to please God.
Tues/July 1:Jeremiah 17:10
I keep taking us into the Old Testament because I believe it is very important for us to see that the core characteristics of God have been around for thousands of years and He does not change. That is a comfort to me when my world is going crazy. I am hooked up to God who has seen it all and still the world continues. Here, God again assures us that He sees what we do and rewards us for choosing right ways. Never forget, however, that when you do wrong, you can be forgiven – but His forgiveness cannot take away the consequences that come from our choices.
Wed/July 2: Ephesians 4:20-32
Paul is writing to the church and telling them to remember that they are Christ’s people. He reminds them (and us) that when we choose to live as His children, we are new creations. With each new day, we can grow towards being more like Him. Paul gives some specific examples of ways to live a God-honoring life.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Cardboard Testimonies......?
Happy Saturday GEMS!
I was trying to catch up with my email and found an email from a friend that she had forwarded from one of our GEMS. Anyway, it was a video from YouTube and I wanted to share it with you. I thought it was very thought provoking and wanted to hear your thoughts. Watch and listen and let me know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ
Have a great evening and a blessed Lord's Day!
God is good ALL the time - All the time God IS good!
Love ya!
Cheri Lynn
I was trying to catch up with my email and found an email from a friend that she had forwarded from one of our GEMS. Anyway, it was a video from YouTube and I wanted to share it with you. I thought it was very thought provoking and wanted to hear your thoughts. Watch and listen and let me know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ
Have a great evening and a blessed Lord's Day!
God is good ALL the time - All the time God IS good!
Love ya!
Cheri Lynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
