New beginnings. We've all had them. A time to begin again could be a New Year's Day goal, a move to a new town or the start of a new semester at school. Most of the time new starts catch us by surprise, sometimes when something new comes our way, we might not feel prepared. We might think it's not the right time for a change or maybe we are just plain terrified. Whatever the case, new beginnings can be new opportunities.
What's new? Is something looming in the distance, possibly a situation you might be dreading? Are you waiting for test results, an adult child soon to leave home or will you start a new job? Whatever it is, it can be an opportunity for you to trust God. I remember the spring of 2004, I was waiting for results after an MRI test had been done on my head. I had found a lump underneath my eye, in four weeks, I saw many doctors but none could diagnose what was wrong. When the MRI was finally complete, the days seemed like years while we waited for the results.
Instead of viewing your situation with worry, try applying wonder. You might wonder how God will get you beyond your fear! And that's okay. Remember, when fear grows teeth, it's called faith. Choose God's grace instead of the giddies, choose character building exercises instead of the rut of the comfort zone. While I waited for the results of my MRI, I studied Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" Instead of fear, I chose to have faith in God, the only One who knows the future.
The children of Israel were prisoners, captives of an evil king. Even when they were held against their will in the pagan city of Babylon, they were told to look for the new thing - their release from slavery. They were told to expect freedom. Things hadn't gone exactly according to their plan, the years of their imprisonment lasted longer than they expected, they thought God had forgotten them. God gave them hope through Isaiah the prophet. He told them change, new things were coming. They were told to watch, wait for it and not to miss it. "Behold, the former things have come to pass, now I declare new things:before they spring forth I will declare them to you." Isaiah 42:9
What new beginning is on your horizon? What bold thing is God asking you to do? You might feel like there are circumstances holding you captive and like the children of Israel, things haven't gone according to your plan. Choose to notice the new thing God is doing in the midst of your old circumstances. Check out Isaiah 43:18,19, Isaiah 43:10, Psalm 98:1, Isaiah 65:17. I hope this new year brings exciting things your way as you examine the areas in your life where God is working and choose to join him. Let the changes and challenges of the New Year revolutionize the way you view God. Embrace the new things coming your way!
Love and prayers,
Sheryl
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Reaching Out to the Community
Christmas at KAXL begins with connecting to our community through our many outreach efforts. At Thanksgiving, we collected the fixings for Boxes of Love in collaboration with Here's Life Inner City (www.hlicbakersfield.org), through this effort we were able to participate in feeding over 2,000 families. And then we supported Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child (www.samaritanspurse.org) - filling shoeboxes with small gifts that will be shipped all around the world, along with the transforming message of the love of Jesus Christ. Locally, we helped launch the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive (www.SalvationArmy.org) in front of the Marketplace last Saturday. The motto of the Salvation Army "Doing the Most Good!" and that's keeping our money right here in Kern County to help needy families. I encourage you to take part in at least one community outreach this holiday season...it helps us to continue to see others with the eyes of Jesus! Many blessings in Jesus' name, Sheryl
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Out and About with Proverbs 31 Women!
Dear Listeners,
One of my favorite things is spending time with women. Another one of my favorite things is having a meal at a nice restaurant. I also love to teach the truth of God's word.In March, I got a speaking invitation from Debbe Haley, the co-director of a local business women's networking group called Proverbs 31. I LOVE MY JOB!
What a blessing to share my story with other women. What a privilege to tell them how much God loves them. I shared the ashes of my past and explained how God has changed my ashes into a crown of beauty. I explained about how safe we are in Christ and that God has an important plan for each of our lives. I thank Him for raising me up to a place where he can be glorified. Here at KAXL, I am invited to speak, share, MC, visit on behalf of KAXL, but also to share what God has done in my life. And that's A LOT!
A quick visit to their website will tell you about the group:
Pro 31 stands for Proverbs 31, the chapter in God's word which describes a godly wife and a virtuous woman. We are a group of working women, some self-employed, some employed by others and some partly-retired, who seek to glorify God in our work and daily lives. We have monthly lunches where we share a little about ourselves and businesses, network and receive an inspiring and encouraging word from wise, Godly women in the group. We're very pleased you've found our site and pray you'll find this group warm and welcoming. The group is for all of us and to God be the glory!
The Proverbs 31 Network meets on the second Thursday of each month, at the Petroleum Club. To find out more information and what's coming up next, check out their website -- www.pro31network.com. Who knows, maybe next month, we sit across the table from each other, with all of my favorite things - women, lunch and sound Bible teaching. See you at Proverbs 31 Network!
May God richly bless your life,
Sheryl
One of my favorite things is spending time with women. Another one of my favorite things is having a meal at a nice restaurant. I also love to teach the truth of God's word.In March, I got a speaking invitation from Debbe Haley, the co-director of a local business women's networking group called Proverbs 31. I LOVE MY JOB!
What a blessing to share my story with other women. What a privilege to tell them how much God loves them. I shared the ashes of my past and explained how God has changed my ashes into a crown of beauty. I explained about how safe we are in Christ and that God has an important plan for each of our lives. I thank Him for raising me up to a place where he can be glorified. Here at KAXL, I am invited to speak, share, MC, visit on behalf of KAXL, but also to share what God has done in my life. And that's A LOT!
A quick visit to their website will tell you about the group:
Pro 31 stands for Proverbs 31, the chapter in God's word which describes a godly wife and a virtuous woman. We are a group of working women, some self-employed, some employed by others and some partly-retired, who seek to glorify God in our work and daily lives. We have monthly lunches where we share a little about ourselves and businesses, network and receive an inspiring and encouraging word from wise, Godly women in the group. We're very pleased you've found our site and pray you'll find this group warm and welcoming. The group is for all of us and to God be the glory!
The Proverbs 31 Network meets on the second Thursday of each month, at the Petroleum Club. To find out more information and what's coming up next, check out their website -- www.pro31network.com. Who knows, maybe next month, we sit across the table from each other, with all of my favorite things - women, lunch and sound Bible teaching. See you at Proverbs 31 Network!
May God richly bless your life,
Sheryl
Friday, June 13, 2008
The VBS Tour Continues!
Dear Listeners,
Are you having a good summer? I am...I've been 'out and about' to two different VBSes. Both with different themes. That's what makes VBS so fun, themes, Bible verses, crafts, stories and oh yes, the kids!
As I've watched great leaders in action, leading music, directing classes, teaching crafts. God is using these leaders to raise up a generation of children to know his Word. It's an awesome privilege to see churches offering vacation Bible school for their own flock and neighborhood children. I thank God for the opportunity to see the kingdom built up in such a fun way. Who knows? One of the children who hears the Word of God in VBS may be our next Abraham Lincoln.
If you'd like me to visit your church's VBS this summer, I have a few openings left. Send me an Email - sheryl@kaxl.com and let know know when your VBS dates are. I'll check my schedule and see what I can do.
Listen for VBS reports on KAXL during morning and afternoon drive!
Check the Photo scrapbook for pictures! If I can't make it to your VBS, please email a photo of your VBS to me.
God bless you and have a GREAT summer,
Sheryl
Are you having a good summer? I am...I've been 'out and about' to two different VBSes. Both with different themes. That's what makes VBS so fun, themes, Bible verses, crafts, stories and oh yes, the kids!
As I've watched great leaders in action, leading music, directing classes, teaching crafts. God is using these leaders to raise up a generation of children to know his Word. It's an awesome privilege to see churches offering vacation Bible school for their own flock and neighborhood children. I thank God for the opportunity to see the kingdom built up in such a fun way. Who knows? One of the children who hears the Word of God in VBS may be our next Abraham Lincoln.
If you'd like me to visit your church's VBS this summer, I have a few openings left. Send me an Email - sheryl@kaxl.com and let know know when your VBS dates are. I'll check my schedule and see what I can do.
Listen for VBS reports on KAXL during morning and afternoon drive!
Check the Photo scrapbook for pictures! If I can't make it to your VBS, please email a photo of your VBS to me.
God bless you and have a GREAT summer,
Sheryl
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sheryl Returns from Lagos with a Longing to Return
Dear Blessed Listeners,
Thank you so much for your prayers for my teaching trip to Lagos. What a wonderful opportunity it was! Rev. Dr. Paul and I were given the VIP treatment by Pastor Taiwo of the Fountain of Life Church -- www.tfolc.org. We thank him and his passionate congregation for the opportunity to be involved in Word Explosion 2008 -- as a leadership training conference, we were both part of the keynote speaking team. Pastor Taiwo's hospitality was first class, we are so blessed, God filled our cups to overflowing with blessings, praise and God encounters.
Rev. Dr. Paul, Dr. Phil Walker, President of ICM and I were speakers to the whole congregation. Paul and Phil spoke at 6 pm during the week of meetings, my time slot was one of the church's regular weekly meetings called "Thursday Showers," my message was "Loving Your Whole Life Story." Do you really know God loves you? When we understand how much God loves us, the fact that in Christ we are safe and He has an important role for each of us to play in the kingdom. Essentially, it's letting go of our past mistakes, allowing God to cover us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ, so we can walk in freedom and hope. When I woke on Thursday morning, I looked out my hotel room window, it was raining. Truly showers of blessing on the day of Thursday Showers.
Pray for the country of Nigeria and the continent of Africa, Africa is 12 million square miles of land with over 900,000,000 people. It has an abundance of natural resources including over 50% of it's people professing belivers. Africa's people are an untapped natural resource!
Pray for the people of Nigeria, that they will rise to the needs in Europe -- less than 4% of the Europeans are Christian. Nigerians can go where Americans can not. Dr. Phil Walker's motivation to the conference, "Potential reamns only potential until there are leaders who can seize the opportunity of that potential."
Thanks for your prayers. For more information on taking a trip to Africa -- log onto: www.icmusa.org.
Blessings,
Sheryl
Thank you so much for your prayers for my teaching trip to Lagos. What a wonderful opportunity it was! Rev. Dr. Paul and I were given the VIP treatment by Pastor Taiwo of the Fountain of Life Church -- www.tfolc.org. We thank him and his passionate congregation for the opportunity to be involved in Word Explosion 2008 -- as a leadership training conference, we were both part of the keynote speaking team. Pastor Taiwo's hospitality was first class, we are so blessed, God filled our cups to overflowing with blessings, praise and God encounters.
Rev. Dr. Paul, Dr. Phil Walker, President of ICM and I were speakers to the whole congregation. Paul and Phil spoke at 6 pm during the week of meetings, my time slot was one of the church's regular weekly meetings called "Thursday Showers," my message was "Loving Your Whole Life Story." Do you really know God loves you? When we understand how much God loves us, the fact that in Christ we are safe and He has an important role for each of us to play in the kingdom. Essentially, it's letting go of our past mistakes, allowing God to cover us with the righteousness of Jesus Christ, so we can walk in freedom and hope. When I woke on Thursday morning, I looked out my hotel room window, it was raining. Truly showers of blessing on the day of Thursday Showers.
Pray for the country of Nigeria and the continent of Africa, Africa is 12 million square miles of land with over 900,000,000 people. It has an abundance of natural resources including over 50% of it's people professing belivers. Africa's people are an untapped natural resource!
Pray for the people of Nigeria, that they will rise to the needs in Europe -- less than 4% of the Europeans are Christian. Nigerians can go where Americans can not. Dr. Phil Walker's motivation to the conference, "Potential reamns only potential until there are leaders who can seize the opportunity of that potential."
Thanks for your prayers. For more information on taking a trip to Africa -- log onto: www.icmusa.org.
Blessings,
Sheryl
Friday, April 11, 2008
Teaching Trip in Africa - April 12 - 19!
Dear Friends,
Thanks for your prayers for our trip to Africa. My husband, Pastor Paul has visited during many ministry trips. I've heard the stories for years! Now it's my turn to go along with my husband and teach alongside of him.
We are teaching in Lagos, Nigeria. We are part of a conference partnering with International Christian Ministries. For more information, check out their website: www.icmusa.org.
Please pray for strength, obedience to the Holy Spirit and sensitivity to needs. We want to be servants and warriors for each opportunity God gives.
I will bring back lots of pictures,
Sheryl
Thanks for your prayers for our trip to Africa. My husband, Pastor Paul has visited during many ministry trips. I've heard the stories for years! Now it's my turn to go along with my husband and teach alongside of him.
We are teaching in Lagos, Nigeria. We are part of a conference partnering with International Christian Ministries. For more information, check out their website: www.icmusa.org.
Please pray for strength, obedience to the Holy Spirit and sensitivity to needs. We want to be servants and warriors for each opportunity God gives.
I will bring back lots of pictures,
Sheryl
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Our Princess Marries Her Prince Charming!
Dear Listeners,
Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Paul and I as we went to Cody, WY for Sarah's wedding last week. We had a wonderful time...the wedding was just beautiful. Matt and Sarah are a handsome couple. Here's a wedding picture -- they were married on February 22, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Cody, Wyoming. We all came to Bakersfield the next day to honor them at a reception on February 24 at Olive Drive Church. What a blessing it was to be able to celebrate their joy for two weeks! God is good!
Thanks for celebrating with us!
Hugs,
Mother of the Bride -- Sheryl
Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Paul and I as we went to Cody, WY for Sarah's wedding last week. We had a wonderful time...the wedding was just beautiful. Matt and Sarah are a handsome couple. Here's a wedding picture -- they were married on February 22, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Cody, Wyoming. We all came to Bakersfield the next day to honor them at a reception on February 24 at Olive Drive Church. What a blessing it was to be able to celebrate their joy for two weeks! God is good!
Thanks for celebrating with us!
Hugs,
Mother of the Bride -- Sheryl
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Chili Days Ahead!
Hi Everyone -
Thanks for sending emails for our Show Love to Your Pastor drawing! We had over 40 entries! What a blessing to know so many of you love your pastors! We love them, too! I've enjoyed hearing from you. I am so glad you are staying in touch with all of our KAXL happenings!
We are looking forward to the Salvation Army Chili Contest on March 1st!Now it's time to share our favorite chili recipes. Mine is one I received from Shelly Balzer when I was a newlywed. It's been altered a little through the years, I've made it mine. It's mild but it's perfect for chilly winter nights. Let me know how you like it!
Dump Chili
1 pound ground beef (browned)
1 purple onion, chopped fine (fry onion with ground beef)
2 Tablespoons chili powder (optional)
(You can use any combination of your favorite beans -- these are my favorites!)
1 large can of chili beans
1 large can of kidney beans
1 large can of pinto beans
1 large can of Hormel chili
1 large can of Bush's baked beans
1 large can of stewed tomatoes
1 small can of tomatoe paste or sauce (if using paste, more water will be needed)
1 package of dry chili mix seasoning
Use one of the empty bean cans, fill up with water at least once. You may need to use one and a half times cans of water. Dump all ingredients into a crock pot early in the morning. Simmer on low all day. Serve with saltine crackers, grated cheese, spaghetti noodles and (of course) cornbread!
Please send me YOUR favorite chili recipes!
Blessings and prayers,
Sheryl
Thanks for sending emails for our Show Love to Your Pastor drawing! We had over 40 entries! What a blessing to know so many of you love your pastors! We love them, too! I've enjoyed hearing from you. I am so glad you are staying in touch with all of our KAXL happenings!
We are looking forward to the Salvation Army Chili Contest on March 1st!Now it's time to share our favorite chili recipes. Mine is one I received from Shelly Balzer when I was a newlywed. It's been altered a little through the years, I've made it mine. It's mild but it's perfect for chilly winter nights. Let me know how you like it!
Dump Chili
1 pound ground beef (browned)
1 purple onion, chopped fine (fry onion with ground beef)
2 Tablespoons chili powder (optional)
(You can use any combination of your favorite beans -- these are my favorites!)
1 large can of chili beans
1 large can of kidney beans
1 large can of pinto beans
1 large can of Hormel chili
1 large can of Bush's baked beans
1 large can of stewed tomatoes
1 small can of tomatoe paste or sauce (if using paste, more water will be needed)
1 package of dry chili mix seasoning
Use one of the empty bean cans, fill up with water at least once. You may need to use one and a half times cans of water. Dump all ingredients into a crock pot early in the morning. Simmer on low all day. Serve with saltine crackers, grated cheese, spaghetti noodles and (of course) cornbread!
Please send me YOUR favorite chili recipes!
Blessings and prayers,
Sheryl
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I Love Music for Life
Greetings to you -- I hope you are doing well. I want you to know - I Love Music for Life. I am excited about the new opportunities God is giving me at KAXL radio. Many of you have listened to my short features on KAXL and have heard my heart for God and His word. Because of our advanced technology at the station, I am going to be your evening host, each weeknight, from 12 midnight to 5:00 am. But wait, there's more. I will also be your Sunday afternoon host, from 12 pm to 6:00 pm. I can't wait to share with you why I love music for life. I am thankful, humbled, honored and amazed about this wonderful way to share God's life and light with those who are listening. I want to hear from you. Tell me why you love music for life. I will be mentioning what I love about God, His word and my favorite songs. I want to know about your favorite songs. Send me a post with the title of your favorite song, the artist and why you love it.
Gratefully yours, Sheryl
"The Lord's unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him." Psalm 32:10
Gratefully yours, Sheryl
"The Lord's unfailing love surrounds those who trust in Him." Psalm 32:10
Saturday, February 9, 2008
February Day of Prayer was Dynamic!
Thanks, Pray-ers and Listeners for such a great Day of Prayer! It's always amazing to see God work as we take prayer requests, we pray for each and every one of them before the pastors pray for them on the air! We are especially thankful for the many praise reports...for your phone calls and emails about the how, why and when God answered your prayers! If you missed out on Day of Prayer this month, don't worry, it will be back, next month. It always falls on the first Tuesday of the month, unless it's major holiday, and what a great way to start the month! You can always email us your prayer requests anytime, so we can post them in our Pray Room. Fill out the form on the KAXL home page: KAXL.com and we will submit them to our Prayer Team. March Day of Prayer -- Tuesday, March, 4th. Don't miss it!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Day of Prayer is coming!
Wow! My very first blog...and how exciting to tell you about one of my favorite days of the month at KAXL. Day of Prayer. It's always the first Tuesday of the month and this month it is tomorrow, February 5, 2008. Let me tell you who will be here as our praying pastors:
8:30 am Pastor Tim Hardy -- Laurelglen Bible Church
10:30 am Pastors Jason and Peggy Younger -- Today's Family Church
1:30 pm Rev Tom Alexander -- CrossWalk California
3:30 pm Rev Richard Ferry -- Bakersfield Rescue Mission
We have a wonderful group of volunteers here to answer the phones: Vickie Sanford, Lola Watkins, Irma Williams and Jan Ramey. What's amazing about Day of Prayer is how God works through the prayer requests that come and through those who take them. We see God working powerfully all day long. To be part of Day of Prayer, call us at 832-2800 or send me an email with your prayer request: sheryl@kaxl.com.
Blessings,
Sheryl
8:30 am Pastor Tim Hardy -- Laurelglen Bible Church
10:30 am Pastors Jason and Peggy Younger -- Today's Family Church
1:30 pm Rev Tom Alexander -- CrossWalk California
3:30 pm Rev Richard Ferry -- Bakersfield Rescue Mission
We have a wonderful group of volunteers here to answer the phones: Vickie Sanford, Lola Watkins, Irma Williams and Jan Ramey. What's amazing about Day of Prayer is how God works through the prayer requests that come and through those who take them. We see God working powerfully all day long. To be part of Day of Prayer, call us at 832-2800 or send me an email with your prayer request: sheryl@kaxl.com.
Blessings,
Sheryl
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