Everywhere I look I see growth. Green grass, flowers in bloom, and new growth on the trees. It is literally everywhere I look. I feel like God is calling us to growth in relationship with him this season.
If you know anything about gardening or tending flowers and trees it is not an easy process. It takes time and devotion. Much like our relationship with our savior – it takes time and devotion.
We must weed out the things of the world, and we must fertilize with the word and gain knowledge. Possibly the most difficult part is the pruning. We must allow God to prune away the difficult parts of our lives. The dead or dying things that we hold close. The hurts, mistakes, rejections, and secrets that we hold onto because allowing God to prune them would be embarrassing or painful. If we let those go we release control of them.
Sisters, allow God to prune you today. He wants to bring growth to you. More than you can imagine. He wants to replace that hurt and longing and rejection with joy and those mistakes and secrets with peace.
Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Let him grow you in this season, and may you bloom wherever you are planted ❤️
Answering the Call: Embracing New Directions in Faith and Career
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When God whispers “move,” it’s more than a nudge; it’s a transformative call to faithful action. As I reflect on my calling journey, I see a tapestry of trials and profound learning. This is not just my story, but an invitation for you to discover the beauty in your God-given calling, especially when life takes unexpected turns.
Whether you are feeling burnout, stuck, or just unfulfilled in your career, God is telling you something.
I shared a bit of my burnout journey last year. My path has been a mix of spiritual growth, revelation, and now empowering others through my new initiative, Burnout to Blessed. Each step of the way has been influenced by my divine design, purposeful passion, and life experience. I’ve realized that God’s callings are not static; they are dynamic, evolving with our life’s seasons and God’s intricate design for us.
At the heart of every call is serving others.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
When I was developing Teacher Revival last year, I knew I wanted to include the tagline: from burnout to blessed. It wasn’t just a catchy phrase but a revelation from the Holy Spirit about my journey and purpose. This revelation grew into a desire to support not just teachers, but to serve Christian career women, guiding them from frustration and career burnout to a place where their professional life is infused with spiritual fulfillment.
I’ve learned that understanding our unique calling is not just something for those called into ministry (sidenote: we are all called to ministry), but EVERYONE has a unique God-given calling—something He designed especially for you (Ephesians 2:10). I dove head-first into personality tests, spiritual gift assessments, and Bible studies, eventually becoming a Certified DiSC and Spiritual Gifts Facilitator. This knowledge has been instrumental in my own life and in helping others discover their divine design – a combination of personality, gifts, strengths, and God-given passions. The more I learn, the more I feel God pushing me to teach and share with others. (Did I mention that teaching is one of my spiritual gifts?!)
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8
The Calling Clarity Workshop, a free resource I offer, is a testament to my commitment to helping other women uncover their God-given calling. It’s a space for exploration, understanding, and clarity about how God uses every aspect of our lives for a greater purpose.
As I continue to blend my passions through Shake Up Learning, Teacher Revival, and Burnout to Blessed, I see a beautiful synergy emerging – one that supports, empowers, and uplifts. I invite you to join me in this journey of discovery, to embrace your calling, and to experience the joy of aligning your career with your faith.
Let us be bold, swiftly obedient, and open to the wonderful ways God is moving in our lives. God bless you on your career journey, and may you find the clarity and peace you seek in His divine plan.
The two go hand in hand – truly the epitome of a viscous cycle. We already talked about that fact that love is indeed patient. Love helps those short fuses grow longer. Love also keeps bitterness at bay. Remember anger isn’t a sin, but how we handle that anger potentially could be. And harboring hard and hostile feelings won’t help any situation. In fact, harboring hostile feelings is a fiery, festering furnace ready to blow at any given minute.
God, I don’t want to snap at the people I love. I don’t want to be annoyed with them, and I certainly don’t want to make them feel like they are annoying.
And if anyone had the right to be resentful it was your son Jesus. He came down from a perfect Heaven to die an unimaginable death for imperfect people. People that shamed Him, deceived Him, and still to this day deny Him.
God, help us to do better. Help us to love better. Help us to be more like you. Amen
Envy in this verse takes the form of an onomatopoetic word mimicking the sound of water so hot that’s it bubbling or boiling over. Picture that! Being envious is no way to live life – no matter the type of relationship. Envy is a deep root that creeps and crawls through every other aspect of your life.
God, let us be so full of you, so confident in your love for us, that we know that we are not lacking. God, let us be so full of you that there are no missing parts that we covet from others. Envy is truly the lack of peace that only having a close knit relationship with God brings.
In the same manner, help us not to brag about the things – or the love – that we give others. Help us have true servant’s hearts that give without wanting anything in return. We don’t need praise. We don’t need glory. We don’t need the accolades. We just want to serve you all the days of our life.
God, help us to continue to grow closer to you so that we can in fact love others the way you do. Amen.
You’ve heard it a hundred times – actions speak louder than words.
Love is truly an action.
God, all throughout scripture you show us the true meaning of patience, of long-suffering. You’ve shown us through the many chances given to us and by the immense amount of mercy shown as time after time we have failed you. Thank you for your patience.
Love is also kind. It’s mild. It’s gentle. I read in one commentary that not only does love “wish well” but it also “does well”. God wants the best for us, and He certainly tries to lead us down that path – it is us that strays.
God, thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for being gentle and kind to me and for truly wanting what’s best for me. Help me to love the people you have placed in my life in the same way. Help me to live what true love is out loud and on purpose. Help me to be more like you. Amen.
I had a black eye for Christmas – yep, I sure did. And,it was a big, bad one, too!
“What in the world happened?” you ask.
Well, during an unfortunate situation with some inner ear congestion, I became close-up and personal with the tile floor in my bedroom. So, I had a huge knot on my forehead, which is STILL somewhat there almost two months later, swelling of my whole eye and forehead, and my entire eye was black – the lid and under the eye. Y’all. I’ve never even had a black eye, let alone one that lasts for two months! But you know me – if I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna do it BIG! My grandkids were laughing this weekend that they were gonna get me a t-shirt that says,
“It’s been fifty-two days since my last accident.”
As my eye slowly started getting better all throughout the month of December, I kept thinking,
“Surely this eye won’t be black for Christmas???”
But, y’all, it was indeed still black.
If I’m perfectly honest, though; it was actually a very appropriate way to end a year that I hope I never have to relive. It was honestly probably the hardest year ofmy fifty-five years. I’ve dealt with three – count them, THREE – serious illnesses and have been the caretaker for my parents all at the same time, watching them decline quickly. And, that’s very difficult in itself. So, I’ve basically been dealing with four things that, on their own, would be difficult to walk through…all at the same time. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
I mean, it’s just to the point where I sit down and take a fifteen minute coffee break, and a new part of my world starts to crumble. Ever been there? Everyone tells me,
“Remember, this is just a season.” And I’m like,
“Well, is this season like seasons in Texas, where it’s really just hot, less hot, and hotter?”
Because this season feels like it will last forever.
I feel like I can actually identify with King David, before he was king and running from Saul. God had anointed David as king and everyone was so excited and ready to get rid of Saul. I’m sure David’s family threw a big celebration the day after Samuel visited and woke up that next Monday, thinking,
“Today’s the day our boy becomes king! Who would’ve thought it?”
But, as we know from the Bible, that is NOT what happened. Instead of David getting to take the throne, Saul’s reign continued and, even after fighting Goliath, Saul ended up hating David and wanted to kill him. Sofor the next who knows how many years, David ran from Saul, while Saul tried and tried to kill him…day after day after day.
I’m sure David felt a lot like me, during this season. Like,
“God, what is the DEAL??? You anoint me king and now the reigning king is trying to kill me? Won’t You do something, Lord? Wasn’t this your plan for my life? Why is this happening?”
We see some of David’s struggles in Psalm one hundred forty-two, it starts out like this:
I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. I pour out my complaints before Him and tell Him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, You alone know the way I should turn,
And, that’s exactly how I am feeling!
As 2023 ended, I wondered what this new year would bring. Like David, I’ve been crying out to God, begging Him for new life, saying,
“God, You’ve given me so many dreams, what happened to those? Are they still mine? Will they ever come to pass? How will they if my life continues this way? Can’t you do something, Lord?”
Finally, after a lot of whining on my part, God spoke to me and said,
“Sherra, you already have new life. I have made you new and am making you new daily. My mercies are new every morning, remember?”
Lamentations 3:22-23 are very familiar verses that remind us of His mercies,
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.
And, honestly, I had forgotten all about God’s new mercies. I just forgot that, no matter what life throws at you – and life WILL throw things at you – God’s mercies are new every, single morning. We can wake up every day to a new day; the issues, thoughts, problems from the day before can stay in the past. God’s mercies, His grace, His counsel, His peace, and His joy are new and available to us every day. All we have to do is ask for it, receive it, and choose to walk in His newness; but it’s our choice to make, every day.
“Well, what if my problems are still there?” you ask.
Oh, I get it; believe me, I get it. But God’s mercies are still there, no matter what is happening and you can still choose newness. Purposefully remembering God’s mercies, changes you and your day from its start. And,remember, too, that this “making me new” thing is God’s process; honestly, it’s part of our refining and maturing as Believers – and sometimes that’s rough. Remembering God’s new mercies daily helps us keep our eyes on Him, no matter what our day brings; it changes our focus from the problem to the problem solver. The rescue and answers may not come immediately, but that’s OK, because we can be sure and certain that God has got us and is making us new. And, we can learn so much during this time and become more like Jesus in the process, too.
Well, David finally got his day to be king. He came out of his season of running and took the throne that God had promised him. The thing I love about David is that he let it all hang out with God – you never really have to guess how David is feeling at the time of writing each of his psalms! But after he has expressed his weariness, his feelings of defeat, his fear, and on and on, he always comes back to remembering God, trusting God with his life, and remembering God’s daily mercies, while watching them play out in his life.
January is a great month to start new with God. Maybe you’re a seasoned Believer whose life is pretty calmand on target at the moment; unfortunately, life’s trials are gonna come for you at some point. Will you choose to remember God’s mercies and rest in them? Or, maybe, like me, you’re in the thick of a season of trialsand weary. I get you, friend. Even though we can’t control what trials come or what season we’re in, we can always remember that God’s mercies – for whatever we’re going through – are new every morning. Remembering and resting in that can help 2024 be your best year ever!
My eye is much better, but still black in some places; make-up helps a lot. But it reminds me of a past I made it through and the new chapter He has for me. While I’m waiting for that new chapter to begin, I choose to believe that God is good, and teaching me a lot; He’s making me new for whatever comes next!
I recently read Matthew 6:1-21, and verses 19-21 stood out to me. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (NKJV)
This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, arguably the most well-known sermon of Jesus. The word treasure in Greek is thēsauros, which we find several times throughout the New Testament, mainly in Matthew. Here are a couple of these verses:
Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (NKJV)
In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus is comparing the kingdom of heaven to a treasure you would give up any worldly possession to obtain.
Matthew 19:21 “Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ ” (NKJV)
My Latin teacher used to tell my class, “Latin has no eternal value, so we’re not gonna kick cats, break pencils, or punch
siblings because of it!” This is a comedic example but an important concept. Jesus knows the man He’s telling this to has a heart problem. His treasure is material, but Jesus tells us to store up treasures in Heaven. If you aren’t willing to give everything to be a follower of Jesus, then
your treasure is of this world and therefore, perishable.
Matthew 6:24 tells us, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).”
The question isn’t, “Is Jesus telling me to give up my worldly possessions?” It’s, “If He did, would I? How hard would it be?” This doesn’t apply to just money- it’s anything you hold higher in importance in relation to your life than God. These can be the things you give the most attention, focus, time, and
energy to into. Throughout today, think about where your treasure is because that’s where you’ll find your heart.
Here are some facts I recently learned about barnacles. Barnacles? Yes, barnacles. I promise, I’m going somewhere.
Barnacles are marine crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. While often inconspicuous, barnacles attach themselves to nautical vessels like boats and ships using a fast curing cement-like secretion or glue. Left undisturbed, barnacles will thrive and grow, creating large, heavy colonies on these vessels. This extra weight causes an increase in drag, which in turn increases the amount of fuel being used. So as we can imagine, owners and companies must take proactive steps to manage barnacle growth. Some of the techniques are scraping, power washing, and even putting the vessel in dry dock to remove it completely from the environment that allows barnacles to live.
I considered how, similarly, my personal burdens and challenges can act as spiritual barnacles that can increase the weight I carry. Loss, disappointments, fears, problems in relationships, and all the other things life can toss my way can get really hard to carry and often demand a lot of my energy. Or what about the habits (or the lack of healthy habits) that hinder and slow my progress?
Jesus extends an invitation to you and I— “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). In Christ, we can find relief from the weight of our personal barnacles. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.” (Psalms 23:1-3).
I read an interesting article about how some ship captains choose to go out of their way up rivers from the ocean to reach a fresh water port rather than an easily accessible seaside one. Why? Because barnacles can’t live in freshwater. It is in these narrow channels that the barnacles fall off and/or easily scrape off. Hebrews 12 tells us “we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.”
“He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.” (Ephesians 5:26) “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
“Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (John 7:38) This living water serves as a metaphor for the spiritual refreshment that only Christ can provide. This water is life-sustaining and transformative to a heavy-burdened soul.
I want to seek the harbor of fresh, living water found only in Jesus. In these waters I am refreshed, restored, and cleansed. Removing the barnacles allows me to be a vessel that is prepared to receive all He has planned for me in this new year.
Full speed ahead in your own journey this new year!
At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.
Rescue by Lauren Daigle
You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten
You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen
I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS
I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You’re not defenseless
I’ll be your shelter
I’ll be your armor
As I was working on school stuff this song came on, and at the same time Daisy messaged to remind me about my time to share. And to be honest I didn’t type out what I had on my heart until after she reminded me because well, life is hectic right now. The feeling of struggling is very heavy. At times, abandonment comes in strong and I’m not always sure where it stems from. I’ve lost people that I love dearly whether to death or just life moving on. At times old hurts and memories that reflect this feeling come up, and it leaves me wondering why. Why does it happen? Why wasn’t I good enough to choose to stick around with? Why did they walk out?
Since moving to Arkansas and working with families who have trauma that is out of this world, some days it breaks my heart to know that they feel these things as well. I have worked hard to be the light for them in their darkest nights and while I know that I cannot rescue them, I know I’m showing God’s light to be the rescue for themselves. This is what God does – He leans down to rescue us. We cannot hide from Him. There is no low or high that we have in life where He isn’t with us. Now, if you’re anything like me some days during the highs and lows you forget He’s right next to you, and that’s okay because He is still covering us. He is our shelter and armor when life is beating us up. But my favorite thing is that He sends people to be there with us when we need more support to rescue ourselves. God is placing you where you need to be with the people you need for this season. Though people may come and go, it does not mean you are unworthy of rescuing or that you are not worth fighting for. God is always fighting for you and towards you.
Lean into God on the days you don’t see yourself where you want to be or where the love for yourself is lower. God is still covering you in love that is as mighty as an ocean where it drowns out all of the fear, shame, abandonment, rejection, and all of the other ugly feelings. Remember God will hear your softest whisper, He will strengthen you, He will bring you safely back to Him, and He will rescue you!
Happy 2024! Another year has come and gone. Were you proud of yourself this last year? Did you do some really hard things? Did you have challenges you faced? Was God with you through it all? Absolutely! He was there with you for all of the good and the not so good. He is proud of you for doing the hard things. He is proud of you for staying faithful through the challenges.
Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”.
While we look forward to the new year, we will have plans for what we think this year will look like. Perhaps our new year resolutions look a bit like eating better, exercising more, or spending more time with family. However, our plans for this year are ultimately not up to us. God already has this entire new year planned out for us. He knows the challenges you will face, and he knows the joyous moments you will experience. He wants to walk beside you through it all. Trust in Him, and the rest will fall into place… ALWAYS! The scripture reminds us to be strong and courageous no matter what we are facing and to trust that the Lord is with you wherever you go.
It is easy to make plans for the upcoming year, but the true new year plans we should be making for ourself is to allow our life to revolve more around Jesus and the great plans He already has for us. We have to plan for Him to be the guidance and spirit we need for taking on the new year. Can I encourage you to make your new year resolution to walk closer with Jesus this year? I promise you won’t regret it. As you walk with Jesus and trust in Him, this will be your best year yet!
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Have hope in the Lord this new year to renew your strength to face whatever this year holds for you. By doing so, in trusting in Him, you will run with the Lord’s plans and not grow weary. Have a very blessed 2024! What a blessing it is to see a new year! Make it a good one.
Rays of Sunshine inc 