Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

 Take a look at the signage written in the bricks of the gate entering the Garden of Gethsemane located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Imagine the agony Christ experienced just for you. Breath in, breath out, surrender and invite God’s presence to help you be resonant. 

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined True Devotion. This week we will examine The SONshine.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Luke 23:44-45 Amplified Bible

PARABLE: When Jesus was crucified, even the sun hid. I can imagine creation not wanting to see the agony of the Holy One taking on the sin of the world.  I wanted to hide from agony as we walked through the shadow of the pandemic death with our dad.  The pit in my stomach felt like a knot winding tighter and tighter until I could not breathe. The tubes protruded from the nose of our dad with the bright hospital lights in the background shining through the screen of the Ipad. It was our last encounter, our last one-sided conversation, and our last goodbye. The screen went black when moments later the agonizing apology of the attending nurse echoed through the speaker of my phone announcing our dad’s death. It was about noon that day when darkness took over the VA hospital, the health care workers on that shift, my husband, and our family.

It was the moment our dad became part of the statistic of over 500,000 COVID-19 deaths recorded. Though each circumstance is different, I feel confident that with the 499,999 other families that experienced the loss of their family members, that on that day, their world went dark. Perhaps it was for minutes, hours, days, months, or even a year. Darkness can represent depression. There are times when I have been in darkness. Not seen any hope for the next day. Not able to see the SON rising and greeting me with a new day.

Yes. Even though I know that in darkness the SON-Jesus Christ, Savior, Redeemer, Friend, Rescuer, and Light in the Darkness is always shining–there are days I sit in darkness. Days I wonder what the circle of faith heroes would say if they only knew the worship leader, intercessor, God lover, beloved one of Jesus bulb was dim. I pray as a non-judging, light bearer they would step into my dark place, offer me their light, increase the wattage, and let Jesus, the SON shine hope through them. During this challenging time of global emotional trauma as we experience vicarious trauma with each newscast, I invite you to open the shades of darkness and let the SON shine into the window of your soul. Even if you don’t feel like you are sitting in the dark, let the light of Jesus into each day. I encourage you to reach out to someone and share your light. It is the only way we will survive the residue of this ongoing trauma of COVID-19, social injustice, and renormalizing.

PONDER and WANDER: During this preparation time before Easter, I invite you to take time to ponder the question: What emotional, mental, or spiritual area of my life do I need the SON to shine?

Soul care training exercise:  

• Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you are there any areas of darkness (sin, depression, confusion, guilt, shame, etc.) that need the SONshine?
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination. Ask the SON to shine brightly into any darkness.
    • Focus on what God shows you and receive the glow of His Presence.

PRAYER: Daddy Jesus, you ARE the SON shine. Shine brightly into the darkness of this world. Send light-bearers to those overtaken and hiding in the darkness. Expose sin, depression, shame, guilt, loneliness, and any dark seed rooted within our hearts. Help us be like candles lighting the way to peace. Let your light shine and glow until all we see is You and Your glory!

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to let the SON shine His vibrant light. Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post  SONshine appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS Guided Meditation. I invite you to take 4 minutes to listen to the SONshine guided meditation.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Heart Treasures. This week we will examine True Devotion.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Jeremiah 31:3 Amplified Bible

PARABLE: Though the roots of Valentine’s Day are questionable, modern-day Valentine’s Day is set aside to celebrate friendships, marriages, and romantic partners. It is a day that focuses on love and devotion. Love and devotion in a relationship take work. This Valentine’s Day, I participated in a Secret Sister gift exchange and virtual fellowship. As we opened our gifts, it was interesting to see how even though some of us did not know each other well our gifts reflected the personalities and prayers of the recipients. We each prayed and allowed the Holy Spirit to be the Gift Giver. So certainly, the gifts matched the sisters. I received a spiritual self-care journal and a Women of Color Devotional. The sentiment of being seen and known by God was affirming. 

 After the Zoom, I realized that to sustain these friendships it will take each of us to be devoted to investing in the sisterhood community, learning about each other, and taking the time to encourage and empower each other. True devotion is about lasting love, loyalty, and enthusiasm. It goes beyond one day of acknowledgment. It is about enduring with patience and serenity, regardless of what comes, looking for the best in each one, and remaining steadfast during difficult times without weakening, fading, or ending. Marriages, friendships, and romantic relationships are challenging because WE are a part of them. Our human nature is not always devoted to the work it takes to maintain a healthy love for others. The true devotion of Jesus can serve as our example of how to express and experience love devotion.

The love of Jesus is everlasting. His death, burial, and resurrection are a testament to His true devotion. There is no greater love and demonstration of devotion than the love that Jesus showed at the cross. This love was not just a “one and done” day. The sacrifice was a commitment to an everlasting love that continues to draw us to God. As we draw to God, we learn to love God, ourselves, and others not just with our words but in our actions. 

PONDER and WANDER: During this month where we focus on love, if you choose, I invite you to take time to ponder the question: Is there someone in my life to whom I have said “I love you” but have not shown my love? What does true devotion look like? 

Soul care training exercise:  

• Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you what does true devotion look like?
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination. Ask him to show you who He wants you to increase your devotion to.
    • Focus on who God shows you and decide how you will show your love insteading of just saying you love.

PRAYER: Abba, I love you. Help me to show you my true devotion. Let my words not just be lyrics of a song, writings in a journal, or spoken phrases. I am so glad you chose to love me with an everlasting love. Let your love for me overflow in my love for others. Let me be devoted to sharing your love with someone who needs me to be the arms and legs of Jesus. In the loving name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to devote your heart to God and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post True Devotion appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS Guided Meditation. I invite you to take 4 minutes to listen to the True Devotion guided meditation.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Wise Words Matter Mercies This week we will examine Heart Treasures.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Matthew 6:21 Amplified Bible

PARABLE: When is the last time you did a heart check and took time to assess what are your desires and wishes in reference to what you do as an occupation or vocation? I use to believe that just because people received praise because of their purses more than their hearts that having wealth somehow made you more worthy. My heart was more concerned with my pay than it was with my purpose. As I began to place God at the center of my life, He became more of my treasure. The more I treasured Him, the more my treasures changed. I began to ask God what plans HE had for my life.  I was tired of doing what paid well and wanted to do what I loved to do. As He responded, I discovered that there was a difference between pay and passion. I did a thorough heart check and discovered that teaching made me and God smile.  Now my wishes lie in doing God’s purpose with passion and excellence. Most days, man’s pay and praise are not what concerns my heart. God has given me the privilege to love what I do.

PONDER and WANDER: During this month where we focus on love, if you choose, I invite you to take time to ponder the questions: When you think about what you love to do, where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

Soul care training exercise:  

• Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you if you are pursuing your heart’s treasure and serving him in what He called you to do.
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into your sanctified imagination to examine your contentment and your purpose with your occupation.
    • Focus on what God shows you and decide if your career wishes and concerns align to what He has called you to do?

PRAYER: Father God, I thank you that you are my heart’s desire. Thank you that you desire that I live on purpose. When I begin to look at my purse instead of looking at my passion, direct my thoughts back to you. In the loving name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to center your heart on God and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Heart Treasures appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined Faithful New Mercies This week we will examine how Wise Words Matter.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Ephesians 5:15-16 Amplified Bible

PARABLE: When my attitude was haughty and my tongue was flippant, my mother warned me that I have a sharp tongue and advised me to use it wisely. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Wise people with an intelligent heart acquire knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. I use to run from wise counsel now I run towards it. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed that words have the power to tear down or build up, speak life or speak death, create an insurrection or a meaningful revolution movement.

A wise man understands that wisdom is a greater gift than gold and desires to utter insightful, just, and righteous words. This is a challenge but one we already won when we seek God’s wisdom, invite him to bridle our tongue, and to saturate our mind with His TRUE Word. His Word will direct us to be transformed with the knowledge of truth. As we are transformed our understanding will be converted to discernment. As our discernment increases, we will apply the truth by applying knowledge and understanding in wisdom. 

Wisdom is not based on our opinion but on God’s TRUE Word. When we apply His Truth to our lives, as wise, sensible, and discerning people we will be able to use each opportunity with wisdom and diligence.

PONDER and WANDER: Knowledge is the comprehension of information, understanding is the ability to relate to the information, and wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding to decision making.  If you choose, take time to ponder the question: Have I asked God to be my wisdom and true word?

Soul care training exercise:  I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you where you have knowledge but are lacking understanding and wisdom.
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into that situation. Sit in the discomfort. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your insight so that you may have the understanding which leads to wisdom.
    • Focus on what God shows you and make a choice to invite Him to be your wisdom.

PRAYER: Father, I desire to have your wisdom. You promised that if I lack it that I can ask and you will give it freely. Help me to admit that there are many areas in my life where I lack wisdom. Make them clear to me and overwhelm me with Your wisdom so that I may fully understand that words matter and I may choose them wisely. Help me to use each opportunity in wisdom to speak truth to the evil things occurring, follow for myself, and direct others to your just path. In the loving name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in the wisdom of God and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Words Matter appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose to take four minutes, click below, and listen to the Wisdom meditation.

Image attributions:  Text art app with words added

Wednesday Wanderings with Dr. Sherri is biweekly and a time we set aside to wander in the Presence of Jesus and ponder His truths. When you are ready, prepare your mind, body, and soul to have a transformational encounter with Jesus.

Watch the Wednesday Wanderings Welcome for this week.

Now that we have cleared our minds of the clutter, we can wander on the journey with Jesus.

PREPARATION: In our last Wandering with Dr. Sherri, we examined The Powerful Gift of Light This week we will examine Faithful, New Mercies.  When you are ready, you may begin the dialogue with Jesus and state: “Jesus, I invite you to help me to leisurely wander into your Presence. Prepare my heart to receive, and illuminate my spiritual senses to encounter you.”

 PROMISE: Lamentations 3:22-23 Amplified Bible

PARABLE: I blogged my way through the hurts of 2020. My Facebook chronicles of Christ  > COVID-19 began by telling the story of God’s faithfulness as I traveled the grief journey that included being evacuated from Rwanda, the deaths of our dad and uncle, close friends, and loved ones; the loss of employment for my family members; the contraction yet survival of COVID-19 for my family members and many friends; and other hardships related to the emotional trauma of the pandemic. I ended the Chronicles with the loss of my Bonus mom, my best friend’s mother, who served as one of my primary intercessors.

It is only because of God’s mercy that even though so much was lost in 2020, I can still enter 2021 saying GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS OH GOD! All I needed GOD’S hand provided. When I was overwhelmed with sorrow, HIS hand provided comfort. When our household experienced unemployment, His hand was our provision. When depression tried to drown my soul underwater, His River of Life was my raft. When grief and loss met me at every turn, His road map directed me His peaceful presence.

In spite of the anguish of 2020, God’s faithfulness did not allow me to be consumed. I experienced victories in the valley.  Through the tears, I increased my remote instruction competency, served students with more compassion and empathy, completed a social and emotional learning and digital yoga training, and launched a virtual self-care series. Most importantly, I gained an understanding of how all of my tragedies collided into triumphant victories that empowered me to walk as my authentic self and equipped me to walk out my purpose.

I am not sure what 2020 brought to your path but I want to encourage you that as the hours of 2021 turn to days, the days turn to weeks, and weeks turn into another year, God’s mercy will meet you with fresh new mercy morning by morning. As you enter 2021, grip hold of God’s faithful hand, stand tall in the Armor of God, and look 2021 dead in the eye knowing twenty twenty-one is WON!

PONDER and WANDER:  Sometimes in order to move forward in confidence, we have to look back. If you choose, take time to ponder the question: What difficult situation in 2020 did God not allow to consume me?

Soul care training exercise:  As we begin a new year, I invite you to take some quiet time and ponder and/or journal the below questions.

• Reflect and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you what difficult situation occurred in 2020 that God’s mercy kept you from being consumed?
  • Notice without judgment and with a curious awareness what comes to your mind. Invite God into that situation. Sit in the discomfort. Invite him to soften the intensity of the impact of the event. Invite him to soothe the heartaches of your soul. Allow Him to grant you mercy that can sustain you in the midst of it all.
    • Focus on the loving-kindness, fresh mercy, and compassion of God’s faithfulness.

PRAYER: Father, the phrase one day at a time sweet Jesus means so much more after facing a pandemic. Thank you for your mercy that met me in every situation. Thank you that no matter what 2021 unfolds, the same mercy will greet me with the break of every day. GREAT is thy faithfulness my God. I know that it is only because of your mercy that I have not been consumed. I praise you that your mercy is never-ending. In the loving name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 

PRAISE: Now that you have emptied your mind of the clutter and wandered with Jesus, take a closing moment to breathe in faithful new mercies of God and let the work of your wandering fill you with wisdom.

Then take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes of wandering into the next ones and beyond.

Until next time, be Resonant.

The post Faithful New Mercies appeared first on Resonant 7.

BONUS REFLECTION: If you choose to take four minutes, click below, and listen to the Light in the Mercy Seat meditation.

Image attributions:   Loving-kindness: Pintrest/dyed4youArt by Meghan with text added                                                               

Soften Sooth Allow: Pintrest/ dyed4youArt revelation series with text added                                                                                             

Thy hand provides: Pintrest/ Janicevancronkhite with text added