Saturday, January 30, 2010

I Am on a Snow Path


In the state that we live in, we are able to experience all four of the seasons. Fall is my favorite season. I love the feel of the weather changing, the slight crispness in the morning to the warm afternoons. I love the colorful changes in the leaves and the way they fall to the ground so gracefully when they are done.


Right now we are in the winter season. Winters here can be cold and bare. If we are lucky we have a few snow days from school. The typical snow day from school usually amounts to a few flurries, ice, or some scattered snow that doesn't leave much to even make a small snowman. Every once in a while we have an exception. Yesterday was an exception. I would estimate we have at least 5-7 inches of snow. I love the way the snow illuminates everything in the darkness. The snow is pure and fresh looking. In its beauty you can also see every flaw. You can see every foot step that stepped upon it. Nothing is hidden from sight.

This made me think about our lives and our hearts. I think people are good at covering up or hiding the "foot prints" that have marked our lives. I know I have been in the past. It's like a protective wall.  I have to remind myself that my past does not dictate who I am today. It has always made me cringe a bit when I meet someone and they assume that I have had (and currently have) a picture perfect life. WOW! That is so far from the truth!

I am in a place now where I have put myself on a completely snow/ice filled path. Everything is illuminated. I would like to say it’s completely my choice but to be honest it hasn't been. It was God directing and leading me to this point. It has been at times very scary for me because I feel so vulnerable. It seems when I feel this way God in His perfect timing places someone right in my path to encourage me or tell me how my story has encouraged them and given them HOPE.

Its time to stop allowing our scarlet cords of guilt, shame, and fear to dictate how we can live for today. It’s never too late. Take it one step at a time. One moment at a time. Be pro-active and don't be afraid to march forward and hold tight to HOPE. Not everyone is called to the "snow path" but I can promise you there is freedom if you are. Sometimes it might mean sharing with only one person. Other times it might mean sharing with many people. Sometimes it may mean asking forgiveness or forgiving someone.  There is freedom in truth. There is freedom in acknowledging something and then moving forward. 

Today is a new day! Yesterday does not mean today will be the same.

One day at a time, one moment at a time, there is always HOPE!

(*to order a copy of A Scarlet Cord of Hope please see the profile information on the left side or email me at Sheryl@SherylGrififn.com)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Feeling Like Moses



I had my first official book signing Friday January 15, 2010. I am still in a state of awe that I was actually at a book signing-signing copies of my book! If someone would have told me two years ago that I would write a book, I would have laughed at them.


I was an average student in school. While I loved reading, writing was not an area of strength for me. I did not plan to write a book but God apparently had a plan and I am going along for the ride. It’s not about me or my story. It’s all about God and how He can take the puzzle pieces of our life put them together and use all of our "stuff" for His glory.  Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).


I still find myself saying to God "are you sure God? "Really God, you can use ME?” I feel a bit like Moses did, he did not feel qualified for the purpose God had for him. Moses had guilt and shame in his past (Exodus 2:12-15), he had doubt (Exodus 3:12, 4:1), Moses did not feel he was qualified to lead or speak (Exodus 4:10), and in spite of all of this God continued to affirm, use, and lead Moses. I am no where near Moses status but I do understand his shame, guilt and doubt.


I have no idea what God's ultimate plan and purpose is for this book and the ministry that is being birthed through it. I do know I want to trust and not lean on my own understanding. I want to spread the good news of the Gospel and tell everyone who is wearing a Scarlet Cord of guilt, shame, and fear that they can "exchange" it for a Scarlet Cord of Hope!


There is always HOPE!

To order a copy of A Scarlet Cord of Hope please send a check for $15.00 plus $3.00 shipping to Sheryl Griffin P.O. Box 680522 Franklin, TN 37068 Please include a note with your name, address, and email. If you are interested in having me speak at an upcoming event please email me at Sheryl@sherylgriffin.com


 

Friday, January 8, 2010

Book Signing Event




Please join me for my first official book signing on
A Scarlet Cord of Hope...My Journey Through Guilt, Shame, and Fear to Hope


Friday January 15th from 5:00pm-8:00 pm at The Coffee Beanery in Franklin, TN


The Coffee Beanery is located at 1010 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, Tn (in The Maples Center near Stein Mart and Papa Johns Pizza). They will offer their signature coffee drink Café Caramel or Hot Chocolate (medium) for $2.00 (regular $3.55).

If you have not pre-ordered your book you can purchase your book during the event for $15.00 (cash or check)

For more information on A Scarlet Cord of Hope or to request information for a speaking engagement please email me at Sheryl@SherylGriffin.com

I hope to see you on January 15th at The Coffee Beanery! 

If you are unable to make the event and would like to purchase a copy of A Scarlet Cord of Hope please send me a check for $15.00 plus $3.00 for shipping to:

Sheryl Griffin
P.O. Box 680522
Franklin, Tn 37068

Please clearly write your name, address and email.  Thank you!

One day at a time, one moment at a time, there is always HOPE!