Friday, March 30, 2007

Cool Breezes

I spent my retreat- week in one of the hottest places on earth. Well, I haven’t actually been to all places on earth…but the coast of Kenya just before the rains is HOT.

I grew up in West Texas, so I’m not unaccustomed to the heat. But this was beyond anything I had ever experienced before.

Way beyond.

Everyday, when we sat outside for meals, walked to and from the meetings, sat in the shade to visit or study…we were suffocated by the heat.

I longed for, in those warm moments….

Just, ONE COOL BREEZE...

There were a few airconditioned rooms around...the rooms we met in for our sessions and the rooms we slept in. I LOVED walking into the air conditioned rooms.

The cool air…revived, refreshed….made me able to press on.

Much like my time with my sisters…



The pictures you see testify to God’s provision in my life. His “cool breeze” in the midst of the suffocating heat of battle.

Sweet, sweet, sisters…whose stories of dedication, perseverance, surrender, faith…and miracles…

Inspire me, revitalize me and remind me…

God never calls us down a road and then abandons. He enables us to walk the journey.

He, in His extravagant love, even makes it enjoyable some of the time!

I am so thankful for the many wonderful women of God who’ve led me, walked with me and prompted me to enjoy the trip…through the years.

Some of these sisters have just entered my life and already are soul friends in the most precious way.




Thank you Lord for these. My life, my faith, my Journey is much sweeter for sharing it with your daughters.

And to my heroes in the West (Africa that is)…you ROCK! You heat-bearing, child-raising God-honoring girls! I am amazed that you survive this continent with sweat pouring off your heads. I pray daily for His cool breezes to revive your spirits. I love you!

9 comments:

Kristi said...

There's nothing like being with the girls! I'm glad you got to know Mandy - she's quite a kick.

Love you!

Cash Girlz said...

Hey, I am so glad you had a great experience. Sierra and I have been checking in on your blog for a while now and it has been so encouraging. We miss you and the family very, very much.
Sierra and I have started a blog together, Cash Girlz. It is mostly Sierra's writing. Drop by if you can. Love you.

The Harris Family said...

Cheryl,

My name is Michelle Harris and I was in Jeff's AIM class. My husband Jason and I stumbled onto your blog via someone else's blog and I have to say what a blessing! You are a wonderful writer and express your words so well. You bring tears to my eyes just for the pure joy of your life that I can see in your writing. My daughter Emma who is 7, is drawn to the pics of UG on your blog, and to tell her that those people in your pics are are part of our church family, blows her mind! It is so exciting to watch her face as she tries to process our description of what your life is like there and why you are even there. It pricks our heart and I know it does hers too. And by the way, the super bowl post was so funny!!! We laughed and laughed.

My husband and I went to Tulsa this past weekend for the Soul Winning Workshop and we were able to attend the first ever AIM-A-Palooza...we laughed and visited with friends from our past and if you felt your ears tingling we said some prayers for the Cash family. In fact, if you check out our blog, there are some pics from the weekend and I also threw some pics from AIM 1992 and there is even one of Jeff there.

All this to say, God gives us blessings of having wonderful connections, friends and family. Thank you for letting my little family a world away in California have a glimpse into your world so that we now can pray for your sweet family. God Bless!

Michelle Harris

Destiny said...

As I read this blog, and know the many nights/hours you spent persevering to get it on here- I rejoice!! I am so happy you were finally able to post it. What sweet sweet relief you must be feeling :) Love you!

Kelly Vaughn said...

Yea! You were able to post! I am so happy to see your thoughts. I miss you and pray for you continually. You are a treasure!

Love you!

Kelly

Bev Ross said...

Cheryl,
I loved getting to meet you! I will look forward to keeping up with you via your blog!
Blessings,
Bev

Anonymous said...

I found you too! It took me a little bit longer though. I am so glad to have finally met you at the renewal. What a blessing! Thanks for your encouraging words. I hope that our paths cross again very soon.

Aimee Jo said...

I'm so glad that you had a wonderful, refreshing time. Just think...next time, I'll get to go with you!! I'm so excited!

Steve Maxwell said...

Hey Cheryl,

I pray your trip was refreshing and I trust your family was taken care of by God. It was good to go back through your blogs and catch up. God bless you, Jeff and your family. I really miss you all. Take care.