Never really alone, no matter what I feel like

I have never felt this alone in a really long time. I need to realize that my peace doesn't come from friends or fun. But, every time I do realize that, it doesn't seem to help. It is nice to have someone to talk to and spend time with. Also, it is really hard to recieve fulfillment from talking to someone you can't see. However, I know God's grace is enough. He is hear with me. I know He is closer than a brother. Jesus, please be with me right now! Help me to feel your presence. Have you ever felt alone? Share your experiences below.

Christmas fun

This years Christmas was very eventful and exciting. On the eve of Christmas Eve (Thursday) I got to meet up with a couple of my friends and two of my cousins who were in town to eat dinner together and go bowling. It was quite an occasion that I thoroughly enjoyed. Between my score of 45 and someones 165 we had quite a few differences in talents. There were a few of my friends not present at the outing that I truly missed. However, It was a fun trip that I will remember for many years. On Christmas Eve, my family all went to Grandma and Grandad Cherry's where we had a brunch and opened all of the presents. That night we had our traditional taco feast with Grandma and Grandad Cherry. After dinner we had the most exciting snowball fights and go cart rides in the snow (the go cart was a present to the boys from Grandad Cherry). The next morning, Christmas day, We had breakfast, played dirty santa, and opened presents at Gram Renshaws. Christmas evening was the family gift opening at my house. Overall it was a wonderful Christmas and I am thankful I had a family to share it with. Feel free to share your Christmas stories below as well!

I was deeply encouraged by these words

Isaiah 46:3-4
"Listen to me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, Who have been upheld by Me from birth, Who have been carried from the womb: Even to your old age, I am He, And even to grey hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

From You is everything and through you I can live again! To you be the glory forevermore!

Praying for strength and pleading the blood

Saturday night my great grandmother (Vonda Renshaw) went on to be in heaven for Christmas. That was going to kind of make Christmas rough on the Renshaw's side. To make it a little more difficult Grandad hurt his arm that had just had surgery and Lydia came down with the flu last night. Through all this, my faith is threatened. I know what I need to do, stand on the word and trust in him. But it is kind of easier said than done. Please pray for strength in our family this Christmas. Thanks! FYI-the funeral is Wednesday

Adorably cute

So, Hannah, Micah, and I just finished watching Narnia I and Hannah was saying how lots of people don't like the 2nd one because Susan and Prince Caspian fall in love with each other and thats not how the book goes (I know that was a long sentence). She said she is going to put on her email , "Is it just me or is Prince Caspian unbelievably cute". (Quote from Night at the Museum II - WARNING only a few people may understand this)

What am I living for?

I say I want to live for Jesus, but am I really? Do I really give every waking moment to Him? Surely not! Most of the time I live for myself. Normally I hear myself saying, or thinking, "That's my room, my sleep, my food, my movie, my health, my friend, my fun". It is not about me! I want to be more like Christ, and I am not just saying that. Sometimes words can come out of my mouth that I don't really mean. This time I mean it. Jesus, please rescue me from myself, my selfishness.

The purple book

 Just recently, our church has been going the purple book. It is designed to grow people up spiritually by studying the scriptures. Today, as I was working on chapter seven lesson four, I was taken aback by Ezekial 33:8-9. It talks about how if you don't try to persuade a man to stop sinning, his blood will be on your hands. But, if you go and warn the man of the sin he is involved in, you will not be held accountable for the mans soul. As I see more and more people slip away from Jesus, I sometimes get angry, but I don't really do anything about it. I know I need to be ready to correct people in love. Jesus, help me have the right words to say to people.

He WILL carry me

Jesus, thank you for your peace. When I meet with you I can feel your presence. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed, but you take control. You take every single fear or worry. Thank You, God! I LOVE YOU

Deer problems

So, yesterday at about 5:15 p.m. mom, the kids, and I were in a car accident with a deer. All I can remember is one of the kids saying, "Mom, there is a deer". But it was to late. We smashed him, or, I guess you could say, he smashed us. Either way, we made it out safe and for that I am glad. It was one of those rare occasions where Josiah didn't have a car seat. Mom believes that if we were in a smaller car it would have been a lot deadlier. Thank you Jesus for protecting us. One more thing to be grateful for, I wasn't driving! Yes!!!

Black Friday

We planned our attack and went in for the kill. Starting at Shoe Carnival at 5:15,(bought some super cute black boots for myself) then Hardees, in Carterville, until Lifeway opened at 7:00. Then we went to Kohls and the mall. Then only kind of tired we returned to Tara's house where we had spent the night. Going back sooner, on Thursday night, Tara, Nathan, Lucas, Seth, Hannah, Micah, and I watched Letters to Juliet, which I enjoyed quite well.

How's this?

Your Not Alone

Whenever I feel low
Like gas in a vehicle
I have to remember
That I'm not my own

Your not alone here, I hear you calling
I know your name, and I see your pain
When it get's stressful you know who to call
I will be right here through it all

Your right beside me
Watching me carefully
So why would I fear if your holding me


Song written by Rebekah Cherry

Give me your input!

I don't deserve it!

Jesus bore the sin, pain, sorrow, and grief that would belong to me. How could He do that for me? He knew the thoughts I would think, the words I would say, and yet he did it anyway.

Love is real

Love shouldn't be taken lightly. It is not a feeling tossed up and down by the wind. It is a decision or covenant that is made that can never be broken. Who truly knows love? It is not something to be trifled with. Don't throw it around. It is special and sacred.

Yes!

Bitterness is costly and I don't want any part of it. Jesus cleanse my heart and help me trust you. Through the pain and through the tears I see your face smiling back at me. Letting me know it is going to be okay.

Sit back and let God do the work

Look outside as a reminder of who God is. The trees perfect build and the leaves beautiful colors. Who else is intelligent enough to make creations such as those. Furthermore, what compares to the love of Christ. I am reminded that I am not perfect. Yet somehow He loves me still. Couldn't you just shout with happiness! I Can! I was sitting on the plane on my way back from Cleveland, Ohio thinking about God's unconditional love. I was filled with happiness knowing I am okay. Jesus is holding my life in His hands. As I thought about the people sitting next to me, my heart went out to them. They don't have an assurance of love. They live a lifeless life without Jesus. Is there a way I can reach those people?

Finished an exciting trip!

I just got back from an Acquire the Fire trip with mom and Kalyn in Cleveland, Ohio. I got to do everything from running the Kalyn's Secret booth to meeting Jimmy Needham late on Saturday night when we were packing up to leave. It was a great experience! However, I am so happy to be sleeping in my own bed tonight. That is one of the main things I miss when I am at of town.

Thank you, Jesus

Today was rough. It seemed as though dissapointment and heartbreak were around every corner. I'm glad I can trust Jesus to get me through my daily struggles. I don't have to do it myself.

Old men acting like teens in skinny jeans

So, it is not cool when you see old people trying to pull off the tight look. I was at an Acquire the Fire event last weekend and the drummer of Newsboys was way to old to be wearing the pants he was.
He needs to go shopping.

FYI

You know, followers, you can respond to my blog posts. You don't have to, but you are all open to

Right standing

I love this time of year when the trees are changing and thanksgiving is on the way. There is so much to look forward to. But sometimes I look forward to earthly pleasures so much that I miss out on the most important thing-Jesus. If it weren't for him, there wouldn't even be a Thanksgiving or Christmas. Jesus, I don't want fun or fulfillment in things that won't last. Take my heart this holliday season!

VERY VERY mad

After walking away from the DMV a second time, I was very, very upset. They didn't have on record from Central Illinois Driving School that I had finished drivers ed. That was 9 MONTHS AGO. Come on, now! I am going to have to wait even longer. Might not be able to get my drivers license until next week.

Quite disappointed

I was quite disappointed upon walking away from the DMV today. As always, in those type of situations, there is always some other form you need. Sadly I didn't get my license today, but there is always a tomorrow.

Philippians 2:13

  My favorite verse, right now, is Philippians 2:13. It says, for it is God who  works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. It is God who gives you the desire and the power to do the right thing.    

Celebrating my great accomplishment

Gram and I drove to Pinckneyville tonight and I completed all my driving hours. I am so happy! Now I am nervous about taking my driving test. Planning on taking it this Tuesday.

I beat my body and make it my slave

I am believing that God is going to be in more control when I fast. I know victory comes when I lay down my desires and needs so Jesus can be in charge. That is all I want! Be in charge, Jesus!

Next time

I love going outside and just soaking up the beauty that is all around. The trees rainbow of colors and the skies limitless beauty. I was so inspired that I tried to paint the sky today. It didn't really work because I never found sturdy paper to paint on. I did, however, get to sketch a still life that I was fairly pleased with. I love being inspired. I just hope next time my inspirations will come out on paper.

I am ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas

 I can't wait until Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am already listening to Christmas music and I'm planning my after Thanksgiving day shopping trip. It's going to be great! By the way, I have a lot of Christmas presents already.

Another cute pic of my family

Each moment counts

Always cherish every moment with the ones you love. You never know when it will be your last. Never forget the memories you have with them, but don't let them come back to haunt you.

Love my dad

So, sometimes my dad gets into this mood where he loves giving money away. Hey, it's to my advantage! I received $7.11 this morning just from rolling a ball.

In His presence there is fullness of joy

I find so much peace when I am in the presence of the Lord. It is water for my soul. Whenever I miss my quite time with Him in the morning, I feel empty and zapped of all my energy. Being in Jesus presence is vital. I love Him!!!!!

My cute little brother

Around the Cherry house, there is always something funny going on. Three year old Josiah came walking into the kitchen and said, "Bekah, we need some discipline around here!" I just laughed and told him how cute he was.

By His stripes, I was healed

I have decided to be completely healthy this year. So when I woke up to a headache, sore throat, and body aches, my faith was slightly weakened. But I know what the Word of God says. It says by His stripes I was healed. I am choosing to believe Jesus over my body.