God's assignment for me

I want to share a video that I shared last week about God's newest assignment for my life to bless around 10 mothers, grandmothers, foster or adoptive mothers.

Please join in prayer with me as I step into what God is going to do for these women through my obedience and your sacrifice.

Just go to Facebook and type in Sharri Coleman.  It was a public post from September 28th, so you should be able to see it.

This is the point that I really............walk it out!

SECURE THE HOME...1st

All day I've been wrestling with these three words, "Secure the Home".

 This morning I was cleaning up the bedroom and trying to get dressed for the day, after folding clothes and making sure the people in the house were fed. (A normal busy Saturday morning.) I realized that I was totally at peace.  Something that would normally have rattled me, didn't affect me at all. In fact, I'd made a conscious decision not to sweat it.  I can recall so many times in the past, when faced with too many things at once, I would become internally frantic. Now I was usually cool on the outside, but internally I had an attitude,  was short-tempered and in a state of worry about the "what-ifs".  Today was different and I sensed it!

After that realization, I could hear these three words in my spirit, "secure the home".  It wasn't an audible voice, but I responded with a "what did you say?" inquisitive look on my face.  Just as gently and peacefully, as the first time, I heard those three words resonating again, "secure the home".  Those words were like the vibrations of low notes resonating from a cello or bass well after the bow has been lifted off the string.  It was a sound that rang in my ears and shook me to the core.  It wasn't scary, but I knew that it hadn't come from me.  It was the Lord sweetly saying for me to "secure the home".

Although I'd heard it and felt it in my spirit, I hadn't truly digested what it actually meant.  It would take an entire day of conversations, text messages, phone calls, face-to-face dialogue and social media scrolling to fully appreciate what those three words meant for me.  We live in a society where everyone wants to be recognized and considered important for getting the most 'likes'  or for having the largest number of followers on all the social media platforms. They share with you the most important details of their lives.  You usually see their highs in print, but very rarely their honest lows.  Sometimes, if you're not careful, you will begin to judge your life based on the "false" life of others.

Fast forward 2 weeks....

Well it has obviously taken more than one day to digest the true message.  I am now sitting in the middle of my bed on a Sunday evening, two weeks later after writing the opening of this blog.  It has taken a few more experiences within the last two weeks for me to completely understand the weight and significance of that voice still resonating inside.

This message is a message of settling into the seat which God has prepared for you.  As our women's ministry is preparing for our Empowerment Conference entitled, "Preparing for Uncharted Territory: Mind, Body and Soul" it became so clear to me that God won't send you out to do the 'next best thing' until you can honor your current position or situation.  By this I do not mean to settle for where you are in life, because I believe that you should always live with some type of expectation; however, you have the opportunity to see where you are as a blessing.  When my husband and I were dating in college and began to get serious, we talked and dreamed about how we would spend the rest of our lives together.  We said that we never wanted to raise latch-key kids.  His church and my medical practice would somehow be in close proximity, so that our children would either go to the church with him or with me to the medical practice after school, then we'd all go home together as a family in the evening.They would never have to let themselves in the house as young children because one of us would be there.

Well he got the church, but I never opened the medical practice.  But you know what, to this day, our kids are not latch-key kids.  When I taught HS Chemistry and then began teaching at the University, I always had time to cook a full breakfast, send them off to school, do pick-ups, cook dinner and spend time with them.  They never had to wait for me to get home from work and let themselves in the house. (So many of you have to do that and I commend you for your hard work, intense scheduling and sacrifice.)  I didn't realize that I was getting exactly what I had dreamed about with Byron well over 20 years ago.  Though I have been frustrated so many times within this past year, I realized that my frustration was because I was so busy trying to "keep up" and secure myself, my future and my career that I had lost sight of the gifts that God has given me. God has given me an absolutely amazing family, who need me in the role that I play at the moment.  It's not that God is not willing to do wonderful things to secure my career, but He simply wants to know that he can trust me to make sure my home is anchored first, before I move into what He has planned for me.

What have you been frustrating your will over?  You keep asking the same questions, " God why not me?,  Why not now? When will I get mine? Do you see me God?". God will continue to sit in silence until you begin to learn the lesson of appreciating your current location.  There are some things that you need to experience and learn from today that will prepare you for the tremendous blessings that God has planned for you next month or 5 years from now.

So today, I am content in knowing that this season will not last forever; but while I'm here, I am to make sure that my home is secure. Be sure that my husband knows that I have his back; that my kids know that they can talk to me about anything; that they are all well fed and cared for and that the boys know how to pray.  I need to be sure that they see me cry and rejoice....and know how to show compassion.  We are preparing our boys to "grow and go" each day.  THIS is indeed a full time job and a blessing!  For none of this do I receive a paycheck, but my rewards are priceless as I watch them develop into strong, young, gifted and compassionate black men.

No longer will I wrestle with the thoughts that "I'm not doing what I went to school for" (and paid good money for, if I may add); but rather I will continue to embrace where God has planted me and the assignment that He's given me.  I WILL SECURE MY HOME FIRST!  For those of you who work outside of the home, the same applies to you.  Securing the home is about making sure you appreciate where you are at the moment, instead of pining away for where you think you ought to be.  Securing the home is living in the moment and appreciating the journey.  Where you are right now is only a part of the greater journey, so make a decision to embrace it and then grow from it.

Now walk it out!

Generational Blessings

My heart is so full!  I am so blessed.

My very 1st blog post was a testimony and tribute to my parents, James and Nelda Mattison.  Three months later,  Mommy had transitioned.  It has been 3 1/2 years that she has been gone and I miss her dearly.  However, I must say that I have gotten to know my father at a much deeper level.  He was always a praying man, a loving husband and great father, but I have learned through recent years that he is so much more than that.  This dude is quick witted and full of life.  He is a walking ball of encouragement and smiles.

This past week he's been visiting and I've just found even more reason to love him.  I loved watching him pull both of our boys to the side and speak life over them.  His favorite line, "it's going to be alright; you'll make it".  I remember when Byron and I got married, we were ready to get away from our parents so we could finally grow up.   Once we began to have children, we quickly realized the longing to have grandparents close by.  This trip with Daddy has been heartwarming.  I've watched him walk around the neighborhood for exercise, love on Arby (dog), encourage the boys, talk about Mommy and their life together and discuss his future travel plans.  He said I work to travel...and I love it.

As he prepares to head back home in the morning, I am sitting here just thanking God for the lesson in his visit.   He and Mommy were married for 54 years and 14 days and they were good to each other.  You would think that after being with someone for so long that you would eventually just sit down and wait for your time to come.  Daddy has shown me that this scenario does not have to be the reality.  Although his life partner is gone, the Lord spared his life and he has chosen to live and do it well.

This is my encouragement to you, that no matter what the situation looks like, you can still choose to live.  It might be painful to suffer any type of loss, but God has a way of breathing new life into you.  It's totally up to you whether or not you choose to accept the gift.  As I watch Daddy continue to expand his horizons, I am encouraged to do the same!  I will not allow a NO to deter me.  I will not allow a loss or disappointment to cripple me.  I will not allow a distraction to overtake me. I will not allow death to overtake me.  I choose to live.  I choose to try new things.  I choose to experience all the joys that life has to offer.  Thanks Daddy for reminding me that life is exactly what you make of it.  Thank you for praying over your grandsons and speaking life into them...they are the next generation.

Now choose to live and love as you "walk it out"....

From one generation to the next...God-fearing men.

Daddy & the boys

SHIFT with Sharri

Check out this video!
https://youtu.be/ENCqzcZ4XGQ

#SHIFTwithSharri and change at the cellular level.
#weekofgratitude
Let's focus and set our minds on that which is positive.
What are you thankful for today?
Write below..................

God's gravy to my mashed potatoes

     As a little girl I remember visiting my grandparents home, George and Clara Beckett, at least once a week. Before we were allowed to touch our food, Pop-Pop would offer the prayer and each of us had to quote a Bible scripture.  The thick aroma of whatever dish Grandmommy had whipped up, was in the air, but you dare not raise a fork until you said your scripture.  I'm sure many of us at times tried to get away with "Jesus wept", but they weren't having it. I honestly can't remember the verse of anyone else except Pop-Pop, which was Psalms 8:1 " Oh Lord, our Lord how excellent is your name above all of the earth".  It's been high school since I've heard his natural voice, as he's in glory now; but I can surely hear him in my spirit.  Even now at 44, when I hear or say that particular scripture I sense a quickening in my spirit.  I remember how he'd smile after reciting the word, which many times led him directly into telling you how good God had been to him.  My God! What an awesome memory!

     A few weeks ago, as I was opening up our Women's Ministry meeting, the Lord laid on my heart to have the women give their favorite Bible verse and to exlain why it was their favorite.  This was an ice breaker exercise, but it quickly became a testimony service of sorts.  The women had to reflect on the Word, locate the exact place in the Bible and write it down on an index card.  I gave them one minute to introduce themselves to one person and give their explanation. After that minute, we introduced ourselves to another sister and so on until we had met everyone in the room. It was interesting to hear and watch the women become bolder in their declarations as they traveled from sister to sister.  Oftentimes we quote scripture because we've heard a preacher say it before and we've just taken bits and pieces of it to fit our lives.  But what happens when we actually hide the scripture in our heart?

     This question takes me back to my grandparent's kitchen table and my own Bible verse.  As a young girl, my scripture before the meal was Psalms 34:1, "I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth".  It wasn't until that women's ice breaker that I realized that I had actually become that very scripture.  As I relayed the story to Stephanie (the 1st sister to whom I recited my scripture) about my grandfather, my heart became full because I had actualized the scripture in my life.  What began at the kitchen table, carried me throughout high school; traveled to college and medical school with me; walked down the aisle alongside of me; was in the delivery room with both of my sons; kept me from the brink of divorce; sat on my shoulders as I cried over bills that I couldn't pay; rejoiced with me as I experienced great triumphs in my life; comforted me as I stood by my mother's bedside; guided me as I walked off the job; sat in the waiting room when Courtland underwent surgery at 4 1/2 weeks old and again when Chandler had ACL surgical repair this past December.  This scripture rises early with me as I do morning devotion and many times dries my tears at the end of the night.  "I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES, HIS PRAISE SHALL CONTINUALLY BE IN MY MOUTH".  That is my scripture and it is me!!!

    As I recounted the brief story to the sister, I realized how God gives me grace daily to see His glory in most situations.  Although many of the things aforementioned, have brought great fear and trepidation, God enables me to keep a level head and continue to bless Him in the midst of it.  So even in my tragic stories, I am able to see God's blessing hidden just beneath the surface. I understand and do not take it for granted!  It's definitely a gift and a blessing from God and it all began as a little girl.  I didn't know that I was speaking into and over my life as I teenager at my grandparents dinner table, when all I really wanted was the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  At a young age, God was giving me the perfect recipe to make my own gravy.  At times the gravy was a little lumpy, so He showed me how to "bless him at all times" by using a wire whisk to break up the clumps.  At times, God has had to put me through a strainer so I could get the lumps out of the gravy as I continued to praise Him.  At other times, God said the only way that I could smooth out this gravy was by shaking things up a little, so He mixed me in the blender.  I'm good gravy now!  I've been tested and tried in the fire and I'm still able to praise Him.

    This past weekend, I witnessed the actualization of scripture yet again.  But this time it was not for me...it was for my elder son.  This past weekend as we celebrated my In-laws 50th wedding anniversary, Chandler was given the opportunity to play a FREE round of golf on a $30,000 membership golf course.  The next day, when he began to thank the individual and express just how much he loved the course and enjoyed playing the previous day, he was given another FREE round.  Are you kidding me?  This 16-year old boy was afforded two opportunities to do what he loves to do for FREE that so many adults would just die trying to achieve this.  It isn't luck!  It isn't the fact that he has such a gleaming smile and booming personality, although he is cute (just like his Momma........I'm just sayin').  It isn't the fact that his grandfather is such a great man and makes friends wherever he goes, although this too is true.  Chandler was given this amazing opportunity, because of a scripture that I began praying over both of my sons this past year.  Luke 2:52 talks about the growth of Jesus after his parents lost him and then found him again in the temple.   Jesus was with the elders listening and asking questions as a young boy.  He was curious and people were astonished that this young man understood so much at his young age.  Rather than just take that scripture and say 'good for Jesus', that's a nice story,  I began inserting the names of my boys in that same scripture.

     So it reads like this, "And (Chandler and Courtland) increased in wisdom and stature, and in FAVOR with God and Men".  The Holy Spirit brought this scripture to the forefront of my mind, as I laid in bed early this morning.  God revealed to me that He was blessing Chandler because I chose to stand on the Word and pray it over the boys.  This scripture has become the gravy to Chandler's mashed potatoes.  I am eternally grateful! Courtland better hold on, because he's walking in favor too.

    Why do I tell this story?  Because now it's time for me to instruct my sons, so they will make their own gravy.  Our home will now adopt quoting a scripture before every meal.  I will go through scripture with them individually to help find one that they'd like to share at family meals.  It may change over the years as they get older and experience God differently, but for now I just want to lay a solid foundation.

So here's my interpretation of Proverbs 22:6.................feel free to use it accordingly.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old; he will make his own gravy".

                                                                                           Now walk it out.....

It's summertime and school is out....what are YOU teaching your children?

Everyone knows that during that last week of school, all parties in the house are eagerly awaiting the school bell to ring for the final time.  The kids can hardly sleep at night, in anticipation of the last day and parents are equally excited that the routine gets to switch up just a little.  For one or maybe even two weeks, the entire home moves around in this state of euphoria.  But right about the end of week 4, the eye twinkles begin to fade, it becomes more difficult to wake everyone up and the parents are saying under their breath,  "I can't wait until school starts".

Now for those of you who had planned ahead and had each week filled with day camps, overnight camps, family visits or summer jobs then you already have this thing figured it.  Woohoo! Good for you!  However there are so many of us who had activities planned, but left a few weeks up to chance.  If that's you, just nod your head!  So what have you down with the 'down time'?

During the school year, admittedly so, many parents have it easy.  While we are working, the kids are at school.  Many of them have after-school activities that keep them preoccupied, until we can get home to make dinner.  Then the rest of the night is usually spent doing homework and preparing for the next day.  This cycle continues until Friday night, when everyone in the house is thankful for the weekend and the routine changes slightly. We have grown so accustomed to someone else teaching our children, that all we really do during the school year is monitor behavior and check grades.  Rather than be proactive in our homes, we are reacting to the system.   Just think about it... during the peak hours of the day, someone else is speaking into your child's life.

.............Wait for it................Wait for it..............OUCH ..............That hurt didn't it?!..............

So the summer time exposes the fact that as parents we have to constantly be engaged with what our children are doing.  We have the opportunity to really pour into them by taking them to the library or bookstore in the evening. (Unless you're an educator, you still have to work.  You don't get summers off... I totally get that.)  Do you require that your children read books and then do age appropriate activities like: draw a picture, talk about the book or write a short report?  Do you try to find educational activities throughout the city?  Even if you're on a family vacation, do you still go to  a monument or museum in the visiting city to expose your children to culture?  If you have not done any of this, I encourage you to get started.  THE SUMMER IS NOT YET OVER!

There is still time to really engage with your children!!!  I totally understand that you need a break periodically, so why not barter  daycare services with a friend?  Say something like,  "I'll take your kids for 2 days, while you have mine for the following 2 days".  (That's only one overnight stay.) It's during those times that you and your children have the best of both worlds.  When your children are away, you have a moment to refresh and breathe.  Upon their return, you are fully engaged and ready to teach, love, and spend quality time with them.  The children win on all days.  Remember that they still need a schedule. Be careful not to have too many days when they stay up past their normal bedtime.  Allow them to play video games, but you better make sure that they have equal time going outside, reading, playing an educational computer game or just playing with toys. (Side note: do you remember the days that kids just loved to play with actual toys? Geesh!)  

The point of this message is that we, as parents,  must remember to PARENT.  Parenting is not about spanking or spoiling, but rather about engaging and equipping.  You are your child's first teacher.  They are watching you!

• When you're kind to someone else....your children learn compassion.
• When the cashier gives you too much change and you return it,  your children learn lessons of honesty and character.
• When you apologize, your children learn humility.
• When you make a mistake, your children realize that life is not over even after they mess up.
• When you insure that your kids are still learning throughout the summer, your children recognize that you're invested in them and have expectations.
• When you turn your laptop and cell phone off and talk to them, your children sense that they are a priority.

Notice that none of what I mentioned cost any money, but it does take precious time and intention.  Summertime is not just time off, but rather "all hands on deck", always in a state of preparation. 
Let me encourage each of you to look at your child, grandchild, nieces and nephews, cousins or neighbors as worthy subjects to invest in.  They will become what we show them and expect of them.  If we expect nothing, that's exactly what we will get.

I like the Message Bible version of Proverbs 22:6.--> Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.

Now spend quality time with your little people and walk it out........

If you are interested in weekly engagement and parenting conversations, I am personally inviting you to join my Facebook group, "Parenting on Purpose University".  

Why?  Because there is still so much more that we can learn.   Parenting is not a job, it's a journey!

 

Just a few of our little girls reading at church. 

#girlpower (although I have 2 boys)

She preached from the pulpit on Sunday, but today her casket lies before the church

     What in the World?!!!

     My heart is heavy as I type this.  This morning I will attend the funeral services for a Powerhouse of a woman today in Oklahoma City.  They said that she preached on Sunday and danced all around the pulpit and on Monday morning she had gone to be with the Lord.  I am aware of the divine providence of God, but I am in shock.  There were no reports of her being sick.  She was here one day doing God's work and gone to glory the very next day.

     She and I did not have monthly coffee dates, we didn't talk on the phone, we never emailed back and forth, but I still sense a major loss.  Although she is not in my phone contact list, whenever we saw each other throughout the City, we'd embrace, exchange pleasantries and encourage one another to keep going.  Not only did she preach at our church once or twice, but I frequented many local women's conferences where she gave the keynote address.  I'm telling you this woman could "say it & slay it" and she did it with such conviction, poise and grace.  She was simply beautiful, both inside and out.
   
     Although we weren't close, I respected who she was, the work that she did and what she represented.  She was married and co-pastored with her husband.  She had children and grandchildren.  She was an administrator at a local school.  So when you looked at her life, it appeared that she was a healthy vibrant woman in her early 50's just doing her thing.  Learning of her death really caught me off guard and has gotten me to take a look at my life more closely.

     As women, we wear so many different hats these days.  Wife, Mother/Grandmother, Business woman/ Entrepreneur, Pastor/Minister, Preacher/ Worship leader, Counselor/Coach, Encourager/Exhorter, Caregiver/ Nurturer and so much more. Oftentimes people look in amazement as we navigate these spaces, but they don't really know the story.  The feelings of heartache,  loss, fatigue, stress, under-appreciation, dismay, trepidation and anxiety never surfaces because we're so busy doing that we have forgotten how to just BE.  We've accepted the sense of tiredness as normal, when in actuality there is nothing normal about it.  ( You can say AMEN or OUCH right here!)  It's true...many times we put the needs of others before our own and never recognize our needs, desires or longings.

     I really want to do God's work and fulfill the purpose that He has for me.  Because of this declaration, I must get in tune with my mind, body and soul once again.  I've noticed that my weight has fluctuated since my husband was sick the first time.  I was so intentional about taking care of him that I forgot to really take care of myself. ( That's only partially true....walking my dog has been my exercise and stress reliever over the last 6 months. Thanks Arby!)  Next week I will make an appointment with my general practitioner just to have blood-work done....checking cholesterol, blood pressure and thyroid activity.   I've had a gift card for a massage since February and I've yet to use it.  I'm scheduling an appointment this week.  Two weeks ago, a dear friend invited me to lunch, she just poured into me and talked about maintaining a healthy life balance. She even pointed out the fact that you should be intentional when choosing restaurants.   Finding places that are peaceful and calming, increases your mindfulness during eating, which can aid in proper digestion.

     As busy women, we should not only be good to others, but it's so important to be good to ourselves.  I encourage you today to take time for yourself and share the love, but also recognize when you need to keep some things for yourself.  My mother-in-law always says, " you can't give from an empty cup".  Make sure that you are full and not depleted.  In case you realize that you are about to run on empty, reach out to a friend for prayer and conversation, so you can be refilled.  Powerhouse Women....let's be that "safe place to land" for each other.

     As I prepare to get dressed to go celebrate the life of one of God's jewels,  I am mindful that I must protect my mind, body and soul as I do the work that God has called me to do.  I encourage you to do the same.  Pleasing God should never mean that you sacrifice YOU, so remember to be good to yourself today.  You deserve it!

Now walk it out...