Cheryl R. Moses - Writer / Coach

Your circle matters.

Community is important.

Who you give access to your life will impact how you show up.

I had a long work day yesterday. It was well after dark when I left the office because I was prepping for an event we're having this weekend, and I did not want to show up on Saturday having lots of last minute things to do.

A dear friend was also at the church, but for another reason. She texted me a question which required more than a simple text could explain. So I asked her to call me on her drive home.

During the call, without fail, she begins to share about what the Lord is currently doing in her and some personal struggles. We cannot have a conversation without either of us going there, and I LOVE IT! The level of passion she carries brings it out in me every single time.

As she shared, I started receiving a download from the Lord for one of the books I'm writing. But I was so invested in what she was saying, that I didn't dare grab one of the dozen or so writing journals I own, or even think to open the notes app on my phone so that I could record it. I wanted to stay in the moment, trusting that the Lord would remind me of those words later.

This. This is why we surround ourselves with people who are unapologetically on the journey to becoming more like Christ. They help stir up the gift of God within us, often, without even knowing they're doing so. Their volnerability taps a root in us that spurs growth in an area we so desperately need. Their passion blows on embers in our heart, in need of stoking.

This morning, I came to my devotion time with a new excitement and even greater anticipation for my encounter with the Lord, through his word. And, it was so fun!

This picture is notes from this morning, not my devo, but of what came out of that time: retreat ideas, message notes, and other fun things! (It's blurry on purpose.) 😏

I am grateful for people who call out the gold in me, but more than that, I am grateful for friends who challenge and inspire me, simply by being exactly who they are called to be - salt and light. We need those two elements to survive.

Consider this today....

Who are you surrounding yourself with in this season? Are they hindering or hastening your progress to becoming more like Christ?

Remember, your circle matters.

I will always, always, always love Retreat!

Recently, I have been replaying a conversation in my head from one of my early years as the Ladies' Ministry Coordinator at Calvary.

I was sitting with a group of friends and we were discussing our upcoming Ladies' Retreat. At that moment, someone entered into the conversation and began to share with me their disdain for the term, RETREAT, as it pertains to the event. They thought the word, ADVANCE, would be a more appropriate description and felt strongly that I should change the name.

I can chuckle about that now, but at the time, being new to this role and still finding my voice, I was a bit intimidated. Though I did not respond, I stood my ground and left things as they were. I mean, I get it. I see what she was trying to say and it sounds like a good idea, except for the fact that she missed the point of a Retreat, entirely.

Meriram Webster contains several definitions for this word. Here are the two that best descibe this event.

: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

Friends, as much as we pour into others... As much as we give ourselves away to the purposes of God in our families, our places of employment, and civic responsibilities... We must aslo give ourselves to being poured into by surrounding ourselves with others who are also on the journey of becoming more like Jesus. We must learn to retreat, not to shrink away from our lives, but to have our lives enriched and refreshed so that we recive new grace, new vision, and the edification that fortifies us in ways that doing life alone never could.

This is why we retreat. Jesus modeled this so well. In scripture we see multiple passages where he took time away to be alone with the Father and times where he withdrew to be alone with his disciples - away from the crowds. (Mark 3:7, Mark 6:31–32, Matthew 17:1)

Why would he choose to pull away from the clamor of people constantly wanting to hear Him speak, to perform miracles, and just to be near him? I wonder if even in His divinity, His humanity craved the intimate time alone with those also on the journey with Him? I believe He was showing us that it is okay to retreat to quiet places for the sake of renewal and restoration so that the noiise isn't all we encounter. And, I believe he meant for us to do it together.

Deep community fuels us. It inspires us. It encourages us. It challenges us.

Could you use some of that? I think we all can on some level. This is why we host retreats.

Here is what you can expect at Ladies' Retreat.
• Expext to encounter the Lord as He meets you right where you are.
• Expect to be inspired by the stories of others as they share how the Lord has shaped their life using the community around them.
• Expect to make new friends.
• Expect to hear a word from Sadjah and from Cheryl that will not only bless and encourage you, but a word that will also challenge you and stir up your faith.
• Expect to be showered with fun treats and surprises that will make you feel like the weekend was planned just for you.
• Expect to leave refreshed and renewed.
• Expect a resort style experience tailor made just for you because you get to decide. On Saturday afternoon of Retreat, you will choose how you spend your time. You can hang by the pool, visit the animals, go antiquing, schedule a visit to the spa, take advantage of one of the classes Milk & Honey offers, or simply choose to take a nap. The possibilities are numerous!

The Lord wants to pour into you in this weekend. And through worship, our talks, and time spent together around the table, we will do our best to offer up our adoration o the Father. Our desire for this Retreat weekend is that you will leave on Sunday feeling refreshed in your mind, body, soul, and spirit and that you will encounter the Living God in a profound and lasting way. We are doing everything we can to create an atmosphere where that is the end result.

Come join us for Retreat, but please don't gatekeep! Invite others to come along on the journey with you. Spots are almost filled, so please don't hesitate to sign up today.

REGISTER
https://calvaryhouston.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/b90784a9-33c4-4413-81f9-8efeafc57113

Ladies, come join us! Space is very limited so please don't wait.

Are you stuck at home today because of the weather? Then would you do me a huge favor? Would you please vote for my boy? He is made the last two cuts and we would like to make it all the way to the end. Today's votes count twice as much! Beau and I would so appreciate your support. Thank you!

Will Beau take home $10,000 and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog? You decide! Beau is the most loveable and chill dog, ever! He was a rescue at 9 months old, and now at 14, he's still going strong. 😌

Would love you support for my boy. Beau made the first cut and now he's up for the Top 15! He's the best boy ever and the sweetest companion. You can vote once every 24 hours, if you'd like. We'd surely appreciate it! And feel free to share with your dog-loving friends. Thank you!

Will Beau take home $10,000 and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog? You decide! Beau is the most loveable and chill dog, ever! He was a rescue at 9 months old, and now at 14, he's still going strong. 😌

This training has helped to stretch and grow me in the things of the Spirit. Being a part of a church that believes that God still speaks today and that teaches how to be attune to His voice, has been a true gift to me. I hope you'll join me on Saturday, February 28. You won't be disappointed!

MTT is Saturday, February 28. Registration is now open. Who will you bring with you?

https://calvaryhouston.com/ministry-team-training/

I may be a day late, but I think this message might be right on time for somebody. Please let me know if that's you. I'd be happy to pray for you.

Wednesday's Washing: There is a voice that Soothes. Email from Calvary Community Church When God speaks truth to your soul... There is a voice that soothes. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those wh

I'm not someone who does small talk well. I just can't. So, I am grateful for those friendships where the depth is real, and so is the accountability, and where the laughter leaves my sides in pain. That is one beautiful combo.

This never gets old for me! It is always such a powerful day and I am honored to be a part of it. Would love for you to join us!

The other day, I decided to take advantage of a birthday gift given to me by a friend. I went to get my nails done - a rare treat. My friend already had an appointment scheduled, so I asked if I could join her. Of course, she said, yes.

As we sat down, my friend chatted briefly with her usual nail tech. The nail tech assigned to me came over and began to point, her way of giving instructions, for what she wanted me to do. No smile. No hello. No, "Hi, I'm ___. What's your name?" Just pointing and indifference.

Something in me began to stir. Luckily, I recognized that feeling and realized that whatever was going on with her, it was not about me. I didn't cause it, but I wasn't about to make it worse by responding to the urge rising up within me. So, I made a choice. I was going to choose to believe the best about her, not the suspicions swirling in my head. And, I prayed for her.

I am no good at small talk. Frankly, I despise it. But I made several attempts, regardless. I smiled at her often. I thanked her and complimented her work. It wasn't until we were almost done that she smiled at me - a genuine, unrestraint grin. And she looked me in the eye for the first time during my visit, and thanked me.

I've had better, and far more pleasant nail appointments. That's for sure! What was supposed to be a gift, felt more like work, but work I was willing to put in so as not to be cross with this woman.

As a customer, did I deserve better? Absolutely! But who knows what was going on with her. I could speculate all day long, but I could be wrong. Instead, I chose to regulate my own self, focus on the gift I was given, and the time with my friend.

The news about Charlie Kirk today, has me thinking about this encounter. I do not understand the level of hate which drove someone to commit this act. I cannot comprehend it.

I have been plenty angry in my life for legitimate reasons, but I have learned over the years to manage my own thoughts and emotions. It is hard work at times, yet I still have some growing to do towards my own emotional maturity. But, that work is on me.

I get to choose how I respond when I feel wronged, hurt, overlooked, or slighted. What I don't get to do is destroy the life of another individual whether through slander or harm, simply because I disagree with them. I have worked too hard on me, to be that small.

There has been a trend - an increase, if you will, in the level of vitriol people feel free to express. It is staggering. Lord Jesus, have mercy on our nation!

Oh, and by the way... I decided that even though this salon is not where I would normally go if I were going to get my nails done, I will probably go back. And, I would request the same nail tech. Someone needs to bridge the gap. Why not me?

My friend has a new cookbook coming out next month! Want to win free pie for a year? Preorder your copy today and it could happen. 🥧

https://tararoyersteele.com/keepyourfork