• sherry4home
      • hello Sherry Gilbert
      • Username: sherry4home
      • In response to: "What is the one thing you consistently spill on yourself?" I used to hate coffee. About 5 years ago, my husband and I went on a retreat where we had some wonderful coffee. I haven't turned back since. If there is a stain that I have caused, it is coffee!
  • sherry4home's latest answers
    • What I'd Say to My 16-Year-Old Self

      • What would I say to myself if I could go back 13 years ago? How would I view the world differently?



        1. "Calm Down!" The world is not as scary or as big as you imagine. Just because you are not familiar with a people group, a location, or a way of life does not mean that it is unsafe or bad. Prepare yourself for many adventures in life. Do not live a life of fear and seclusion. Realize that almost everyone you come into contact with has something positive to offer.

        2. Study for yourself. Don't rely completely on what you have been taught to believe. Your faith must be your own, carved out from your own personal walk with God and His work in your life. Don't be afraid to question certain things. The same God who created the stars and the Earth also created you--He can stand up to your questioning. Realize that God desires for you to know Him--He will lead you in the right way.

        3. Be forgiving. You've been through a lot already. Prepare to see more crap, and to experience more hurt. Learn now that people are just that--imperfect people who make stupid mistakes at times. Realize that you are also a person, undeserving of forgiveness and grace that you have been given. You will save yourself a lot of stress and bitterness if you decide to forgive now, instead of waiting until your early 20s.

        4. You don't know it all. No matter how black and white the world seems, no matter how sure you are of your soap boxes, you don't know it all. You will learn a lot in the next ten years. You will see people who live in a way that you can't imagine. You will meet people who have endured unspeakable traumas, who will cause you to have compassion on people whom you never thought you would. God will give you a love and a passion for people who you once had no sympathy for whatsoever. You would cry with, hug, and pray with people whom you thought were outside of the reach of God. Your heart will be changed to love instead of judge.

        5. You'll be okay. You're a worrier--about everything. You stress about the small things and the big things. God has amazing things in store for you. He has a plan. Stay close to Him, trust in His sovereignty. He's got you in His hands, and won't let go. Live, love. Be open to what He his teaching you.

      • answered by sherry4home on 08/19/2010
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    • Great Advice from a Friend

      • I was around 24 years old, and had a friend who was in her 50s. She and a few ladies were starting a Bible study at her church and had invited me to attend. I was thankful for the invite, but extremely uncomfortable committing to going. Most of the women that were going to be attending were between 30-50 years older than I was! How could I relate to them, or they relate to me?
        I shared my concerns with my friend, hoping that she wouldn't be offended at my hesitation. She understood my concerns and didn't judge me for them. She did offer this advice, though: "Don't worry about the age. If you constantly stay in a group of women who are in their mid 20s, you will never see another perspective. If the group of women at the church stays around women who are all senior citizens, they will never see another perspective. Just try it. I don't think you'll be disappointed."
        So, I tried it. It was one of the best study groups I have ever been a part of. My spiritual growth during that time was tremendous. I was able to work through things I didn't realize had been weighing me down. The ladies were also more open to new ideas and a younger perspective on things. It was an amazing experience.
        I will never let age get in my way again. Whether the friend be 50 years older or 10 years younger, I know that we can both learn and grow together. I am incredibly thankful to my friend who challenged me to take that risk.

      • answered by sherry4home on 07/14/2010
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