Cheri Keaggy

Requesting grace.

Cheri — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:12:49 +0000

Dear Reader,

May I ask for some extra grace this week? You might say I could use a free pass. My new year’s resolution was to commit to blogging once a week, and by God’s grace, so far, I have delivered! Writing is one of my passions and I’ve had fun expressing myself more regularly in this format.

I’m thrilled to report the new album, So I Can Tell, is finally recorded, mixed, mastered, and currently in manufacturing. Thank You, Lord! Now that it is finished, I am finally able to shift my focus to some upcoming ministry events. In the next couple of months I will be speaking and singing at women’s conferences in Fitzgerald, GA, Pensacola, FL, Asheville, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.

Please pray for me as I prepare and grant me a little grace with this week’s blog commitment. I feel like God has given me some gold and this is a season of pouring out everything He has poured into me. Thank you for your prayers . . . and for the extra measure of grace. Catch ya next week!

Your friend,
Cheri

Flowers from my Valentine…

Cheri — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:06:59 +0000

There’s a gifted poet you must know about. Her name is Cheryl Ricker and she is as sweet as a box of chocolates. We met in early 2010 when I was singing for a “Couples of Promise” cruise with Steve Green and Kevin Lehman, only I wasn’t sure if I was still a couple. So I brought my sister.

It was a difficult time, but I was doing my best to weather the storm and stay above water. The seven day cruise was a welcome break from the shipwreck my life had become. And it was especially sweet to have a whole week with my sister and several other dear believers who had set sail for love and adventure on the Freedom of the Seas.

Meeting and greeting one evening, Cheryl and I struck up a conversation. It wasn’t long before we discovered our mutual love of words and all things writing. With bubbly excitement, she shared the happy news that her first book was soon to be published. Learning that it was a book of original poems, I asked if she wouldn’t mind sharing some of her work during my next concert segment. More bubbles and she was fully on board.

Some who pledged toward the kickstarter campaign for my new album will be receiving her book, A Friend in the Storm, as a thank you. But, for the rest of you, I’m tickled to share one of my favorites from “a healing treasury of quotes, Scripture, and poetry that leads to lasting Hope.” At the risk of wearing out the pun, hope floats.

BOUQUET
by Cheryl Ricker

When fear-fierce pain saps energy
and wilts your hopeful thoughts,
from bended knee, I’ll let you see
My sweet forget-me-nots

My Word’s an open flower,
fragrant, healing, blooming gift;
When I say, “I’m yours forever,”
rest in truth and take a whiff.

Maybe I’ll receive a bouquet of roses this Tuesday. Maybe I won’t. What girl doesn’t like flowers though, right? Still, as wonderful as they are to receive, sadly, like some marriages, they will eventually wilt and wither away. You could press a flower between the pages of a book in an effort to preserve it forever, but it’s still dead, no matter how you cut it.

My message to every heart this Valentine’s Day, whether married, single, separated, widowed, or divorced: the word of our God stands forever. No vase required.

Taking another whiff (love the word choice, Cheryl!),
Cheri

Learn more about Cheryl’s book at www.AFriendInTheStorm.com
Also, for your own venture at sea, visit ChristianCruises.net
*Scripture from Isaiah 40:8

I’m going public.

Cheri — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:06:29 +0000

Pre-Valentine’s Day confessions . . .

A long time spiritual mentor of mine used to say, “Remember in the light what you heard in the dark.” I was just reading in Matthew 10 and stumbled on verse 27: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.”

That’s what this new album feels like. In dark places, alone places, just want to go home places, God has been whispering His sweet somethings in my ear. He really knows how to romance a woman. I’ve got the love letters to prove it.

And now, by His grace and with His full permission, I’ve got the songs that will proclaim our forever love to the world once and for all. I’m going public. Not with scandalmongering or sensationalism, but with bold and beautiful truth. Unabashed and vulnerable.

Like a cupid aiming an arrow, I am ready to release the next chapter in my love story. There have been seven “chapters” in the series so far. Maybe you’ve read them (or, more accurately, listened to them like an audio book). Beginning back in 1994, there was Child of the Father, My Faith Will Stay, What Matters Most, There is Joy in the Lord, Let’s Fly, The Best Of, and Because He First Loved Us. The eigth novella, So I Can Tell, is soon to go to print. I hope it’s a best-seller.

Pulling back my bow,

Cheri

365 ribbons.

Cheri — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:56:51 +0000

Years ago a thoughtful fan gave me a gift bag full of what I like to call “scripture scrolls.” There were 365 of them, one for each day of the year. I can’t imagine how long it must’ve taken her to roll up that many little pieces of paper and then tie each one together with a small, white ribbon. But, the encouraging Bible verses, quotes, and song lyrics were much appreciated.

I enjoyed reading them in the beginning, but as life goes, eventually the bag ended up on a shelf in my closet. Rediscovering them during the move of 2010, I decided to resurrect the little notes and I now display them in a decorative basket in my kitchen. Whenever I need a boost, the scripture scrolls rarely disappoint.

Last night, looking for inspiration for blog #4 of my once-a-week blogging resolution, I unfurled another scroll and this is what I read . . . “But as for me I shall sing of Thy strength: yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for Thou hast been my stronghold, and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to Thee; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.” (Psalm 59:16-17 NASB)

Tomorrow when I rise, I will head to the studio to sing the final lead vocals on my new album. Last week, while singing the line, for He is good, His love endures forever, I got so choked up with emotion that I had to stop in the middle of the session. After a brief tissue break I was able to continue. Like the psalmist, I have known distress, but the tears came because I have also known the goodness of God and that is precisely what compels me to carry on.

So, in the morning, “I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness” once more. Perhaps one of my song lyrics will give somebody a boost.

Looking to Him, from one ribbon to the next . . .

Cheri

A ukulele?! Why not?

Cheri — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:08:58 +0000

We’ve been busy in the studio working on the new album. I’m feeling good about the ten songs we’ve chosen to record. There will be some firsts on this record . . . including, but not limited to . . . a ukulele. Yes, that’s right.

I remember the circumstances surrounding the song, “Air, Food, & Water.” I didn’t know if God would miraculously heal my marriage, if I would be single the rest of my life, or, and this so hard to imagine, if I would ever remarry. With our house on the market, I didn’t even know yet where I would live. There were so many unknowns, so many unanswered questions. I was afraid and overwhelmed.

But, one of my pastors preached a sermon I would not soon forget. His message about the three things we need to survive was a turning point for me. And somehow, in that moment, I knew I would be O.K.

Even though the song was written in a very desperate place, it actually feels rather jovial, even lighthearted. Thus, the ukulele. Here’s a sneak peek at the lyric. Take note of Daisy Doo’s honorable mention, another first . . .

AIR, FOOD, & WATER
Written by Cheri Keaggy

Luggin’ in the heaviest burden
I went to chapel one night
If you saw the heart that was hurtin’
Well, it was probably mine

I couldn’t say where I’m goin’
Can’t make make sense of my life
But, then I heard what the preacher said
That I have all that I need in Christ

CHORUS:
(He’s given me) Air, food, and water
A house, a dog, and a lovely daughter
Air, food, and water
As if that wasn’t enough, I’ve got the presence of God

Sorry, you’ll have to wait to hear the rest of the lyric live or on the new album. But, once again, I am intrigued by what I found on my dictionary app this morning. The definition for “jovial” is full of or showing high-spirited merriment.

Could it be that God really can turn mourning into dancing? The ukulele says, “Yes!” And I agree wholeheartedly.

Play on,
Cheri

Rest easy. You’re a failure.

Cheri — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:20:42 +0000

Happy January Greetings!

This constitutes the second blog in my new once-a-week blogging format. A resolution is a resolution, and I intend to start off on the right foot. So, here it goes . . .

Yesterday morning in church the worship leader welcomed us by asking for a show of hands . . . “How many of you made a new year’s resolution?” Several hands went up, mine included. No doubt, even those who didn’t raise their hands had at least given some thought to this annual tradition. His follow-up question took me by surprise . . . “O.K., how many of you have already broken your new year’s resolution?”

As everyone laughed, I turned to my friend and quipped, “Give me time. Just give me time.”

We all want to do well. We have every intention of following through, determined to lose weight, quit smoking, clean out the garage, or read the Bible daily. But, life happens and sometimes, most of the time, somewhere along the way we end up dropping the ball. We are, after all, human.

I admit that while I am very excited about my resolution to blog weekly, and I think it’s a reasonable goal, my excitement is mixed with a tinge of fear . . . fear I may not be able to make good on my commitment, fear I might dwindle off sometime mid-Spring when I get busy on the road, fear of failure.

But, what gives me courage to forge ahead and push through the fear is God’s love for me. You see, I think He’s as pleased with my heart to discipline myself to blog more frequently as He is with the actual blog itself. I think He smiles at His daugther who likes to play with words and share her humble ramblings in an effort to encourage others along the way.

Whatever you resolve to conquer this year, your health, your finances, your career or ministry goals, know that you will likely fail. But, because of God and His crazy love for you, it won’t matter. He’ll be there to pick you up, dust you off, and set you back on course. And knowing Him, in my case, He’ll likely give me some great blog material I wouldn’t have had any other way.

So, rest easy, my friend, and get to work. Perfect Love casts out fear! And God has resolved to love you . . . without fail.

Stand strong,

Cheri

New year. New goal.

Cheri — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:30:07 +0000

Hello, friends. Hello, 2012!

This will be a very brief blog. The goal: to share my new year’s resolution.

Yes, it’s time to step it up. No more slacking here. I have officially decided to move from blogging once-a-month to . . . (drumroll, please) . . .

ONCE-A-WEEK!!!

Let the games begin.

Super excited,

Cheri

No gift. No problem.

Cheri — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:43:25 +0000

Christmas greetings to all!

One of my good friends included the following in a recent email invitation. I thought it worth sharing again here . . .

Bonhoeffer wrote this to his fiance from prison: “Dear Maria–I think that we’re going to have an exceptionally good Christmas . . . I used to be very fond of thinking up and giving presents, but now that we have nothing to give, the gift God gave us in the birth of Christ will seem all the more glorious: the emptier our hands, the better we understand . . . the poorer our quarters, the more clearly we perceive that our hearts should be Christ’s home on earth.” –Love Letters from Cell 92

You see, my friend is hosting a Christmas gathering which would usually involve a gift exchange. But, this year, with many struggling financially, she didn’t want anyone to feel that extra pressure. Instead, she is encouraging all to come prepared to share answers to these three questions:

1) How did God bless you this year?

2) What was your biggest challenge this year?

3) What are your hopes, dreams, goals, etc. for 2012?

It’s not hard for me to answer these questions. How about you? What thoughts come to mind as you read them? Perhaps you’ll spend a moment in reflection and jot a few things down in a journal or in a blog such as this. Or maybe you’ll use them as conversation starters at your next holiday get together.

I responded to her email with a “love, love, double love this!” No gifts. No problem. We can’t outgive Jesus anyway.

Making room in my heart for Him,

Cheri

P.S. Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours . . . and great things in 2012!

This calls for some Hallelujah cake!

Cheri — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:15:11 +0000

It was Friday, October 7, the night before the big Kickstarter deadline to raise funds for the new album. Throughout the day, I had been posting updates on Facebook every 2 hours or so as pledges slowly trickled in. However, when it was time to head out to see Buddy Greene perform downtown, we were still somewhere around a thousand short. So, I began posting statements of belief in my status, one after another . . .

We trust in the Name of the Lord our God.

Nothing is too difficult for Him.

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want (for anything!)

I believe God is Who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do.

Lord, hear our prayer. You are Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider.

I knew the final outcome was in God’s Hands completely and, thus, felt free to go soak in some good music with a friend. Buddy plays a mean harmonica and the musicianship was top notch. We were dazzled by the bluegrass, Celtic, folk, even Irish jigs comin’ from the platform. Foot tappin’ and hand clappin’ ensued. Their Jesus joy oozed out all over us.

As the evening was winding down, I found myself arrested by one of just a few ballads he played that night. “Hard Times Come Again No More” evoked the gift of sorrow mixed with gratitude and I let the tears slowly trickle down. Sorrow for the hard times. Gratitude for the gettin’ through.

I’m no fool. I know that when we sign up to follow Christ, while we may not realize it at the time, our whole lives will likely be a series of hard times, one after the other. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble,” and Henry Ward Beecher responded, “troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.”

I got home and checked the computer straight away. And don’tcha know what our Over and Above God did while I was gone? Well, He done showed off by kickin’ it a thousand over and above our goal. Woohoo! I think maybe the bluegrass music was gettin’ to Him, too:)

Hard times. Good times. And the gettin’ through. I decided this called for some Hallelujah cake! I spelled the word out carefully to the lady behind the counter at the grocery store bakery. “That’s H-A-L-L-E-L-U-J-A-H. And can you add an exclamatiion point at the end?” Thanks!”

Last night, I hosted community group at my house. We had but one slice left. It’s in the fridge, fork ready, whenever Jesus pays a visit.

Thanks to all who prayed, pledged, and kept believing. Let’s make a record!

So I can tell,

Cheri

Something good is afoot . . .

Cheri — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:58:31 +0000

My free dictionary app tells me the word “afoot” means: 1) traveling by foot or 2) currently in progress . . . I like that.

By now you’ve noticed the blurb above about plans for a new album (if you haven’t, please click on my picture and get the scoop!) The venture to raise funds that is “currently in progress” feels, well. . . adventurous! It has required prayer and planning. Faith and fortitude. And computer skills far beyond what God gave me.

Still, I’ve got a front row seat to see God move! And it’s not because I think I deserve some kind of special treatment, or that I think I’m better than anyone else. I am both saint and sinner and in need of God’s grace that is greater.

It’s because I am a woman whom it seems God has called and equipped for ministry. I am a woman who loves Jesus and is seeking to be a good steward of all He’s given me. I am a woman believing God is Who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do. So, here I am, humbled by the opportunity.

I can’t wait for you to hear this new music. Every song was written out of real life experience. Every song carries with it a message of hope. Our Hope. The Hope I’ve encountered while “traveling by foot” through the journey of life.

Won’t you travel with me by investing some of what God has given you? I hope you will–because something good is afoot . . .

60 days and counting,

Cheri