A Cup of Joy Single Parent Family Resource Center, ministry to single parent families, programs, resources and encouragement for single parent families.cottage

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31

Hi, My name is Sheryl and I am a baptized believer in Jesus Christ. The Lord has given me a heart for and called me to service to Single Parent Families.

As a single parent I know first hand about the unique challenges we face as we strive to live godly lives and raise godly children.

There have been times in my journey when I felt like quitting. That feeling was never stonger than when my marriage ended. I did not see any way that I could raise four children alone.

The Holy spirit ministered to me in countless ways during that time of trouble. He surrounded me with a hedge of praying women, met every need and most importantly drew me closer to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amazing Grace will always be my song of praise, For it was grace that bought by liberty. I do not know just how He came to love me so, He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Visit with us for Rest Stop on the2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month from 11:15-12:30

" O ur deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

1. Maintain close friendships and family ties. For emotional support, nothing takes the place of a good friend and confidant.

2. Find social outlets. Religious organizations, classes, workshops and other activities give you a sense of belonging.

3. Exercise (20 mins./day, 3 days/week) can make a difference in your ability to manage mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

8. Add humor to your life. Read comics or humorous books, go to a funny movie or comedy show.

11. Reduce the stress in your life. When faced with a stressful situation take a deep breath and exhale slowly to the count of four. Repeat several times.

12. Take time to develop or nurture your creative side. Learn to cook, sew, draw, paint, carve, dance, write, sing.

CALM DOWN---SHUT-UP-----AND QUIT TRIPPIN

1. Calm down, shut-up, and quit trippin'! Psalm 46:10
"Be still and know that I am God."

So many times we
make situations more than they are due to our anxiety.
CALM DOWN! God has your life under control. He
knows how to handle even the seemingly complex situation with ease.
Then, SHUT UP! Stop having pity parties and talking
about your "business" all the time. Don't you know that
the power of death and life is in the tongue? Stop
speaking negative things into existence in your life and others.
QUIT TRIPPIN'! When you look at your situations
through your eyes, you often read more into the
situation than what is there. It's not as bad as you think.

2. Be courageous! 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God hath not
given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of
Love, and of a sound mind." Fear is not of God.
Have the courage to step out on faith and do the seemingly impossible.
Start your own business, go into the ministry, apply
for that promotion - anything that you've been afraid
to do and you know that God has called you to do -DO!

3. Have confidence! Philippians 4:13- "I can do all
things through Christ which strengthens me." Remember, greater is
He that's within you than he that's in the world. You have the power
of the most High God working in you and you have His Son steadily making
intercession for you. You have nothing to worry about! Walk with
your head up! You say you have low self-esteem; somebody told you that
you'd never amount to anything, the devil is a liar!
Know that you are somebody not because Jesus said it, but because you
are a child of The King!

4. Walk in the VICTORY! Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to His purpose."

Do I need to say anything else? The jury has been out and the verdict is in -YOU WIN!

WELCOME TO MY COTTAGE