Cheryl Yale Bruedigam Author

Self-absorption leads to separation from the Spirit The popular phrases and beliefs like "do your own thing," "follow your dreams," are in essence the darkness leading us away from our spiritual union and divine purpose as we falsely think that we are in charge. Our "dreams" will manifest only if they are a part of the divine plan for our lives, otherwise no amount of effort is going to bring about something that is not meant to be.  It’s not like people say, “oh you can do whatever you want, be whatever you want.” No, we need to discover what we are meant to be and do, what is our Divine purpose, what is God’s will for our lives. How do I know this? In addition to the writings on it within the bible, I have my own experience on which to go and how much I personally have messed up because of those ideas, beliefs and non-truths as well as how the Spirit guided me away from them and towards the Word of God. Through these self-centered beli

Last night in my Bible studies, I had a very deep understanding of a concept in The Message , Romans 8:29-30 “The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.”  To me, this is the bottom line with Christ. I understood this on a very deep level, so deep that it was mind-blowing; that we see what we are supposed to be, how we are supposed to be, how humanity is supposed to be, that we see God’s intention for us.   There is so much clarity in this understanding, in that our creation in relation to Christ makes so much sense as indeed we were intended to live in His likeness. We are given an eternal example to which humanity can look to aspire. Without this example, we are merely lost and struggling in darkness, self-absorption and complete unawareness.  Holding this example within our sight gives the light and guidance needed to achieve spiritual wholeness when applied to our earthly, ever

On the wings of autumn, Gentle breezes with a hint of crispness, Glide and dip in unexpectedly As summer winds to an end. Hope rekindles with refreshment, In the knowing that soon will come The golden splendor of fall. copyright Cheryl Bruedigam 2019  About Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam has been writing spiritually for thirty years. With undergraduate studies in English and women's studies, she devoted over a decade of research and writing to women’s studies and spirituality. S he is now teaching and sharing  A Woman's Path to Wholeness Through Biblical Teachings .

When we study the Word, and we are given the ears to hear, and the ability to discern, we can then be confident of the truth from wherever it comes. Last night in re-watching the movie, “Birth of the Dragon,” I was able to understand so much more due to my Bible studies. From the movie, “Lesson number one, know your enemy. Lesson number two, know your self. With these two principles, you need never fear a thousand battles.” This was so heavy and so profound and I got it on such a deep spiritual level regarding all facets of life (not just regarding two men in physical combat). The Bible has shown me how to know my enemy and to know my self and therefore not fear. When we truly understand that we are an eternal child of God, then we know our self . When we understand that anyone or thing (including our own thoughts) that is not in the light of God is of the darkness (even those lost in the gray), then we know our enemy.  Jesus said in Mathew 12:30, “He that

Many times we are caught between what is right and keeping peace with those we love. What is the answer? When and where do we draw the line? Two mass shootings yesterday. Love your neighbor or speak for righteousness? That is my question today. After posing this question, as well as praying about it, I immediately saw a Facebook post that said, “if you avoid conflict to keep peace, you start a war within yourself.” At first I thought, there’s the answer but for some reason I was inclined to read the comments which I rarely ever do. Many people made good points against it, like turning it over to God and that this quote is not from the Word. After reading many of the comments, I felt they were right and the post was wrong, though it was from a Christian page; I think it is inciting. We are told to seek the path of peace, I just read that after all this last night. Rom 13:19 “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace.” We are told in the Bible at time

When it comes to biblical teachings, one topic that I have just not been able to fully grasp has been that of our suffering, or suffering for Christ, our need to suffer, and so on, and how Paul was able to accept it and find the joy. And of course Christ himself taught of the suffering to come for believers. It has been a hard pill to understand and swallow, until now. Realization sitting in the un-air conditioned car in the summer heat: If the situation I am in is God’s will for my life, than my suffering in the situation is for Him . With that understanding, it gives the suffering value, purpose, reason and continued commitment not only to be able to endure, but willing to endure, and to endure joyfully. This realization was life-changing, mind-altering. Suddenly so much that has seemed so pointless now makes understandable sense.          Before the big realization yesterday, I had made a prayer saying that I understand that if and when God is ready to grant

Do you have an affliction? Are you searching for answers? Many of us suffer from afflictions, yet how many actually find the true answer or the hidden gift within? Sometimes I feel like I have been benched in the game of life seriously, for like a decade at least due to my health, and I think I am starting to want back in the game. There were thing I took for granted, didn’t appreciate, did wrongly. I have had to learn a lot of lessons. I have baby plants now that I am tending. I have heard that is a sign of healing (even if it was in a Sandra Bullock movie). Today I found an article on a man’s fatigue and chronic anemia, and started reading of how he began to see it as a gift, and I had just written down that very verse in my planner, 2 Cor 12:7-10, where Paul tells us to stop focusing on the handicap and begin appreciating the gift (MSG). The article ended abruptly saying if you want to read it, you have to subscribe to the magazine. That was daft but I get the mes

The popular phrase seeking/finding your true self is deceptive and creates continual confusion because if we are in union with God, there is no need to seek the self . When we are trying to find our true self, it means that we are lost and disconnected, separated from God. The “seeking and finding” part keeps you going in circles. It’s about just being who you inherently are, not going through phase after phase, and I don’t mean creativity or work/career changes or projects. I mean fads and such that distract us from the ability to stay in union with God which is from where the real, the authentic self   (if you want to call it that) stems. As long as we are disconnected from that source, we will never be able to be that real self that we are continually seeking while feeling disconnected. The harder we try, the further away we drift. I was so consumed with seeking my true self , that I became completely self-absorbed. In my life I have sought and sought but

We’ve all said it, “I’m Doing the Best I can.” I don’t want to even use the phrase do the best I can anymore because these days I have come to see that’s a cop out. People only say it when they are feeling overwhelmed, desperate, depressed or defensive. I know from my own personal use of it, it was usually in defense. If we are allowing the Spirit to operate through us, that phrase would not even be a factor. Would God ever say I’m doing the best I can? No, I don’t think so. When we are in the flow of the Spirit then we are in perfection, well beyond anything we would even consider our “best.” There is no comparison to our best and God’s best. The answer? Stop trying to carry the whole load. Turn it over.    Stop trying to control whatever it is; surrender, and allow the Spirit to flow through you. Then rather than feeling pressured, you will simply know that you have allowed and done God’s Best.  About Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam Cheryl Yale-Bruedi

Last night I was mentally questioning God and faith in my head (we all have our moments), and I heard the holy spirit whisper not to doubt, that when I do, I perjure myself. I never thought about it like that but I suppose it is true, it is a point. When I claim belief, then doubt that belief, I have caused myself to lie and to lie about the most important thing: God. Our belief must never waver. The bible tells us not to doubt, be double-minded or uncertain. James 1:8, A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. And in the whole context, James 1:5-8, 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. In other verses, Rom 14:23 And he tha

Keeping faith is easier on some days and harder on others. Simple reminders can help to increase our faith on the more difficult days. There are many ways to place reminders about your home or work space. Something with the word faith on it is the best thing to use. I have mine on a candle-holder and I cannot tell the countless times that one candle-holder has gotten me through the day or a particularly rough spot. I don’t seek it out; it just seems to always show up in my line of vision at the very moment I need to see it, otherwise I don’t usually even notice it is there. Posters or plaques are another great idea;  So too are any visual with a quote including the word faith .  Other ideas might be a key-chain or a garden rock, a hot plate in the kitchen; the ideas are endless. Don’t place them in a mainstream place but don’t hide them out of the way either. They need to be in a place so that when you do see it (which will be exactly when you need it), it

We spend so much time seeking to renew ourselves through relaxation, entertainment, addictions, relationships and so many other things but the one true path to renewal that we may fail to see is right in front of us through the Resurrection.  Putting all else aside, let this Easter Sunday be your doorway to the new, to the free, to the love that is offered each and every one of us. Simply stop, and ask to be renewed through Christ.   Ephesians 4:22-24 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  Many loving Easter blessings. About Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam has been writing spiritually for thirty years. With undergraduate studies in English and women's s