Dear Friend,
I would like to take this opportunity to share a little about myself personally and my thoughts on God. I am a mother of five, ranging in age from 16 up through 31. Three of my children now have graduated college, one is currently a junior at SHS, and the oldest runs a business and cares for his sons, Kai and Leo. I have been married to my husband, Lance, for 25 years who is a life-long resident of Magnolia. When we decided to purchase a home 23 years ago, we chose Magnolia to remain closely connected to family and because we both liked the small town feel. Over the years our home has become a place where family and friends gather to laugh, eat, and enjoy conversation. We have had many people over the years, who have needed a safe space to stay, join us for a time and nine years ago we felt called to pursue a license in foster care in order to provide a home for one of our son’s friends, Justin, who is now a part of our family!
I did not grow up in the church. My family was not particularly religious, although I do remember summertime Vacation Bible School and Sunday School plays at Christmastime being a part of my childhood experience. My spiritual journey has been interesting and I still often scratch my head and wonder how I ended up in this place because it seems I was always running from God instead of toward God. And yet, here I am.
That is the amazing thing about God’s love for us. No matter how hard we try and escape it, it is there. No matter how much we try and ignore it, it remains. No matter how far we run, God is faithful. And believe me, I ran far.
We were created to live in community with God and others and our entire lives revolve around making those connections. I am just a middle-man (well, middle-woman really) in assisting with making those connections with God and with others. I feel very strongly about being part of an authentic community and I live my life in such a way where this is possible. I also lead the church in the same way because the truth is we are all searching for some sort of connection in life.
May God bless you in your journeys and may you find what you are seeking.
Love, Peace, and Joy,
PC (Pastor Cherese)
