Sherylynne L. Rochester's Blog, page 3

Here's Why You May Be Single!!!!

Satan Is After These Rappers

Avoid Making These 5 Surprising Passport Mistakes

Your next international vacation should be full of excitement, magical moments, and unforgettable stops at the most extraordinary restaurants, shops and destinations the world has to offer. The last thing you need, then, is to show up at the airport simply to get turned away due to an expired passport, or even too many stamps in your book. (Who knew?!)

Check out these five surprising passport mistakes you'll want to avoid making so you can reach your destination (and return home) with no problems at all!

Mistake #1: Not Checking the Expiration Date

This doesn't even just mean a passport long since expired. Some countries only accept passports that won't expire for six months or more. So if you have four months left till your expiration date, it's probably safer to get a new one than be turned away at the gate!

Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Apply

It's pretty common knowledge that passports take forever to receive and/or renew, but with all the stress of a trip, this important detail can sometimes be forgotten. In general, passports take at least six weeks to arrive on time. If you require it sooner, expedited services will cost $60 and take about two-three weeks.

Mistake #3: Not Correctly Filling Out the Form

We've all made some typos here and there, but an error on your passport application will result in a missed flight. Even if the printer was to blame, you'll still need to correct it before heading through security. The bright side? The correction process is free. You’ll just need a DS-5504 form that you can either mail in or fill out online. 

Mistake #4: Not Updating Your Name After a Change

Legally changed your name recently? Passports don't automatically update, so you'll have to go through the renewal process. You'll need to use a passport renewal form (DS-82), submit a color passport photo, an official document showing your name change, and your current passport (plus the fees that go along with it). We suggest ensuring you’re eligible for the DS-82 form.

If it's been less than a year since your passport with your old name was issued, you might be able to update for free with the DS-5504 form. I just went through this and can verify that it is free. So if this applies to you change that name quickly and get that new passport immediately.

Mistake #5: Having Too Many Stamps

Who knew that being a world traveler can have its downsides? Though you're very lucky to have so many stamps in your book, some countries require you to have two to four blank pages in your passport.

If you love traveling as much as we do, make sure you're always on top of your passport status to avoid any mishaps at the airport and reach your destination as soon as possible!

5 Ways To Not Compromise As You Wait And Date

When you’ve been waiting for so long there is an opportunity to compromise. Some times when we wait so long, we end up being with any type of person. We feel like God is taking too long. Some of us even tell God, “You’re not going to come through. I am going to just date him even though he’s not saved. I am going to go out with him, even though he compromises. I am going to marry him even though he doesn’t have my best interest at heart. I am tired of being single and God you are taking too long for me.”

When you get to that point watch out because you may just compromise your faith and your relationship with God. Some people after waiting for so long and when it seems like it will never come, accept standards that are lower than is desirable. That is what compromise means; accepting something that is lower in standard.

You’ve waited this long why end up with someone that is lower in standard and doesn’t fit you and the life God has for you?

I want to encourage you and tell you that God has someone better for you. He has someone that will not cause you to fall or compromise your walk with Christ. Why accept something lower? Why even put yourself through the heart break and the pain that is sure to come when we accept something that God doesn’t accept?

To avoid that and to stay on course until God sends the RIGHT one you’ve been praying for, here are five ways on how to not compromise or to at least stop you from compromising when dating.

5 Ways To Not Compromise As You Wait And Date























Write Down God’s Set Rules And Standards When It Comes To Waiting, Dating, And Marriage.

God says to not be unequally. He also mentions to not fornicate. Study what God says and write those scriptures down. Read them daily. Reading them daily and meditating on those words from God will cause you to not forget if at any point the person you are with wants you to compromise. When you’re dating and when that person wants you to compromise, you will recall God’s rules and standards and not go against them.

Know Who You Are and Recite It

God also tells you who you are repeatedly again in His word. Write these things down. Remind yourself daily so that when the time comes, you won’t be so quick to compromise because you know who you are and whose you are.

Remember the movie, “The Help”? She would constantly have the little girl reaffirm herself with, ‘You is smart, You is kind, You is important.’ You may need to do the same thing for yourself. There is power in confessing the words of God over your life. You need to write down who you are. For example: I am a child of God. I am a virtuous woman. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I will not be unequally yoked. I will not fornicate. Proverbs 31:10-31 is a great place in knowing who you are. You are a Proverbs 31 woman!

Chose the Right Man At The Start

Before you even date set in your mind that if He doesn’t go to church every Sunday, if there are things that go against God’s word, or anything that isn’t of God, then don’t be with that person. If you decide to be with that person, you will end up compromising and you may even fall into sin. Choose the right person who is also standing on God’s word and refuses to compromise.

Stay In God’s Presence and Be Prayerful

Being in God’s presence and staying prayerful really keeps you. Psalms 91:1-2 says, He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty and I will say of the Lord He is my refuge, my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust. When you stay in God’s presence you will be sure to not compromise your walk with Christ. It’s only when you’re out of His presence you end up compromising. I’m sure the character in, God Send Me My Husband, wishes she had listened to this point.

Stay In The Hedge of Protection That Is Set Before You

Lately, I’ve been studying Ruth and the one part that stays with me comes from Ruth 2:8-9. Boaz tells Ruth to not glean in another field.

So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

Boaz was telling her to stay in this hedge of protection. If she went outside of the field, something may have happened to her. Someone could have raped her, beaten, or worse… murdered her if she gleaned in another field outside of Boaz’s field. This is the same principal with God. He has placed a hedge of protection around you to keep you safe. He is not doing it to hold the thing you want from you. No, God has that hedge around you so you won’t end up hurt, in pain, broken, or even dead. In the last couple of years there have been several women who’ve left the hedge of protection and they are now dead.

This here is an important part you have to learn. Stay and glean in God’s field it is there to protect you and there so you can meet Boaz just like Ruth did.

Do Not Compromise

I know the wait may be long but remember, do not compromise. Choose your dates and the men you see carefully. Listen to the red flags that God is sending. Discern. Follow the leading and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Stay in His presence and in the word of God. All of this will help you to not compromise. All of this will get you to the one God has for you without being broken, hurt, in pain, or even worse… dead.

God, Why Am I Still Single?: One Reason Why You May Still Be Single

You’re probably asking, “God, Why Am I Still Single?” There could be a number of reasons as to why you’re still single. It could be because it’s not the right time, preparation is still taking place, there are things both parties need to do first and so many more reasons. Today, I’d like to deal with one of the reasons you may still be single and waiting.

Lately, I’ve been noticing that a lot of men and a lot of women are questioning God. Many blame God for being single for so long. I started delving deeper into this and wondered was it really God or is it us? There are so many people in the dating world who are so picky. They have their list and many aren’t willing to get to know someone because of this and other reasons. Even from my own dating experience, many men didn’t give me a chance because I didn’t look like who they had in their heads. That’s OK because God had the right one for me. Now, let’s take a look at that for a moment…

You’re The Reason Why You’re Still Single

Has God been sending you someone but you’ve turned them away because they didn’t fit what you thought or imagined. Let’s take a moment to read a story of one man who had his own thoughts of how he should be saved…

A terrible storm came into a town. Local officials sent an emergency warning that the riverbanks would soon overflow and flood the nearby homes. They ordered everyone in the town to evacuate. A faithful Christian man heard the warning & decided to stay, saying to himself, “I will trust God. If I'm in danger, then God will send a divine miracle to save me.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The neighbors came by his house and said to him, “We’re leaving! There is room for you in our car, please come with us!” But the man declined. “I have faith that God will save me.” As the man stood on his porch watching the water rise up the steps, a man in a canoe paddled by and called to him, “Hurry & come into my canoe, the waters are rising quickly!” But the man again said, “No thanks, God will save me.”

The floodwaters rose higher pouring water into his living room & the man had to retreat to the second floor. A police motorboat came by & saw him at the window. “We will come up and rescue you!” they shouted. But the man refused, waving them off saying, “Use your time to save someone else! I have faith that God will save me!”

The flood waters rose higher & higher & the man had to climb up to his rooftop. A helicopter spotted him & dropped a rope ladder. A rescue officer came down the ladder & pleaded with the man, "Grab my hand. I will pull you up!" But the man STILL refused, folding his arms tightly to his body. “No thank you! God will save me!”

Shortly after, the house broke up. The floodwaters swept the man away. He drowned. When in Heaven, the man stood before God and asked, “I put all of my faith in You. Why didn’t You come & save me?”

God said, “Son, I sent you a warning. I sent you a car. I sent you a canoe. I sent you a motorboat. I sent you a helicopter. What more were you looking for?

It’s a hard truth but maybe God has sent the one but you keep saying, “No, that’s not the one. God, send Him this way and like this.” Maybe you felt they were not packaged the way you wanted. Maybe they didn’t look like the way you wanted as far as weight is concerned. All I’m saying is sometimes it is us. Some times we are the reason why we are still single. There are times when God sends the very thing we ask for but we turn it down.

Don’t worry if this is you. God always gives second chances. Just notice this reason and make a change. Very soon you won’t be asking, “God, Why Am I Still Single?” #yourenext

“Dating Tip: When someone approaches you stop for a moment. Before saying yes or before saying no, consult with God first. ”

You Are Anointed And You Can't Marry Just Anyone

Before you settle or before entering that relationship I need you to recognize who you are. I need you to recognize who God has called you to be. It is because you are anointed and precious to God that you can’t be with or marry just anyone. You are anointed and you need to remember that as you date and as you enter into a relationship.

I always wondered why I couldn’t get with certain men. It was for that reason. I was anointed. God had called me to be in ministry, to be a praise and worship leader, a writer, and other things. I couldn’t marry just anyone. I had to marry someone that complimented the gifts and the talents that were on the inside of me. Also, I had to marry someone that could deal with me and all that I was doing or going to do as well. I’m a passionpreneur created by God and not everyone can deal with that type of anointing.

Not everyone can deal with the anointing on your life. Make sure you surround yourself or end up with someone that is likeminded when it comes to the anointing on your life and the call of God on your life. It will make things so much better and save you a lot of headaches.

Dating Tip: When you’re getting to know someone have that you are anointed on the back of your mind. Watch to see if they can handle where God wants to take you and all of your dreams, goals, and yes, your anointing.

Here's How You Protect Your Stuff While Traveling

Traveling—it's all fun and games until something goes missing.

And that could mean losing something you've brought with you on vacation, or somebody breaking into your home while you're away.

Sure, that's awful to think about, but things happen. Prepare for it, and you'll be thankful you did.

PROTECT YOUR HOME

Put a hold on mail while you're on vacation. The wrong person might notice a full mailbox or see newspapers piling up on the stoop and know that you're away.

Have your lights on a timer so that it looks like somebody's home at night. 
With the right device, you can even have them hooked up to your phone.

Away in the winter? Entrust a neighbor or a friend to stop by and shovel your driveway after it snows. If left untouched, even the timed-lights trick won't fool a burglar from knowing you're really not home.

Try to refrain from posting all over social media that you're away somewhere else. If possible, save sharing those tropical pics until you're back.

PROTECT WHAT YOU'VE BROUGHT WITH YOU

Before booking your hotel, make sure they have positive reviews when it comes to security. See if they offer an in-room safe.

While traveling (on a plane, bus or train), always keep your valuables with you—money, electronics, expensive jewelry, passport, important documents, or anything else you can't afford to lose. As much as you want to trust the workers on the other end of your check-on bag, horror stories do exist of valuable items mysteriously vanishing from 

Separate your cash into stashes. Don't keep all your money in one place. This will be extremely important in case something does get lost or stolen.

Consider purchasing travel insurance. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is taken care of just in case feels really good.

Always plan ahead to protect yourself and your belongings.

Doing this will help you to enjoy your vacation that much more! 

6 Family Vacations Your Kids Will Love

Getting the entire family on board for a vacation can sometimes be daunting, but we've got six destinations that your kids (and you) will absolutely love.

Whether you're looking for fun in the sun, thrill rides, or nonstop adventures, here are six family trip ideas to excite you all:

WALT DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA

It wouldn't be a list of amazing family vacations without Disney World included—because Disney is just truly that incredible, for kids and adults alike.

Shows, parades, rides, dinner, dancing, nightclubs, water parks, those lovable Disney characters, jumbo turkey legs—you name it, and Disney World's got it. Your kids will be transported to a world brimming with magic, making them feel like they're living in a dream, and making you feel like a kid again.

WILDWOOD, NEW JERSEY

With a bustling, three-pier boardwalk spanning about two miles, Wildwood is the ultimate summertime getaway, for the whole family. Whether you're renting an entire house or grabbing a bunch of rooms at one of its many hotels, this seaside resort city will make you feel right at home.

Between the local restaurants, boardwalk games, water parks, roller coasters, and the largest beaches in New Jersey, it's no surprise that many families tend to make Wildwood an annual vacation destination tradition.

GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA

This natural wonder is jam-packed with adventure for the entire family. Spanning 277 river miles, this breathtaking beauty is a huge bucket list item for so many people, from all over the world.

Aside from the dazzling views, the Grand Canyon is the perfect getaway for hiking, kayaking, mule rides (you read that right!), rafting, and much more!

BEACHES RESORTS, JAMAICA & TURKS AND CAICOS

Beaches all-inclusive resorts provide several choice locations for simply unforgettable family vacation fun: Negril and Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos.

You'll find water parks, swimming pools, water sports, kids camps, family suites, and a special partnership with Sesame Street—featuring resident characters, parades, shows, story times and play dates!

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

There's not a lot more exciting than the bright lights and bustling streets of New York City. Fun for the entire family, take a ferry over to Liberty Island where you can climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Not looking for a 377 stair climb? There are all sorts of spectacular kid-friendly shows on Broadway: The Lion King, Aladdin, School of Rock and Spongebob Squarepants, just to name a few!

Besides all of that, you can picnic in Central Park, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, smell the flowers at Brooklyn's Botanical Gardens and visit the famed Bronx Zoo. For the scholastic, you can visit the Hall of Science, peruse the Children's Museum of the Arts or get lost in the American Museum of Natural History. And that's not even close to everything you can do!

HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA

Dubbed 'The Sweetest Place on Earth,' this chocolate-coated community has something for everyone—especially those with a sweet tooth or two!

Whether it's the walk-through wildlife park ZooAmerica, botanical garden and arboretum Hershey Gardens, cacao-infused Hershey's Chocolate World, the Hershey Store, or must-visit amusement park Hersheypark—buzzing with shows, water rides, thrill rides and more—Hershey has it all!

96% of North Americans Plan on Traveling in 2019 (& Some Christian Single Women Want to Do So Alone)

North Americans love traveling, and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

According to a recent consumer trends survey by travel agency Travel Leaders Group, a whopping 96 percent of the 3,500 North Americans who participated indicated they intended to travel for vacation in 2019, with nearly 90 percent stating they planned on taking the same amount or more trips than last year.That's a lot of adventures.

Even more, 76 percent responded that they'd embark on at least two leisure trips, and 36 percent reported they'd be traveling solo for at least for part of their trek.

SOLO TRIPS?

You read that right. In fact, according to 2018-2019 statistics compiled from a variety of travel industry studies by online traveler community Solo Traveler World, solo travel is the #1 trend for 2019.

What's the allure?

Much of this has to do with travelers wanting to explore this great big world more, experience authentic and memorable destinations known for their extraordinary culinary creations and heritage, or even just knock off a few bucket list cities. When their friends or family members aren't up for joining them, they don't hesitate to book alone.

"Many people are not willing to forgo vacations because they have no one to travel with, or in many cases, simply prefer to travel on their own,” explains Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko.

Top International Travel Destinations by Region in 2019:

The Caribbean

Western Europe

Mexico

Canada

Eastern Europe

Top International Regions for Solo Travelers in 2019:

Western Europe

Caribbean

UK/Ireland

Eastern Europe

Australia

Permalink

Have I Missed The Boat?

In this video I give an encouraging word to Christian Singles on the Question they are asking, Have I Missed The Boat?

www.youtube.com/watch