Laughter is the best medicine

Just got a call from my Mom who was in the car "cracking up!" I just love it when my mom gets tickled. She starts laughing and it's contagious. Before you know it you're laughing too!!

What set her off tonight was my dad. They were on their way home from Christmas shopping and decided to stop by Baker's Square. My nickname for this restaurant is "The house of pies." It has every conceivable type of pie you could think of. Yup, a literal Pie Mecca or maybe Pie in the Sky. . . . now I'm getting silly. I can't help it!! I'm still tickled myself.

They had been discussing pies in the car. My mom wanted to stop by Baker's Square and get some pies to take to my sister's house. My dad didn't know if they were open. I guess the lighting on the outside of the place was "questionable" so my dad drove up to the front to see if he could peek around and see if anyone was in there. Just about that time he saw a sign by the front and thought it said "reserve pies," which is conceivable I guess. They do reserve pies around the holidays.

What the sign actually said was "reserved parking." He actually didn't see it until my mom pointed it out to him. From that point on it became a laugh fest. He did manage to actually go in and retrieve some pies, while my mom and I continued to laugh on the phone. Oh my y'all if you could have just heard us. I think I actually snorted at one point! Thank goodness I was safe at home in my PJ's, not a soul around to see me laughing. I do think I scared our dog though.

Well, if laughter is the best medicine then my parents and I have had a good dose of it tonight! Yup just what the doctor ordered. Funny how that works, isn't it?

Still laughing and crazy for Christ,
~Cheryl

The Siesta Miracle

I'm just overwhelmed tonight with the outpouring of love I've received from my post yesterday. Y'all are just the best. Thank you Siestas for being the body of Christ to me. Although we may be separated by miles, I couldn't feel closer to you than I do now.

What I didn't share in my last post was that my Dad had no idea I was putting this prayer request out. When he received the initial diagnosis he didn't want anyone to know. And I respected that.

However, last night when I got off the phone with him, I felt moved by the Holy Spirit to put the prayer request out. And so I did--here, with friends, with prayer groups, and of course with my own church family. The response has been nothing less than God breathed.

The difficult task today became just how to share this with my Dad, knowing full well he might be angry with me for "sharing." I did the only thing a brave Christian daughter could do--I sent an e-mail!! (ok, you can stop laughing now). Yes, I am a bit of a chicken when it comes to potential conflict.

And yes, as you might expect my Dad called this afternoon. God was definitely moving BIG TIME because he was so "up" and "positive." He said he woke up this morning and felt God just wash over Him with a warmth that he couldn't really explain. Then he checked his e-mail. He said he was just overcome by the presence of God--knowing that you were praying for him. And yes, that my Siestas is the miracle!!

So here's to this network of bloggers--those of you who posted, lurked, sent e-mails, but most of all prayed--even if just for a brief moment. I'll end this as I began by simple saying, "I'm Overwhelmed!"

Yes, God is good (all the time) especially in the blogging world.

Extremely grateful,
~Cheryl

Prayer Request for My Dad

My heart is tender at the moment and this is a little hard to type through the tears. I just got off the phone with my Dad. Two weeks ago he had surgery to remove a cancerous growth from the bottom of his eye lid. He returned today for a follow-up and the pathology showed that the cancer was indeed still there. He's scheduled again, January 2 for more surgery to remove more of the bottom eye lid.

My dad is a pretty positive person with an equally strong relationship with Christ. I rarely find him in a "down" mood. Tonight however, was extremely tough for him to share this news with me and as you might imagine equally difficult for me to hear.

All this is in addition to another cancerous spot on the side of his nose, which he has yet another specialist appointment.

Please pray for my dad, Bill--for complete healing. Of equal importance pray that he feels the very real comfort that only God can provide, perhaps even discovering Him in a new and more intimate way. And of course, my family could use some prayers too. I'm afraid we're all a little shook up right now.

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. ~James 5: 14-15

As you know if you've been reading this blog, the Holy Spirit has been speaking and moving in a mighty way in my own life recently. So, I'm trusting Master Healer to accomplish His perfect will in this situation. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

For those of you who might be visual prayer warriors you can go back here to see a picture of me, my dad and mom from a past post.

With Love in Christ,
~Cheryl

The Potter's Hand

I haven't really come down from the mountaintop experience of yesterday. Actually, that's not quite true I have been facedown several times--just still on the mountain. So I hope you'll indulge me a bit here in this post. With my heart so humbled and open right now, I'm feeling particularly nostalgic for an oldie but goodie worship song. Mandy at "Just a Girl" talked about getting a song stuck in your head. This one seems to be stuck in my heart today, which is a very good place for it. So enjoy The Potter's Hand. As for me, well. . . I'm still worshiping my sweet LORD!

With a Heart Overflowing

Oh my!! My heart is just overflowing. Have you ever had one of those experience with Christ that's so special, amazing and breath-taking that you can't possibly put it into words? Well, that's case for me tonight. It happened in the middle of writing an e-mail. And frankly, the Holy Spirit just enveloped me with an overwhelming love. It washed over me much like a song He was singing in delight, although those words pale in comparison to the actual experience. I could do nothing other than stop in my tracks, drop to my knees, worship and accept His unexpected gift. Trust me it was nothing I deserved. Yet there He was my Sweet Savior pouring out His love for me.

Dennis Jernigan, CCM recording artist describes God singing over him. I hope you'll watch this short, interview clip. And moreover that you'll move closer in your own intimate relationship with Jesus. Who knows if you listen close enough you may even hear Him sing a song over you, too.

With a Heart Overflowing,
~Cheryl



P.S. Check out my favorite Dennis Jernigan CD, "I Surrender."

Being, Doing, and Having

Today's sermon really penetrated deep to my heart--a good sign that my heart has changed at least a little over the past couple of weeks. Our pastor provided a different look at Matthew 2, where the Magi come to see Jesus.

Now I won't bore you with all the details, not that it was a boring sermon, actually quite the opposite. The point was pretty simple, that Christmas is about finding Jesus, being with Him, discovering Him in new and different ways and ultimately being changed by our encounters with Him.

It's interesting that theme came up again today as I was flipping through channels tonight. I stopped for just a minute to listen to part of the sermon from Church on the Rock (St. Louis) and their pastor was talking about having an "extreme makeover." In order to do that we need three things: to be with Christ, to do His Will and the and only then will we be in alignment and have the life He has planned for us.

Pretty simple message really, yet it's one that is so counter culture this time of year when the emphasis is on doing (shopping) and having/getting (presents). As my pastor pointed out today, the Magi actually stopped and worshiped Jesus before they ever presented any of their presents--simply "being" in His presence.

Okay, now follow me here. I don't have to be hit by a truck to see a recurring theme today. So instead of worrying about shopping or Christmas plans, I need to "be" with Christ first. And that "be-ing" requires time with my Savior, especially when I feel the cultural pull and pressure of the "got to get it right/special time of year" mentality. Before I can really do anything, I need to offer my "sacrifice" of time and just "be."

Romans 12:1-2 puts it this way: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Duh!! Can it get any clearer? At least not for me--today. It's about as clear/bright as that star that the Magi saw in the sky all those years ago. Now I may have bought a few presents already, but it's time to set them down, stop and worship my King. Until I do that, nothing else really matters, does it?

P.S. My husband reminded while I was writing this post, that we have the only dog in the world (okay, maybe a little exaggeration) that drinks fresh water out of a bowl that says, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Yup, God has a funny sense of humor!!

All this and Jesus too!
~Cheryl

Snowing in St. Louis

Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!!! That could be the theme song here today in St. Louis. We have our first snow of the season. And it's turned out to be one heck of a snow!! It depends on what part of St. Louis you're in for the snow accumulation, but suffice it to say it's substantial, especially since the largest amount of snow we've had in the past couple of years during one day was 3 inches. We've definitely surpassed that today.

Now even though I've lived in St. Louis for 25 years, I'm still a Chicago girl at heart. So snow doesn't really bother me. In fact, I think it's really quite beautiful. My friends in St. Louis, however don't share the same sentiment. And in fact, they actually are a little obsessed (from my standpoint) with the whole "snow thing" especially when it comes to the roads and driving. Growing up in the Chicago area in a small town with a two lane road leading in to it, I've learned how to drive in snow. No biggie as long as the wind is down and there's no ice, which is the case here today in St. Louis.

Having said all of this, I have to admit, that I haven't gone out today. Nope, I'm enjoying the beauty of the snow from inside my warm home, sitting by the fireplace drinking some hot green tea--just as "snug as a bug in a rug" as my mom would say. Yes, life is good here at the Baugh household. So, let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!!

Walking Through the Valley

As you might know I've walked through my own valley lately. So, this daily message from Joel Olsteen Ministries really spoke to me. I hope it provides some strength and direction for you too as you move forward to "your vision of life on the other side."

Much love,
~Cheryl
**********
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV).

Do you ever feel like you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it’s easy to get to discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through…” No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. I encourage you today; don’t allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Experience for a Lifetime

Are you looking for a Christmas present for that "hard to buy for" person. If so check this out.

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I absolutely have fallen in love with The Experience Bible. This clip is pretty long, but it's worth watching. This is definitely something I'm going to add to my Christmas list! And don't miss the second Grammy winner in the clip (it goes by really fast). It's none other than Iyanla Vanzant!

“Inspired By…The Bible Experience is exactly what its title indicates, an experience. I’ve listened to many audio Bibles over the years, but none have achieved what The Bible Experience has, which is to bring the Bible to life in a very real, compelling, accessible and experiential way. I would strongly recommend that you listen to it and share it with others. I guarantee it will change the way you and they engage with the word of God.”

- John C. Maxwell, New York Times Bestselling Author

Like Mother/Father like Daughter!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Me, my Dad and Mom~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My parents called tonight. Now this is not unusual, even though they called at 11 pm. My parents are late night owls, which is a bit odd considering their age. My mom is 76 and my dad is 77. But I can't really complain, because I, too am a night owl as you can probably tell from my posting and comments. I guess it's in my genes!

I always get a kick out of their calls. Today they called to let me know that their refrigerator had been fixed. It had been out over a week as they waited on "parts." They were pretty inconvenienced over the whole thing, especially since the refrigerator was only 2 years old. Luckily it was under warranty and it didn't cost anything to get it repaired.

What cracks me up about the whole thing is they were complaining about keeping things cold. Now, if they lived in Florida or Arizona with other retirees (who go to bed EARLY), I could understand the complaint. But they live in the Chicago area!! They faced an ice storm during the past couple of days. It managed to pass them by but still it is pretty darn cold where they live. So keeping anything "cold" shouldn't have been a problem.

You know it's so easy for us to forget just how easy we have it in the good old USA until we lose something like our power, water, cable, refrigerator, stove. . . you name it. We have become very dependent on these things.

So tonight I'm giving thanks not just for these modern day conveniences, but for my parents who taught me how to NEED them. You see I don't just have ONE refrigerator at my house. Oh no, that won't do. I have two. Hey, you never know when one might go on the fritz!!!

With tongue firmly planted in cheek,
~Cheryl

Politically incorrect

Tonight was the annual high school choir/band concert in our town. Our youngest Andrew is in the mixed choir, so of course we attended. If you're a parent you've probably been to many of these type of things.

The best part of the night however was the musical selections. Both choirs sang about Jesus. . . not just the typical Christmas stuff but songs of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I talked to the high school principal who said, "Only in our hometown could we sing about Jesus and NOT worry about a complaint of some type." And you know she's right. I'm afraid in too many schools across America Christmas has been replaced by "the holidays." And frankly, I'm sick and tired of it.

I'm tired of being politically correct. So when I stumbled across the following video on Fran's blog the other day, I knew I'd found a gem. I hope you enjoy (and cheer as I did) this. Merry Christmas my Siestas! Let us never forgot who the season is really about!!

Much Love at Christmas,
~Cheryl

Restoration

At the core of all restoration lie repentance and confession of sin. If I feel sorry that another is wrong and confess how badly I'm treated, not much restoration will occur. Restoration requires a complete change of my mind, so that I'm willing to look at myself and admit my wrongdoing and my need of help. ~Upper Room, December 9, 2007

I always find it interesting that the "timing" of devotionals works so well with the "timing" of my life. Now I don't typically read The Upper Room, but today I happened upon it and it really caught my eye.

I've emerged from my time of retreat with a changed heart, one that has been thoroughly examined. What the LORD showed me in my time with Him was a heart that had become in many ways too religious and lacking "real" spiritual fervor. Does that make sense? I guess I should say I had a good dose of Pharisee Complex. And frankly, when the Holy Spirit revealed this, it wasn't pretty. In fact, as Oprah is fond of saying, I had the "ugly cry." You know the one where all you can do is sob and hope to catch your breath in the next moment. All I could do was fall at His feet, confess my sin and ask for forgiveness.

How could I, how did I, when did I get to this point? And just why didn't I SEE it for myself?? I guess that's the hardest question for me to answer. I know it didn't happen over night, but rather crept in bit by bit while I wasn't looking. And that's the scary thing. It was there all along and I didn't even realize it. In fact, I would have argued against it had it been pointed out by anyone else other than the Holy Spirit.

So my dear Siestas thank you so much for all your prayers--for standing in the gap and lifting me up to the LORD of LORDS. I have emerged from my retreat, a new woman--one with a heart that is full, thankful, repentant, loving and most of all restored. Oh how I love my Sweet Savior for that!

Praising the LORD of second (third, fourth and on and on) chances,
~Cheryl

It's Going to Be Alright

A SHORT UPDATE I've come up for "air" so to speak, but still need some more time at His feet. Know that your prayers have provided and continue to provide much strength. I'll write more later. Anyway, here's what I wanted to just briefly share:

The Holy Spirit speaks to me through music. I'm not sure if that's the case for anyone else, but for me it's a powerful communication tool. In my time of spiritual retreat, this is one of the songs that provided strength, comfort and direction from my sweet LORD.

It's Going to Be Alright
by Sara Groves and Gordon Kennedy

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

I can tell by your eyes that you're not getting any sleep
And you try to rise above it, but feel you're sinking in too deep
Oh, oh I believe, I believe that

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

I believe you'll outlive this pain in you heart
And you'll gain such a strength from what is tearing you apart
Oh, oh I believe I believe that

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

When some time has past us, and the story if retold
It will mirror the strength and the courage in your soul
Oh, oh, I believe I believe,

I believe
I believe

I did not come here to offer you cliché's
I will not pretend to know of all your pain
Just when you cannot, then I will hold out faith, for you

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

My dear Siestas,

I come to you once again with a request. If you've been following this blog you know that I've been wresting with some pretty deep stuff lately. I spent some time talking to my pastor today. He posed another series of questions that I really need to dig down deep and consider. I know I don't have "peace" right now and know that's probably exactly where God has brought me--to a place of desperation.

So, right now, I'm headed into an extended time of fasting, prayer, and meditation. I'm blessed that I don't have any obligations until Friday. My kids have agreed to chip in and afford me this time alone. So there are no physical obstacles. I can spend some serious time at His feet.

What I'm asking of you is that you stand in the gap and cover me in prayer while I shut the rest of the world out and simply focus on Him--of hearing that still soft voice--and doing nothing other than "being still" (not an easy thing for me). I especially need you to pray for protection from spiritual attack and discernment on my part.

Frankly, I'm tired, weak and at a point of breaking. I need my Savior more than I've ever needed Him before! The good news is as you already know, that I don't have to rely on my own strength, do I?

Thank you all for your prayers. I'll be back in a while. . . hopefully stronger and with a real sense of peace and direction.

Love in Christ,
~Cheryl

Finding God in Cyberspace

I've gotta share with you my dear Siestas just how wonderful God is. Just when I think I'm at a low point, that I'm conflicted at every turn, the Holy Spirit shows up and speaks in a mighty way. This time, however He has spoken electronically through your e-mails, posts and blogs. Now I've never really considered how God moves through cyberspace. His presence is obvious. Just a cursory look at the names of blogs alone is evidence of that. What I'm speaking to is a different type of specificity--one where you know without a doubt that the message is just for you, directly from Him.

This has played out today over and over again. I've received e-mails from Siestas I don't know, posts from a variety of you, and even a call or two (although technically that's not cyberspace, is it?).

What really got my attention, besides the shear volume of the communication, was the blogs I was reading. Not just one blog mind you, but blog after blog after blog. Two blogs in particular have ministered to my heart today--directly to the core: Teri at Facedown and Mandy at Just a Girl. As I read the entries, both which are very different but speak so specifically to me, I could do nothing but weep.

For those of you who don't know me that well, I'm not much of a crier. It's not that I don't feel things deeply, it's just that the "waterworks" don't come easily. Yet, here I was on my computer, sobbing like a baby. You see knowing how much He loves me despite my doubts and lack of faith--enough to reach down into the valley and communicate directly to me, just takes my breath away and of course set the tears in motion. He is so awesome,marvelous, majestic (okay you fill in the blank here)--Regardless words aren't adequate!!

Thank you my Siestas for all the support, love and prayer. Letting the Holy Spirit move through you has made a HUGE difference in my life today. So please keep doing what you're doing (and please keep praying for me, too). You never know how the Holy Spirit is going to use your simple words in a major way.

With much love and gratitude,
~Cheryl

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

My youngest, Andrew is 15 today. So in celebration of his birthday, I’m going to list fifteen things I love about him.

1) Andrew is a very talented actor and has had the lead in the past two high school plays.
2) He has a very mathematical mind; he “thinks” in mathematical terms.
3) I never have to prod Andrew to do his homework; he’s very organized.
4) He has a smart, quirky sense of humor.
5) He still loves watching cartoons, and will tape them when he sleeps in on Saturday mornings.
6) He has the cutest way of slinging his bangs out of his eyes.
7) He loves hanging out with his brother and sister.
8) Andrew always takes time to play with Payton; they’re real “buds.”
9) He is very coy about his friends (who are girls).
10) Andrew accepted Christ after watching the video, “Left Behind.”
11) He loves to wear his PJ’s as much as I do.
12) Andrew shares my love of music.
13) He’s a very talented artist.
14) Although he’s growing up, he still has a “baby” face complete with dimples.
15) He shamelessly promotes his birthday to everyone!

So, Happy Birthday Andrew and to the rest of you. . watch out! Not only are we celebrating Andrew's birthday today, he also received his learner's permit for driving!!

During the Storm

One of my favorite quotes is by Beth Moore. She says "We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm. He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first."

If that's the case, I guess I need to be looking for Him big time right now! Although today has certainly not been the wild roller coaster ride of yesterday, it has had it's own set of challenges. I find myself again in the position of wanting nothing more than to spend time with my Savior--to run to Him, sit at His feet and be His disciple. And that should be very simple, right?

But,life has a way of appearing more complicated than that. Could it be that those "complications" are simply self-imposed restraints that keep us away from God? Are our problems really divine opportunities to grow--to discover Christ in new and different ways? These and other questions are at the forefront of my thought process right now.

My daughter reminded me earlier today of something I often say to her, "Don't waste your worrying." And she's right. I don't need to worry especially if I'm truly trusting God. I can't change one thing by worrying. I can, however look for those "new ways" to discover and experience Christ.

So, instead of worrying during this current stormy season, I'm going to simply cling to Jesus, my One and Only. As long as I do that, nothing else matters.

Another Crossroads

Have you ever had one of those days?? I mean the type of day when you think, "Why did I get out of bed?" Today was one of those days for me.

Without going into detail, I felt like I was on a run-away roller coaster--one that keep plunging, coming up briefly only to plunge again. In fact, my stomach is a little sick just thinking about it now.

I know being a Christian means stepping out and walking in faith. And frankly, I think I've done a lot of that lately. I've been navigating some uncharted waters, so to speak. And although I've stepped out of the boat, I feel tossed back in by both my self-doubt and the ever-changing circumstances. Every time I take a step in faith, the boat moves!

So just what do I do? That's a good question, one I'm not sure I can answer at least at this point. Certainly my "flesh" has reacted today and not in the good, "fruit of the spirit" type of way. Instead, I've alternated between anger and tears. And as you might guess, I don't feel any better.

Now before you jump in and say I need to spend some quiet time with the LORD, let me say I've done that and will continue to do that. That one's a no-brainer for me. Frankly, I can't imagine any other way of "being" other than taking my wounded self to the Master Healer. Thank goodness I have 24/7 access to Him. Yes, He's been getting a real "work-out" from me lately.

A few months ago I stood at a crossroads and chose a path. Was it the right one? I don't know. Of course,I'm second guessing myself now. The question of "what if" haunts me. Did I miss the sign--what the Holy Spirit did to guide me? And perhaps that's the point of the whole thing--the place God wants me to be--unsure, and totally dependent on Him. But I'm going to be honest with you here. I don't like it. Nope, I don't like it not one little bit! Can anyone else relate?

Regardless what I do know for sure, is that my God is good (all the time) and HUGE!! So while I may be temporarily at another crossroads--standing, paralyzed. I know the LORD will guide my steps, if only I'll let Him.