Better Days

Hey Siestas and friends,

I'm finally on break. Yup. Woo Hoo!! High fives!! My grades have been submitted and now I can concentrate on the mad rush of Christmas (lol). Seriously, I've wanted to post some more substantial thoughts here on my blog, but I just haven't had the time or the energy. Over break my goal is to dig deep and share some of what I've been working on with my spiritual life coach--some good stuff I assure you.

In the meantime, take a look at my friend's new blog, The life and times. . . Mary Kay and I used to sing together on a praise team when we attended the same church together. She's writing some good, transparent stuff. So stop over and show her some Siesta love and support.

Here's looking forward to better days!

Much love,
~Cheryl

I triple dog dare you!

Not in a Christmas mood?? I triple dog dare you to listen/watch this and maintain your bah humbug (or "Baugh" humbug as we say in my household) mood.

Much love,
~Cheryl

8 Things About Me

Jackie tagged me for this meme. Hope you learn a little more about me through my answers.

8 TV Shows I Watch:
1) House
2) Law & Order
3) American Idol
4) ER
5) CSI
6) Without a Trace
7) Criminal Minds
8) Reruns during late night (Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, Two and a Half Men, King of Queens, House of Payne, Simpsons, Girlfriends etc.)

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1) Red Lobster
2) St. Louis Bread Company (Panera if your outside St. Louis)
3) Pasta House
4) Bully’s (local bbq)
5) Cheesecake Factory
6) Gino’s East (Chicago pizza)
7) Fitz's (St. Louis)
8) Casa Gallardo

8 Things that Happened to Me Today:
1) slept in late (oh, yeah baby!!)
2) caught up on blog reading
3) talked to my dad FOUR times (he called!!)
4) made some cinnamon apple spice tea and really enjoyed it
5) played keyboard with the praise band
6) shopped for Christmas stuff
7) got a package from Amazon
8) talked to my friends Lisa and Melissa on the phone

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1) becoming a student again
2) growing spiritually
3) seeing my kids graduate from college
4) time alone with my hubby
5) time to play, write, arrange and sing music
6) meeting internet friends face-to-face
7) being in full-time ministry/ordination
8) becoming a spiritual life coach

8 Things I Wish For:
1) godly relationships for my children
2) a healthy, pain free body
3) knowing Christ more intimately
4) being debt free
5) weight loss
6) living the life I was designed to live
7) singing/playing with Travis Cottrell
8) contentment

8 People I Tag:
1) Beth
2) Tami
3) Darlene
4) Erin
5) Jean
6) Nancy
7) Kathy
8) Stephanie

When cold weather is good

I'm not particularly a fan of cold weather, which by the way we currently have in St. Louis. After watching this you tube clip of UCLA students at the end of the semester, well. . . I'm glad the weather is cold here in St. Louis. There are just some things, including underwear that should remain private!

A Blast from the Past

These are a real "blast from the past" for me. Ah the memories!

Random thoughts

image from http://www.netreach.net/~barry/randomthoughts.jpg

So much is swimming around in my head right now. I'm not sure I could compose a coherent post. Instead I'm going to download some random thoughts so my head doesn't explode (and that wouldn't be a very pretty picture at all; you have no idea how much "stuff" is in here):

• Pop-sickles taste very good when you're sick.
• Sammie has a boyfriend. I'm trying to keep Bill from purchasing a shotgun.
• I think it's unfair that I still get zits at this stage of life.
• Soup from bread co. (Panera for all you non-St. Louis folks) is wonderful on a cold day.
• Mentha Foot Tingling Foot Cream from Bath and Body Works is heavenly on tired feet.
• I love Starbuck's Decaf Grande Nonfat Caramel Macchiatos with whip cream/extra hot.
• Where would I be without facebook or blogging??
  
• The colder it gets, the more difficult it is to get out of bed in the morning.
• I hate, hate, hate meetings! Guess what I have all day tomorrow.
• Travis Cottrell and I are good friends in my "pretend" life.
• Books on CD keep me sane as I'm commuting daily.
• If I could I would wear PJ's and Uggs 24/7.
• Who invented football? (sorry Patty and Fran) I just don't get it!
• Connecting with college speech team friends (via facebook) this week has been exciting.
• I wish I lived closer to my bloggy friends!
• Since I've decaffeinated, I start each day with Cinnamon Apple Spice Herbal Tea.
• Why do I always stay up too late? It's a mystery to me.
  

The verdict's in!

Just got back from the doctor's office. After a host of tests (urine analysis, blood test, flu swap, and chest x-ray), the verdict's in. I have the flu (with a secondary infection on top of it).

The flu? And I thought it was just a bad migraine with some sinus/asthma stuff going on. I left the pharmacy with four prescriptions (oh, and a shot at the doctor's office). Argh!!

Anyway, I'm going to try and get some sleep since I didn't get much last night. Hopefully, the worst of this is over since it's been a week now.

So my siestas, please pray for me as I rest. I believe in the power of prayer. In fact, I'm counting on it.

Many thanks,
~Cheryl

Six Random Things

My friend Lora at "By the Lamp Light" tagged me today with a game of "Six Random Things About Me!" So... Here are the rules as I choose to play along:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).
3) Write 6 random things about yourself.
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

MY SIX RANDOM THINGS:

1. I once auditioned for a reality show called Starting Over.

2. Besides being a professor, I've had a variety of jobs including one as a material handler at a chemical plant (think hard hat, safety glasses and steel toed boots).

3. I'm great at ping pong. I learned from my dad who actually played in the U.S. national tournament.

4. I was captain of the flag squad in college. We had a 500 member marching band called The Big Red Marching Machine that traveled all over the United States performing at college and professional football games.

5. My brother-in-law is an art director and has worked on all kinds of movies (i.e. Barber Shop) and tv series (i.e. Prison Break-first season). My sister-in-law is an actress who had a recurring role on ER.

6. I love wear UGGs all year round. A pair of chocolate brown classic shorts is #1 on my Christmas wish list this year.

Here are my six tagged friends:

Beth
Janel
Erin
Nancy
Kathy
Tami


And if you've not been tagged and would like to share something random about yourself in the comments, please do so.

Growing Up at the Pediatrician's Office

Sammie went to the doctor's office today and I realized as we were in the waiting room that she is growing up. Now you might think that I would have realized this a while ago, and I guess on the surface level I did. But when you're around someone day after day, the small changes go unnoticed. Today, however it hit me like a ton of bricks.

You see even though Sammie is 17, she is still seeing her pediatrician, Dr. Greg Garrison. I love Dr. Garrison and will never forget the first time we met him. He asked the kids where they went to school. They replied, "Victory Christian School." To which Dr. Garrison replied, "Great! I'm a Christian too." Finding someone as special as this to trust your children with is well, nothing short of a miracle. So today I'm praising the LORD for Dr. Garrison and the tender, loving care he's provided over the years for my children. He's definitely been Christ in the flesh for us--healing the kids when they were sick.

That's also part of the reason I'm lamenting today. As I watched Sammie in the waiting room with the rest of the toddlers, I realized that season of her life, of our life together had passed. She'll soon be transitioning to my doctor; no more visits with Dr. Garrison. And while I'm enjoying her new "grown-up" self, I'm also missing my baby girl--the one with the pony tail on top of her head.

So here's some good advice to all of you with young children. Love them hard and enjoy every minute of your time with them, even the times when they are sick and in the pediatrician's office (minus the throwing-up, of course). All too soon, they'll be grown up like my Sammie and be moving on to the next stage of life.

Much love,
~Cheryl (aka Sammie's Mom)


Sammie in the waiting room at St. Clair Pediatrics, unamused by my picture taking!


Sammie in the exam room. Watch out! There's a small smile creeping in.


Rochele checking Sammie's temperature.


Jeff (a nurse practitioner student), Sammie, and Dr. Garrison (Notice the smile on Sammie's face now).


"There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven" -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Happy Birthday, Dad!

During my hiatus from blogging I missed posting on my dad's birthday. So, although I may be almost a month late, I'd like to publicly wish my dad a very happy birthday. I love you, bunches!

My dad and mom celebrating his 78th birthday. Don't they look great??

Let's Say Thanks!

Check this out folks. It doesn't take long and can really impact those folks serving our country.

Campus Crusade for Christ St Louis Style!

Each year my hubby and I host a table at the annual Campus Crusade for Christ fellowship dinner. Even though CCC is not allowed on my campus, I think it's an important ministry for college students--thus our involvement with this annual fundraiser. We continue to hold out hope that one day there will be a place for CCC on my campus.

The dinner takes place at Window's off Washington in St. Louis which is, in my opinion one of the most beautiful spots in the metro area for a dinner. This year we had the pleasure of our daughter Sammie joining us since she's in college (doesn't see possible does it?) as well as good friends from church. I thought I'd share some of those pictures with you.

Here's a picture of our table.


Me and my hubby, Bill.


Nathanial (a Webster Univ. student) and our friends from church, Jeremy, Barb and Jim.


Bill and Sammie


Me and my very grown-up, baby girl!


I don't know if you can really tell from this picture, but Russell Kinsell from KMOV (Channel 4) tv was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He told the story of his involvement with CCC during his college days and now as the parent of a college-age daughter.


Here's board of pictures that are used to start discussions with students on campus.


And of course, no evening would be complete without a picture of my two family members showing off their picture posing skills. Do I really have to claim them as mine???


Personally, I like this one much better of the three of us.

So you think you're smart, huh?

I got this from Mandy's blog. Try it for yourself and see just how smart you are! Click here to try this test.

The Love Dare

I can't believe it!! We've actually made it though forty days of The Love Dare. I 'm curious. Did anyone follow each and every day? Did you do any of the challenges?? What do you think about The Love Dare? Okay. Enough questions. I'm looking forward to some comments.

Love is a Covenant: Day 40

The Love Dare: Day 40
Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be may people, and your God, my God. --Ruth 1:16

"Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate." (The Love Dare, p. 199)

Love Endures: Day 39

The Love Dare: Day 39
Love never fails. --1 Corinthians 13:8

"Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it." (The Love Dare, p. 194)

Love Fulfills Dreams: Day 38

The Love Dare: Day 38
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. --Psalm 37:4

"Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can." (The Love Dare, p. 189)

Love Agrees in Prayer: Day 37

The Love Dare: Day 37
If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, if shall be done for them by My Father. --Matthew 18:19

"Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself." (The Love Dare, p. 184)

Love is God's Word: Day 36

The Love Dare: Day 36
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. --Psalm 119:105

"Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the Rock." (The Love Dare, p. 179)

Love is Accountable: Day 35

The Love Dare: Day 35
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. --Proverbs 15:22 NIV

"Find a marriage mentor--someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decision and discernment." (The Love Dare, p. 174)

Love Celebrates Godliness: Day 34

The Love Dare: Day 34
[Love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth. --1 Corinthians 13:6

"Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today." (The Love Dare, p. 169)

Love Completes Each Other: Day 33

The Love Dare: Day 33
If two lie down together they keep warm but how can one be warm alone?--Ecclesiastes 4:11

"Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you." (The Love Dare, p. 164)

Love Meets Sexual Needs: Day 32

The Love Dare: Day 32 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. --1 Corinthians 7:3

"If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy." (The Love Dare, p. 159)

Love and Marriage: Day 31

The Love Dare: Day 31
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and he joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. --Genesis 2:24

"Is there a 'leaving' issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship." (The Love Dare, p. 154)

Love Brings Unity: Day 30

The Love Dare: Day 30
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. --John 17:11

"Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity." (The Love Dare, p. 149)

Love's Motivation: Day 29

The Love Dare: Day 29
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. --Ephesians 6:7 HCSB

Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say 'I love you,' then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person--unconditionally, the way He loves both of you." (The Love Dare, p. 144)

Love Makes Sacrifices: Day 28

The Love Dare: Day 28
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. --1 John 3:16 HCSB

"What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpos to do what you can to meet the need." (The Love Dare, p. 139)

Love Encourages: Day 27

The Love Dare: Day 27
Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. --Psalm 25:20

"Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spous has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard of them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love." (The Love Dare, p. 134)

Love is Responsible: Day 26

The Love Dare: Day 26
When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. --Romans 2:1 HCSB

"Take time to pray through your ares of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it a counsel." (The Love Dare, p. 129)

Love Forgives: Day 25

The Love Dare: Day 25
What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ.--2 Corinthians 2:10

"Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to 'forgive us our debts' each day, we must ask Him to help us 'forgive our debtors' each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, 'I choose to forgive.'" (The Love Dare, p. 123)

Love vs. Lust: Day 24

The Love Dare: Day 24
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever--1 John 2:17

"End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be filled and destroyed--today--and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love." (The Love Dare, p. 119)

Love Always Protects: Day 23

The Love Dare: Day 23
[Love] always protects.--1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV

"Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse." (The Love Dare, p. 114)

Love is Faithful: Day 22

The Love Dare: Day 22
I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the LORD--Hosea 2:20

"Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return.'" (The Love Dare, p. 109)

A note from the very busy Prof!

Folks,

If you're following The Love Dare, please hang on. . . I'm a bit behind in everything right now. I promise, I'll get up to date and post soon.

And I also have some other personal things to update. Just don't have the time right now. Catch you all later.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Love is satisfied in God: Day 21

The Love Dare: Day 21

The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire. --Isaiah 58:11

"Be intentional today about making a time to pray and read your Bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are thirty-one--a full month's supply), or reading a chapter in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises god has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him. (The Love Dare, p. 104)

Love is Jesus Christ: Day 20

The Love Dare: Day 20

While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. --Romans 5:6

"Dare to take God at His word. Dare to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. Dare to pray, 'Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. But You have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to save me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace.'" (The Love Dare, p. 99)

Love in impossible: Day 19

The Love Dare: Day 19

Let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of god and knows God. --1 John 4:7

"Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? Have you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Are Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination." (The Love Dare, p. 94)

Love seeks to understand : Day 18

The Love Dare: Day 18

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.--Proverbs 3:13

"Prepare a special dinner at home, just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in areas you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate." (The Love Dare, p. 89)

Love promotes intimacy: Day 17

The Love Dare: Day 17

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. --Proverbs 17:0 (NIV)

"Determine to guard your mate's secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe." (The Love Dare, p. 84)

Value in the Valley

This is a entry from last year that I'm posting again for my friend Mandy and others that may need it right now.

Keep moving forward toward the light,
~Cheryl

Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me. ~Micah 7:8


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.

Love intercedes: Day 16

The Love Dare: Day 16

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. --3 John 2

"Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where you desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage." (The Love Dare, p. 79)

Love is Honorable: Day 15

The Love Dare: Day 15

Live with your wives in an understanding way. . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life. --1 Peter 3:7

"Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes." (The Love Dare, p. 74)

Changing Again. . .

Oh my goodness! I'm having way too much fun learning how to use Second Life! I just wish I could change my appearance as easily in real life. In an attempt to keep you all up to speed, here's my new look for today.

And here's the full shot:

What do you think??

Love Takes Delight: Day 14

The Love Dare: Day 14

Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life. --Ecclesiates 9:9 (HCSB)

"Purposefully neglect an activity you would normally do so you can spend quality time with your spouse. Do something he or she would love to do or a project they'd really like to work on. Just be together." (The Love Dare, p. 69)

Love fights fair: Day 13

The Love Dare: Day 13

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. --Mark 3:25

"Talk with your spouse about establishing healthy rules of engagement. If your mate is not ready for this, then write out your own personal rules to "fight" by. Resolve to abide by them when the next disagreement occurs." (The Love Dare, p. 64)

Love Lets the Other Win: Day 12

The Love Dare: Day 12

Do not merely look our for you own personal interests, but also for the interest of others. --Philippians 2:4

"Demonstrate love by willingly choosing to give in to an area of disagreement between you and your spouse. Tell them you are putting their preference first." (The Love Dare, p. 59)

Love cherishes: Day 11

The Love Dare: Day 11

Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. --Ephesians 5:28

"What need does your spouse have that you could meet today? Can you run an errand? give a back rum or foot massage? Is there housework you could help with? Choose a gesture that says, 'I cherish you' and do it with a smile." (The Love Dare, p. 54)

Virtual Me!

As some of you know I've been part of a class at FBU learning to use Second Life in the classroom. I'm still in the very beginning stages (learning to walk and not bump into walls!), but I thought you might like to take a look at my virtual self. So what do you think?

I just wish you could get the full effect of my hair, which is pink. long and a little "wild." Yes, I am having fun with my virtual self! Who says you can be younger and thinner???

Love is Unconditional: Day 10

The Love Dare: Day 10

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. --Romans 5:8

"Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse--something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage." (The Love Dare, p. 49)

Love Makes Good Impressions: Day 9

The Love Dare: Day 9

Greet one another with a kiss of love. --1 Peter 5:14

"Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. then determine to change your greeting to reflect your love for them." (The Love Dare, p. 44)

Love is Not Jealous: Day 8

The Love Dare: Day 8

Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire. --Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV)

"Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed." (The Love Dare, p. 39)

Love Believes the Best: Day 7

The Love Dare: Day 7

[Love] believes all things, hopes all things. --1 Corinthians 13:7

"For today's dare, get two sheets of paper. On the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and than you spouse for having this characteristic." (The Love Dare, p. 34)

Love is Not Irritable: Day 6

The Love Dare: Day 6

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. --Proverbs 16:32

"Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life." (The Love Dare, p. 29)

Love is Not Rude: Day 5

The Love Dare: Day 5

He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him.--Proverbs 27:14

"Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only." (The Love Dare, p. 24)

Love is thoughtful : Day 4

The Love Dare: Day 4
How precious also are Your thoughts to me. . . How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.--Psalm 139:17-18

"Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them." (The Love Dare, p. 17)

Payton: a (p)update

Today we headed to the specialist for Payton to get an ultrasound


Payton was excited to see the "new" surroundings and meet the other dogs at least at first.

Bill and Sammie did not enjoy the long wait.

Payton was happy to be finished with the ultrasound.

My hubby was not as happy since the utrasound cost $300

We headed back to our regular vet for the news/results from the test. The good news is there was no sign of any mass. The bad news, it looks like Payton has some bleeding (she was shaved on her underside for the ultrasound). Her platelets are dangerously low and spontaneous bleeding is one of the things to worry about.

Here's Sammie with Payton in the waiting room. Notice how Payton is hiding behind the exam table.

Right now we're waiting on some blood work which was sent out. The vet suspects that Payton has severe pancreatitus coupled with an auto-immune disease. This isn't good, folks. And the next few days are critical. We have her at home and are giving her a variety of medications. If any more bleeding happens, she'll have to go into the doggie ER in St. Louis.

Here's Payton at home. She likes it here much better!!

Please, please, please continue to pray for my baby girl (and that's exactly what she is). We're trusting God to do a mighty work and heal her completely. Thanks in advance for your prayers. I love y'all bunches and really covet your prayers!

Praying for my pup,
~Cheryl

Love is Not Selfish: Day 3

The Love Dare: Day 3
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor--Romans 12:10

"Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, 'I was thinking of you today.'" (The Love Dare, p. 14)

We interupt this "Love Dare" with an urgent prayer request

Hello Bloggy Peeps,

I know this might seem insignificant to you, but it's a major thing for me. My pup, Payton who you can see pictured with me is critically ill. She's in the doggie hospital as I type this. We're not quite sure what the core issue is, and I won't bore you with all the specifics, but it looks like she has leukemia, complicated by severe pancreatitus and is not doing well. We are bringing her home to be with us tonight--to make her comfortable. The next 24-48 hours will be critical for her.

As some of you know, even though Payton is 4 years old, she's still my baby. I love her like one of my own kids. So please keep her in prayer over the next few days, okay.

Also, as if to add to all this Sammie is very sick too. Pneumonia we think. So, please keep her in your prayers too.

Regardless of the circumstances, I know that God is in control. I'm trying to cling to Him in this time of turmoil in our lives. Guess I could use some prayer too.

Thanks bunches,
~Cheryl

Love is Kind: Day 2

The Love Dare: Day 2

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.--Ephesians 4:32

"In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness." (The Love Dare, p. 9)

Love is Patient: Day 1

The Love Dare: Day 1

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love--Ephensians 4:2 (NIV)

"The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret." (The Love Dare, p. 4)

The Love Dare

I went to see Fireproof Saturday with my BFF, Melissa. Oh my!! It was really something. I laughed and cried and laughed and cried some more. I don't think I've been on that much of an emotional journey in a two hour period in a long time.

One of the things that goes along with the movie is a book called "The Love Dare." Listen Siestas I think that every marriage could benefit from doing this.

So, I've bought the book. The next step is to simply read and do it. How about the rest of you? Anyone game? Check back tomorrow for the specifics. I'll post one "dare" each day.

So, I dare you to try it!

Daring to love,
~Cheryl

Below is a clip that explains the book better.

The Love Dare from Mike Stecker on Vimeo.

A Very Personal Miracle!

Last week I had to give a presentation to the faculty and administration at FBU about my sabbatical research. Now usually I'm not very nervous about speaking in front of people. I'm actually pretty good at public speaking. I was on a full ride scholarship for my speaking ability as an undergraduate and participated on a speech team that national ranked in the top three all four years. My junior year I quarterfinaled at the collegiate national tournament in persuasive speaking.

I say all this not to "toot my horn" but to put things in context for you. You see I found myself becoming very, very nervous before my sabbatical presentation. So nervous that I started to feel a full blown panic attack and the beginnings of a nasty migraine. Typically I would have simply tried to intervene with medication, but made a different choice this time.

Instead, I decided to totally surrender myself to the Holy Spirit and let Him "heal" me so to speak. So when I found my body reacting (the symptoms of the panic attack/migraine coming on) I managed to sneak back to my office for just a couple of minutes between classes. I went facedown and started to pray. I begged Him to intervene. As I was praying I did what I felt directed to do which was work on my breathing and challenge the negative thinking. As I totally surrendered every part of me and thought to the Holy Spirit, I could physically feel His presence penetrate every nook and cranny of my body. I'm afraid this is the point where language doesn't quite do justice to what I experienced.

In a brief moment I felt the symptoms simply leave my body. Poof!! They were gone and replaced by a sense of calm and well being that surpasses understanding.

Miraculously, I did NOT have a panic attack or a migraine. As I walked out of my office I was feeling fantastic! This is nothing short of amazing. Given how I was feeling prior to praying, I was surely on my way to an ER visit.

He is the real deal, folks. And while I know many of you already know this, I felt compelled to share this very personal experience with you.

While none of this may seem very significant to you, let me tell you it was an eye-opening, pivotal point in my life, one I'm not soon to forget.

So how about it? Are you willing to totally surrender to Him? He can do amazing things, after all I'm a living, breathing testament to that. Just remember the choice is yours.

In love with my Savior,
~Cheryl

The Disease to Please

Image clipped from the following link

In a recent post on People Pleasing Pastors, Craig Groeschel lists four characteristics:

• People pleasing pastors take most criticism personally. Any suggestion feels like a personal attack. We become overly defensive and resentful of even mild corrections.
• People pleasing pastors have an extraordinary fear of rejection. If someone questions our motives, doesn’t like a sermon, or leaves our ministry, it can throw us into a depressed tailspin.
• People pleasing pastors find it hard to express their feelings. Because we have to “please people,” we don’t feel safe expressing our true feelings and needs.
• People pleasing pastors have a hard time saying “no.” Because we want to make people happy. We often over-commit. Although we are outwardly agreeable, we are often inwardly resentful.

He says, "These verses capture the heart of the problem: But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God. John 12:42-43"

Although I'm not a Pastor, I admit it this one smacked me in the face big time. How often have I been guilty of doing exactly the same things?

He ends by stating, "I want to ask, 'What will God think?' more often than I ask, 'What will they think?'”

I don't know about you, but I'm no longer willing to be a people pleaser, especially when pleasing others, keeps me from pleasing God.

My intention's set. And I'm asking, no I'm begging the LORD to cure me of this Disease to Please.

How about you??

Fireproof the Movie

Check this one out, folks. It sounds like a winner!

We won the Great St. Louis Balloon Race!

We won! Yes folks. good ole FBU won the Great St. Louis (Forest Park) Balloon Race. Out of 65 entries we came in #1. If you haven't ever had the chance to see a balloon race, well you're missing out on something special.

#1 FBU
#2 Citi Corp.
#3 Pepsi.

Yup, you gotta love it.

Nothing else. Just wanted to share the good news!! Woo Hoo! Go FBU!!!

Much love,
~Cheryl

A Very Bloggy Survey

Okay folks. I can use some help here. I have to give a presentation on Wednesday about women's on-line communication. I've spent of a year studying this primarily looking at discussion boards. And although I haven't done any quantitative or qualitative research on this blog, I have seen first hand just how important communication is as I've watched my own blogging friendships form. So I thought I'd provide a short survey for you my bloggy friends.

So how about answering the following:

1) How long have you been blogging?

2) How often do you blog (includes both reading and/or writing posts)?

3) How many friendships have you established through blogging.

4) Overall how close are you with your blogging friends on a scale of 1-10 (where 1= I really don't know this person to 10=I know everything there is to know about this person)

5) Overall how close are you with you real life friends (friends you did not meet through blogging)--use the same scale listed in #4.

6) On average how much personal information do you share with your blogging friends on a scale of 1-10 (where 1= very little to 10=everything)

7) On average how much personal information do you share with your real life friends? --use the same scale listed in #6.

8) What advantages or disadvantages do you see to establishing blogging friendships?

9) What other forms of communication do you use with your blogging friends? (e-mail, IM, text, twitter, facebook, myspace, phone, face-to-face, etc.)

10) Is there anything else you'd like to add about your blogging experience?

You can respond anonymously or with your blog name in the comments. Or if you'd rather, feel free to e-mail me at profbaugh@yahoo.com.

Either way, thanks in advance for your help and if you could send a few of your readers this way to answer these questions, I'd be tickled pink!!

Gratefully,
~Cheryl

Ding dong the van is dead!

It's official. Our minivan is dead. I don't know much about cars, but this one is beyond fixable, unless of course we're willing to spend thousands (yes I said thousands) of dollars to fix it. There's something broken in the engine. That means either tearing the engine apart and hoping it can be fixed or putting in a new/rebuilt engine. Neither options seems good considering the age of the minivan. On the other hand, we aren't in a position to purchase a new vehicle. So what are we going to do? Your guess is as good as mine folks. Right now we're praying about it. Trusting God to show himself in a mighty way. In the meantime, we've borrowed Matthew's car again for the week.

Please, please, please keep us in prayer.

Trusting God for His provision,
~Cheryl

What's Your Pirate Name?

Okay, I'm a sucker for quizzes like this. My friend Maureen posted a link to this over on her blog, "I am Toddler Hear Me Roar!" I thought you might like to find your own "pirate name." Enjoy!

~Captain Ethel Cash

My pirate name is:

Captain Ethel Cash

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You're musical, and you've got a certain style if not flair. You'll do just fine. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

A story in pictures

Can you guess what happened????

Help a Professor out!

Hi bloggy friends. Did you notice the new feature on this blog? Look over at the right sidebar at the top and you'll see a new section called Profbaugh readers. I noticed some of the other blogs I read used this feature and thought it would be fun to add to my blog, too.

So here's how you can help me out. Simply click on the "follow this blog" under the Profbaugh readers. Then you'll be added to my sidebar.

What's really cool, is that I'll be able to see you, to put a face with Profbaugh readers. And y'all know that I'm very, very visual. So this would help me tremendously.

So what do you say?? Want to help a professor out?

Can't wait to see you, my bloggy peeps.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Change

Image clipped from enjoytheart.com

Change. I don't like it very much. In fact, I might be as bold to say that I hate it. Yet, I'm also aware that change is at the core of our walk with Christ.

I read the following on Stephanie's blog today that really garnered my attention:

God did not deliver us (forgive, save, restore) to stay in the same spot. He delivered us from something to take us to something.

Earlier this week in a conversation with my pastor Matt, I was reminded that our desert experience should always be one of movement. Sitting down and being stagnate are not part of God's plan. And although the current season of my own life is not one I'd label as a desert experience, it is one characterized by movement.

Thus, I've made a decision. Instead of fighting, struggling, and "hating" the changes I'm facing, I'm going to embrace them and move forward. No, that's not quite accurate, I'm going to celebrate them, because they are part of what God has planned for me. As I ponder that, frankly I'm excited!!

Yes, it's time for me to stop complaining about the manna and savor the provision of my sweet LORD.

That's my intention and I'm sticking to it.

How about you?

Crazy for Christ,
~Cheryl

Every Day I Pray

I came across the following prayer from "Every Day I Pray" by Iyanla Vanzant. It's really speaks to my current season of life. And although this prayer is certainly not uniquely "Christian" I'm praying it in the name and power of Jesus Christ. So in an attempt to be authentic, I thought I'd share it with you.

P.S. For all my Siestas yes, I have completed "Breaking Free" (three times).

Much love,
~Cheryl
******************************************************************

Dear God:

Please help me live in this right-now moment. Show me how to stop running from the past and hiding from the future.

Help me to be present with the goodness, the joy, the beauty, the peace that is available to me right here, right now.

Let me know that I no longer need to beat myself up for the things I did not do or did not complete.

When I start judging myself for how dumb I've been, all the stupid mistakes I've made and the behavior patterns that have cause so much pain in my life stop me!

When I am reminding myself that I'm not good enough, smart enough or ready to move forward, please change my mind!

When I am giving myself excuses and using delaying tactics that keep me from taking the next step, move me forward, in spite of myself.

Help me to sop running, waiting and hiding.

Help me to remember that everything I need is present right where I am in this moment.

Help me to let go of the things that are dragging me down and pushing me back.

Help me to see beyond the obstacles and challenges that I imagine to be blocking my way.

Help me to relax, to surrender, to step into the peace that is here right now!

Let me feel the peace of your presence and the power of your love, right now.

Help me move into this moment without any fear of what it holds or anxiety about what lies beyond.

God, I need you right now!

I know that every word I have spoken has reached a special place in your heart.

For this I am so grateful.

And So It Is!