Gratitude

I stumbled across this today and thought, "What a great idea!" Thus, I'm sharing it with you. Who do you need to thank? Maybe it's time to drop them a note, e-mail or call. What do you think? Are you up for the challenge???

With much love and gratitude,
~Cheryl

clipped from swerve.lifechurch.tv Jesus told a story about ten lepers who were healed. Only one returned to say “thank you.” I hope I am always the one. We are where we are because of people God has put in our lives. I challenge you to make a list of ten people who have influenced you and write them each a personal note of gratitude. Your list might include: Your mom or dad. Your grandparents. Your fifth grade teacher, your eighth grade coach, or your preaching professor from seminary. Your youth pastor from childhood, the speaker who came to your youth camp, or the volunteer leader who listened to you when you were hurting. Your friend who prayed for you daily. The author of some book that touched your life in a deep way. Some pastor you’ve never met but feeds you spiritually weekly on your iPod. Some person who said one thing that encouraged you when you needed it. Who are a few of the people for whom you’re grateful? When are you going to write that letter you’ve been putting off?

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. But it wasn't the end of time!

We had another aftershock about 12:30am ish Monday. This time I did wake up. I thought the dog was jumping on the bed. Much to my surprise my daughter and the dog came running into my room questioning, "Did you feel it?"

Well, this time I did. It was a strong 4.5 aftershock according to the news. I don't know why I'm so amazed at all this, after all it's simply an earthquake and the aftershocks. All this has me thinking about the "end times," not that I think this is a sign of anything. The thought has just been laying there in the back of my head--or maybe swimming around is a better choice of words.

My women's Bible study met tonight. The topic of "end times" and earthquakes came up, without my prodding. And I'm really glad to announce that I wasn't the only one who had that thought. Don't know if that makes me normal or my group not normal. I'm banking on the former.

All this leads me to my question. If you knew today was the your last day on earth before the rapture, what would you do??? Now there's a million dollar question! Any takers?

Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?

Okay, honestly there aren't any mountains here in the St. Louis area, but there was definitely trembling in the wee hours of the morning, when a 5.2 earthquake hit our area. We had another aftershock that was felt in St. Louis about 10:15 or so this morning.

Now while I know our house did shake, and the rest of my family was startled out of their sleep by the sudden shaking, I've got to admit I actually SLEPT through it! Can you believe it? Me, the light sleeper. . . the one who awakens a the drop of a pin did NOT feel the earthquake.

So there you have it. The mountains (okay hills) trembled and I missed it! Anyone else feel the earthquake in your neck of the woods?

Shaken in St. Louis,
~Cheryl

The First Female Biggest Loser!

Ali won!! I'm so excited. Check out her blog at www.gopinkteam.blogspot.com

clipped from bp1.blogger.com

Relanguaging your life

As you know if you've been following this blog, I teach communication. This semester I'm teaching a basic course in interpersonal communication. One of the sections is on language--just how important language is to our experience. My previous post "My Shepherd, my savior" is just one example of how ONE word can impact our perception.

This you tube clip is from an episode of Oprah in which Iyanla Vanzant talks about "relanguaging" in our lives. I hope you'll take the time to watch it and even more so to do your own "relanguaging."

My prayer for you this week is that you are purposeful with your language. For words truly do have power. The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," couldn't be further from the truth.

Are you up for the challenge of relanguaging--watching your word choice? Since research shows that language can significantly impact our experience, why not join me on this journey of not only improving your communication, but ultimately your life?

So how about it? Anyone game?

P.S. And just in case you don't make it to the end of the clip, Iyanla's right. "God is a hoot!"

~Cheryl

My Shepherd My Savior?

Okay, here's a chance for you to put your two cents in. What do you think about taking "Jesus" out of the first line of "Shout to the LORD" and substituting it with the word, "Shepherd?" I'm anxious to read your thoughts.

Just in case you missed it, I've included the you tube clip of the song. It's not the best quality (no High Def) but you'll get the point.

Help me help Ali!! (dealine Thursday, 4/10 10 pm EST)

Long time, no blog! I know, I know. . . but be assured you all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all the kind messages of support. Things have just been super busy on my end between, work, church and home I've met myself coming and going. Luckily, things are slowing down just a bit.

I do have a request, though. I don't know if you follow The Biggest Loser: Couples (click here for a short two minute clip/udate) or not, but my life coach, Laura is good friends with Ali and Bette Sue. If you haven't been following the show it's down to the finals and America gets to vote for who they want in it. Ali is already in the finals along with another woman Kelly. Ali's lost 99 pounds and has never been below the yellow line (Lowest percentage of body weight lost during the week). I really want her to be the first female Biggest Loser!! She's a really neat woman. Add to that the fact that she's the only one who mentioned her "spiritual growth" during her time at the Biggest Loser Ranch and, well you just gotta love her! Go Ali!!!!


So will you help me? I'm asking that you vote for Mark as the third contestant. This will give Ali a better chance to be the Biggest Loser!! Click here to cast your vote for Mark. Then leave me a message that you voted!!

All this is so exciting. The live final will air on Tuesday. So be sure to tune in or tape it if you watch AI. Of course, a prayer or two for Ali would help too, if you're so inclined.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all your help!

Much love,
~Cheryl