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??
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???
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
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
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.
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
Image clipped from the following link
In a recent post on People Pleasing Pastors, Craig Groeschel lists four characteristics:
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
