LOVE Wins!

                                                                      image from: Bonhams 

I attended a very moving Maundy Thursday service tonight at Real Life, UMC. On the way there I answered a text message from my 81-year old mother who like my father whom I talked to earlier in day by phone wasn't familiar with the term "Maundy Thursday". Thus came the inspiration to write once again on this very neglected blog. You see, this was just another little tidbit in a series of events that has left me feeling off balance this week. Don't get me wrong. I was raised in a Protestant Evangelical church (You can check it out here. They're walking their talk for sure, doing great things in the community). As a kid I was in church every time the doors were open (whether I wanted to be or not). None of this is really new, rather I seem to be looking at life through a new lens, one that isn't quite as clear as I'd like it to be. So where does this leave me now? Pondering, contemplating, and back to where I've been all week--uncomfortable. I guess for this season of my life that's exactly where I need to be (once again whether I want to be or not). I do know one thing for sure. All this continues to bring me back to the conclusion that no matter what "love" wins. This week for Christians round the world testifies to that overwhelming, steadfast Love. So in the meantime, I'm going to hang on tight, remain fully present, and be willing to go to where this uncomfortable journey takes me. That mixed with a good dose of faith and some good breath work (thanks to Ken and Renee Kizer) is a pretty good place to be.

With lots of love,
~Cheryl

I'm Back!!!

image from physicalmagic.deviantart.com

So it's been a LONG, make that REALLY LONG time since I've written on this blog. Looking back at it is interesting. It certainly chronicles a very specific time in my life.

What's most interesting is that as I look back, I'm not that same person anymore. I know we're constantly in a growing process. But it happens so gradually, that we may miss the changes as they're taking place.

Certainly that's the case here. I've grown. I've moved on. I've spread my wings and I'm flying. Now, I'm not quite sure where I'm going, but I am sure that it really is about the journey.

So, I'll take a deep breath and JUMP into this bloggy world again. 1, 2, 3, JUMP!!!!

All I really know I learned from ping pong

For some reason I'm feeling moved to post on this long-neglected blog. I wish I could say that life is wonderful or that I'm deeply engaged in some new, exciting project. The truth of the matter is that I am feeling like a ping pong ball--moving back and forth rapidly, never really landing anywhere. I'm changing, shifting so to speak bit by bit, and scared to death of where these "changes" may take me. Oh crud. . . now the waterworks are starting and frankly I don't need or want them, not now. Crying may be great for the soul, but it stinks for a chronic migrainer. Frankly, I've had just about all the physical pain I can handle. And for those of you who know me you know that's a heck of a lot of pain. But that's another post or maybe it's part of this post. I don't know. . . bounce. . . bounce. . . bounce!

Right now the only thing that makes sense is to ask you (if there is anyone who still checks this blog) to pray for me. It doesn't have to be elaborate or eloquent. A simple prayer will do.

In the meantime. . . . . . bounce, bounce, bounce,
~Cheryl

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)