Just Another Sleepless in St. Louis Night

It's late or I guess early--the wee hours of the morning. It will surprise no one who is a regular reader of this blog that I'm awake and well. . . blogging!

Do I ever sleep? I've been asked this question many times. The answer of course is yes, but that sleep is often interrupted. Tonight I watched American Idol while I was talking to my BFF on the phone. After the show I did a bit of household business and settled in to be to watch CSI NY. And immediately fell asleep. I woke up about 2 am when my hubby came in. Now, I can't get back to sleep. So obviously I'm here blogging, watching a late night re-run of the tonight show.

In a bit, I'm going to shut down the computer and attempt to catch some more ZZZZ's. Before I hit the hay I have a few questions for you. Do you sleep solidly? What do you do when you can't sleep? And of course the BIG question. . .Just when during the day do you blog???

Okay that's enough for this sleep deprived Prof. If I can take the liberty to steal a bit from Ryan Seacrest of American Idol fame, it's time for me to simply say, "Profbaugh out!"

Sleepless in St. Louis,
~Cheryl

Just call me "Keys"

Ok, it's time to come clean here. What I haven't shared with you is today was my second time to play the piano in our praise band. Our regular accompanist is on vacation and I filled in.

Now why this may not seem like much of an accomplishment, especially to those Siestas that play or accompany others, it is for me. You see I "cut off" that part of my life many years ago. And in fact, have not played the piano for years.

I'm not sure how the decline in my playing started. After all it was such a central part of who I was from grade school through college. I even accompanied our choir during high school. I entered college as a piano/voice major sure that was what I was supposed to do in my life.

In college I soon learned that my talent was limited, or so I thought at the time. I continued to take music classes and was active in band all four years, but I changed my major to speech communication. I soon found myself engulfed in speech activities, including an active role on our individual events speech team.

And it seems the slippery slope of the decline in my piano playing began. I got married, graduated from college, moved to St. Louis, started graduate school and on and on. Soon three children graced our home. Between a full-time job and a family, little time was left for anything else.

About ten years ago I reclaimed part of my musical self and became a vocalist on the praise team at the church I attended. And I loved it! Still, I shied away from "playing" the piano. I'm not sure if it was fear or lack of desire that fueled my hiatus, but I hung tightly to the fact I could no longer play.

Thus today was a milestone for me, at least as far as playing the piano publically. Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to win any awards with my playing, but that's not really what matters. I've learned to simply surrender and play for that "audience of One." What a wonderful experience to worship the King of Kings through music.

So although Teri at Facedown may be fond of her nickname "Prof" for me, I now have embraced a new name, one I haven't had in a while, but that I'm learning to love once again. So, if I don't immediately answer to "Prof" just call me "Keys." Hum. . . . yup, that feels right for the first time in a long time.

With a new song in my heart,
~Cheryl

I'm still standing!

Despite my lack of posting during the past month, I am still here--alive and gaining strength daily. I'm still trying to find that happy medium between balancing work and home--a constant challenge for me.

St. Louis is under a layer or I guess more accurately I should say layers of ice. FBU closed yesterday and was on a snow schedule today. Our local school system has canceled the past two days. Needless to say, things are moving pretty slowly here. And since I actually live south of th city, over the river in Illinois we actually have MORE ice than the St. Louis area. Yes, I will be so thankful when Spring comes around!

So, I'm home today--snug as a bug in the rug. Although I've been pretty "unproductive," I have been very self-nurturing--something I'm just beginning to do better at this stage in my life. So what does fun does the evening hold? I'm thinking of ordering in pizza, putting on jammies, and watching tv.

Yes, life is good even when it's icy.

Staying warm and toasty,
~Cheryl

In the still of the night

It's late. Very late or perhaps early depending on how you look at things. For many this time at night might be considered waisted or designated for those who have "insomnia." While I'll chose neither of these as labels, I did want to steal just a bit of your blog reading time and share just how exceptional this time can be.

I'm a mom--a working mom. Now I'd love to tell you that my job and family don't interfere with each other, but then again I'd be lying--something I'm committed to avoiding. It is downright HARD to juggle work, family, church service, quiet time and sleep into a 24 hour period. Somewhere along the line, someone or activity is going to be shorted. There's just not enough time in the day for it all.

So that brings me to the "wee hours" of the morning, when my house is quiet--no music pulsating, televisions blaring, pets barking, or kids complaining--and oh what a wonderful time it is!!! It's in this "still of the night" that I can hear most clearly. All the external noise is gone. And I'm left with the sometimes soft voice at the core of my soul. What a WONDERFUL, AMAZING, INTERESTING and LOVING voice that is!!

As some my southern Siestas might say, "Can I get a witness here?" (Oh my, this phrase tickles me right here in the quiet night!!, but I digress. . . ) My point is this. How long has it been since you've really been still--both internally and externally? If you haven't done this in a while during your own "quiet" time I'd strongly recommend it.

Sit still, quiet your mind and ask the Holy Spirit to really SPEAK to you. Oh, I just got a chill when I was typing that last sentence. I'm not one who admits to having the gift of prophecy. Oh no, that's left to those who are truly "gifted" in that area, but I've got to tell you that I'm absolutely sure the Holy Spirit is speaking to someone other than just me through this blog.

So there you have it. Does this resonate with anyone? Do tell my dear Siestas!! I can't wait to read how God has just washed over you during your own "still of the night"--whatever time of day or night that might be.

It's Pneumonia!!

The verdict is in. It's pneumonia, not just the flu! Oh my what a wild ride this has been. The good news is I'm at home, in bed--no hospital!! Yea for that. Thanks you all for your prayers. Keep 'em coming.

Oh, and my Monday night Bible Study gals are really kicking but with "A Women's Heart: God's Dwelling Place." These women are digging deep and loving every minute of it! What a blessing this group is to me and I know without a doubt how pleasing they are to God. It makes me smile just thinking about His pleasure. . hope it does the same for you today too.

Loving life (even in the sick lane),
~Cheryl

Sickness Pondered

These are some random things I discovered while I was sick:

~Puff's Plus are softer than other tissues.
~Delsym is a magic elixir that soothes the savage cough.
~Sucrets suck (sorry, had to go for this one).
~Carmex soothes dry chapped lips.
~PJ's are the absolute best item in my wardrobe.
~There is no such thing as too much time in bed.
~When you sound like you're dying, people will not talk very long to you on the phone.
~Ice cold drinks and hot drinks both feel good on a sore throat.
~It is NOT possible to cough up a lung, even though it feel like it.
~Breathing is important, especially when you can't.
~There is more mucus in my body than I ever thought possible.
~Green tea is a good, soothing drink--served either hot or cold.
~Tylenol is absolutely necessary to survive the all over pain.
~I swallow a lot (you notice this more when it hurts to swallow)
~Vicks smells better than perfume.
~Nothing tastes good, not even chocolate.
~Coughing really scares my dog.
~There is absolutely nothing remotely good on late night/early morning television.
~The harder I cough, the more helpful my children are.
~Getting up to use the bathroom and coughing should both qualify as Olympic events.
~Dying suddenly seems like a real possibility.

Never forget the Germ-X

HELP!!! I've been attacked!! Now, I had on the full armor of God, prepared for attack. I just forgot to bring the Germ-X. Seriously, folks I have been laid out flat on my back with the "knock you on your butt" flu. Oh and it has not been a pretty picture here at my house. At one point, I think the Kleenex were flying out of the box so fast, it looked like it was snowing inside. I think I may well have funded CVS for the next month or so.

The good news is that my Bible study went on without me AND they thrived!! I'm telling you I have never met a group of women so hungry and excited to dig into God's Word. And the Holy Spirit has been working overtime with this group. Praise the LORD!! Hallelujah!! Woo Hoo!! And a few other superlatives that escape me at the moment.

Thank you all for your steadfast prayer. It's worked. Hey at least sitting up in bed now. Praise the LORD for small miracles. Keep praying and I'll keep posting.

Love in Christ,
~Cheryl