I should be sleeping, but. . .

I should be sleeping right now, but frankly I'm just too excited. Today was the first day of the LPL Siesta Fiesta. Bill and I arrived yesterday (Thursday) and were immediately bombarded by all the southern accents just outside our hotel door. I knew without a doubt is had to be some fellow Siestas and oh boy was I right!!

To say that I've had a blast so far would be an understatement. Seriously, this has been a great adventure for me. I've hugged so many fellow bloggers, I've lost count. Oh, and I got to meet Travis Cottrell and Amanda (Moore) Jones. I even have the pictures to prove it. Now all I have to do is figure out how to load them on this computer. Yes, technology is not my forte. Thank goodness I have teens at home who are good at this stuff!!!

I can't wait for tomorrow for part 2 of Beth Moore's message. What a blessing this has been so far (even with Bill's ER visit--but that's another post).

Time for bed. I can hear it calling my name.

Much love,
~Cheryl

A Franciscan Benediction

On occasion I stumble across something that really speaks to my heart at the moment. This is one of those things. It's from a Franciscan Benediction:

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

So just how is God blessing you today??

Much love,
~Cheryl

Upstream or Downstream?

Mark Driscoll talks about "Culture and the Church" in this clip from the Desiring God 2006 National Conference Podcast.



So what do you think??? Upstream, downstream, or somewhere in the middle??

Looking back at Starting Over

Have you ever had one of those moments, where your emotions come out of no where? Well tonight has been on of those experiences. I was innocently watching a couple of you tube clips of my favorite show of all time, Starting Over which went off the air back in 2006.

Oh my, the tears just started flowing. I'm not quite sure why. But BOOM there were tears that quickly moved to the "ugly cry" as Oprah calls it. I tell you, it was not a pretty picture.

In case you've never heard of Starting Over, it was a daytime reality show. I actually auditioned for the third season of it, but didn't get picked. Looking back, I was NOT ready to be part of something like this, especially as public as the process was. For Pete's sake I'm still working on authenticity after seven months of working with a life coach!

Here are a couple of compilation clips from Starting Over. If you've never seen the show, take a minute and watch them. And then send me some kleenex!!

P.S. Thanks Deb for posting these on your discussion board!

Back to School? No way!

Time is ticking away fast as I type this. In little over a week my classes start. As I sit here I wonder just where the summer went. It seems to have buzzed by with little regard for my own sense of time. Wasn't it just yesterday that the Spring semester ended and I anxiously awaited the coming summer? Alas, that time has come and gone and I find myself facing another start of the school year.

This time of year is not my favorite, I'll admit. I don't like change very much. I think I've posted about that dislike before. But, it's more that simple change, it's about the hectic lifestyle that seems to overtake my household when school starts back up--homework, grading, activities, practices, early mornings and late evenings, eating on the run and the list goes on. Just thinking of it makes me tired.

Regardless, that end of summer, start of the school year is looming on the horizon. There's not much I can really do to stop it. I guess the challenge is to not miss all the wonderful moments in the midst of the busyness. Yes, the more I think about it, that is the key.

So wish me (and my family) luck as we move forward to another school year.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Bernie Mac Dies

The following is from the Associated Press:

Comedian Bernie Mac died at Northwestern Memorial hospital in Chicago early Saturday morning. He had an inflammatory lung disease and had been battling pneumonia. Mac was 50 years old. (Aug. 09)

I wasn't a huge Bernie Mac fan, but nonetheless I feel a loss of sorts. I'm not quite sure why, but his death has hit me pretty hard. Maybe it's because of his age. Maybe it's because he was a Chicago native. Regardless, tonight this King of Comedy is on my mind.

So here's to Bernie Mac, who made me laugh! May his family and friends find comfort in the fact that his comedy will live on for years to come.

Bernie, you'll be missed!

Sunset Fatigue

Larry Meyer describes one of his most recent reads, "The Life You've Always Wanted," by John Ortberg. One of the things that slapped him in the face was the concept of Sunset Fatigue.

Since my previous post was on time, I thought this was an interesting follow-up.

Do you see yourself in any of the categories? Come on, sharing is good for the soul. Can't wait to read your comments.

Slowing down in the fast lane,
~Cheryl

clipped from swerve.lifechurch.tv Hurry up and Slowdown Sunset Fatigue is when “we are just too tired, or too drained, or too preoccupied, to love the people to whom we have made the deepest promises.” The book says you have Sunset Fatigue when one or several of the following are true about your life: 1] you find yourself rushing even when there’s no reason to; 2] there is an underlying tension that causes sharp words or sibling quarrels; 3] you set up mock races (“OK kids, let’s see who can take a bath faster”) that are really about your own need to get through it; 4] you sense a loss of gratitude and wonder; 5] you indulge in self-destructive escapes from fatigue: abusing alcohol, watching too much TV and escaping into music.

Time Flies and I Walk.

I can't believe that the summer is almost over, at least from a collegiate standpoint. I just submitted my summer grades. Now I have two weeks (only two weeks) from today until the Fall semester begins. Just where did the time go???

I guess I say this every August, or so my hubby reminds me, but this year seems more pronounced. The time really has just flown by. As Beth Moore said in the Louisville Simulcast, "I look in the mirror and I don't even recognize the woman staring back." Just where does the time go? As I put in the title of this blog, "Time flies and I walk." Can anyone else relate?

This brings me to some profound questions (tee hee). What do you do to protect your time? Is it possible to slow it down? Hum, lots of questions but no answers. So help me out here. Post and let me know what you think.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Right brain? Left brain? No brain?

Have you ever wondered why I post so many pictures? If so you need to read the result of my brain test below. It confirms what I've known for a long time, that I'm a visual learner. I read about the mind bender's brain test at my friend Lisa's blog. Here are my results:

Cheryl, you possess an interesting balance of hemispheric and sensory characteristics, with a slight right-brain dominance and a slight preference for visual processing.

Since neither of these is completely centered, you lack the indecision and second-guessing associated with other patterns. You have a distinct preference for creativity and intuition with seemingly sufficient verbal skills to be able to translate in any meaningful way to yourself and others.

You tend to see things in "wholes" without surrendering the ability to attend to details. You can give them sufficient notice to be able to utitlize and incorporate them as part of an overall pattern.

In the same way, while you are active and process information simultaneously, you demonstrate a capacity for sequencing as well as reflection which allows for some "inner dialogue."

All in all, you are likely to be quite content with yourself and your style although at times it will not necessarily be appreciated by others. You have sufficient confidence to not second-guess yourself, but rather to use your critical faculties in a way that enhances, rather than limits, your creativity.

You can learn in either mode although far more efficiently within the visual mode. It is likely that in listening to conversations or lecture materials you simultaneously translate into pictures which enhance and elaborate on the meaning.

It is most likely that you will gravitate towards those endeavors which are predominantly visual but include some logic or structuring. You may either work particularly hard at cultivating your auditory skills or risk "missing out" on being able to efficiently process what you learn. Your own intuitive skills will at times interfere with your capacity to listen to others, which is something else you may need to take into account.

Honestly, this is pretty accurate for me. So take the test and let me know what you think and of course, come back post. Can't wait to hear what you have to say.

Women of Substance!

I'm popping in here for just a short minute. It's late and I need to get some sleep before I have to be back at church by 7 am to set up for day two of the LPL (Beth Moore) Simulcast from Louisville.

Let me tell you Siestas Beth really brought it on this evening, even to our small group at our little country church. And Travis and his team were wonderful, engaging and most of all true worshipers. Oh my I just got goosebumps thinking of the worship at the end of tonight's session!! This was a definite God Stop Friday (thanks Patty)

Beth is speaking from Luke 8:1-15 and while I don't have the time or energy to share all of what she said tonight, I do want to leave you with one short phrase--"women of substance." Just let that sink in for a minute, because you my bloggy friends are "women of substance" if you are in Christ!

She pulls this from the phrase in Luke 8:3b "These women were helping to support them out of their own means." Of course, this indicates that these women had some wealth, however Beth went on to clarify that we are "women of means" or "women of substance" (King James version) in the Spirit. We need to have the confidence and competence that we can truly live as fully in Christ as "women of substance."

Okay, that's enough for tonight. Perhaps someone else has had more energy to post at length than I have. Please, please, please keep the 70,000 women (yes, you read right--70,000 women. Can I have an amen or two?) who are receiving the LPL either at Louisville or through the simulcast in your prayers for tomorrow. And, if I can be just a bit selfish. . . please pray for the small group of women at my own church, Real Life--that the Holy Spirit may fully use Beth to impart God's Word directly into our hearts where we can hide it away and that we leave tomorrow and really live The Word.

Love y'all lots,
~Cheryl

Cry Me A River

Today has been one of those days filled with frustration and tears. And while the tears part may seem a little disconcerting to those of you who have "sensitive" hearts, the tears have actually been very cleansing for me.

You see, I'm not much of a crier. I learned growing up to "suck it up" and keep a happy face regardless of the circumstance. While this has served me well at times, it's also been very detrimental to my emotional health. If you stuff your emotions long enough, it can become difficult to even recognize when you actually have them. This can lead to all kinds of physical problems. Did I mention I had a full-blown ulcer at age 21??

Anyway, today I have been able to cry and while it's not my favorite emotion, at least I recognized it and let myself fully experience it. Now this may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but frankly I'm claiming it as a victory for myself today!

So it's okay if you want to have a good cry. In fact you can even cry me a river. After all we were created with a variety of emotions. As for me, well. . . I'm going to have a good cry and know that my sweet Savior will be there to dry my tears just when I need Him.

A little weepy, but okay,
~Cheryl

From Here to There: Pieces of Flair

Okay, I have another confession. I'm addicted to pieces of flair. If you're a facebook user, you may be familiar with this add-on application. If not, well just take a look above and you'll get a pretty good idea of what this application is--a representation of the user's (in this case me) likes, dislikes, personality, etc. I'm not sure what else to say about this and perhaps I don't have to say another word. After all, if a picture is worth a thousand words, well then all these pictures together ought to be worth a hundred or so posts!

Peace, out!
~Cheryl

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Boom! Crash!! Thunder and lightening are bombarding the night sky tonight. Perhaps that's why I'm still up in the wee hours of the morning. Now, I am a night owl by nature, but this symphony of light and sound has me on edge just a bit more than I normally would be.

I don't dislike storms. I don't like them either. In fact, for the most part, I'm indifferent as long as I'm not inconvenienced by them. And while I am at home, in my PJ's, safe and sound this current storm has inconvenienced my nightly sleep.

It makes me wonder what the folks just hit by hurricane Dolly must have heard as the storm came a shore. I can only surmise that their senses must have been bombarded on every level. And "inconvenienced" well, that doesn't even begin to cover the damage I've seen on the news.

So, as the storm rages on outside my bedroom window, I'm going to offer a short prayer of thanks. Thank you LORD that all I have to endure is a short disturbance in my sleep. I pray for my brothers and sisters who have braved hurricane Dolly. May they not only find the help they need, but may they draw close to You!

Nighty, night all. Suddenly, I'm feeling more peaceful. Funny, how that happens.

Safe, sound, sleepy and dry,
~Cheryl

What a week!

Trip #1
I just returned from Chicago where I made 2 (yes, that is two) trips up and back last week. First we traveled up to the funeral of my hubby's aunt. She was 95. So her death was not really a surprise. What was surprising were the details. There was no pastor, no obituary, no funeral service, no open casket--just a funeral director with a few comments graveside. These were her wishes. Of course, the lack of any real spiritual connection really hit me hard in the heart. I don't know the state of his aunt's heart, I can only connect the dots, so to speak.

Trip #2
My mom turned 77 on Saturday, and of course we went back up to Chicago to celebrate. It was such a joyous occasion and in stark contrast to our first visit or the week. We had more food to eat that I've eaten in a month!! Oh my! What a blessing it was to share this special time with my mom.

Two events--two very different emotions. What a week!

Healer

I found this Hillsong video on Tami's blog. It really spoke to my current health situation. Trust me folks. This one is really worth your time to watch.

As for me? I fell flat on my face and praised when I saw it. God's timing is perfect. A big shout out to Tami for leading me to this!! And of course, an even BIGGER shout out to God who is the perfect healer and so worthy of our praise.

Here are the lyrics --

HEALER
You're my Healer
You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease
I trust in You
I trust in You
I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need
My Healer, You're my Healer
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

Homework

One of my homework assignments (yes, even professors have homework) this week from my life coach was to list the things I think I should be doing. So, in my attempt to step out of my bubble and become more authentic, I thought I'd share my list with you:

Deep Breath. . . .Here goes

Things I should be doing:

1. Paying attention to and nurturing body
2. Exercising
3. Losing weight
4. Fueling my body with healthy food
5. Resting
6. Going to the dentist
7. Enjoying my job
8. Acknowledging my successes instead of concentrating on my failures
9. Fully feeling my emotions
10. More “set aside” quiet time with God
11. Keeping in contact with friends
12. Listening to the Holy Spirit even in the midst of activity
13. Sharing my authentic self with others
14. Paying attention to my physical space
15. Getting rid of clutter
16. Keeping my commitments
17. Working on strained family relationships
18. Spending more time meditating/relaxing/strengthening
19. Playing the piano
20. Singing
21. Writing music
22. Listening to music
23. Dancing
24. Traveling
25. Going out to simply have fun!
26. Reading for pleasure, not simply for work.
27. Setting clear boundaries at home and in the workplace
28. Taking risks—learning how to trust.
29. Learning to say “no” (letting my yes be yes and my no be no)
30. Effectively managing my money

Okay, there you have it. Remember it was a homework assignment. On a very logical level I know (and teach in Interpersonal Communication) that "shoulds" lead to illogical thinking and as a result inaccurate conclusions. So I try not to "should" on myself too often.

How about you? Do you have your own list of shoulds? Do tell!!! Remember, you're not getting graded on this one.

A good site to check out

I was watching the NBC nightly news and saw a story about a girl who was motivated to start a website that donates free kibble to dog shelters. I thought this was really cool. Payton wanted me to post this so you can participate too. You can visit once daily. Just click on the button above and play bow wow trivia (one question). . . you send free dog food even if you get the question wrong.

Here's the same thing for cats!

Saturday afternoon

It's Saturday afternoon and all is quiet here at home. Matthew came home yesterday for a brief visit from his internship with World Relief in Wheaton, but of course he's out with friends. Sammie is working and Andrew is at the park with his friends. That leaves just me and my hubby (who's napping) and my furkids Payton and Emma Grace.

So I thought I'd just steal away for a few moments and post my thoughts. Fist, thanks to all of you have have e-mailed, called, and posted. I truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I am so amazed at this blogging community. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to make such treasured friends when I started this blog a little over a year ago. You have truly been Christ in the flesh for me this week and I've gleaned such strength and comfort from all of you!

As many of you know this has been a challenging week for me. Yet, I'm so aware of God's goodness even in the midst of the trials that I've faced. Right now I can feel His sweet presence--ever so close just wash over me like waves in the ocean--clean, refreshing and comforting. And I'm reminded of just how blessed I am to have a relationship with the LORD of the Universe.

What a wonderful Saturday afternoon! The only thing that would make it better would be if you were here with me, but even though I can't see your beautiful faces I can feel your presence too. Thank you, my dear Siestas. I love you all.

~Cheryl

Virtual Church?

I've been researching Second Life. Our university is considering using SL as a teaching tool. Right now many universities such as Harvard hold classes there. I was fortunate enough to attend a seminar where I saw a classroom teaching the Jazz age in a virtual Harlem. It was very cool and educational. I actually got to play the piano in the Cotton Club. . . but I digress.

Now why do I bring this up? There's been a lot of negative press on Second Life (virtual worlds). Both Law and Order and CSI have done episodes demonstrating the "dangers" of these types of internet sites. And don't get me wrong. There are some very sleezy aspects of SL, as in the real world and on the internet.

Yet, I've stumbled across some very positive aspects as well--one such aspect is religion in SL. One of the most active churches is Life Church.

Here's a short video the from MSNBC on church in SL:



While it may not be my cup of tea, so to speak I do know that many of the younger generation really "relate" well in the realm. Can there be true community in SL? I have lots of questions and of course no answers. So what do you think? Thumbs up or down on Virtual Church?

Painting Pictures of Egypt

Isn't it funny how a song can touch your heart so deeply or communicate what you're feeling in a way you can't quite articulate? This weekend as I spent many hours on the road, this oldie but goodie by Sara Groves really resonated deeply with my soul. It pretty much sums up where I am right now spiritually.

Painting Pictures Of Egypt

I don’t want to leave here
I don’t want to stay
It feels like pinching to me either way
The places I long for the most
Are the places where I’ve been
They are calling after me like a long lost friend

It’s not about losing faith
It’s not about trust
It’s all about comfortable
When you move so much
The place I was wasn’t perfect
But I had found a way to live
It wasn’t milk or honey
But then neither is this

CHORUS:
I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
The future seems so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I"ve learned
And those roads closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise
And the things I know

BRIDGE:
If it comes too quick
I may not recognize it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
If it comes too quick
I may not appreciate it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?

Confessions of a Marching Band Geek!

I've just returned from an extended road trip. The reason for the trip? Well, I've been a bit hesitant to come out of the closet, so to speak, but I guess now is as good a time as any. You see I am a marching band geek.

Yes, for those of you who have seen my facebook page, this won't be a big revelation, however, I haven't spent much time writing about my love for all things marching band here on this blog.

My love for marching band began in high school and continued through college. I thoroughly enjoy everything about marching band. And believe it or not, I don't even play an instrument in the band. Rather, I "play" the flag. Yes, you can stop laughing now.

This brings me to my road trip. You see I'm on the alumni band board at Illinois State University (some three+ hours from where I live). This past week we had a huge scholarship fundraiser, social event, and tickets to see the DCI (Drum Corp International) regional competition. Click here for a short video of the night. Needless to say, I was in marching band heaven!

So, there you have. Whew! Do I feel free or what. Now you know. I'm not just a professor geek, I'm a marching band geek too!!

Illinois State University Big Red Marching Machine

Better Days

Have you ever had one of those really crappy days? You know the kind where you just should have stayed in bed under the covers all day? Monday was one of those days for me. Now I can't exactly put my finger on any one thing that made the day especially bad, but trust me from my perspective it was a stinker!

Part of it may be just where I am in life and my desire to continue to move and grow spiritually. I've been working with a spiritual life coach. And. . . well, the work is just plain hard. To my own credit, though I've stuck with it, when my usual MO would be to "cut and run." But as Dr. Phil would say, "how's that been working for you?" The "cut and run" strategy hasn't gotten me anywhere or perhaps better stated it hasn't gotten me where I wanted to be or even more so where God wanted me to be! So with a little help from my spiritual life coach (and mega help from the Holy Spirit), I've been moving forward bit by bit. Even when the moving is difficult, the ultimate result is good.

All this to say that today has been a better day. The lesson learned? Just remember to take things moment by moment. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. If you don't like where you're at, well. . . tomorrow's always another day. . just a few moments away!

I'd like to end this with a wonderful "surprise" I received from Sammie, my daughter. She came charging through the door tonight after work with presents in hand. First a card to "cheer me up," followed by chocolates (always a good choice), and then a big box which contained a picture/saying for my office. Take note of what it said, cause this is good stuff Siestas!

"Faith is the place between the way things are and the good things that are sure to come." Ah, such wisdom, and although it wasn't in a Hallmark card, it was a Hallmark gift (tee hee)!!Yup, Sammie works at Hallmark. Don't you just love it??

So I'm waiting on those good things and knowing they'll be here soon enough in His time!!

As always, crazy for Christ,
~Cheryl

The Shack

Oh my!! This book is really something special. I bought it on Saturday and finished in ONE READING. The story behind this book is amazing. It was originally self-published and is now on the best seller list. Do you know how often that happens? Um. . like NEVER. This should indicate just how good this book is. . . No major marketing campaigns, no major publishing company, no corporate marketing strategy. Just simply mouth-to-mouth promotion.

Anyway, here's the synopsis of the book:

"Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!"

Check out the website for The Shack.

This book has touched people across the globe. One family is even dedicated to getting the book into as many hands as possible. They've developed a website where you can have the book sent to anyone (including yourself) for FREE!! Yes, you got that right, FREE!! Here's the link. I've already had copies sent to all those people who are most important to me. Yes, it's that kind of book--very life changing. Have I peaked your interest yet? I really hope so.

So, do me a huge favor and READ IT. Okay? And come back here and let me know what you think. I believe it will capture your heart and bless you as it did me.

Still glowing from reading "The Shack,"
~Cheryl

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Saturday was my birthday and oh what a great day I had!! To put this in perspective, I am usually not happy on my birthday. I don't really know why, but it's been a recurring theme in my life. This year, however, I had the time of my life.

My hubby and I traveled to Peoria, IL on Friday to see our new pastor ordained as an elder in at the Annual Conference. It was a very moving service! When we returned home on Saturday, my birthday and were greeted by Sammie, Andrew and our pup Payton. Sammie had created a whole Wizard of Oz themed birthday for me, which stared before I ever even entered the house.

First of all I found this on the door outside.

underneath it was this:

Foot prints like this:

Led me to the birthday table

Decorated like this

Check out the place settings

Here's the cake

And here are the presents. Can you tell Sammie works at Hallmark?

Payton waiting for cake:

The best present was a framed picture of Sammie and Andrew. Aren't they gorgeous??


So all in all it was a fantastic birthday. And yes there's no place like home!!

Chop, Chop, Chop!!! Chop and Never Stop!

MY NEW HAIRCUT

Okay, I bit the bullet and had my hair "cut" short. I think this is the shortest I've had it since I was in high school. The color's lighter (blonder) than it shows. I'm still trying to get used to it. So what do you think?


My hubby, Bill and Me.


Me and my pup, Payton.