Bible Study Update

Hey folks. I'm just popping in for a short update on my Bible study. Our second meeting was just as amazing as the first. The energy in the room was, well. . .I'm simply unable to describe it. Yes, my Siestas God was there not just in the study but in the fellowship,laughter, and breaking of bread.

Oh and to answer your questions, we're doing, "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place." (the old version). I bought it off e-bay and I'm so thankful to have it. Right now we're at a baby, new start church and the budget is very, very tight--no make that nonexistent. So, basically I've funded the study out-of-pocket. God has been so good with His provision. Who'd have thought I'd find a Beth Moore study on e-bay?

What studies are you the rest of you doing now?? Has anyone done the original "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place?"

On an ending note, keep me in prayer. As you might imagine when things are going so well with the Bible study, I'm facing some big spiritual attacks on other fronts. I've got on my full armor, but I'd also appreciate your prayers.

Enough for now. I'm off to catch some ZZZZZZZ's.

~Cheryl

Noah's Ark and other ramblings

My daughter Sammie has a HUGE heart for animals. In fact as her "big" present for Christmas (we usually get each of our children one big gift), she wanted us to donate to some type of stray rescue in her name. We did exactly that. And of course, she was tickled pink!!

It should be of no surprise then when I share the following story of life in our house during the past week.

It's been really, really cold here. I know that some of you have snow. We don't, but we do have the frigid temperatures.

As my daughter came in from work on Tuesday last week, she had a little surprise slip in with her. Seems a young cat (only a couple of months old I would guess) was sitting by our front door and just came in with Sammie.

Of course, it was too cold outside for this little cutie to be put back out, so we did the only reasonable thing we kept her in over night. I told Sammie we'd attempt to find the owner in the morning.

That was a week ago. We still have the cat. And yes, we've done everything we can to try and find the owner--called both vets in town, had the cat scanned to check for a microchip (no luck), called the police department to check on missing cats, contacted the humane society, checked with neighbors, flyer. . you name it. Unfortunately, the only option we were provided (according to the humane society) was to turn our little squatter over to animal control--NOT an OPTION for Sammie.

So for now, we have another member of our family, who is sequestered in Sammie's room, since my hubby is really allergic to cats. Our pup Payton doesn't quite know what to think of the cat, but seems resigned to the fact that this fuzzy thing is now part of our pack.

Sammie has now named the cat, Emma Grace--a sure sign that the cat may be a permanent member of our family. And my hubby has actually been okay with the limited contact with Emma Grace.

Little did we know when we made that Christmas donation in Sammie's name to Stray Rescue that we the stray rescue. Oh my!! Yes, God does have a funny sense of humor.

So welcome to Noah's ark. I just hope a skunk doesn't show up on our doorstep this week!!

1 week down

Okay, I've made it through my first week back to work and well. . . . my mind did fine, my body on the other hand had a bit more trouble adapting. I've spent most of the day Saturday just resting. Man does that sound lame or what? But seriously, it was a good thing for me to do and not something I would typically do, considering the amount of work I have in front of me.

You see, most of the time I don't pay attention to my body. And if anything, I push it until it just won't go any further. The older I get the less I can push before, well, it just gives out.

I'm beginning to realize, with a little help from my Spiritual Life Coach, Laura that this is not a kind, reasonable or even loving thing to do. After all my body is a temple right? It houses the Holy Spirit within.

So, say a prayer or two for me next week--that I'll take the time and set my intention to nurture mind, body and spirit.

Living large,
~Cheryl

Glory! Glory! Glory!

Oh my Siestas! I should be in bed by now, after all I have an early morning call tomorrow as I commute into St. Louis. Still, I wanted to steal just a minute of your time and share one of my joys with you.

You see this week I started leading a Beth Moore Bible Study. Now, I'm not new to leading Bible studies. I'm not even new to leading Beth Moore Bible studies. What is new is this precious group of women--most, but not all from my little, new start church.

And glory to God, you would not believe how He moved even that first night! We had 10 women show up. Now that may not seem like much for you, but for me--for this group, it was HUGE! And the age span early twenties to late sixties--can you believe it?

Yes the LORD is moving in a might way right now. And His timing could not be better. You see our church is in transition. Our pastor just left Jan. 1 for a new appointment. We are using temporary pastors until the conference appoints a permanent pastor. So you see we NEEDED this Bible study to bind us together.

Thank you LORD for your perfect timing, for your provision and most of all for your never changing love for us. I'm absolutely head over heels in love with you and can't wait to see how you're going to move in this women's Bible study!!

Crazy for Christ,
~Cheryl

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to work I go!

Well folks, the day has finally come. It's time for me to go back to work. Our classes start Wednesday. I've been feverishly at work on designing on on-line class called, Cultural Communication. It's finished and ready to go.

My other face-to-face classes include classes in Interpersonal Communication and Senior Seminar in Communication Studies (our seniors write a thesis in this one).

So say a prayer or two for me over the next week as I adjust to the working (and commuting) world again.

~Cheryl

WORD of God--Speak!

Have I shared with you how much I love the spoken WORD? Well if not, now is the time. Earlier I blogged about a Christmas present I wanted--The Bible Experience. Well, I must have been a good girl last year because that's exactly what I received. And I have to tell you, I've been wearing out those CD's! Oh my!! It is so good. Seriously, Siestas. It is EXTRA FANTASTIC SUPER DUPER GOOD!! (too much? I think not).

I started thinking about the spoken WORD early this evening when I was discussing memorized scripture with one of our temporary pastors, Pastor Dave. Much of my scripture is memorized from childhood in the King James version of course. I bet some of you older Siestas know what I mean. It's often a challenge for me to memorize a familiar verse, like John 3:16 in another version like NIV. Regardless of the version I still love to hear scripture.

I'm not sure when or where I first fell in love with the spoken WORD. Maybe it was that early exercise in memorizing and reciting scripture that made fall in love with it. But truly, I love to hear the spoken WORD--the cadence of the words as they flow together, the pacing of the phrases, the pauses, the words themselves!! Oh my what a treat for the body and soul! Yes, it's melt in your mouth good. An absolutely delicious word feast--served by the King of Kings.

So, if you haven't read your Bible aloud in a while, do me just one little favor this week, okay? Get your Bible. Pick your favorite scripture and read it out loud. You might even make this a family activity. I guarantee you'll be blessed!! Oh and don't forget to come back and leave me a comment.

As for me, I'm going to stop blogging now, put on my headphones and start listening to my Christmas present. Oh my mouth is watering just thinking about it!! Time to feed my soul. Catch you later, my friends. I can't wait to read about your own adventures with the spoken WORD.

Much love,
~Cheryl

The New Has Come

The theme of "change" continues to follow me. I just received this in my e-mail from Joel Olsteen Ministries: (Okay, LORD. I GET it!!)

The New Has Come
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

As a follower of Christ, you are a new creation! You have a new spirit, a new walk, a new life! Are there “old” things in your life that you are trying to get rid of? Maybe you have old behaviors or addictions that you want to change. Remember, the new has come. It’s a new year and it’s time to be the new you. Let this year be the year you break old habits and addictions. Let this be the year that you move forward into a new life of victory. And your new life includes all the spiritual blessings the Lord has promised in His Word. You have a promise of peace. Health. Protection. Provision. Be encouraged today and know that no matter what is happening in your life right now, you can embrace the new life God has prepared for you. Make the choice today to leave the old behind—leave behind old behavior, old thinking, old words. Embrace the new by faith and you’ll move forward into the life of blessing the Lord has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me new. Help me to understand Your plan for me so that I can fully embrace Your promises. I choose today to leave behind the old life and ask that You empower me by Your spirit today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Standing at the Gates of the New Year

My friend Anita sent me this beautiful prayer. I think it's so appropriate for 2008.

Standing at the Gates of the New Year

Sacred Mystery,
waiting on the threshold
of this new year,
you open the gates
and becon to me:

"Come! Come!
Be not wary of what awaits you
as you enter the unknown terrain,
be not doubtful of your ability
to grow from its joys and sorrows.

For I am with you.
I will be your Guide.
I will be your Protector.
You will never be alone."

Guardian of this new year,
I set aside my fears, worries, concerns,
I open my life to mystery, to beauty,
to hospitality, to questions,
to the endless opportunity
of discovering you in my relationships,
and to all the silent wisps of wonder
that will draw me to your heart.

I welcome your unfailing Presence
and walk with hope into this new year.

--Joyce Rupp

Change

I don't like change. Nope. Don't like it one bit at all. I am by nature a creature of habit. Once that habit is established for the most part, I don't want it to change. Now I know the New Year is all about change--new resolutions, new beginnings, blah, blah, blah. Frankly, it's never worked for me. I find it far too overrated. And yes you got that right. There are no new year's resolutions here for the "Prof" as Teri is fond of calling me.

So you can imagine how I must feel right now when I'm engulfed in change. First, as I've mentioned before I'm heading back to work on January 16th after having been "off" for a semester. Lots to do in preparation for that day, so I guess things are changing little by little as I work on class preparations at home. Although change is pretty standard every semester--new classes, new students, new schedule--this time is especially difficult because of my sabbatical. Oh my! I've seen another world of staying home and working in my PJ's and unfortunately I LIKE it a lot!!! (tee hee)

If all this were not enough I have also been hit with another major change. Our pastor announced in December that he was leaving for another pastoral appointment beginning January 1. Yikes!! I loved our Pastor. His departure is a huge loss for me. While we await the conference to appoint another pastor, I'm again in the situation of change. Can you begin to see a recurring pattern here?

Now while I don't like change, I do know that it's inevitable. Life isn't static. It's dynamic, on-going, and constantly in the process of moving forward. And I do know that change can be good and is often necessary for growth. Paul advises us in Romans 12: 1-2 not to conform to the world but to renew our minds. As I chew on that bit of scripture, I'm reminded that change is absolutely necessary to live the Christian life. We are, in essence, being transformed (changed) daily if we truly are dying to ourselves and letting the Holy Spirit grow (change) within us.

Then just where does that leave me on the subject of change? Well to be really candid, I still don't like it. Yet I'm choosing to approach it in a new way. As you know if you've been reading my blog God has been working overtime in my life "changing" me from the inside out--transforming me, so to speak. And while that hasn't been easy, no take that back, it's been downright difficult, it has been worthwhile.

On of my favorite new gospel songs is by Shekinah Glory Ministry's "Yes." It's an Indy label and unless you're a huge gospel fan, you've most likely missed it. It's kind of long so I'm including part 2 of a tube version below. This song speaks to my soul right now in such a raw and passionate way during this my season of change. Listen when you get a chance and you'll hear the cry of my own heart right now.

So, my dear Jesus do your work in me. Let me cooperate with the process and most of all let my answer to your call always be a resounding "Yes."

Catching up. . .

How I wish this picture could be us--sitting leisurely and "catching up." My Siestas, I really do long for the time I get to meet you face to face. Until then, this blog will have to suffice.

First let me say thanks to all you for the kind messages. Yes, I'm still alive, a little worse for wear but hanging in there and glad to be back among the world of bloggers.

During my hiatus, we traveled up to Chicago to visit my parents and back home. It was a wonderful time minus our oldest, Matthew who stayed home to work and take care of our beloved mutt, Payton.

My dad had his second round of surgery on his bottom eye lid. The surgery went well, although the pain was worse this time. The sample has been sent off and we're awaiting results. He has another appointment this coming week for a consult for the spot on his nose. So, please keep praying.

In addition to all this, I'm in the process of getting ready to back to work full-time. My sabbatical has run it's course and I have to return to the working world. Although I love my job, I'm not looking forward to the daily commute in and out of St. Louis. I've become very accustomed to staying home and working from my living room with Payton asleep by my side.

Oh well, that's it for now. I've missed y'all and can't wait to catch up.

Much love,
~Cheryl

Laughter is the best medicine

Just got a call from my Mom who was in the car "cracking up!" I just love it when my mom gets tickled. She starts laughing and it's contagious. Before you know it you're laughing too!!

What set her off tonight was my dad. They were on their way home from Christmas shopping and decided to stop by Baker's Square. My nickname for this restaurant is "The house of pies." It has every conceivable type of pie you could think of. Yup, a literal Pie Mecca or maybe Pie in the Sky. . . . now I'm getting silly. I can't help it!! I'm still tickled myself.

They had been discussing pies in the car. My mom wanted to stop by Baker's Square and get some pies to take to my sister's house. My dad didn't know if they were open. I guess the lighting on the outside of the place was "questionable" so my dad drove up to the front to see if he could peek around and see if anyone was in there. Just about that time he saw a sign by the front and thought it said "reserve pies," which is conceivable I guess. They do reserve pies around the holidays.

What the sign actually said was "reserved parking." He actually didn't see it until my mom pointed it out to him. From that point on it became a laugh fest. He did manage to actually go in and retrieve some pies, while my mom and I continued to laugh on the phone. Oh my y'all if you could have just heard us. I think I actually snorted at one point! Thank goodness I was safe at home in my PJ's, not a soul around to see me laughing. I do think I scared our dog though.

Well, if laughter is the best medicine then my parents and I have had a good dose of it tonight! Yup just what the doctor ordered. Funny how that works, isn't it?

Still laughing and crazy for Christ,
~Cheryl

The Siesta Miracle

I'm just overwhelmed tonight with the outpouring of love I've received from my post yesterday. Y'all are just the best. Thank you Siestas for being the body of Christ to me. Although we may be separated by miles, I couldn't feel closer to you than I do now.

What I didn't share in my last post was that my Dad had no idea I was putting this prayer request out. When he received the initial diagnosis he didn't want anyone to know. And I respected that.

However, last night when I got off the phone with him, I felt moved by the Holy Spirit to put the prayer request out. And so I did--here, with friends, with prayer groups, and of course with my own church family. The response has been nothing less than God breathed.

The difficult task today became just how to share this with my Dad, knowing full well he might be angry with me for "sharing." I did the only thing a brave Christian daughter could do--I sent an e-mail!! (ok, you can stop laughing now). Yes, I am a bit of a chicken when it comes to potential conflict.

And yes, as you might expect my Dad called this afternoon. God was definitely moving BIG TIME because he was so "up" and "positive." He said he woke up this morning and felt God just wash over Him with a warmth that he couldn't really explain. Then he checked his e-mail. He said he was just overcome by the presence of God--knowing that you were praying for him. And yes, that my Siestas is the miracle!!

So here's to this network of bloggers--those of you who posted, lurked, sent e-mails, but most of all prayed--even if just for a brief moment. I'll end this as I began by simple saying, "I'm Overwhelmed!"

Yes, God is good (all the time) especially in the blogging world.

Extremely grateful,
~Cheryl

Prayer Request for My Dad

My heart is tender at the moment and this is a little hard to type through the tears. I just got off the phone with my Dad. Two weeks ago he had surgery to remove a cancerous growth from the bottom of his eye lid. He returned today for a follow-up and the pathology showed that the cancer was indeed still there. He's scheduled again, January 2 for more surgery to remove more of the bottom eye lid.

My dad is a pretty positive person with an equally strong relationship with Christ. I rarely find him in a "down" mood. Tonight however, was extremely tough for him to share this news with me and as you might imagine equally difficult for me to hear.

All this is in addition to another cancerous spot on the side of his nose, which he has yet another specialist appointment.

Please pray for my dad, Bill--for complete healing. Of equal importance pray that he feels the very real comfort that only God can provide, perhaps even discovering Him in a new and more intimate way. And of course, my family could use some prayers too. I'm afraid we're all a little shook up right now.

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. ~James 5: 14-15

As you know if you've been reading this blog, the Holy Spirit has been speaking and moving in a mighty way in my own life recently. So, I'm trusting Master Healer to accomplish His perfect will in this situation. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

For those of you who might be visual prayer warriors you can go back here to see a picture of me, my dad and mom from a past post.

With Love in Christ,
~Cheryl

The Potter's Hand

I haven't really come down from the mountaintop experience of yesterday. Actually, that's not quite true I have been facedown several times--just still on the mountain. So I hope you'll indulge me a bit here in this post. With my heart so humbled and open right now, I'm feeling particularly nostalgic for an oldie but goodie worship song. Mandy at "Just a Girl" talked about getting a song stuck in your head. This one seems to be stuck in my heart today, which is a very good place for it. So enjoy The Potter's Hand. As for me, well. . . I'm still worshiping my sweet LORD!

With a Heart Overflowing

Oh my!! My heart is just overflowing. Have you ever had one of those experience with Christ that's so special, amazing and breath-taking that you can't possibly put it into words? Well, that's case for me tonight. It happened in the middle of writing an e-mail. And frankly, the Holy Spirit just enveloped me with an overwhelming love. It washed over me much like a song He was singing in delight, although those words pale in comparison to the actual experience. I could do nothing other than stop in my tracks, drop to my knees, worship and accept His unexpected gift. Trust me it was nothing I deserved. Yet there He was my Sweet Savior pouring out His love for me.

Dennis Jernigan, CCM recording artist describes God singing over him. I hope you'll watch this short, interview clip. And moreover that you'll move closer in your own intimate relationship with Jesus. Who knows if you listen close enough you may even hear Him sing a song over you, too.

With a Heart Overflowing,
~Cheryl



P.S. Check out my favorite Dennis Jernigan CD, "I Surrender."

Being, Doing, and Having

Today's sermon really penetrated deep to my heart--a good sign that my heart has changed at least a little over the past couple of weeks. Our pastor provided a different look at Matthew 2, where the Magi come to see Jesus.

Now I won't bore you with all the details, not that it was a boring sermon, actually quite the opposite. The point was pretty simple, that Christmas is about finding Jesus, being with Him, discovering Him in new and different ways and ultimately being changed by our encounters with Him.

It's interesting that theme came up again today as I was flipping through channels tonight. I stopped for just a minute to listen to part of the sermon from Church on the Rock (St. Louis) and their pastor was talking about having an "extreme makeover." In order to do that we need three things: to be with Christ, to do His Will and the and only then will we be in alignment and have the life He has planned for us.

Pretty simple message really, yet it's one that is so counter culture this time of year when the emphasis is on doing (shopping) and having/getting (presents). As my pastor pointed out today, the Magi actually stopped and worshiped Jesus before they ever presented any of their presents--simply "being" in His presence.

Okay, now follow me here. I don't have to be hit by a truck to see a recurring theme today. So instead of worrying about shopping or Christmas plans, I need to "be" with Christ first. And that "be-ing" requires time with my Savior, especially when I feel the cultural pull and pressure of the "got to get it right/special time of year" mentality. Before I can really do anything, I need to offer my "sacrifice" of time and just "be."

Romans 12:1-2 puts it this way: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Duh!! Can it get any clearer? At least not for me--today. It's about as clear/bright as that star that the Magi saw in the sky all those years ago. Now I may have bought a few presents already, but it's time to set them down, stop and worship my King. Until I do that, nothing else really matters, does it?

P.S. My husband reminded while I was writing this post, that we have the only dog in the world (okay, maybe a little exaggeration) that drinks fresh water out of a bowl that says, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Yup, God has a funny sense of humor!!

All this and Jesus too!
~Cheryl

Snowing in St. Louis

Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!!! That could be the theme song here today in St. Louis. We have our first snow of the season. And it's turned out to be one heck of a snow!! It depends on what part of St. Louis you're in for the snow accumulation, but suffice it to say it's substantial, especially since the largest amount of snow we've had in the past couple of years during one day was 3 inches. We've definitely surpassed that today.

Now even though I've lived in St. Louis for 25 years, I'm still a Chicago girl at heart. So snow doesn't really bother me. In fact, I think it's really quite beautiful. My friends in St. Louis, however don't share the same sentiment. And in fact, they actually are a little obsessed (from my standpoint) with the whole "snow thing" especially when it comes to the roads and driving. Growing up in the Chicago area in a small town with a two lane road leading in to it, I've learned how to drive in snow. No biggie as long as the wind is down and there's no ice, which is the case here today in St. Louis.

Having said all of this, I have to admit, that I haven't gone out today. Nope, I'm enjoying the beauty of the snow from inside my warm home, sitting by the fireplace drinking some hot green tea--just as "snug as a bug in a rug" as my mom would say. Yes, life is good here at the Baugh household. So, let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow!!

Walking Through the Valley

As you might know I've walked through my own valley lately. So, this daily message from Joel Olsteen Ministries really spoke to me. I hope it provides some strength and direction for you too as you move forward to "your vision of life on the other side."

Much love,
~Cheryl
**********
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV).

Do you ever feel like you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death? During the tough times, it’s easy to get to discouraged. I love what it says in the verse, “though I walk through…” No matter what you are facing today, know this: you are not alone, and you are just walking through. You don’t have to stop and live in the tough times. They are only temporary. I encourage you today; don’t allow fear to paralyze you in the middle of “the valley of the shadow of death.” Remember, God is with you. He is walking beside you. He is strengthening you. He is making a way of escape for you. He is lining up people and situations to bring you out of that tough place into a place of strength and victory. Don’t give up! Press on and walk through! Begin to get a vision of your life on the other side. See yourself more loving, more faithful, stronger and more blessed than ever before. As you keep moving forward and walking through, you will get to the other side and experience the victory God has in store for you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for walking with me even in the hard times. I trust that You are taking me through my circumstances to a place of victory and strength. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Experience for a Lifetime

Are you looking for a Christmas present for that "hard to buy for" person. If so check this out.

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I absolutely have fallen in love with The Experience Bible. This clip is pretty long, but it's worth watching. This is definitely something I'm going to add to my Christmas list! And don't miss the second Grammy winner in the clip (it goes by really fast). It's none other than Iyanla Vanzant!

“Inspired By…The Bible Experience is exactly what its title indicates, an experience. I’ve listened to many audio Bibles over the years, but none have achieved what The Bible Experience has, which is to bring the Bible to life in a very real, compelling, accessible and experiential way. I would strongly recommend that you listen to it and share it with others. I guarantee it will change the way you and they engage with the word of God.”

- John C. Maxwell, New York Times Bestselling Author

Like Mother/Father like Daughter!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Me, my Dad and Mom~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My parents called tonight. Now this is not unusual, even though they called at 11 pm. My parents are late night owls, which is a bit odd considering their age. My mom is 76 and my dad is 77. But I can't really complain, because I, too am a night owl as you can probably tell from my posting and comments. I guess it's in my genes!

I always get a kick out of their calls. Today they called to let me know that their refrigerator had been fixed. It had been out over a week as they waited on "parts." They were pretty inconvenienced over the whole thing, especially since the refrigerator was only 2 years old. Luckily it was under warranty and it didn't cost anything to get it repaired.

What cracks me up about the whole thing is they were complaining about keeping things cold. Now, if they lived in Florida or Arizona with other retirees (who go to bed EARLY), I could understand the complaint. But they live in the Chicago area!! They faced an ice storm during the past couple of days. It managed to pass them by but still it is pretty darn cold where they live. So keeping anything "cold" shouldn't have been a problem.

You know it's so easy for us to forget just how easy we have it in the good old USA until we lose something like our power, water, cable, refrigerator, stove. . . you name it. We have become very dependent on these things.

So tonight I'm giving thanks not just for these modern day conveniences, but for my parents who taught me how to NEED them. You see I don't just have ONE refrigerator at my house. Oh no, that won't do. I have two. Hey, you never know when one might go on the fritz!!!

With tongue firmly planted in cheek,
~Cheryl

Politically incorrect

Tonight was the annual high school choir/band concert in our town. Our youngest Andrew is in the mixed choir, so of course we attended. If you're a parent you've probably been to many of these type of things.

The best part of the night however was the musical selections. Both choirs sang about Jesus. . . not just the typical Christmas stuff but songs of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I talked to the high school principal who said, "Only in our hometown could we sing about Jesus and NOT worry about a complaint of some type." And you know she's right. I'm afraid in too many schools across America Christmas has been replaced by "the holidays." And frankly, I'm sick and tired of it.

I'm tired of being politically correct. So when I stumbled across the following video on Fran's blog the other day, I knew I'd found a gem. I hope you enjoy (and cheer as I did) this. Merry Christmas my Siestas! Let us never forgot who the season is really about!!

Much Love at Christmas,
~Cheryl

Restoration

At the core of all restoration lie repentance and confession of sin. If I feel sorry that another is wrong and confess how badly I'm treated, not much restoration will occur. Restoration requires a complete change of my mind, so that I'm willing to look at myself and admit my wrongdoing and my need of help. ~Upper Room, December 9, 2007

I always find it interesting that the "timing" of devotionals works so well with the "timing" of my life. Now I don't typically read The Upper Room, but today I happened upon it and it really caught my eye.

I've emerged from my time of retreat with a changed heart, one that has been thoroughly examined. What the LORD showed me in my time with Him was a heart that had become in many ways too religious and lacking "real" spiritual fervor. Does that make sense? I guess I should say I had a good dose of Pharisee Complex. And frankly, when the Holy Spirit revealed this, it wasn't pretty. In fact, as Oprah is fond of saying, I had the "ugly cry." You know the one where all you can do is sob and hope to catch your breath in the next moment. All I could do was fall at His feet, confess my sin and ask for forgiveness.

How could I, how did I, when did I get to this point? And just why didn't I SEE it for myself?? I guess that's the hardest question for me to answer. I know it didn't happen over night, but rather crept in bit by bit while I wasn't looking. And that's the scary thing. It was there all along and I didn't even realize it. In fact, I would have argued against it had it been pointed out by anyone else other than the Holy Spirit.

So my dear Siestas thank you so much for all your prayers--for standing in the gap and lifting me up to the LORD of LORDS. I have emerged from my retreat, a new woman--one with a heart that is full, thankful, repentant, loving and most of all restored. Oh how I love my Sweet Savior for that!

Praising the LORD of second (third, fourth and on and on) chances,
~Cheryl

It's Going to Be Alright

A SHORT UPDATE I've come up for "air" so to speak, but still need some more time at His feet. Know that your prayers have provided and continue to provide much strength. I'll write more later. Anyway, here's what I wanted to just briefly share:

The Holy Spirit speaks to me through music. I'm not sure if that's the case for anyone else, but for me it's a powerful communication tool. In my time of spiritual retreat, this is one of the songs that provided strength, comfort and direction from my sweet LORD.

It's Going to Be Alright
by Sara Groves and Gordon Kennedy

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

I can tell by your eyes that you're not getting any sleep
And you try to rise above it, but feel you're sinking in too deep
Oh, oh I believe, I believe that

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

I believe you'll outlive this pain in you heart
And you'll gain such a strength from what is tearing you apart
Oh, oh I believe I believe that

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

When some time has past us, and the story if retold
It will mirror the strength and the courage in your soul
Oh, oh, I believe I believe,

I believe
I believe

I did not come here to offer you cliché's
I will not pretend to know of all your pain
Just when you cannot, then I will hold out faith, for you

It's going to be alright
It's going to be alright

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

My dear Siestas,

I come to you once again with a request. If you've been following this blog you know that I've been wresting with some pretty deep stuff lately. I spent some time talking to my pastor today. He posed another series of questions that I really need to dig down deep and consider. I know I don't have "peace" right now and know that's probably exactly where God has brought me--to a place of desperation.

So, right now, I'm headed into an extended time of fasting, prayer, and meditation. I'm blessed that I don't have any obligations until Friday. My kids have agreed to chip in and afford me this time alone. So there are no physical obstacles. I can spend some serious time at His feet.

What I'm asking of you is that you stand in the gap and cover me in prayer while I shut the rest of the world out and simply focus on Him--of hearing that still soft voice--and doing nothing other than "being still" (not an easy thing for me). I especially need you to pray for protection from spiritual attack and discernment on my part.

Frankly, I'm tired, weak and at a point of breaking. I need my Savior more than I've ever needed Him before! The good news is as you already know, that I don't have to rely on my own strength, do I?

Thank you all for your prayers. I'll be back in a while. . . hopefully stronger and with a real sense of peace and direction.

Love in Christ,
~Cheryl

Finding God in Cyberspace

I've gotta share with you my dear Siestas just how wonderful God is. Just when I think I'm at a low point, that I'm conflicted at every turn, the Holy Spirit shows up and speaks in a mighty way. This time, however He has spoken electronically through your e-mails, posts and blogs. Now I've never really considered how God moves through cyberspace. His presence is obvious. Just a cursory look at the names of blogs alone is evidence of that. What I'm speaking to is a different type of specificity--one where you know without a doubt that the message is just for you, directly from Him.

This has played out today over and over again. I've received e-mails from Siestas I don't know, posts from a variety of you, and even a call or two (although technically that's not cyberspace, is it?).

What really got my attention, besides the shear volume of the communication, was the blogs I was reading. Not just one blog mind you, but blog after blog after blog. Two blogs in particular have ministered to my heart today--directly to the core: Teri at Facedown and Mandy at Just a Girl. As I read the entries, both which are very different but speak so specifically to me, I could do nothing but weep.

For those of you who don't know me that well, I'm not much of a crier. It's not that I don't feel things deeply, it's just that the "waterworks" don't come easily. Yet, here I was on my computer, sobbing like a baby. You see knowing how much He loves me despite my doubts and lack of faith--enough to reach down into the valley and communicate directly to me, just takes my breath away and of course set the tears in motion. He is so awesome,marvelous, majestic (okay you fill in the blank here)--Regardless words aren't adequate!!

Thank you my Siestas for all the support, love and prayer. Letting the Holy Spirit move through you has made a HUGE difference in my life today. So please keep doing what you're doing (and please keep praying for me, too). You never know how the Holy Spirit is going to use your simple words in a major way.

With much love and gratitude,
~Cheryl